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The House voted 424-0 to pass the Medal of Honor Act, which increases the monthly pension for Medal of Honor recipients and ensures their benefits grow with inflation.
The Medal of Honor Act (H.R. 695) is designed to provide greater financial recognition for recipients of the military's highest award for valor. The bill changes the way the special monthly pension is calculated, moving from a fixed dollar amount to a formula tied to veteran disability compensation rates. This change ensures that the pension for these heroes will likely increase automatically over time to keep pace with the economy. This vote was held under a procedure called 'suspension of the rules.' In the House of Representatives, this is a fast-track method used to quickly pass legislation that has broad, bipartisan support. Because it skips the standard, lengthy debate process, the rules require a two-thirds supermajority of members to vote 'yes' for the bill to pass, rather than a simple majority. The bill passed with unanimous support from all members who were present and voting. This overwhelming bipartisan result reflects a shared priority in Congress to honor the nation's most distinguished military veterans. Having cleared the House, the bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
The bill moves to the Senate for a vote; if it passes there in the same form, it will go to the President to be signed into law.
OPEN BILL →Why it matters. It ensures that the nation's most decorated military heroes receive financial support that reflects their service and is protected from inflation.
Who’s affected. Medal of Honor Recipients: Will receive a higher and more stable special monthly pension. · Institutionalized Veterans: Maintains limits on how much of their pension can be taken for nursing home care costs until 2033.
Democrats. Democrats supported the measure unanimously among those voting.
Republicans. Republicans supported the measure unanimously among those voting.
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended
Feb 26, 2025
The House voted 424-0 to pass the Medal of Honor Act, which increases the monthly pension for Medal of Honor recipients and ensures their benefits grow with inflation.
A 'suspension of the rules' is a shortcut used to pass non-controversial bills quickly. It requires a two-thirds supermajority to pass, meaning the bill needs significant support from both parties to move forward without lengthy debate.
The bill moves to the Senate for a vote; if it passes there in the same form, it will go to the President to be signed into law.
It ensures that the nation's most decorated military heroes receive financial support that reflects their service and is protected from inflation.
The bill saw total bipartisan agreement, passing with every single participating member from both parties voting in favor.
Democrats supported the measure unanimously among those voting.
Republicans supported the measure unanimously among those voting.
The House's independent member voted in favor of the bill.