H.R. 39
Original Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2025
In Plain Language
This bill gives $25,000 to merchant marines who served in World War II, but they have to apply for it. You're only eligible if you haven't already received benefits under the 1944 GI Bill, and you have to meet specific requirements about when and how you served.
Official Congressional Research Service summary
Original Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2025This 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.
Sponsor
Cosponsors
Latest action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
Dec 19, 2025
Official source
Action history
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