Sergeant Rafael Peralta Medal of Honor Authorization Act

Darrell Issa

Republican · CA · Representative

Source: Congress.gov · FEC

• Juan Vargas (D-CA-52)Original· 2026-05-21

Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

2026-05-21

Source: Congress.gov

The legislation would allow the President to award the Medal of Honor, the military's highest decoration for bravery, to Sergeant Rafael Peralta for his heroic actions during the Iraq War. This special authorization is needed because the Medal of Honor typically must be awarded within a specific timeframe after the action occurs, and this case falls outside that window. The bill recognizes Peralta's extraordinary courage and sacrifice in combat.

AI-assisted summary generated from the official bill metadata (title, subjects, actions) sourced from Congress.gov. Cached and reviewed. Always verify against the official text linked below.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H.R. 8973 Introduced in House (IH)] <DOC> 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 8973 To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Rafael Peralta for acts of valor during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and for other purposes. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2026 Mr. Issa (for himself and Mr. Vargas) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Rafael Peralta for acts of valor during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Sergeant Rafael Peralta Medal of Honor Authorization Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS; SENSE OF CONGRESS. (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following: (1) On November 15, 2004, during combat operations in Fallujah, Iraq, Sergeant Rafael Peralta, United States Marine Corps, served as a squad leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. (2) During a house-clearing operation in the Second Battle of Fallujah, Sergeant Peralta was mortally wounded by enemy gunfire while leading Marines engaged in close-quarters combat against insurgent forces. (3) Moments after being mortally wounded, an enemy grenade landed in the room occupied by Sergeant Peralta and fellow Marines. (4) Multiple eyewitness Marines reported that Sergeant Peralta consciously and intentionally pulled the grenade beneath his body, absorbing the blast and shielding nearby Marines from death or serious bodily harm. (5) The actions of Sergeant Peralta reflected conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the Armed Forces of the United States. (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) Sergeant Rafael Peralta's actions on November 15, 2004, exemplify the highest ideals of duty, courage, and sacrifice; (2) Marines whose lives were saved by the actions of Sergeant Peralta continue to bear witness to his valor and selflessness; and (3) the United States owes a solemn obligation to ensure that acts of extraordinary heroism receive full and fair consideration for the Medal of Honor regardless of administrative delay or statutory limitation. SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION FOR AWARD OF MEDAL OF HONOR TO SERGEANT RAFAEL PERALTA. (a) Authorization.--Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in sections 8298(a) and 8300 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the President is authorized to award the Medal of Honor, under section 8291 of such title, to Rafael Peralta for the acts of valor described in subsection (b). (b) Acts of Valor Described.-- The acts of valor described in this subsection are the actions of Rafael Peralta as a member of the Marine Corps in Fallujah, Iraq, on November 15, 2004. <all>

• HR5682To take certain land in the State of California into trust for the benefit of the Pechanga Band of Indians, and for other purposes.
  Passed House · 2026-06-02
• HR8483Barona Group of Capitan Grande Band of Mission Indians Land Transfer Act of 2026
  Referred to Committee · 2026-05-21
• HR8974To authorize the Development Finance Corporation to invest in Venezuela.
  Referred to Committee · 2026-05-21
• HJRES186Congressional Apportionment Amendment Deadline Act
  Referred to Committee · 2026-05-14