Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2023

Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2023

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to distribute a payment of $25,000 to U.S. merchant marines who engaged in qualified service during World War II. To be eligible, an individual must apply for the benefit and must not have received benefits under the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944. The bill sets forth what constitutes qualified service, including time frame of service and licensing requirements.

Bill 118 hr 39, also known as the Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The bill aims to provide recognition and benefits to the Merchant Mariners who served during World War II.

The Merchant Mariners played a crucial role in supporting the war effort by transporting troops, equipment, and supplies across dangerous waters. Despite their important contributions, these mariners have not received the same recognition and benefits as other veterans of World War II.

The Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2023 seeks to rectify this by granting Merchant Mariners veteran status and eligibility for benefits such as healthcare, disability compensation, and burial benefits. The bill also includes provisions for a Merchant Marine service medal to honor their service. Supporters of the bill argue that it is long overdue to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of the Merchant Mariners who served during World War II. They believe that these mariners deserve the same recognition and benefits as other veterans. Opponents of the bill may argue that providing benefits to Merchant Mariners could strain the budget or that it is unnecessary to grant them veteran status. However, the bill has garnered bipartisan support in Congress and is seen as a way to finally honor and acknowledge the service of these unsung heroes of World War II.