WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HR 695

Medal of Honor Act

119th Congress Introduced by Lauren Boebert and 4 co-sponsors

The Medal of Honor Act boosts pensions for Medal of Honor recipients, ensuring they receive adequate financial support for their extraordinary service and sacrifices.

Signed by President.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 695

Summary of HR 695: Medal of Honor Act

Purpose and Intent

The Medal of Honor Act (HR 695) aims to amend Title 38 of the United States Code to increase the special pension rate payable to recipients of the Medal of Honor. This legislation recognizes the extraordinary bravery and service of these individuals, ensuring they receive appropriate financial support in acknowledgment of their sacrifices.

Key Provisions

  1. Increase in Special Pension:

    • The bill amends Section 1562 of Title 38, which governs the special pension for Medal of Honor recipients.
    • The current pension rate of $1,406.73 will be replaced with a new rate that equals the monthly compensation paid to veterans without dependents under subsection (m) of section 1114, adjusted to the next intermediate rate under subsection (p) of that section.

  2. Limitations on Pension Increases:

    • The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is restricted from increasing the monthly special pension in a given year if it has already been increased during that same year.

  3. Extension of Payment Limits:

    • The bill extends certain limits on pension payments by changing the expiration date from November 30, 2031, to January 31, 2033.

Affected Parties

  • Medal of Honor Recipients: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are living recipients of the Medal of Honor, who will see an increase in their monthly pension.
  • Surviving Spouses: The bill also addresses the pension for surviving spouses of Medal of Honor recipients, ensuring they receive a monthly pension at the previously established rate.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: January 23, 2025
  • House Actions:
    • Passed by the House on February 26, 2025, with a unanimous vote of 424-0.
    • The bill was debated and considered under suspension of the rules.
  • Senate Actions:
    • Received in the Senate on February 27, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
    • Discharged from the committee by unanimous consent on November 7, 2025.
    • Passed the Senate without amendment on November 7, 2025.

Conclusion

The Medal of Honor Act represents a significant step in honoring the valor of Medal of Honor recipients by providing them with a substantial increase in their pension. This legislation not only acknowledges their extraordinary service but also ensures that they and their families receive the financial support they deserve. The bill has successfully passed both chambers of Congress and awaits further action to become law.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.