Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2023
12/20/2023, 8:15 AMSummary of Bill HR 39
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.
Congressional Summary of HR 39
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.
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Current Status of Bill HR 39
Bill HR 39 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 9, 2023. Bill HR 39 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on January 9, 2023. Bill HR 39's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. as of March 21, 2023Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 39
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
1Republican Sponsors
0Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
24Democrat Cosponsors
22Republican Cosponsors
2Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 39
Primary Policy Focus
Armed Forces and National SecurityPotential Impact Areas
Conflicts and warsGovernment trust fundsMarine and inland water transportationTransportation employeesVeterans' pensions and compensationAlternate Title(s) of Bill HR 39
Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2023Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2023To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish the Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund to provide benefits to certain individuals who served in the United States merchant marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service) during World War II.Comments
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Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 39
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