Legislation unanimously passed the House this week to quadruple pensions for Medal of Honor recipients, raising them from $16,880 to $67,500 annually. The bill passed 424-0 and now heads to the Senate.
Supported by Reps. Troy Nehls (R-TX) and Chris Pappas (D-NH), the bill aims to ease financial burdens for recipients, many of whom travel for speaking events. Funding will come from Veterans’ Affairs disability compensation, with cost offsets extending pension limits for veterans without dependents.
Around 60 living recipients would benefit. The pension, first established in 1916, has been gradually increased over the years. The bill’s passage comes as the National Medal of Honor Museum prepares to open in Arlington, Texas.
Meanwhile, calls grow for President Trump to award the Medal of Honor to Maj. James Capers, a Black Vietnam War hero.
In other news, the Senate rejected three resolutions from Sen. Bernie Sanders to halt $20 billion in arms sales to Israel.
