Legislation that would quadruple the pensions of Medal of Honor recipients passed the House with unanimous bipartisan support on Wednesday. The bill sailed through the House 424-0. If passed by the Senate and signed by the president, it would boost pay for those who receive the nation’s highest military award from $16,880 per year to $67,500 per year.

Proponents of the bill, led by Reps. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, and Chris Pappas, D-N.H., say the pay would ease the financial burden for medal recipients who often traverse the country for speaking engagements on their own dime. “This legislation is a small token of gratitude for the immense sacrifices these heroes have made,” said Rep. Nehls. “It’s the least we can do to honor their service and ensure they are taken care of in their later years.”

The increased pensions are paid for through disability compensation out of Veterans’ Affairs funding. Costs associated with the pay boost would be offset by extending a limitation on pensions for veterans with no spouses or dependents from 2031 to 2033. This ensures that the financial burden does not fall disproportionately on other veterans or taxpayers.

The legislation would affect the 60 living Medal of Honor recipients. Some 3,500 have been awarded the medal since its inception in 1863. Pension rolls for Medal of Honor recipients were first created in 1916, with pensioners receiving $10 per month from the federal government. The monthly stipend was raised to $100 in 1961 and $1,000 in 2002.

The legislation comes as a national Medal of Honor museum is set to open in Arlington, Texas, next month to share the stories of Americans who took heroic actions in battle. This museum will serve as a lasting tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of these individuals, providing a place for future generations to learn about their heroism.

President Donald Trump has not yet awarded the medal in his second term, but veterans and members of Congress are lobbying for him to extend it to Maj. James Capers, a Black Vietnam War veteran who saved seven fellow Marines when his recon group was ambushed and outnumbered by North Vietnamese troops in Phú Lộc in 1967. According to the sworn testimony of the surviving Marines, then-Lt. Capers’ unit was ambushed in the jungle, with blasts from claymore mines inflicting devastating injuries on him and his men. Despite the blasts ripping open his stomach and breaking his leg, a heavily bleeding Capers kept command of his Marines and, together with two others, held off the enemy long enough for the medevac flight to arrive.

When the overloaded aircraft struggled to take off, Capers attempted to sacrifice himself by jumping from the helicopter and insisting he be left behind until he was pulled back on board by the medevac crew chief. Capers received multiple gunfire wounds and 19 pieces of shrapnel in the firefight, and suffers from the wounds to this day. But due to his heroic actions, Capers and all of his Marines survived.

This legislation underscores the nation’s commitment to honoring its heroes. The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed upon members of the armed forces who distinguish themselves “conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.”

Critics argue that while the increase in pensions is a commendable gesture, it may set a precedent for other veterans’ benefits. Some worry that this could lead to a domino effect, where other veterans’ groups demand similar increases, potentially straining the federal budget. However, proponents counter that the Medal of Honor recipients have made extraordinary sacrifices and deserve this recognition.

The bill’s passage in the House is a significant step forward, but the journey is not yet complete. The Senate must now take up the legislation, and if it passes there, it will need the president’s signature to become law. The bipartisan support in the House is a strong indicator that the bill has a good chance of success in the Senate as well.

The increased pensions are part of a broader effort to support veterans and their families. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the challenges faced by veterans, including mental health issues, physical disabilities, and economic hardships. This legislation is a testament to the nation’s commitment to ensuring that those who have served are taken care of in their later years.

The Medal of Honor museum in Arlington, Texas, will serve as a living testament to the bravery and sacrifice of these individuals. The museum will feature exhibits that tell the stories of Medal of Honor recipients, providing a place for visitors to learn about their heroism and the sacrifices they made for their country.

The legislation also highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring the sacrifices made by veterans. As the nation continues to grapple with the challenges of supporting its veterans, this legislation serves as a reminder of the debt of gratitude owed to those who have served.

In conclusion, the passage of this legislation in the House is a significant milestone in the effort to honor and support Medal of Honor recipients. The increased pensions will provide much-needed financial relief for these heroes, ensuring that they are taken care of in their later years. As the bill moves forward, it will be crucial for the Senate and the president to recognize the importance of this legislation and take the necessary steps to ensure its passage.