Medal of Sacrifice Act

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Bill ID: 119/hr/3497
Last Updated: February 26, 2026

Sponsored by

Rep. Mast, Brian J. [R-FL-21]

ID: M001199

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

February 3, 2026

Introduced

Committee Review

Floor Action

Passed House

Senate Review

📍 Current Status

Next: Both chambers must agree on the same version of the bill.

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Another brilliant example of congressional theater, masquerading as meaningful legislation. The Medal of Sacrifice Act (HR 3497) is a masterclass in feel-good politics, designed to make politicians look good while accomplishing nothing substantial.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The bill's primary objective is to establish a medal for law enforcement officers and first responders who are killed in the line of duty. Because what these families really need is a shiny trinket to commemorate their loved one's death, rather than actual support or meaningful policy changes.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill creates a Commission on Medal of Sacrifice for Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders (because we clearly don't have enough bureaucratic bodies in this country). This commission will advise on the design of the medal, promote its establishment, and determine how it will be presented. Oh, and they'll also get to decide who's eligible for the medal, because that's not a recipe for controversy.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The affected parties are law enforcement officers, first responders, and their families. But let's be real, this bill is more about politicians grandstanding than actually helping these individuals. The stakeholders are the usual suspects: politicians looking for photo ops, bureaucrats seeking to expand their empires, and special interest groups angling for influence.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** The impact of this bill will be negligible. It's a symbolic gesture that won't address any of the systemic issues facing law enforcement or first responders. The implications are clear: politicians will use this medal as a prop to pretend they care about these individuals, while ignoring the real problems they face.

This bill is a classic case of "Legislative Lupus": it looks good on the surface but is actually just a symptom of a deeper disease – in this case, the disease of empty symbolism and pandering. The politicians behind this bill are more interested in burnishing their reputations than in actual governance.

In short, HR 3497 is a meaningless exercise in bureaucratic busywork, designed to make politicians feel good about themselves while accomplishing nothing meaningful. It's a waste of time, money, and resources. But hey, at least the medal will look pretty.

Related Topics

Transportation & Infrastructure Federal Budget & Appropriations Small Business & Entrepreneurship Government Operations & Accountability National Security & Intelligence State & Local Government Affairs Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Congressional Rules & Procedures Civil Rights & Liberties
Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

Rep. Mast, Brian J. [R-FL-21]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions
$101,204
25 donors
PACs
$6,850
Organizations
$11,850
Committees
$0
Individuals
$82,504
1
AMERICAN ISRAEL PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE PAC
2 transactions
$5,850
2
WINRED
1 transaction
$1,000
1
LAS VEGAS PAIUTE TRIBE
1 transaction
$3,300
2
MISSISSIPPI BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS
1 transaction
$2,500
3
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
2 transactions
$2,000
4
ALABAMA-COUSHATTA TRIBE
1 transaction
$1,500
5
MUSCOGEE CREEK NATION
1 transaction
$1,000
6
MOHEGAN TRIBE OF INDIANS OF CONNECTICUT
1 transaction
$1,000
7
CHOCTAW NATION OF OKLAHOMA
1 transaction
$550

No committee contributions found

1
LONGTIN, LUANN
1 transaction
$17,325
2
ROOPE, CALEB
2 transactions
$6,600
3
PORTER, KRISTINE L.
2 transactions
$6,600
4
PORTER, JON CHRISTOPHER JR
2 transactions
$6,600
5
SLIFKA, ROSALYN
1 transaction
$5,800
6
NAGY, AURANGZEB N.
1 transaction
$4,800
7
LONGTIN, DAVID
1 transaction
$4,700
8
DE BURLO, C. RUSSELL
1 transaction
$3,500
9
SIMON, DEBORAH
1 transaction
$3,375
10
COOKE, JOHN
1 transaction
$3,356
11
SEYEDIN, NADER
1 transaction
$3,348
12
SWEEN, PAUL
1 transaction
$3,300
13
CARUSO, RICK J.
1 transaction
$3,300
14
EMERSON, WILLIAM
1 transaction
$3,300
15
MOLASKY, CHRISTY
1 transaction
$3,300
16
KATZ, MICHAEL
1 transaction
$3,300

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 10 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Rep. Taylor, David J. [R-OH-2]

