President Donald Trump has just signed into law legislation that dramatically increases lifetime benefits for America’s most valorous service members.
The Medal of Honor Act, introduced by Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) in the House and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) in the Senate, boosts the annual Medal of Honor pension from $16,880.76 to roughly $67,000.
The rise is a nearly fourfold increase.
The White House announced the signing via its Rapid Response account on X.
President Donald J. Trump just signed into law:
— H.R. 695, the "Medal of Honor Act," which honors our nation's Medal of Honor recipients by giving them the first congressional pension raise in nearly 25 years.
— H.R. 2483, the "SUPPORT for Patients and Communications…
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) December 1, 2025
The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military award, reserved for acts of “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.”
Only 61 living Americans hold the distinction today, mostly Vietnam veterans, along with heroes from Iraq, Afghanistan, and other post-9/11 conflicts.
Many others received the medal posthumously after sacrificing their lives to protect fellow service members.
In a statement, Nehls praised Trump for enacting a measure he has introduced every Congress since 2021, finally passed now under an administration that campaigned heavily on restoring America’s military strength and honoring its warriors.
“Medal of Honor recipients truly embody the best of our nation,” Nehls said.
“They never ask for special recognition or demand special treatment.
“Many of the living Medal of Honor recipients spend most of their time traveling our country, telling their stories, inspiring the next generation of America’s heroes.”
Nehls added: “My bill, the Medal of Honor Act, eases their financial burden by increasing their special pension—ensuring they know that America is grateful for all they’ve done to serve our country and defend our freedoms.
“I am beyond grateful to President Trump, our Commander in Chief, for signing my bill into law.
“The least we can do is lift the financial burden off of these selfless warriors who continue to serve our great nation.”
Sen. Cruz echoed that sentiment in a video posted shortly after the signing.
He noted that the legislation would deliver “support and a small but meaningful recognition of the incredible sacrifice they’ve given.”
“These individuals are heroes,” Cruz added.
“We see you, we remember you, we’re grateful for you.”
A Century of Increasing Recognition
Congress first created a pension for Medal of Honor recipients in 1916, with a value of $10 a month, about $300 today.
Adjustments were made in 1961 and 2002, gradually lifting the benefit to the current $1,406.73 monthly payment.
Under Trump’s newly signed law, recipients will now receive about $5,625 each month.
The bill also underscores a striking level of bipartisan unity rarely seen in Washington, particularly on military matters.
It passed the House and Senate unanimously, a reminder that, even in a polarized political era, honoring America’s bravest still commands overwhelming support.
For the 61 living recipients, the recognition is not symbolic; it is tangible relief honoring decades of service, sacrifice, and lifelong injuries sustained while protecting their fellow Americans.
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