H.R. 695

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

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.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES · February 27, 2025 · Committee: Committee on Veterans' Affairs

Table of contents

• H.R. 695
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Findings
  • SEC. 3. Increase in Department of Veterans Affairs special pension payable to Medal of Honor recipients
  • SEC. 4. Extension of certain limits on payments of pension

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the Medal of Honor Act.

SEC. 2. Findings

• Congress finds the following:
  • The Medal of Honor is the highest and most prestigious military decoration of the United States.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

SEC. 3. Increase in Department of Veterans Affairs special pension payable to Medal of Honor recipients

• Section 1562 of title 38, United States Code, is amended—
  • in subsection (a)(1)—
    • by inserting before ;
    • by striking the rate of striking,406.73and inserting the rate described in subparagraph (B); and
      • The rate described in this subparagraph is equal to the amount of monthly compensation paid to a veteran without dependents under subsection (m) of section 1114 of this title, increased to the next intermediate rate under subsection (p) of such section.
    • by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
  • in subsection (e)—
    • by inserting before ;
    • by inserting before ; and
      • The Secretary shall not, under paragraph (1), increase the amount of monthly special pension payable under subsection (a) in a year if such amount was otherwise increased during such year.
    • by adding at the end the following new paragraph (2):

SEC. 4. Extension of certain limits on payments of pension

• Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking November 30, 2031and inserting January 31, 2033.