I couldn’t be prouder to announce that earlier today, the House unanimously passed my bill, the Medal of Sacrifice Act. The bill ensures that our fallen law enforcement officers and first responders are honored with the dignity and permanence their service deserves.

This idea was inspired by three losses felt deeply in our community. Just over a year ago, Palm Beach County lost three sheriff’s deputies in a single day—Deputy Ralph “Butch” Waller, Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz, and Deputy Luis Paez. These motorcycle officers were killed while serving in the line of duty, standing watch over the very communities they swore an oath to protect.

After our community laid them to rest, President Trump and I spoke about an absence that’s impossible to ignore: there’s no Presidentially-authorized medal, awarded posthumously, to recognize law enforcement officers or first responders who are killed in action. From that conversation, the Medal of Sacrifice was born.

My bill has earned the support of national police organizations who understand that support for local law enforcement cannot just be symbolic. It must endure, and it must cross party-lines.

With the House’s passage of this bill, it now needs to be passed by the Senate before the President can officially sign it into law. As we continue the work to make this bill become law, I’m reminded of the families—the spouses, children, parents, and loved ones—of the fallen who have accepted the first medals and have deeply inspired our mission. While we can never repay their sacrifice, we can ensure that it is recognized.