Sponsors (37)
The bill provides formal federal recognition for fallen first responders and a Commission to ensure fair awards, but it creates modest federal costs and a potential source of family distress when medals are withheld for misconduct.
Families of fallen law enforcement officers and first responders will receive formal federal recognition through a newly established national medal, with three specific initial recipients named to ensure immediate acknowledgment.
A 12-member presidential Commission will set clear eligibility criteria and resolve contested cases, promoting consistent, fair, and respectful awarding of the medal.
Families of eligible personnel who are found to have committed wrongdoing may have medals withheld, creating the potential for contested findings and emotional distress for families if the determinations are disputed.
Taxpayers and the federal government will incur administrative and procurement costs from creating and staffing the 12-member commission (including prompt presidential appointments) and from detailed statutory material/design requirements that may raise production costs and limit future flexibility.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Establishes a Presidential Commission and a new official medal to honor law enforcement officers and first responders killed in the line of duty, with eligibility rules and detailed medal specifications.
Creates a new presidentially managed medal program to honor law enforcement officers and first responders who are killed in the line of duty. It requires the President to issue a “medal of sacrifice,” sets eligibility rules with an exception for cases involving official findings of wrongdoing that must be reviewed by a Presidential Commission, and directs that initial awards be made to three specified deputies. Establishes a 12‑member Presidential Commission (no pay) to design the medal, set and advise on eligibility criteria, decide contested cases, promote the medal, and oversee presentation; sets member terms, appointment timing, detailed medal specifications, and a sunset for the Commission once duties are complete.
Introduced May 19, 2025 by Brian Jeffrey Mast · Last progress May 28, 2026