Floor SpeechUrgent2026-02-03

JOHN W. RIPLEY MEDAL OF HONOR ACT

Defense

Context

On 2026-02-03, Representative Don Bacon (R-NE-2) delivered a floor speech titled "JOHN W. RIPLEY MEDAL OF HONOR ACT" in the House. The speech addressed defense. It referenced legislation: HR7211.

Full Text

JOHN W. RIPLEY MEDAL OF HONOR ACT

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 24 (Tuesday, February 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 3, 2026)] [House] [Page H1967] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] JOHN W. RIPLEY MEDAL OF HONOR ACT Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Armed Services be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 7211) to authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to John W. Ripley for acts of valor during the Vietnam War, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Jack). Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Nebraska? There was no objection. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 7211 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION FOR AWARD OF MEDAL OF HONOR TO JOHN W. RIPLEY FOR ACTS OF VALOR AS A MEMBER OF THE MARINE CORPS DURING THE VIETNAM WAR. (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 John W. Ripley 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 John W. Ripley, as a member of the Marine Corps, on April 2, 1972, during the Vietnam War, for which he was previously awarded the Navy Cross. The bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, was read the third time, and passed, and a motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________

Referenced legislation: HR7211, HR7211

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JOHN W. RIPLEY MEDAL OF HONOR ACT Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 24 (Tuesday, February 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 3, 2026)] [House] [Page H1967] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] JOHN W. RIPLEY MEDAL OF HONOR ACT Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Armed Services be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 7211) to authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to John W. Ripley for acts of valor during the Vietnam War, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Jack). Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Nebraska? There was no objection. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 7211 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION FOR AWARD OF MEDAL OF HONOR TO JOHN W. RIPLEY FOR ACTS OF VALOR AS A MEMBER OF THE MARINE CORPS DURING THE VIETNAM WAR. (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 John W. Ripley 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 John W. Ripley, as a member of the Marine Corps, on April 2, 1972, during the Vietnam War, for which he was previously awarded the Navy Cross. The bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, was read the third time, and passed, and a motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________ Referenced legislation: HR7211, HR7211