The House of Representatives has unanimously passed legislation to quadruple pensions for Medal of Honor recipients, raising the annual amount from $16,880 to $67,500, while plans for a new museum in Arlington progress.
At a Glance
- The House passed the Medal of Honor Act with a 424-0 vote, increasing yearly pensions from $16,880 to $67,500
- The bill will benefit approximately 60 living Medal of Honor recipients if approved by the Senate and President
- Funding for the pension increase will come from extending Veterans’ Affairs pension limitations from 2031 to 2033
- A new national Medal of Honor museum is being established in Arlington, Texas
- Veterans and lawmakers are advocating for Vietnam War veteran Maj. James Capers to receive the Medal of Honor
House Passes Historic Pension Increase
In a rare show of bipartisan unity, the House of Representatives voted 424-0 to pass legislation that would substantially increase the pensions awarded to Medal of Honor recipients. The Medal of Honor Act, introduced by Representatives Troy Nehls (R-Texas) and Chris Pappas (D-New Hampshire), seeks to raise the annual pension from the current $16,880 to $67,500 – a fourfold increase that acknowledges the extraordinary sacrifices made by America’s highest-decorated military heroes.
Rep. Nehls stated, “Increasing the special pension for our nation’s Medal of Honor recipients is the least Congress can do to honor their bravery, valor, and selflessness. The Senate must pass this bill immediately!”
Medal of Honor recipients went above and beyond the call of duty.
These brave heroes receive a special pension of $16,880.76 annually.
My bill would increase this pension to around $67,500 annually.
Let’s get it across the finish line and signed into law. pic.twitter.com/OTgfPPEC4B
— Congressman Troy E. Nehls (@RepTroyNehls) February 27, 2025
Historical Context and Financial Relief
The Medal of Honor pension has seen several increases throughout history, beginning with just $10 per month in 1916, rising to $100 per month in 1961, and reaching $1,000 monthly in 2002. The current increase aims to alleviate financial burdens for recipients, many of whom regularly travel across the country for speaking engagements and ceremonial appearances. These veterans often face significant out-of-pocket expenses while fulfilling their duties as living representatives of America’s highest military honor.
If enacted after Senate approval and presidential signature, the bill will directly impact the approximately 60 living Medal of Honor recipients. Since its establishment in 1863, the Medal of Honor has been awarded to roughly 3,500 servicemembers, recognizing acts of valor that go beyond the call of duty in combat against enemy forces.
Bill would boost pay for those who receive the nation's highest military award from $16,880 per year to $67,500https://t.co/Yfd8h4UiYo
— The Conservative M. D. 🗨️🇺🇸 (@WarriorsForAll) February 26, 2025
Funding Plan and New Museum
Lawmakers have developed a fiscally responsible approach to fund the pension increase. The additional cost will be offset by extending certain pension limitations for veterans without dependents from 2031 to 2033. This strategic budgetary adjustment within Veterans’ Affairs disability compensation allows for the enhanced recognition of Medal of Honor recipients without adding to the federal deficit.
The timing of the legislation coincides with the establishment of a new national Medal of Honor museum in Arlington, Texas.
Advocacy for Maj. James Capers
As the pension bill advances to the Senate, U.S. military veterans and lawmakers are also advocating for President Trump to award the Medal of Honor to Maj. James Capers, a Vietnam War veteran described as “legendary” by supporters. During a 1967 ambush, Capers, despite suffering severe injuries, saved his unit and attempted to sacrifice himself for their safety.
