WASHINGTON — A bipartisan group of lawmakers is again trying to boost pension payouts for the nation's dwindling number of Medal of Honor recipients.

Under the plan introduced in Congress this week, the monthly pension for the military heroes would be increased from about $1,300 a month to $3,000, and all of the medal recipients would be eligible for travel stipends "to share their personal stories in even more character development programs and speaking engagements."

Currently, those pensions (which are separate from other post-military benefits they may be eligible for) are given a small inflation increases annually. Lawmakers behind the push say that's not enough.

"Medal of Honor recipients represent the best among us," bill sponsor Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said in a statement. "These heroes have served our country with distinction, and this modest increase is the least we can do to convey our gratitude for their sacrifices."

Along with Graham, the proposal is backed by Sens. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Ed Markey, D-Mass.

The idea has been floated in past sessions but failed to become law, in part because of the cost of the change. Supporters estimate the legislation will $15 million over a 10-year period.

That’s not a large sum for a defense budget expected to top $600 billion in fiscal 2018, but nearly every new appropriation has proven problematic on Capitol Hill in recent years due to federal spending caps and political infighting.

Currently, there are 72 living Medal of Honor recipients. Eleven of those are from the war in Afghanistan, while the rest are in their 60s or older.

"Medal of Honor recipients are a model of service and sacrifice that should inspire all of us to aim higher and do better," Blumenthal said in a statement. "Supporting this small group of brave servicemen and women is simply the right thing to do."

The measure could be included in the annual defense authorization bill already being drafted by staff in the House and Senate. Public debate on that legislation is expected in June.

Leo Shane III covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House for Military Times. He can be reached at lshane@militarytimes.com.

Leo covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House for Military Times. He has covered Washington, D.C. since 2004, focusing on military personnel and veterans policies. His work has earned numerous honors, including a 2009 Polk award, a 2010 National Headliner Award, the IAVA Leadership in Journalism award and the VFW News Media award.

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