H.R.803 - Sergeant Gary Beikirch Medal of Honor Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 803, the Sergeant Gary Beikirch Medal of Honor Act, proposes an amendment to Title 38 of the United States Code. The amendment aims to allow surviving spouses of Medal of Honor recipients to receive a special pension concurrently with dependency and indemnity compensation. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 28, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would provide additional financial support to the surviving spouses of Medal of Honor recipients. It removes the restriction preventing them from receiving both a special pension and dependency and indemnity compensation. This change could improve the financial stability and well-being of these individuals.
Potential Benefits
- Provides increased financial security for surviving spouses of Medal of Honor recipients.
- Recognizes the sacrifices made by Medal of Honor recipients and their families.
- Simplifies the process of receiving benefits for eligible individuals.
- May improve the quality of life for surviving spouses.
- Demonstrates support for veterans and their families.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in government spending, although likely minimal due to the limited number of eligible recipients.
- May create a perception of unequal treatment compared to other surviving spouses of veterans.
- Complexity in administering the concurrent benefits.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to provide support to a specific group of individuals who have made significant sacrifices. Specifically, the Preamble states the Constitution is intended to "promote the general Welfare". The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).