H.R. 695

[119th Congress Public Law 43]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]

[[Page 139 STAT. 667]]

Public Law 119-43
119th Congress

An Act

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. <<NOTE: Dec. 1, 2025 - [H.R. 695]>> 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled, <<NOTE: Medal of Honor 
Act.>> 
SECTION 1. <<NOTE: 38 USC 101 note.>> SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Medal of Honor Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress finds the following:
(1) The Medal of Honor is the highest and most prestigious 
military decoration of the United States.
(2) 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''.
(3) 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.
(4) 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.
(5) 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.
(6) 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--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)--
(A) by inserting ``(A)'' before ``The Secretary'';
(B) by striking ``the rate of $1,406.73'' and 
inserting ``the rate described in subparagraph (B)''; 
and
(C) by adding at the end the following new 
subparagraph:

``(B) 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

[[Page 139 STAT. 668]]

to the next intermediate rate under subsection (p) of such section.''; 
and
(2) in subsection (e)--
(A) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``Effective'';
(B) by inserting ``, subject to paragraph (2),'' 
before ``shall''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph 
(2):

``(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.''.
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, 2031'' and inserting ``January 31, 2033''.

Approved December 1, 2025.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 695:
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CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 171 (2025):
Feb. 26, considered and passed House.
Nov. 7, considered and passed Senate.

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