East Idaho Times

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo, Jim Risch, and Ron Wyden have expressed their appreciation for the Senate's approval of bipartisan legislation that designates U.S. Highway 20 between Newport, Oregon, and New England as the "National Medal of Honor Highway." The senators believe that this designation is a fitting tribute to the recipients of the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military award for valor.

Senator Crapo emphasized the significance of the Medal of Honor, stating, "The Medal of Honor represents the determination and courage of those who acted far beyond the call of duty." He expressed his anticipation for the enactment of the law that will solidify this national designation and honor the recipients along the entire stretch of U.S. Highway 20.

Senator Risch echoed Senator Crapo's sentiments, emphasizing that the selfless actions of Medal of Honor recipients deserve more than just a medal. He stated, "To recognize their service to our nation, the Senate today designated U.S. Highway 20...as a 3,000-mile memorial to the recipients of our nation's highest military designation." Senator Risch urged the House to swiftly pass the legislation, enabling the renaming of the longest continuous highway in America as the National Medal of Honor Highway.

Senator Wyden, who has worked closely with veterans in Oregon and across the country, expressed his pride in the Senate's passage of the bill. He stated, "I'm proud that my bill to officially recognize U.S. Highway 20 as the 'National Medal of Honor Highway' has passed the Senate." Senator Wyden emphasized that this bill is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a timeless tribute to the heroes of America. He pledged to continue championing this cause alongside veterans and to fight tirelessly to ensure the bill is signed into law.

The Medal of Honor is presented by the president in Congress' name and is awarded to U.S. servicemembers who demonstrate "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty." The designation of U.S. Highway 20 as the National Medal of Honor Highway would ensure that all 3,516 recipients, as well as any future recipients, from all 50 states and territories are honored.

The legislation has garnered support from a wide range of organizations, including the Bend Heroes Foundation, Military Officers Association of America, The American Legion, Legion of Valor, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Vietnam Veterans of America, Medal of Honor Historical Society of the United States, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

The bipartisan bill was cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Jeff Merkley, Mike Braun, Chuck Schumer, Elizabeth Warren, Todd Young, Joni Ernst, Cynthia Lummis, John Fetterman, Ed Markey, Steve Daines, Deb Fischer, J.D. Vance, Jon Tester, and Pete Ricketts. In the House of Representatives, Representatives Mike Kelly and Brian Higgins have led similar legislation.

The text of the bill can be found here.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-risch-wyden-applaud-senate-passage-of-legislation-honoring-medal-of-honor-recipients