The U.S. Senate has passed the House version of the Monetary Enhancement for Distinguished Active Legends (MEDAL) Act, which was drafted by Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas). The legislation, which previously received unanimous approval from the House of Representatives, will now become law and raise the annual pension for living Medal of Honor recipients to $67,500.
Senator Cruz commented on the passage: “The Medal of Honor is our nation’s highest military honor, reserved for those who have distinguished themselves by incredible acts of valor that go above and beyond the call of duty. We have an obligation to ensure they have the support and resources they need. I’m proud that my colleagues in the House and Senate unanimously passed this legislation, affirming that obligation and ensuring that we mark the unwavering dedication of these men and women to our freedom and our country.”
Last week, Senator Cruz spoke on the Senate floor in support of the MEDAL Act. During his speech, he acknowledged nine Medal of Honor recipients living in Texas as well as Lieutenant Colonel William Swenson and Colonel Paris Davis.
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society (CMOHS) supports the MEDAL Act. Britt Slabinski, President of CMOHS, stated: “On behalf of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society (CMOHS), I want to thank Senator Cruz for his leadership and commitment in advancing the Medal of Honor Act through the Senate. We are equally grateful to Representative Troy Nehls for his vision in originating this effort in the House and for the bipartisan resolve that made its passage possible – a reflection of shared respect for those who serve that rises above politics. This law honors the individuals who carry our nation’s highest recognition for valor in combat not through comfort, but through purpose. It strengthens our capacity, as Recipients, to continue serving our country and to uphold the Medal’s values of courage, sacrifice, and service beyond self, ensuring that the spirit of duty our nation depends on endures.”
Representative Troy Nehls (R-Texas-22) introduced similar legislation in the House. He said: “The United States Senate did good by our nation’s highest decorated Veterans by passing my bill, the Medal of Honor Act, by unanimous consent,” said Congressman Nehls. “Medal of Honor recipients don’t ask for recognition or demand special treatment. They are selfless heroes who embody the best of our country. The least Congress can do is ease the financial burdens of these heroes by raising their well-deserved annual pension. Thank you to my Texas Republican colleague, Senator Ted Cruz, for championing this initiative in the Senate. I look forward to seeing this bill signed into law by President Trump.”
The Medal of Honor is recognized as America’s highest military award with only 61 living recipients today. Many recipients are not retired from military service or compensated for public engagements where they share their experiences with Americans.
Senator Ted Cruz has secured multiple election victories throughout his career; he defeated Colin Allred in 2024 with 53.1% to 44.6% support (source), Beto O'Rourke in 2018 with 50.9% to 48.3%, and Paul Sadler in 2012 with 56.5% to 40.6%.
