[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 12, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H5422-H5428]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
BELATED THANK YOU TO THE MERCHANT MARINERS OF WORLD WAR II ACT OF 2009
Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 23) to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish the Merchant Mariner Equity
Compensation Fund to provide benefits to certain individuals who served
in the United States Merchant Marine (including the Army Transport
Service and the Naval Transport Service) during World War II, as
amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 23
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Belated Thank You to the
Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. PAYMENTS TO INDIVIDUALS WHO SERVED DURING WORLD WAR
II IN THE UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE.
(a) Establishment of Compensation Fund.--Subchapter II of
chapter 5 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 533. Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund
``(a) Compensation Fund.--(1) There is in the general fund
of the Treasury a fund to be known as the `Merchant Mariner
Equity Compensation Fund' (in this section referred to as the
`compensation fund').
``(2) Subject to the availability of appropriations for
such purpose, amounts in the compensation fund shall be
available to the Secretary without fiscal year limitation to
make payments to eligible individuals in accordance with this
section.
``(b) Eligible Individuals.--(1) An eligible individual is
an individual who--
``(A) during the one-year period beginning on the date of
the enactment of the Belated Thank You to the Merchant
Mariners of World War II Act of 2009, submits to the
Secretary an application containing such information and
assurances as the Secretary may require;
``(B) has not received benefits under the Servicemen's
Readjustment Act of 1944 (Public Law 78-346); and
``(C) has engaged in qualified service.
``(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), a person has engaged
in qualified service if, between December 7, 1941, and
December 31, 1946, the person--
``(A) was a member of the United States merchant marine
(including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport
Service) serving as a crewmember of a vessel that was--
``(i) operated by the War Shipping Administration or the
Office of Defense Transportation (or an agent of the
Administration or Office);
``(ii) operated in waters other than inland waters, the
Great Lakes, and other lakes, bays, and harbors of the United
States;
``(iii) under contract or charter to, or property of, the
Government of the United States; and
``(iv) serving the Armed Forces; and
``(B) while so serving, was licensed or otherwise
documented for service as a crewmember of such a vessel by an
officer or employee of the United States authorized to
license or document the person for such service.
``(c) Amount of Payments.--The Secretary shall make a
monthly payment out of the compensation fund in the amount of
$1,000 to an eligible individual. The Secretary shall make
such payments to eligible individuals in the order in which
the Secretary receives the applications of the eligible
individuals.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--(1) There are
authorized to be appropriated to the compensation fund
amounts as follows:
``(A) For fiscal year 2010, $120,000,000.
``(B) For fiscal year 2011, $108,000,000.
``(C) For fiscal year 2012, $97,000,000.
``(D) For fiscal year 2013, $85,000,000.
[[Page H5423]]
``(E) For fiscal year 2014, $75,000,000.
``(2) Funds appropriated to carry out this section shall
remain available until expended.
``(e) Reports.--The Secretary shall include, in documents
submitted to Congress by the Secretary in support of the
President's budget for each fiscal year, detailed information
on the operation of the compensation fund, including the
number of applicants, the number of eligible individuals
receiving benefits, the amounts paid out of the compensation
fund, the administration of the compensation fund, and an
estimate of the amounts necessary to fully fund the
compensation fund for that fiscal year and each of the three
subsequent fiscal years.
``(f) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe
regulations to carry out this section.''.
(b) Regulations.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prescribe the
regulations required under section 532(f) of title 38, United
States Code, as added by subsection (a).
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the
item related to section 532 the following new item:
``533. Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund.''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Filner) and the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
General Leave
Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks
and include extraneous material on H.R. 23, as amended.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise in strong support of H. Res. 23, the Belated Thank You to the
Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2009, a measure, frankly,
whose passage is six decades overdue.
I think today we are on the verge of doing a great deed, providing a
way to finally give the heroic Merchant Mariners of World War II the
belated compensation they so richly deserve. Congress has a
responsibility to correct the wrongs of the past, and this is one of
the grave injustices that deserve rectifying.
I thank all the cosponsors of the resolution, including some 40
Republicans. I know that many of you were trying to be added as
cosponsors after the report was filed. I just would like to name for
the record Mr. Tierney, Mr. Meek, Ms. Jenkins and Mr. Kildee.
{time} 1515
For the remaining Members of the House who are not cosponsors of the
amended version which passed unanimously out of the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs, let me tell you the sad history of these forgotten
heroes.
