The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation this week to significantly increase the special pension for living Medal of Honor recipients. The bill, known as the Medal of Honor Act, sailed through with a 424-0 vote, reflecting strong bipartisan support from both Republicans and Democrats.
If enacted by the Senate and signed by the president, the measure would raise the annual pension from its current level of approximately $16,880 to $67,500—effectively quadrupling the stipend. The increase aims to help the roughly 60–61 living recipients cover expenses associated with their public service, such as traveling nationwide for speaking engagements, memorial events, and ceremonies, often at personal cost.
Supporters, including Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) and Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH), emphasized that Medal of Honor recipients frequently serve as ambassadors for military values and patriotism. The additional funding would ease financial burdens without drawing from new appropriations. Instead, the cost would be offset by extending certain limitations on veterans’ pensions for those without spouses or dependents, shifting resources within existing Veterans’ Affairs disability compensation frameworks.
The pension program for Medal of Honor recipients dates back to 1916, when it began at just $10 per month. It rose to $100 monthly in 1961 and $1,000 in 2002. This legislation marks the first major adjustment in over two decades, addressing inflation and rising costs of living that have outpaced the prior fixed rate (which included limited annual adjustments).
Since the Medal of Honor was established in 1863 during the Civil War, approximately 3,500 service members have received the nation’s highest military decoration for extraordinary bravery in combat. Today, the honor continues to symbolize the pinnacle of selfless sacrifice.
The bill’s passage comes as the new National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas, prepares to welcome visitors. The museum, which opened its doors recently in the city’s entertainment district, showcases the stories of these American heroes through immersive exhibits dedicated to courage across generations of conflict.
In a related development, the Senate rejected three resolutions introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) that sought to block approximately $20 billion in U.S. arms sales and military transfers to Israel. The measures, which targeted items including tank rounds, bomb guidance kits, and other munitions, failed amid debate over U.S. foreign policy, humanitarian concerns in Gaza, and national security interests. Sanders argued the sales violated U.S. law and contributed to regional instability, but a majority of senators opposed the restrictions.
The Medal of Honor pension bill underscores a rare moment of congressional unity in honoring the nation’s most decorated veterans. Advocates hope it will provide meaningful recognition and support to those who have exemplified the highest standards of duty and valor.
