Congressman Tim Moore Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Honor Troops Deployed to the Southern Border

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14) introduced H.R. 3780, the Border Operations Service Medal Act, to honor U.S. service members 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.

 “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 Congressman 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 for this legislation include veterans serving in Congress — Reps. Derrick Van Orden (Navy SEAL), John McGuire (Navy SEAL), Abe Hamadeh (Army), Jack Bergman (Marine Corps), Don Davis (Air Force), Hal Rogers (Army), and Tom Barrett (Army) — as well as Reps. Ralph Norman, Robert Aderholt, Juan Ciscomani, 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.”

“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.”

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.

 This bill has also received support from outside groups, including The Independence Fund.

"The Independence Fund proudly stands in support of the "Border Operations Service Medal Act" (H.R. 3780). This legislation, introduced by Congressman Moore of North Carolina, seeks to authorize the issuance of a Border Operations Service Medal to servicemembers and Federal personnel who have served in designated border operations since January 1, 2025, and until their conclusion. The Independence Fund believes that every service member who answers the call to protect our nation, in any capacity, deserves our unwavering support and recognition. Our mission is to empower our nation's catastrophically wounded, injured, or ill Veterans, their Caregivers, and their families to thrive. The "Border Operations Service Medal Act" is a vital step in ensuring that those who serve at our borders receive the honor and respect they have earned as servicemembers. The absence of such an honor may inadvertently diminish the perceived importance of these deployments, potentially impacting morale and hindering the recruitment and retention of the dedicated personnel needed for future border security operations. We urge Congress to swiftly pass the "Border Operations Service Medal Act" to ensure that these deserving servicemembers and Federal personnel receive the recognition they have earned."

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)

###