Posted:
January 13, 2011
Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA) has reintroduced legislation that would honor and provide a monthly benefit to merchant marine veterans of World War II. The Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act (H.R. 23) would if enacted into law provide a monthly tax-free benefit of $1,000 to certain individuals who served as documented members of the U.S. merchant marine during World War II.
Similar legislation passed the House last year but stalled in the Senate. When the 111th Congress ended, the bill had drawn 168 cosponsors in the House and 51 cosponsors in the Senate.
The reintroduced legislation has been referred to the Veterans Affairs Committee in the House of Representatives.
This measure would "finally give the merchant mariners of World War II the belated compensation they so deserve," said Rep. Filner, speaking before the House after the introduction of the legislation in the 111th Congress. "Congress has a responsibility to correct the wrongs of the past."
American merchant mariners have served the nation with distinction throughout U.S. history, particularly during World War II. They suffered the highest casualty rate of any military branch while delivering necessary supplies to the U.S. and Allied forces. In 1988, merchant mariners were officially recognized as veterans.
Regrettably, the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act is not yet law and no further benefits for merchant marine veterans of World War II have been made available.
Rep. Filner reintroduces bill to provide benefits for merchant marine veterans of WWII
Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA) has reintroduced legislation that would honor and provide a monthly benefit to merchant marine veterans of World War II. The Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act (H.R. 23) would if enacted into law provide a monthly tax-free benefit of $1,000 to certain individuals who served as documented members of the U.S. merchant marine during World War II.
Similar legislation passed the House last year but stalled in the Senate. When the 111th Congress ended, the bill had drawn 168 cosponsors in the House and 51 cosponsors in the Senate.
The reintroduced legislation has been referred to the Veterans Affairs Committee in the House of Representatives.
This measure would "finally give the merchant mariners of World War II the belated compensation they so deserve," said Rep. Filner, speaking before the House after the introduction of the legislation in the 111th Congress. "Congress has a responsibility to correct the wrongs of the past."
American merchant mariners have served the nation with distinction throughout U.S. history, particularly during World War II. They suffered the highest casualty rate of any military branch while delivering necessary supplies to the U.S. and Allied forces. In 1988, merchant mariners were officially recognized as veterans.
Regrettably, the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act is not yet law and no further benefits for merchant marine veterans of World War II have been made available.