Bill Overview
Title: Medal of Honor Act
Description: This bill increases the rate of special pension for living Medal of Honor recipients from $1,388.68 to $8,333.33 and establishes a rate of monthly special pension of $1,489.73 for surviving spouses of Medal of Honor recipients.
Sponsors: Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22]
Target Audience
Population: Living Medal of Honor recipients and surviving spouses of deceased Medal of Honor recipients
Estimated Size: 270
- The bill affects living Medal of Honor recipients by increasing their special pension.
- The bill establishes a new special pension for surviving spouses of Medal of Honor recipients.
- The number of living Medal of Honor recipients is limited due to the rare and historic nature of the award.
- Demographic data on Medal of Honor recipients suggests they are mostly U.S. military veterans.
- Due to the age and generation of most living recipients, there are likely fewer surviving spouses.
- The Medal of Honor has been awarded to U.S. military personnel since 1863, so recipients and families are predominantly American.
Reasoning
- The policies specifically affect a small group of people: living Medal of Honor recipients and their surviving spouses.
- Budget constraints limit the total number of individuals that can be served, necessitating a focus on those most impacted by the policy.
- Due to the limited number of direct recipients, broader societal effects are minimal, thus these interviews will include individuals from multiple relevant backgrounds to demonstrate varied perspectives.
Simulated Interviews
retired military (California)
Age: 75 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This increased pension ensures I have financial stability for healthcare and daily expenses.
- It grants peace of mind knowing I won't be a financial burden.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
retired nurse (Virginia)
Age: 68 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This new pension allows me to cover my medical expenses without relying on my children.
- It's a recognition of my spouse's sacrifice, providing necessary support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 2 |
veteran affairs advocate (Texas)
Age: 56 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is a positive step in honoring these heroes but does not affect me directly.
- It may increase public awareness of veterans' needs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
retired accountant (Florida)
Age: 83 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The increase in pension covers my assisted living costs, greatly alleviating financial stress.
- I believe it's a meaningful gesture of appreciation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
none (Ohio)
Age: 74 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The special pension allows me to afford better healthcare.
- It provides a sense of security that was missing after my husband's passing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 2 |
none (New York)
Age: 62 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I wasn't aware of this policy; it doesn't impact me personally.
- It's good to see support for those who served the country.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
retired (North Carolina)
Age: 88 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The financial increment is surplus given my family support, though appreciated.
- I wish more veterans had similar support options.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
social worker (Illinois)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate the recognition of veterans' needs, although it's not relevant to my life.
- Policies like these highlight historical contributions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
retired teacher (Michigan)
Age: 90 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy finally acknowledges families' sacrifices long overdue since my husband's passing.
- It provides unexpected but welcome financial ease.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
military historian (Washington)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy ensures veteran care and historic acknowledgment.
- It has personal significance given my research, though I'm not directly affected.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $23103048 (Low: $20000000, High: $25000000)
Year 2: $23680680 (Low: $21000000, High: $25500000)
Year 3: $24263697 (Low: $22000000, High: $26000000)
Year 5: $25456633 (Low: $22500000, High: $27000000)
Year 10: $28126691 (Low: $23500000, High: $30000000)
Year 100: $63915080 (Low: $50000000, High: $80000000)
Key Considerations
- The rarity of the Medal of Honor limits the number of recipients, which bounds the extent of the policy's financial impact.
- The policy contributes to the financial security of living Medal of Honor recipients and their surviving spouses.
- Annual changes in the number of eligible recipients and spouses due to mortality may affect future cost estimates.