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EXCLUSIVE: A new bipartisan, bicameral bill would increase the pensions of Medal of Honor recipients sixfold.
The legislation, reintroduced by Texas Republicans Rep. Troy Nehls and Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Chris Pappas, D-New Hampshire, would bring the pay of those receiving the nation’s highest military award from $16,880 a year to $100,000 a year.
Proponents of the bill say the pay would ease the financial burden on medal recipients who often cross the country to give speeches on their own.
The legislation would affect the 60s Medal of Honor winners alive. About 3,500 have been awarded the medal since its creation in 1863.
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, DC, on Friday, January 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Pension rolls for Medal of Honor winners they were first created in 1916, with pensioners receiving $10 a month from the federal government. The monthly wage was increased to $100 in 1961 and $1,000 in 2002.
“I am proud to reintroduce the Medal of Honor Act to ease the financial burdens of 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 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 US Army soldiers, six posthumously and one who attended the White House ceremony in person – PFC. Kenneth J. David – for his actions in Korean and the Vietnam wars.
Those honored posthumously were Pvt. Bruno R. Orig, Pfc. Wataru Nakamura, Cpl. Fred B. McGee, PFC. Charles R. Johnson, General Richard E. Cavazos and Captain Hugh R. Nelson Jr.
In May 1970, David’s company had been attacked by enemy forces. Then a radio-telephone operator, David engaged the enemy and drew fire away from his fellow soldiers. He distracted them by shouting, firing his rifle and throwing hand grenades as friendly helicopters poured in 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 winners 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 said. “However, they often do not have the financial resources for these activities. The MEDAL Law addresses these shortcomings.”
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The bill has been introduced in two previous sessions of Congress, but has yet to receive a vote. It is not yet clear whether it will make it to the House and Senate this congress
