WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 7211 · 119th Congress · Public Law 119-81

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.

Became lawArmed Forces and National Security
IntroducedJan 22, 2026
Passed HouseFeb 3, 2026
Passed SenateMar 3, 2026
To PresidentMar 24, 2026
Became lawMar 26, 2026

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

H.R. 7211 doesn't change any existing section of law. It created 1 new provision of its own. Read from the bill text in its final form, as sent to the President.

New provisions of the bill's own

  • Sec. 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
What the words changed: every change, in place (0)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what was struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

    From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, latest edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

    What it does

    Sourced

    This bill authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to John W. Ripley for his acts of valor on April 2, 1972, as a member of the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, for which he was previously awarded the Navy Cross.

    Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Passed Senate, Mar 3, 2026).

    Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

    What has happened

    Sourced
    1. 2026-03-26Became Public Law No: 119-81.Library of Congress
    2. 2026-03-26Signed by President.Library of Congress
    3. 2026-03-24Presented to President.Library of Congress
    4. 2026-03-03Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.Library of Congress
    5. 2026-02-03Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed without objection. (text: CR H1967)Library of Congress
    6. 2026-01-22Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

    Show all 22 recorded actions

    After it became law

    Sourced

    Nothing in the Federal Register names Public Law 119-81 yet (checked Oct 27, 2026). Many laws need no new rules: they set penalties, name a building, or fund something directly.