Trump Signs Landmark Bills Boosting Medals of Honor Benefits and Drug Treatment Programs
New laws dramatically raise financial awards for surviving Medal of Honor recipients and reauthorize critical programs for substance abuse prevention and recovery.
President Donald Trump signed two bills at the White House that were unanimously approved by Congress. One significantly raises benefits for Medal of Honor recipients, while the other reauthorizes health programs focused on preventing and treating substance use disorders.
The first law, known as the “Medal of Honor Act,” requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to increase annual benefits for recipients from $16,887 to $67,500—nearly four times the current amount. Only 63 Medal of Honor recipients are still alive. The Senate passed the bill unanimously last month, and the House approved it in February with bipartisan support.
Stronger Support for Veterans and Public Health Initiatives
Republican Congressman from Texas, Troy Nehls, who introduced the bill, stated: “Medal of Honor recipients truly embody the best of our nation,” adding that the new law “eases their financial burdens and ensures America is grateful for all they have done defending our freedoms.”
The second law, the “Patient Support Reauthorization Act,” reauthorizes programs within the Department of Health and Human Services focused on preventing substance use disorders, treatment, and recovery support, at a time when the nation faces increasing challenges from the opioid crisis.
With these signings, Trump reinforces his administration’s commitment to supporting veterans who have made extraordinary sacrifices while also strengthening public health programs addressing one of the United States’ most urgent health crises.
