Houston Daily

Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) has called on the United States Senate to pass the Medal of Honor Act, a bill he authored which aims to increase financial support for living Medal of Honor recipients. The bill passed the House of Representatives unanimously in February 2025 with a vote of 424-0.

In an op-ed published by Newsmax, Congressman Nehls emphasized the importance of providing adequate financial recognition to those who have received the nation's highest military honor. "The Medal of Honor is our nation’s highest military honor that can be awarded," Nehls wrote. He noted that although over 3,500 individuals have been awarded this honor since its inception during the Civil War, only 61 recipients are alive today.

Currently, these veterans receive a special pension of just over $16,800 annually, an amount that has not been significantly updated in decades. The proposed legislation would raise this pension to approximately $67,500 per year. "This isn’t a partisan issue," Nehls stated. "This isn’t about politics."

Highlighting the courage and sacrifices made by Medal of Honor recipients, Nehls shared stories of valor from Master Sgt. Earl D. Plumlee and Sp5c. Clarence E. Sasser. Plumlee demonstrated extraordinary bravery during a suicide attack in Afghanistan by engaging enemy forces at close range and saving fellow soldiers' lives despite his injuries. Sasser showed remarkable heroism as a combat medic in Vietnam, aiding wounded soldiers under heavy fire even after being injured himself.

The congressman also referenced upcoming events like the opening of the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas on March 22 and National Medal of Honor Day on March 25 as timely opportunities for action.

Nehls urged the Senate to act swiftly: "There is no excuse to delay." He concluded by imploring them to pass his bill and provide deserved financial support to these national heroes.