House Passes Legislation Honoring Heroic Medal of Honor Recipients

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 858, the Hershel 'Woody' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act, sponsored by U.S. Senator Jim Justice (R-W.V.). The House companion, H.R. 186, was introduced by U.S. Representative Blake Moore (R-Utah). The bipartisan, bicameral legislation ensures the National Medal of Honor Monument will be located in a place of prominence on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued the following statement:

"This year, as Americans across the country celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary, it's important to recognize that the freedoms we enjoy would not be possible without the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces. That's why the passage today of S. 858 is especially timely, as it honors the valor and sacrifice of our nation's bravest service members, Medal of Honor recipients. The House has already passed this bill unanimously once this Congress, and it is an honor to do so again today and send it to President Trump's desk."

Background

Congress authorized the creation of the National Medal of Honor Monument in 2021 to honor the extraordinary courage, service and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients. S. 858 ensures the monument will be located within the Reserve on the National Mall, placing it among the nation's most prominent monuments and memorials.

The Hershel 'Woody' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act passed the House unanimously in the 118^th and 119^th Congresses and passed the Senate by unanimous consent in March 2026.

The legislation is named in honor of Hershel 'Woody' Williams, a U.S. Marine who received the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. At just 21 years old, Williams fought for hours under intense enemy fire to clear a path for American troops. Williams, the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipient, passed away in June 2022 at the age of 98.

This House unanimously passed companion legislation in the 118^th and 119^th Congresses, and the Senate passed S. 858 by unanimous consent in March 2026.

S. 858 also advances President Trump's Executive Order 14189, "Celebrating America's 250^th Birthday," and Executive Order 14252, "Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful."