Bill > HR39

This bill establishes a new Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund to provide financial recognition to U.S. merchant mariners who served during World War II. Specifically, eligible individuals are those who served as crewmembers in the U.S. merchant marine (including Army and Naval Transport Services) between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946, on vessels operated by the War Shipping Administration or Office of Defense Transportation, serving the Armed Forces in waters outside U.S. inland waters. To receive the benefit, applicants must submit an application within one year of the bill's enactment and have not previously received benefits under the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944. Each eligible individual will receive a one-time payment of $25,000, with payments processed in the order applications are received. The bill authorizes $125,000,000 for the compensation fund, and requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide annual detailed reports to Congress about the fund's operation, including the number of applicants, benefits paid, and future funding needs. The Secretary will also develop regulations to implement the program within 180 days of the bill's enactment.

Health and Social Services, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/39/all-info