WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, retired Navy SEAL Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), along with Rep. Tim Moore (NC-14), introduced H.R. 3780 – the Border Operations Service Medal Act – to honor U.S. servicemembers and federal personnel who have defended the southern border under President Trump’s 2025 National Emergency declaration.
The bill 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.
“President Biden manufactured the worst border crisis in our nation’s history,” said Rep. 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.”
“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 Rep. 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.”
Original cosponsors include Reps. John McGuire (Navy SEAL), Abe Hamadeh (Army), Jack Bergman (Marine Corps), and Tom Barrett (Army) — as well as Reps. Ralph Norman, Robert Aderholt, Juan Ciscomani, Hal Rogers, Don Davis, and Chuck Edwards.
“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 Congressman Jack 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.”
“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 Congressman Hamadeh.
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.”
Congressman Chuck Edwards said, “Our servicemembers and Federal personnel have courageously faced the consequences of the worst border crisis in our nation’s history, and they have earned the recognition of the Border Operations Service Medal. This honor not only acknowledges their bravery and commitment to protecting our country and citizens, but it also sends a clear message that the defense of our homeland starts at our borders.”
“Our men and women serving on the front lines of the southern border operate under challenging and often dangerous conditions to protect Americans from violent threats. The Border Operations Service Medal Act is a long-overdue honor to the U.S. service members and federal personnel who not only enforce our laws but also help secure our communities. I fully support Congressman Moore’s effort to ensure they receive the recognition they have earned,” said Congressman Aderholt.
Read the full text of the bill here.
Key Background:
- On January 20, 2025, President Trump officially declared a national emergency at the southern border under the National Emergencies Act, citing threats from cartels, human trafficking, terrorism, and illicit drugs. Read here.
- During President Trump’s first 100 days, daily border encounters dropped 95%, and migrant crossings declined by 99.99%. (Source)
- In March 2025, the United States saw the lowest monthly number of border encounters in recorded history, and fentanyl traffic fell by 54% compared to March of the previous year. (Source)
