Medal of Honor Act

House Bill

H.R. 695

119th Congress

Medal of Honor Act

Presented to President.

Introduced:Jan 23, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Troy E. Nehls

Representative

Republican

TX-22

Cosponsors

4

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Summary

The Medal of Honor Act increases the monthly special pension for living Medal of Honor recipients from 1,406.73 dollars to 8,333.33 dollars, a nearly sixfold increase. It also establishes a new 1,406.73 dollar monthly pension for surviving spouses of deceased recipients. Both amounts are subject to annual inflation adjustments. This is the House companion bill to the Senate MEDAL Act.

Latest Action

Became Public Law No: 119-43.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

The Medal of Honor Act increases the monthly special pension for living Medal of Honor recipients from 1,406.73 dollars to 8,333.33 dollars, a nearly sixfold increase. It also establishes a new 1,406.73 dollar monthly pension for surviving spouses of deceased recipients. Both amounts are subject to annual inflation adjustments. This is the House companion bill to the Senate MEDAL Act.

Last updated: 1/4/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Medal of Honor ActThis bill increases the monthly special pension for living Medal of Honor recipients from $1,406.73 to $8,333.33 and establishes a rate of $1,406.73 for the monthly special pension for surviving spouses of Medal of Honor recipients. Both amounts must be adjusted annually for inflation.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Increases Medal of Honor pension to 8,333.33 dollars monthly
Establishes 1,406.73 dollars monthly surviving spouse pension
Annual inflation adjustments for both amounts
House companion to Senate MEDAL Act (S. 214)
Recognizes recipients of nations highest military honor

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This legislation substantially increases recognition for Medal of Honor recipients, who performed acts of extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty. The nearly sixfold pension increase and new spouse benefit reflects the profound sacrifices these service members made. Having companion bills in both chambers increases the likelihood of passage.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Related Subjects

Inflation and prices

Veterans' pensions and compensation

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

695, 119th Congress (2025). "Medal of Honor Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-695