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A bill to amend title 46, United States Code, to extend eligibility for veterans' burial benefits, funeral benefits, and related benefits for veterans of certain service in the United States merchant marine during World War II.

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jan 21, 1997

Extends veterans' benefits to an individual who served as a member of the U.S. merchant marine between August 16, 1945, and December 31, 1946, who, during that period, was licensed or otherwise documented by an officer or employee of the United States authorized to license or document such an individual as a crewmember of a vessel that at the time of service was: (1) operated by the War Shipping Administration or the Office of Defense Transportation, or an agent thereof; (2) operated in waters other than inland waters, the Great Lakes, other lakes, bays, and harbors of the United States; (3) under contract, charter to, or property of, the U.S. Government; and (4) serving the armed forces. Establishes application procedures. Requires the issuance of a certificate of honorable discharge to an individual who performed qualified service. Deems qualified service to be active duty in the armed forces during a period of war for purposes of eligibility for benefits. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) reimbursement of the Secretary for benefits provided under this Act; and (2) an application processing fee.

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Who introduced it

Sen. Lott, Trent [R-MS] · R–MS

Committees

  • Veterans' Affairs Committee
72 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans.

  2. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S437)

  3. Introduced in Senate

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Source last updated: Jan 14, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

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Progressive lens

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Institutions and government scope

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