EXCLUSIVE: A brand new, bipartisan, bicameral invoice would increase pensions for Medal of Honor recipients six-fold.
The laws, reintroduced by Texas Republicans Rep. Troy Nehls and Sen. Ted Cruz and New Hampshire Democrat Rep. Chris Pappas, would deliver pay for many who obtain the nation’s highest army award from $16,880 per yr to $100,000 per yr.
Proponents of the invoice say the pay would ease the monetary burden for medal recipients who usually traverse the nation for talking engagements on their very own dime.
The laws would have an effect on the 60 living Medal of Honor recipients. Some 3,500 have been awarded the medal since its inception in 1863.
PRESIDENT BIDEN AWARDS MEDAL OF HONOR TO SEVEN ARMY VETERANS
Then-President Biden presents the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest army ornament, to Pfc. Kenneth J. David, throughout a ceremony within the East Room of the White Home in Washington, D.C., on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photograph/Susan Walsh)
Pension rolls for Medal of Honor recipients have been first created in 1916, with pensioners receiving $10 per 30 days from the federal authorities. The month-to-month stipend was raised to $100 in 1961 and $1,000 in 2002.
“I’m proud to reintroduce the Medal of Honor Act to ease the monetary burdens of our nation’s Medal of Honor recipients,” Nehls mentioned in a press release. “Whereas we’ll by no means be capable to repay these brave people for his or her extraordinary acts, we should do all the pieces we are able to to indicate our unwavering help and gratitude for his or her service.”
Former President Joe Biden awarded the Medal of Honor to seven U.S. Military troopers, six posthumously and one who attended the White Home ceremony in particular person – Pfc. Kenneth J. David – for his or her actions in the Korean and Vietnam wars.
These honored posthumously have been Pvt. Bruno R. Orig, Pfc. Wataru Nakamura, Cpl. Fred B. McGee, Pfc. Charles R. Johnson, Gen. Richard E. Cavazos and Capt. Hugh R. Nelson Jr.
In Might 1970, David’s firm had come beneath assault by enemy forces. Then a radio-telephone operator, David engaged the enemy and drew hearth away from his fellow troopers. He distracted them by yelling, firing his rifle and throwing hand grenades whereas pleasant helicopters swooped in to evacuate the wounded.
Then-President Biden awards the Medal of Honor to retired Military Col. Paris Davis for his heroism throughout the Vietnam Conflict, on Friday, March 3, 2023 on the White Home. (AP/Evan Vucci)
“Our Medal of Honor recipients are heroes who embody the best beliefs of braveness, sacrifice and selflessness. They proceed to serve our nation by sharing their tales, inspiring generations and inspiring the subsequent wave of America’s heroes,” mentioned Cruz. “But, they usually lack the monetary assets for these actions. The MEDAL Act addresses these shortfalls.”
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The invoice has been launched in two earlier congressional phrases, however has not but obtained a flooring vote. It isn’t but clear whether or not it is going to make it to the Home and Senate flooring this Congress.
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