EXCLUSIVE: A new, bipartisan, bicameral bill is being proposed to increase pensions for Medal of Honor recipients by six times.
The bill, reintroduced by Texas Republicans Rep. Troy Nehls and Sen. Ted Cruz and New Hampshire Democrat Rep. Chris Pappas, aims to increase the annual pay for Medal of Honor recipients from $16,880 to $100,000.
Supporters of the bill argue that the increased pay would alleviate the financial strain on medal recipients who often travel the country for speaking engagements at their own expense.
The proposed legislation would impact the 60 living Medal of Honor recipients. Since its establishment in 1863, there have been approximately 3,500 recipients of the medal.
PRESIDENT BIDEN AWARDS MEDAL OF HONOR TO SEVEN ARMY VETERANS
Then-President Biden presents the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration, to Pfc. Kenneth J. David, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Pension rolls for Medal of Honor recipients were first established in 1916, providing pensioners with $10 per month from the federal government. The monthly stipend was increased to $100 in 1961 and then to $1,000 in 2002.
“I’m proud to reintroduce the Medal of Honor Act to ease the financial burdens of our nation’s Medal of Honor recipients,” said Nehls in a statement. “While we will never be able to repay these courageous individuals for their extraordinary acts, we must do everything we can to show our unwavering support and gratitude for their service.”
Former President Joe Biden awarded the Medal of Honor to seven U.S. Army soldiers, six posthumously and one in person at the White House ceremony – Pfc. Kenneth J. David – for their actions in the Korean and Vietnam wars.
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The posthumously honored soldiers include Pvt. Bruno R. Orig, Pfc. Wataru Nakamura, Cpl. Fred B. McGee, Pfc. Charles R. Johnson, Gen. Richard E. Cavazos, and Capt. Hugh R. Nelson Jr.
In May 1970, during an enemy attack, David, who was a radio-telephone operator at the time, bravely engaged the enemy to draw fire away from his comrades. He distracted them with shouts, rifle fire, and hand grenades, allowing helicopters to evacuate the wounded.
Then-President Biden awards the Medal of Honor to retired Army Col. Paris Davis for his heroism during the Vietnam War, on Friday, March 3, 2023 at the White House. (AP/Evan Vucci)
“Our Medal of Honor recipients are heroes who embody the highest ideals of courage, sacrifice, and selflessness. They continue to serve our nation by sharing their stories, inspiring generations, and encouraging the next wave of America’s heroes,” Cruz stated. “Yet, they often lack the financial resources for these activities. The MEDAL Act addresses those shortfalls.”
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The bill has been introduced in two previous congressional terms without receiving a floor vote. It remains to be seen if it will progress to the House and Senate floor during this Congress.
