The Senate unanimously passed the Medal of Sacrifice Act (H.R. 3497) during National Police Week, according to a May 12 announcement from U.S. Representative Brian Mast, Senator Lindsey Graham, and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto. The legislation creates a new presidential award to posthumously honor law enforcement officers and other first responders killed in the line of duty.
The bill aims to recognize the ultimate sacrifice made by officers and first responders across the country. Mast is the lead sponsor of the legislation, which previously passed in the House of Representatives on February 2. Graham introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
“I will never forget November 21, 2024, the day three lions of my community were taken after being struck on the side of the road. After we laid Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Deputies Waller, Diaz, and Paez to rest, President Trump and I agreed that their sacrifice can never be forgotten. That’s what the Medal of Sacrifice is all about, and I’ve worked every single day since then to pass this bill to honor every officer and first responder killed in action. In the face of incomprehensible loss, families of the fallen will now know they have a nation standing firmly behind them, directed by the highest office of our land. I am deeply grateful to Senator Graham for sharing this mission and for carrying it across the finish line in the Senate,” said Rep. Mast.
Graham said: “Our law enforcement officers and first responders represent some of the best and bravest among us. These men and women selflessly put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. If these law enforcement officers and first responders perish in the line of duty, that sacrifice deserves the highest level of recognition.” He continued: “I am proud to have worked with President Trump and Rep. Mast on this important legislation so that we can ensure these heroes are never forgotten, and look forward to it being signed into law.”
Senator Cortez Masto added: “Every single day, law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect and serve our communities and keep our families safe.” She also said: “The Medal of Sacrifice Act will go a long way to honoring those officers who lose their lives in the line of duty. This Police Week, I’m proud to have worked alongside Senator Graham and Congressman Mast to get our bill to the President’s desk.”
Mast has served as U.S Representative for Florida’s 21st District since 2017 after replacing Patrick Murphy; he previously served in Florida’s House according to U.S House. He was born in Grand Rapids in 1980 before moving his residence later; he graduated from Harvard University Extension School with a BA according to U.S House.
Supporters include national organizations such as The National Police Association as well as groups representing federal law enforcement officials.
