# Plain Language Summary: Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2023

This bill creates a one-time payment program for World War II merchant mariners who were never properly recognized as military veterans. During World War II, thousands of civilian sailors worked on merchant ships—cargo vessels, supply ships, and transport ships—that were operated by the U.S. government and served the military. These sailors faced the same dangers as military personnel, including enemy attacks, but they weren't officially classified as veterans and didn't receive the same benefits. This bill aims to fix that historical oversight by providing a $25,000 payment to eligible individuals.

To qualify for the payment, you would need to have served as a crew member on a merchant vessel between December 7, 1941 (Pearl Harbor) and December 31, 1946, and the ship had to have been operated by the U.S. government through the War Shipping Administration or Office of Defense Transportation. The vessel also had to operate in ocean waters (not just lakes or harbors) and serve the Armed Forces. Additionally, you cannot have already received benefits under the GI Bill. You'd have one year from when this law passes to submit an application to the Veterans Affairs Department. The bill sets aside $125 million for this program, which would theoretically allow payments to about 5,000 people, though the exact number depends on how many eligible individuals apply.

The payments will be made on a first-come, first-served basis as applications are received. The Veterans Affairs Department will need to create regulations within six months explaining how to apply and what documentation is needed, though they'll accept a DD-214 military discharge form as proof of service. This is essentially a delayed recognition and compensation for a group of workers whose contributions to the war effort were historically undervalued.

Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2023

Green, Al

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.