MEDAL Act of 2025

Senate Bill

S. 214

119th Congress

MEDAL Act of 2025

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 23, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Ted Cruz

Senator

Republican

TX

Cosponsors

7

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Summary

The Monetary Enhancement for Distinguished Active Legends Act increases the monthly special pension for living Medal of Honor recipients nearly sixfold, from 1,406.73 dollars to 8,333.33 dollars per month. It also establishes a 1,406.73 dollar monthly pension for surviving spouses of Medal of Honor recipients. Both pension amounts will be adjusted annually for inflation to maintain their value.

Latest Action

Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

The Monetary Enhancement for Distinguished Active Legends Act increases the monthly special pension for living Medal of Honor recipients nearly sixfold, from 1,406.73 dollars to 8,333.33 dollars per month. It also establishes a 1,406.73 dollar monthly pension for surviving spouses of Medal of Honor recipients. Both pension amounts will be adjusted annually for inflation to maintain their value.

Last updated: 1/4/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Monetary Enhancement for Distinguished Active Legends Act of 2025 or the MEDAL Act of 2025This 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 from 1,406.73 to 8,333.33 dollars monthly
Establishes surviving spouse pension at 1,406.73 dollars monthly
Annual inflation adjustment for both pension amounts
Nearly sixfold increase for living recipients
Recognizes nations highest military valor award

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill substantially increases financial recognition for Medal of Honor recipients, reflecting the extraordinary valor required for this highest military decoration. The surviving spouse provision ensures families of deceased recipients also receive ongoing recognition. The inflation adjustment prevents erosion of these benefits over time, providing long-term security for these distinguished veterans and their families.

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

214, 119th Congress (2025). "MEDAL Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-214