MEDAL Act of 2025

Bill: 119-s-214
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
Introduced: 2025-01-23
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Inflation and prices

Veterans' pensions and compensation
Latest action: action_date: 2025-05-21
text: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

Summaries:
action_date: 2025-01-23
action_desc: Introduced in Senate
text: <p><strong>Monetary Enhancement for Distinguished Active Legends Act of 2025 or the MEDAL Act of 2025</strong></p><p>This bill increases the monthly special pension for living Medal of Honor recipients from $1,406.73 to $8,333.33 and establishes a rate of $1,406.73 for the monthly special pension for surviving spouses of Medal of Honor recipients. Both amounts must be adjusted annually for inflation.</p>

tv_txt: II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 214 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES January 23, 2025 Mr. Cruz (for himself and Mr. Cotton ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the rate of the special pension payable to Medal of Honor recipients, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Monetary Enhancement for Distinguished Active Legends Act of 2025 or the MEDAL Act of 2025 . 2. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) The Medal of Honor is the highest and most prestigious military decoration of the United States. (2) To earn the Medal of Honor, the deed of the person … must be so outstanding that it clearly distinguishes his gallantry beyond the call of duty from lesser forms of bravery . (3) The actions of Medal of Honor recipients inspire bravery, and the willingness to give all, in those who serve in the Armed Forces and those who will serve in the future. (4) Those listed on the Medal of Honor Roll exemplify the best traits of members of the Armed Forces, a long and proud lineage of those who went beyond the call of duty. (5) Pursuant to section 1562 of title 38, United States Code, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall pay monthly to each living person whose name has been entered on the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard Medal of Honor Roll a special pension. (6) Recipients of the Medal of Honor have earned a substantial and historic increase to such special pension in recognition of their conspicuous gallantry, unwavering commitment, and heroic actions above and beyond the call of duty. 3. Increase in Department of Veterans Affairs special pension payable to Medal of Honor recipients (a) Increase in special pension payable to living Medal of Honor recipients Paragraph (1) of section 1562(a) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking $1,406.73 and inserting $8,333.33 . (b) Amount of special pension payable to surviving spouses Paragraph (2)(A) of such section is amended— (1) by striking special pension under this section and inserting monthly ; and (2) by striking the period and adding at the end the following: a special pension under this section at the rate of $1,406.73, as adjusted from time to time under subsection (e). .