Should There Be a Monument on the National Mall to Recognize Medal of Honor Recipients? (H.R. 1664)

What is H.R. 1664?

(Updated February 11, 2022)

This bill was enacted on December 27, 2021

This bill would authorize the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to establish a commemorative work on federal land in the District of Columbia to honor the extraordinary acts of valor, selfless service, and sacrifice displayed by Medal of Honor recipients. The foundation would be solely responsible for the acceptance of contributions for, and the payment of expenses of, the establishment of the commemorative work. Federal funds could not be used to pay any expenses related to the establishment of the commemorative work.

Argument in favor

Medal of Honor recipients represent the best of America through the courage, patriotism, commitment, and sacrifice they displayed in combat for our nation. Establishing a monument to Medal of Honor recipients on the National mall which honors their sacrifices and is built with private donations is a worthy tribute.

Argument opposed

The contributions of Medal of Honor recipients are sufficiently recognized through its provision alone, so there is no need for a monument. Alternatively, the federal government should pay for the monument rather than allowing the Medal of Honor Museum to fundraise private donations.

Impact

Medal of Honor recipients; the general public; the to-be-established monument on federal land in D.C.; and the National Medal of Honor Museum.

Cost of H.R. 1664

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX) introduced this bill to allow for the creation of a monument recognizing Medal of Honor recipients:

“I am proud to reintroduce this legislation that will honor these brave men and women for risking their lives to protect our democracy. A monument to the Medal of Honor is a cause everyone can rally around and it’s past due that we recognize the service and sacrifice of the bravest individuals to serve our country in our capital, for Americans to learn from.”

Original cosponsor Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT) added:

“I’m proud to cosponsor legislation that will begin the process of elevating the Medal of Honor to its proper place in our nation’s capital. The giants of our republic are immortalized in Washington, D.C., and the unparalleled courage demonstrated by Medal of Honor recipients deserves permanent recognition so future generations continue to understand the sacrifices that have given us our freedoms.”

James Connors, CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, offered the following statement in support of this bill:

“A grateful nation is eager to see our country’s greatest heroes - Medal of Honor recipients - recognized on the National Mall alongside other key figures in our nation’s history. We are thankful to Reps. Veasey and Moore for introducing this unifying and much anticipated legislation.”

The House Natural Resources Committee advanced this legislation by unanimous consent. The bill has the support of 17 bipartisan cosponsors, including 10 Democrats and seven Republicans.

Of Note: The Medal of Honor is America’s highest military award for bravery and is awarded by the president in the name of Congress. It is awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. There have been 3,508 recipients of the Medal of Honor since it was first awarded in 1863, including 19 servicemembers who have been awarded the Medal of Honor twice. Of the 3,527 Medal of Honor that have been awarded, 618 were awarded posthumously. According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, there are 67 living recipients as of July 2021.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX) Press Release

• Medal of Honor Museum Press Release