Contact Congress about H.R. 3497: Medal of Sacrifice Act

Fallen law enforcement officers and first responders could receive a new federal medal. A new commission would help design the medal, promote it, plan how it is given out, and decide hard eligibility cases.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Medal of Sacrifice Act is a Senate bill signed into law. The latest recorded action: Became Public Law No: 119-94.

Latest action on H.R. 3497: Became Public Law No: 119-94.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects families, coworkers, and agencies connected to fallen law enforcement officers and first responders. They could receive a formal federal honor for that person's death in the line of duty. It also affects people chosen for the new commission, because they would help run the medal program without pay.

Why this matters: Families and agencies do not have one federal medal under this bill's exact rules for honoring fallen officers and first responders. This bill would create that national symbol. It could shape memorials, ceremonies, and public recognition across the country. The biggest practical questions are who qualifies, how disputed cases get reviewed, and how consistent those decisions are.

Key provisions in H.R. 3497

• The President must create a Medal of Sacrifice for local, state, and federal law enforcement officers and first responders killed in the line of duty.
• A person cannot receive the medal if an official finding says they did something wrong. That means they acted outside their duties or broke agency policy.
• The bill creates a new 12-member Commission on the Medal of Sacrifice. The President must appoint the members within 150 days after the bill becomes law.
• Commission members must come from law enforcement, first responder work, or groups that understand law enforcement.
• Commission members serve 5-year terms. They can serve up to two terms and will not be paid.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 3497

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 3497

What is H.R. 3497?

Fallen law enforcement officers and first responders could receive a new federal medal. A new commission would help design the medal, promote it, plan how it is given out, and decide hard eligibility cases.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 3497?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 3497?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 3497 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.