This week, Congressman Abe Hamadeh offered his support for a bipartisan bill aimed at honoring U.S. service members and federal personnel who have defended the southern border under President Trump’s 2025 National Emergency declaration.
The bill, H.R. 3780, the Border Operations Service Medal Act, introduced by Congressman Tim Moore of North Carolina, directs the Secretary of Defense to create and issue a Border Operations Service Medal to recognize military and National Guard personnel who served in designated border operations beginning January 1, 2025. The medal will be authorized for wear in accordance with uniform regulations and recorded in the recipient’s official service record.
Hamadeh joins his fellow original cosponsors of this legislation including fellow veterans Reps. Derrick Van Orden (Navy SEAL), John McGuire (Navy SEAL), Jack Bergman (Marine Corps), and Tom Barrett (Army).
“As a former U.S. Army Captain, Representative of a border state, and Member of the Armed Services Committee, I know how invaluable the service provided by these troops is to our national security. Serving on the border is not an easy job; the environment is extreme, and the risk is high. Our country is safer today because of their sacrifice, and it should be recognized with an award of this medal and our enduring gratitude,” said Hamadeh.
“American troops at our southern border have bravely worked to stop the invasion of our country, one that threatened both our national security and our sovereignty. A country without secure borders is a country in name only,” said Moore. “These heroes are on the front lines defending the American people from violent cartels, human traffickers, terrorists, and mass illegal crossings — all while enduring smears from the radical left. They don’t ask for recognition, but they’ve more than earned it.”
“Our troops at the southern border are carrying out a critical mission – upholding the rule of law and protecting the integrity of our Nation,” said Bergman. “While some seek to undermine their work for political gain, these men and women continue to serve with honor. I’m proud to join Rep. Moore and my colleagues in recognizing these brave men and women for their service.”
Congressman Hal Rogers added, “Our nation is safer today, thanks to the members of our military and National Guard who have bravely secured our borders since the beginning of the year. The heroic efforts of these men and women have effectively driven down illegal border crossings, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and encounters with violent cartels to historic low rates. I am honored to join Congressman Tim Moore and my fellow veterans in Congress to recognize their efforts with a special Border Operations Service Medal.”
“President Biden manufactured the worst border crisis in our nation’s history,” said Congressman Van Orden. “Thankfully, our brave servicemembers have been doing incredible work at the southern border to protect our country from violent gang members and the flow of illicit, deadly drugs like fentanyl. They deserve to be honored for everything they are doing to keep Americans safe.”
