According to the new proposal, the pensions of Medal of Honor recipients would increase six times
EXCLUSIVE: The new, bipartisan, bicameral bill would increase pensions for Medal of Honor recipients sixfold.
The bill, reintroduced by Texas Republicans Rep. Troy Nehls and Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Chris Pappas, Democrat of New Hampshire, would increase the pay for those receiving the nation’s highest military award from $16,880 a year to $100,000 a year.
Proponents of the bill say the salary would reduce the financial burden on medal recipients who often travel the country for speaking engagements on their own dime.
The law would affect 60 living recipients of the Medal of Honor. Approximately 3,500 have been awarded the medal since its inception in 1863.
PRESIDENT BIDEN AWARDED 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, DC, on Friday, January 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Pension lists for Medal of Honor winners were first created in 1916, and retirees received $10 a month from the federal government. The monthly stipend was raised to $100 in 1961 and $1,000 in 2002.
“I am proud to reintroduce the Medal of Honor Act to ease the financial burden on our nation’s Medal of Honor recipients,” Nehls said in a statement. “While we will never be able to repay these brave individuals for their extraordinary deeds, we must do all we can to show our unwavering support and appreciation for their service.”
former president Joe Biden awarded the Medal of Honor to seven US Army soldiers, six posthumously and one who personally attended the ceremony at the White House – Pfc. Kenneth J. David – for their actions in Korean and the Vietnam wars.
Posthumously awarded Pvt. Bruno R. Orig, Pfc. Wataru Nakamura, Capt. Fred B. McGee, Pfc. Charles R. Johnson, General Richard E. Cavazos and Captain Hugh R. Nelson Jr.
In May 1970, David’s company was attacked by enemy forces. A radio-telephone operator at the time, David clashed with the enemy and deflected fire from his comrades. He distracted them by shouting, firing his rifle and throwing hand grenades while friendly helicopters flew over 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, 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 American heroes,” Cruz said. “Nevertheless, they often lack financial resources for these activities. The MEDAL Act solves these shortcomings.”
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The law was introduced in the two previous terms of Congress, but has not yet received a vote. It is not yet clear whether it will reach the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of this congress.
