H.R.695 - Medal of Honor Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.695, the "Medal of Honor Act," primarily amends Title 38 of the United States Code to increase the special pension payable to Medal of Honor recipients. It also extends certain limits on pension payments. The bill recognizes the extraordinary service and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients.
Expected Effects
The immediate effect will be an increase in the monthly special pension for Medal of Honor recipients, pegged to a specific rate tied to veteran compensation. This adjustment aims to provide greater financial recognition for their acts of valor. Additionally, the extension of pension payment limits ensures continued benefits for eligible individuals.
Potential Benefits
- Provides increased financial support to Medal of Honor recipients.
- Recognizes and honors the extraordinary service and sacrifice of these individuals.
- May improve the quality of life for Medal of Honor recipients.
- Symbolically reinforces the nation's appreciation for military valor.
- Extends pension payment limits, ensuring continued benefits.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increases government spending on veteran benefits.
- May create a precedent for increasing other veteran benefits, potentially straining the budget.
- The increase is tied to another compensation rate, which may lead to unpredictable changes.
- Could be perceived as insufficient by some, given the extraordinary sacrifices made by recipients.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's provision for Congress to provide for the common defense and general welfare (Preamble). Specifically, it falls under Congress's power to raise and support armies (Article I, Section 8). Providing benefits to veterans, especially Medal of Honor recipients, can be seen as supporting those who have served in the military. The equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment could be relevant if the benefits were distributed unfairly, but this bill appears to apply equally to all Medal of Honor recipients.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).