Legislative Boost for Medal of Honor Pensions; Arlington Museum Debuts

US soldier in camouflage uniform with American flag

The House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill to quadruple pensions for Medal of Honor recipients, increasing their annual stipends from $16,880 to $67,500, while a new museum dedicated to these heroes prepares to open in Texas.

Key Insights

The pension increase bill passed with unanimous 424-0 support and now awaits Senate and Presidential approval
If enacted, the legislation will benefit the 60 living recipients of America’s highest military decoration
The bill coincides with the opening of a new Medal of Honor museum in Arlington, Texas
Funding for the pension increase will come from extending certain Veterans’ Affairs pension limitations from 2031 to 2033

Bipartisan Support for America’s Most Decorated Heroes

In a rare display of unity, the House of Representatives voted 424-0 to dramatically increase pensions for Medal of Honor recipients. The bipartisan bill, introduced by Representatives Troy Nehls (R-Texas) and Chris Pappas (D-New Hampshire), would raise the annual stipend from $16,880 to $67,500 for the nation’s most distinguished military heroes. This significant increase recognizes the extraordinary sacrifices made by these decorated veterans and addresses the financial challenges many face as they fulfill speaking engagements and other public duties associated with their honored status.

The legislation marks the first substantial increase in Medal of Honor pensions in more than two decades. Historically, these pensions started at just $10 per month in 1916, increased to $100 monthly in 1961, and reached $1,000 per month in 2002. This latest proposed increase reflects both inflation and a renewed commitment to properly honoring those who have displayed “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty” – the official criteria for receiving America’s highest military decoration.

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

New Museum Honors Extraordinary Valor

The timing of this legislation coincides with the opening of a new Medal of Honor museum in Arlington, Texas. Since its creation in 1863, the Medal of Honor has been awarded to approximately 3,500 individuals across all branches of the U.S. military. The museum will serve as a permanent tribute to these heroes and educate visitors about their extraordinary acts of courage. The facility will preserve the stories of recipients throughout American military history, creating a lasting memorial to their service and sacrifice.

“My bill, the Medal of Honor Act, just passed the U.S. House of Representatives. 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!” – Source

The museum stands as a physical reminder of the nation’s gratitude for those who have performed extraordinary acts of bravery. With only 60 living Medal of Honor recipients, the facility will help ensure their legacies endure for future generations. Museum visitors will learn about the diverse backgrounds of recipients and the circumstances that led to their exceptional acts of valor across American conflicts from the Civil War to modern operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Budget Considerations and Next Steps

To fund the pension increase without adding to the federal deficit, the bill includes provisions to extend certain Veterans’ Affairs pension limitations for veterans without dependents from 2031 to 2033. This fiscal responsibility approach helped secure unanimous approval in the House but also required careful balancing to ensure other veterans’ benefits wouldn’t be significantly impacted. The legislation now heads to the Senate where similar support is anticipated before reaching the President’s desk for final approval.

U.S. Military veterans and lawmakers have described Medal of Honor recipient Major James Capers as “legendary” for his actions during a 1967 Vietnam War ambush when he saved his unit despite severe injuries. – Source

While the bill works its way through the legislative process, there are also ongoing efforts to recognize additional heroes. Veterans and lawmakers are currently advocating for President Trump to award the Medal of Honor to Major James Capers, a Vietnam War veteran who, despite suffering serious wounds, saved his unit and attempted to sacrifice himself for their safety during a 1967 ambush. Capers continues to suffer from his injuries today but ensured the survival of his fellow Marines through his extraordinary courage under fire.