Sen. Cruz Statement Following President Trump Signing the MEDAL Act into Law
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement after President Donald Trump signed the House version of his Monetary Enhancement for Distinguished Active Legends (MEDAL) Act into law. This legislation increases the monthly pension for living Medal of Honor recipients to $67,500 annually. It unanimously passed the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives
Sen. Cruz said, “The Medal of Honor is our nation’s highest military honor, reserved only for those who have distinguished themselves through acts of valor that go above and beyond the call of duty. While we will never be able to repay the debt we owe to the men and women whose actions earned them this medal, we can continue to honor them by ensuring they are cared for, respected, and supported. I’m deeply thankful to President Trump for signing the MEDAL Act into law.”
The legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas-22).
Rep. Nehls said, “Medal of Honor recipients embody the best of our nation. They never ask for special recognition or demand special treatment. Many of them spend most of their time traveling our country, telling their stories, inspiring the next generation of America’s heroes. My bill, H.R. 695, the Medal of Honor Act, eases the financial burden of our nation’s highest decorated Veterans by increasing their special pension—ensuring they know America is grateful for all they’ve done to serve our country and defend our freedoms. After five years of fighting for this bill to become law, I thank Senator Ted Cruz for pushing my bill through the Senate, and I’m beyond grateful to President Trump for making my legislation the law of the land.”
Read the Medal of Honor Act here.
BACKGROUND
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration bestowed by the United States. There are only 61 living Medal of Honor recipients.
Medal of Honor recipients are often not retired from the U.S. military and often receive no compensation for the costs of their public engagements. Through these appearances, they share stories of heroism that inspire Americans, strengthen national pride, and support military recruiting and retention. Increasing their monthly pensions is essential to easing the financial burden on their families and ensuring they can continue representing the best of our nation’s values.
In November, Sen. Cruz spoke on the floor urging Senate passage of the MEDAL Act. Click here to watch that speech. During his remarks he recognized the nine Medal of Honor recipients currently living in the Lone Star State, as well as Lieutenant Colonel William Swenson and Colonel Paris Davis, who were in attendance for the speech.