Sponsors (8)
The bill corrects federal records and rescinds Medals tied to the Wounded Knee massacre—advancing historical justice and reconciliation while protecting benefits and physical medals for families—but it risks reputational harm to descendants, political controversy, and complications for historical recordkeeping.
Indigenous communities and the public see the Wounded Knee killings officially acknowledged and Medals of Honor tied to that event rescinded, addressing a long-standing historical injustice.
Veterans, military personnel, and federal records are corrected by removing inappropriate entries, reinforcing the integrity and accuracy of the Medal of Honor rolls.
Veterans and their families retain access to federal pensions and other benefits despite rescission, preventing loss of government benefits tied to the individuals.
Taxpayers, federal agencies, and elected officials may face political controversy, public backlash, and possible litigation or hearings related to rescission, creating costs and divisive debate.
Veterans, descendants, and families of the 7th Cavalry recipients may have their ancestors' reputations publicly tarnished and feel unable to effectively contest removal or reinstatement of honors.
Students, researchers, and descendants may face complications in historical records and military lineage tracking because names are removed from official rolls.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Rescinds Medals of Honor awarded for actions at Wounded Knee on Dec 29, 1890; removes recipients' names from official Medal of Honor rolls while allowing medals to be kept and preserving federal benefits.
Introduced May 22, 2025 by Elizabeth Warren · Last progress May 22, 2025
Rescinds all Medals of Honor that were awarded for actions at Wounded Knee Creek on December 29, 1890, and directs the relevant Service Secretary to remove each recipient’s name from the official Medal of Honor rolls. Recipients are not required to return the physical medals, and the Act does not deny any federal benefits to those individuals. The bill also records findings that the engagement at Wounded Knee involved large numbers of Lakota casualties (including women and children), friendly fire among U.S. troops, and contemporary condemnations, and concludes that awarding Medals of Honor for participation in that event undermines the medal’s integrity and the United States.