ID: T000490

Top Contributors

10

1
PREWETT SERVICES LLC
Organization SOUTHAVEN, MS
$5,000
Jun 14, 2023
2
PREWETT SERVICES LLC
Organization SOUTHAVEN, MS
$1,700
Jun 14, 2023
3
THE WETZEL FAMILY TRUST
Organization LAS VEGAS, NV
$250
Jun 28, 2024
4
POLITICAL EDUCATION PATTERNS LOCAL 18 OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS
Organization CLEVELAND, OH
$5,000
Aug 9, 2024
5
ELITE MOVING & TRANSPORT LLC
Organization BATAVIA, OH
$700
Mar 1, 2024
6
LUKE, DON MR
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual PHOENIX, AZ
$11,600
Mar 13, 2023
7
RADGOWSKI, STEVEN
Individual NORTHPORT, NY
$7,300
Dec 31, 2023
8
HAHN, SAMUEL
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, IL
$6,600
Aug 30, 2024
9
ELLIOTT, BEVERLY B MS
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual MOUNT JULIET, TN
$6,600
Mar 16, 2023
10
MCMANUS, DEBORAH
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual LIVERMORE, CA
$6,600
Mar 18, 2023

Rep. Gonzales, Tony [R-TX-23]

ID: G000594

Top Contributors

10

1
KICKAPOO TRADITIONAL TRIBE OF TEXAS
Organization EAGLE PASS, TX
$5,000
May 4, 2024
2
KICKAPOO TRADITIONAL TRIBE OF TEXAS
Organization EAGLE PASS, TX
$3,300
Nov 3, 2023
3
TIGUA INDIAN RES.-YSLETA DEL SUR PUEBLO
Organization EL PASO, TX
$2,500
Sep 27, 2024
4
TIGUA INDIAN RES.-YSLETA DEL SUR PUEBLO
Organization EL PASO, TX
$2,500
Sep 27, 2024
5
KICKAPOO TRADITIONAL TRIBE OF TEXAS
Organization EAGLE PASS, TX
$1,700
Nov 3, 2023
6
KICKAPOO TRADITIONAL TRIBE OF TEXAS
Organization EAGLE PASS, TX
$1,600
May 4, 2024
7
THE CHICKASAW NATION
Organization ADA, OK
$1,000
Jun 16, 2023
8
O'KRENT FLOORS
Organization SAN ANTONIO, TX
$1,000
Aug 4, 2023
9
ALABAMA-COUSHATTA TRIBE
Organization LIVINGSTON, TX
$1,000
Sep 30, 2024
10
PEROT, H ROSS JR.
SELF EMPLOYED REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER
Individual DALLAS, TX
$6,700
Mar 27, 2023

Rep. Donalds, Byron [R-FL-19]

ID: D000032

Top Contributors

10

1
SHANNON GREEN COLLECTION
Organization NAPLES, FL
$500
Dec 28, 2023
2
NAPLES SMART, LLC
Organization NAPLES, FL
$250
Jun 4, 2024
3
COX, JOE B
NELSON MULLINS ATTORNEY
Individual NAPLES, FL
$6,600
Dec 30, 2023
4
STALLINGS, KYLE
DESERT ROYALTY COMPANY FOUNDER/CEO
Individual MIDLAND, TX
$6,600
Mar 9, 2023
5
ZALIK, DAVID
GOLDMAN SACHS EXECUTIVE
Individual MARIETTA, GA
$6,600
Jan 3, 2024
6
ZALIK, HELEN
HOMEMAKER HOMEMAKER
Individual ATLANTA, GA
$6,600
Jan 6, 2024
7
BAUM, DAVID
ENTREPRENEUR ENTREPRENEUR
Individual SANIBEL, FL
$6,600
Feb 13, 2024
8
WALDRIP, EMORY
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual NAPLES, FL
$6,600
May 20, 2023
9
MANDELBLATT, DANIELLE
DMM PROPRIETA MANAGEMENT MANAGER
Individual ASPEN, CO
$6,600
Jun 7, 2024
10
MANDELBLATT, ERIC
SOROBAN CAPITAL PARTNERS LP MANAGING PARTNER
Individual ASPEN, CO
$6,600
Jun 7, 2024

Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23]

