HR695
Signed into law
Medal of Honor Act
- Federal
- House
- Introduced Jan 23, 2025
- Session 119
Bill Text
Version ENRThis Act may be cited as the Medal of Honor Act.
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.
Section 1562 of title 38, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (a)(1)—
by inserting (A) before The Secretary;
by striking the rate of $1,406.73 and inserting the rate described in subparagraph (B); and
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
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.
in subsection (e)—
by inserting (1) before Effective;
by inserting , subject to paragraph (2), before shall; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph (2):
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.
Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking November 30, 2031 and inserting January 31, 2033.
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.
Section 1562 of title 38, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (a)(1)—
by inserting (A) before The Secretary;
by striking the rate of $1,406.73 and inserting the rate described in subparagraph (B); and
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
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.
in subsection (e)—
by inserting (1) before Effective;
by inserting , subject to paragraph (2), before shall; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph (2):
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.
Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking November 30, 2031 and inserting January 31, 2033.
Legislative Timeline
21 actions-
Signed by President.
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Signed by President.
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Became Public Law No: 119-43.
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Became Public Law No: 119-43.
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Presented to President.
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Presented to President.
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Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
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Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
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Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
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Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7976-7977)
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Message on Senate action sent to the House.
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Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
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Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
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Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H857-859)
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DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 695.
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Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 424 - 0 (Roll no. 51). (text: CR H857)
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On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 424 - 0 (Roll no. 51). (text: CR H857)
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Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
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Introduced in House
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Introduced in House
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Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.