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Original Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2025
12/20/2025, 9:06 AM
Summary of Bill HR 39
Bill 119 hr 39, also known as the Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund Act, aims to amend title 38 of the United States Code in order to establish a fund that will provide benefits to certain individuals who served in the United States merchant marine during World War II. This includes those who served in the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service.
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs will be responsible for overseeing the establishment and administration of the Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund. The purpose of this fund is to provide compensation and benefits to these individuals who played a crucial role in supporting the war effort during World War II.
The bill recognizes the sacrifices and contributions made by these merchant mariners and seeks to ensure that they receive the recognition and support they deserve. By establishing this fund, the government aims to provide financial assistance and benefits to these veterans who may not have been eligible for certain benefits in the past. Overall, the Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund Act seeks to honor and support the brave individuals who served in the merchant marine during World War II by providing them with the compensation and benefits they rightfully deserve.
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs will be responsible for overseeing the establishment and administration of the Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund. The purpose of this fund is to provide compensation and benefits to these individuals who played a crucial role in supporting the war effort during World War II.
The bill recognizes the sacrifices and contributions made by these merchant mariners and seeks to ensure that they receive the recognition and support they deserve. By establishing this fund, the government aims to provide financial assistance and benefits to these veterans who may not have been eligible for certain benefits in the past. Overall, the Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund Act seeks to honor and support the brave individuals who served in the merchant marine during World War II by providing them with the compensation and benefits they rightfully deserve.
Congressional Summary of HR 39
Original Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2025
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.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 39
Bill HR 39 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 3, 2025. Bill HR 39 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 3, 2025. Bill HR 39's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. as of December 19, 2025
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 39
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
1Republican Sponsors
0Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
1Democrat Cosponsors
1Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 39
Primary Policy Focus
Armed Forces and National SecurityPotential Impact Areas
- Conflicts and wars
- Government trust funds
- Marine and inland water transportation
- Transportation employees
- Veterans' pensions and compensation
Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 39
To 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.
To 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
Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 39
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