Bill > HR39

This bill, the Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2023, aims to establish the Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund within the Department of Veterans Affairs. The fund will provide a one-time payment of $25,000 to eligible individuals who served in the United States merchant marine, including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service, during World War II between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946. To be eligible, applicants must submit an application and demonstrate they have not received benefits under the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944. The bill authorizes $125 million in appropriations for the fund, which will remain available until expended, and requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide regular reports to Congress on the operation and funding of the compensation fund.