ID: M001217

Top Contributors

10

1
SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA
Organization HOLLYWOOD, FL
$3,300
Aug 28, 2023
2
SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA
Organization HOLLYWOOD, FL
$3,300
Aug 20, 2024
3
ANDREWS LAW FIRM
Organization TALLAHASSEE, FL
$1,000
Mar 5, 2024
4
ANDREWS LAW FIRM
Organization TALLAHASSEE, FL
$1,000
Mar 5, 2024
5
POARCH BAND OF CREEK INDIANS
Organization ATMORE, AL
$1,000
Jun 17, 2024
6
POARCH BAND OF CREEK INDIANS
Organization ATMORE, AL
$1,000
Sep 25, 2023
7
ZAFFIRINI, CARLOS
AHCV CEO
Individual AUSTIN, TX
$6,600
Feb 2, 2024
8
ZAFFIRINI, CARLOS
Individual AUSTIN, TX
$6,600
Feb 12, 2024
9
BOGDAN, MICHAEL
TESTING MATTERS INC SELF
Individual DEERFIELD BEACH, FL
$3,300
Dec 26, 2023
10
BOGDAN, MICHAEL
TESTING MATTERS INC SELF
Individual DEERFIELD BEACH, FL
$3,300
Dec 26, 2023

Rep. Webster, Daniel [R-FL-11]

ID: W000806

Top Contributors

10

1
SILVERMAN, JEFFREY
Individual SURFSIDE, FL
$6,600
Apr 18, 2024
2
BRADLEY, JACQUELINE
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual KESWICK, VA
$6,600
Apr 15, 2024
3
SILVERMAN, JEFFREY
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual SURFSIDE, FL
$6,600
Feb 15, 2024
4
FILBURN, MARK
WHITESTONE CONSTRUCTION PRESIDENT
Individual LONGWOOD, FL
$3,400
Jun 26, 2024
5
FILBURN, MARK
Individual LONGWOOD, FL
$3,400
Sep 4, 2024
6
ASNESS, CLIFF
AQR EXECUTIVE
Individual NEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Jun 6, 2024
7
ASNESS, LAUREL
MARCUM LLP EXECUTIVE
Individual NEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Jun 6, 2024
8
BEUCHER, NICK
CEO TAVISTOCK FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Individual ORLANDO, FL
$3,300
May 28, 2024
9
BRADLEY, JACQUELINE
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual KESWICK, VA
$3,300
Apr 18, 2024
10
DEVORE, DEBBIE
SEA & SHORELINE ACCOUNTANT
Individual WINTER GARDEN, FL
$3,300
May 31, 2024

Rep. Gill, Brandon [R-TX-26]

ID: G000603

Top Contributors

10

1
RALLYE MOTORS
Organization ROSLYN, NY
$6,000
Jul 18, 2023
2
RALLYE MOTORS
Organization ROSLYN, NY
$6,000
Jun 5, 2023
3
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
Organization ROHNERT PARK, CA
$1,000
Aug 1, 2024
4
BOERNE STAGE AIRFIELD
Organization BOERNE, TX
$2,500
Mar 12, 2024
5
HOLMES LAW
Organization DALLAS, TX
$500
Feb 14, 2024
6
ONEIDA INDIAN NATION
Organization ONEIDA, NY
$3,300
Mar 29, 2023
7
ONEIDA INDIAN NATION
Organization ONEIDA, NY
$3,300
Mar 29, 2023
8
THE CHICKASAW NATION
Organization ADA, OK
$3,000
Mar 15, 2024
9
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
Organization PRIOR LAKE, MN
$600
Jun 22, 2023
10
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
Organization PRIOR LAKE, MN
$400
Jun 22, 2023

Rep. Fitzgerald, Scott [R-WI-5]

ID: F000471

Top Contributors

10

1
HENDRICKS, DIANE M
ABC OWNER
Individual BELOIT, WI
$6,600
Jun 25, 2023
2
ROWAN, CAROLYN
CAROLYN ROWAN COLLECTION LLC OWNER
Individual GREENWICH, CT
$6,600
Aug 16, 2023
3
ROWAN, MARC J.
APOLLO GLOBAL CEO
Individual GREENWICH, CT
$6,600
Aug 16, 2023
4
SCHWARZMAN, STEPHEN
BLACKSTONE CEO AND CHAIRMAN
Individual NEW YORK, NY
$6,600
Nov 13, 2023
5
SCHMIDT, TIM
DELTA DEFENSE LLC CEO
Individual WEST BEND, WI
$6,600
Dec 10, 2023
6
SCHWARZMAN, CHRISTINE
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual NEW YORK, NY
$6,600
Nov 13, 2023
7
LEVY, EDWARD
EDWARD C. LEVY CO CHAIRMAN
Individual BIRMINGHAM, MI
$6,600
May 1, 2024
8
FOREST COUNTY POTAWATOMI COMMU, .
TRIBE TRIBE
Individual CRANDON, WI
$6,600
Jun 28, 2024
9
FISHER, SHERRILYN
PLANO 6500 LLC MEMBER
Individual PLANO, TX
$6,600
Jun 2, 2024
10
FISHER, KENNETH
FISHER INVESTMENTS EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN
Individual PLANO, TX
$6,600
Jun 2, 2024

Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3]

ID: H001077

Top Contributors

10

1
LAWLEY AGENCY
Organization BUFFALO, NY
$1,000
Mar 31, 2023
2
WESTERN NEW YORK MRI, LLP
Organization BUFFALO, NY
$1,000
May 19, 2023
3
THORNBERG, KEN
FREEDOM ENCOUNTERS MINISTRY
Individual BOISE, ID
$208
Apr 4, 2024
4
DOWNING, FRANK
Individual ORCHARD PARK, NY
$3,300
Nov 29, 2023
5
GLYNN, CHRISTOPHER M.
Individual NIAGARA FALLS, NY
$3,300
Nov 29, 2023
6
LEE, CYNTHIA R.
Individual KEY LARGO, FL
$3,300
Nov 29, 2023
7
LEE, PATRICK P.
Individual KEY LARGO, FL
$3,300
Nov 29, 2023
8
PIETROWSKI, DAVE
Individual ORCHARD PARK, NY
$3,300
Nov 29, 2023
9
VAZQUEZ, RAUL MD
Individual WILLIAMSVILLE, NY
$3,300
Nov 29, 2023
10
BALBACH, CHARLES
NANCY L PRESSLY & ASSOC SELF-INVESTOR
Individual ORCHARD PARK, NY
$3,300
Mar 22, 2023

Rep. Steil, Bryan [R-WI-1]

ID: S001213

Top Contributors

10

1
FOREST COUNTY POTAWATOMI COMMUNITY
Organization CRANDON, WI
$3,300
Apr 25, 2024
2
FOREST COUNTY POTAWATOMI COMMUNITY
Organization CRANDON, WI
$3,300
Mar 22, 2023
3
OTOE MISSOURIA TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA
Organization RED ROCK, OK
$3,300
Sep 30, 2024
4
HO CHUNK NATION
Organization BLACK RIVER FALLS, WI
$3,300
Oct 30, 2024
5
HO CHUNK NATION
Organization BLACK RIVER FALLS, WI
$2,900
Mar 13, 2023
6
CHEROKEE NATION
Organization TAHLEQUAH, OK
$2,500
Dec 23, 2023
7
ONEIDA NATION
Organization ONEIDA, WI
$2,000
Jun 30, 2023
8
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization BANNING, CA
$1,500
Jun 30, 2023
9
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization BANNING, CA
$1,500
Jun 30, 2024
10
ONEIDA NATION
Organization ONEIDA, WI
$1,300
Jun 30, 2024

Rep. Barrett, Tom [R-MI-7]

ID: B001321

Top Contributors

10

1
MICHIGAN AGGREGATES ASSOCIATION PAC
Organization OKEMOS, MI
$300
Feb 27, 2024
2
DEMKOWICZ, BRIAN MR.
HURON CAPITAL INVESTOR
Individual GROSSE POINTE, MI
$13,200
Jan 8, 2024
3
STADLER, BRIAN
WOLGAST CORPORATION MANAGER
Individual SAGINAW, MI
$6,870
Sep 28, 2023
4
UIHLEIN, RICHARD
ULINE CHAIRMAN
Individual LAKE FOREST, IL
$6,870
Sep 26, 2023
5
COURTNEY, JOHN
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual OKEMOS, MI
$6,870
Dec 8, 2023
6
BAKER, JEFFREY
MUSKEGON CAR CREDIT EXECUTIVE
Individual GRAND RAPIDS, MI
$6,600
Jul 25, 2023
7
BANCROFT, NICHOLAS
AGROLIQUID CEO
Individual SAINT JOHNS, MI
$6,600
Sep 19, 2023
8
HAWORTH, MATTHEW
HAWORTH, INC. CHAIRMAN
Individual HOLLAND, MI
$6,600
Sep 18, 2023
9
HAWORTH, RICHARD
HAWORTH, INC. CHAIRMAN EMERITUS
Individual SAUGATUCK, MI
$6,600
Sep 18, 2023
10
O'NEIL, WILLIAM
W J O'NEIL COMPANY EXECUTIVE
Individual COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, MI
$6,600
Sep 11, 2023

Donor Network - Rep. Mast, Brian J. [R-FL-21]

PACs
Organizations
Individuals
Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

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Showing 42 nodes and 45 connections

Total contributions: $153,704

Top Donors - Rep. Mast, Brian J. [R-FL-21]

Showing top 25 donors by contribution amount

2 PACs7 Orgs16 Individuals