The Senate has unanimously passed the Monetary Enhancement for Distinguished Active Legends (MEDAL) Act, a bill authored by Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas). The legislation will increase the annual pension for living Medal of Honor recipients to $67,500. The act had previously received unanimous approval in the House of Representatives and now heads to the President for signature into law.
Senator Cruz spoke on the Senate floor in support of his bill. “Madam President, I rise today to honor a very special group of Americans: the soldiers, the sailors, the Marines, and the airmen who have fought bravely for this nation but who have received the very highest distinction that any member of the armed forces can earn—the Medal of Honor.
“Since 1863, Presidents of the United States have awarded the Medal of Honor to more than 3,500 of the bravest men and women ever to wear the uniform of this nation. Each one has demonstrated valor, gallantry, and heroism above and beyond the call of duty, with acts so selfless, so extraordinary, that they stand as beacons of courage for future generations.
“In 1916, Congress passed Public Law 6556, establishing the Army and Navy Medal of Honor Roll and entitling each Medal of Honor recipient to a modest special pension of $10 per month for life. Over time, that monthly amount has gradually increased from $10 to $100 to what stands today at approximately $1,400 per month.
“But, Madam President, let's pause and think about that—$1,400 a month for those who risked everything: their safety, their future, their very lives—for freedom, for the opportunity for all of us to be here today. Today there are 61 living Medal of Honor recipients—61 men who faced unthinkable odds, who put their country before themselves so that the rest of us could live in peace. We cannot truly ever repay them. There is no sum; there is no medal; there are no words that can measure up to their sacrifice. But there are ways that we can continue to honor them—by ensuring that they are cared for respected and supported.
“Madam President in January this year I introduced the MEDAL Act my legislation to raise monthly pension for Medal of Honor recipients This legislation is a way for this nation to say ‘We see you’ ‘We remember you’ and ‘We will not forget what you have done.’ Many heroes spend time traveling country speaking schoolchildren visiting military hospitals strengthening fabric America This monetary increase allow them continue efforts reach more communities mentor more veterans remind all cost freedom
“And I'd like take moment recognize nine Medal Honor recipients currently live Lone Star State We honor cherish them also like recognize 139 Medal Honor recipients born entered service from died Texas These America's heroes they are heroes great state Texas
“Now I'd like take moment recognize Medal Honor recipients with us gallery Lieutenant Colonel William Swenson Colonel Paris Davis In just moment I will propound unanimous consent request take up pass H.R. 695 The House passed version MEDAL Act vote 424 zero I urge colleagues join me—as our companions House already done—in supporting measure passing it into law sending directly President's desk signed into law showing when comes honoring nation's greatest heroes we united we speak with one voice.”
The MEDAL Act was introduced in the House by Representative Troy Nehls (R-Texas-22). The Medal of Honor remains America’s highest military award; only 61 living individuals hold it today.
Medal of Honor recipients often do not retire from military service or receive compensation related to public appearances where they share stories intended to inspire Americans or support recruitment efforts. Increasing pensions aims at easing financial pressures on these individuals' families while allowing continued engagement with communities across America.
Senator Ted Cruz secured re-election victories in recent years including defeating Colin Allred in 2024 by winning approximately 53% of votes as well as earlier wins over Beto O'Rourke in 2018 and Paul Sadler in 2012.