The merchant mariners of World War II traversed the dangerous U-boat-
laden waters of the Atlantic and the Pacific, faced down fierce attacks
from enemy aircraft, and were instrumental in every theater of war by
carrying 95 percent of all the tanks, supplies, and troops during World
War II.
As a result, they suffered the highest casualty rate of any of the
military branches. It is indisputable that the Allied Forces would not
have been able to begin, sustain, or end World War II without their
valiant and selfless service. It is also indisputable that these men
now are entitled to be compensated for that service. After the war,
they did not receive recognition as veterans that they deserved or the
benefits of the unprecedented GI Bill of 1944, which they had earned
and were promised. Eight million military families were able to take
advantage of that GI Bill, entering the middle class, but the merchant
mariners were not.
When the GI Bill was signed in 1944, as I said, which gave
unprecedented education, housing, small business loans, and health
benefits to World War II servicemembers, President Roosevelt declared,
after losing the fight to have the merchant mariners included in the
original bill, ``I trust Congress will soon provide similar
opportunities to members of the Merchant Marine who have risked their
lives time and time again for the welfare of their country.'' Congress
never did. My friends, promises made should be promises kept.
Their fight for equity continued for over 40 years when they finally
attained veteran status after a lengthy court battle, Schumacher,
Willner, et al. v. Secretary of the Air Force Edward C. Aldridge, Jr.
By then, over 125,000 mariners had died. As the judge ruled in that
case, the mariners had ``every reasonable expectation that they would
be treated as veterans'' entitled to the benefits of the GI Bill of
Rights of 1944, based on the service they performed, not happened to
perform. History supports this conclusion.
I had the distinct privilege of receiving the heart-wrenching
testimony, during a full committee hearing, of one of the named parties
to this lawsuit, a merchant mariner named Stanley Willner. Stanley was
captured, interned, beaten, starved, and tortured as a POW for 3 years.
He was actually one of the unfortunate groups of Allied Forces forced
to build the infamous bridge over the River Kwai. Upon release, he
weighed 74 pounds, and when he returned home, even his wife did not
recognize him. And neither did his country. He received just 2 weeks of
medical care and little else for his service. What a miscarriage of
justice.
Madam Speaker, it was only due to a sad confluence of powerful events
after the war that this country did not bestow the brave men of the
World War II Merchant Marine with veteran status until 1988. I think
that if the mariners would be on the floor today, they would say they
should not have been subject to a ``process'' to determine whether they
were veterans.
The mariners and many others thought that they would get these
benefits since many thought they were enlisting for duty. They were
denied this status unjustly and in violation of the assurances that
they would partake in the GI Bill of 1944. Their valiant service was
recognized by all the leaders of the Allied Forces from Generals
MacArthur to Eisenhower.
Madam Speaker, I include in the Record a list of quotes by President
Roosevelt regarding their courageous service.
Relevant Historical Quotes on the Role of United States Merchant Marine
During World War II
Quotes from President Franklin D. Roosevelt
May, 1942: ``The war is now five months old and we have had
our answer. Two million men have been called to the colors.
In far places and near, our soldiers, our sailors, our air
pilots, the beleaguered men of the Merchant Marine, have
shown the stuff of heroes. Everything we have asked of them
they have delivered. Everything--and more.''
December 12, 1942: ``It is with a feeling of great pride
that I send my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to
the officers and men of the new U.S. Maritime Service
Training Station at Sheepshead Bay. New York. Ten thousand
apprentice seamen in training at one station is a magnificent
achievement, and the entire country joins me in wishing you
every success and in paying tribute to you men of the
Merchant Marine who are so gallantly working and fighting
side by side with our Army and Navy to defend the way of life
which is so dear to us all.''
1943: ``The men of our American Merchant Marine have pushed
through despite the perils of the submarine, the dive bomber
and the surface raider. They have returned voluntarily to
their jobs at sea again and again, because they realized that
the life-lines to our battle fronts would be broken if they
did not carry out their vital part in this global war . . .
In their hands, our vital supply lines are expanding. Their
skill and determination will keep open the highway to victory
and unconditional surrender.''
September 19, 1944: ``It seems to me particularly
appropriate that Victory Fleet Day this year should honor the
men and management of the American Merchant Marine. The
operators in this war have written one of its most brilliant
chapters. They have delivered the goods when and where needed
in every theater of operations and across every ocean in the
biggest, the most difficult and dangerous transportation job
ever undertaken. As time goes on, there will be greater
public understanding of our merchant fleet's record during
this war.''
June 22, 1944 (during signing of GI Bill): ``I trust
Congress will soon provide similar opportunities to members
of the merchant marine who have risked their lives time and
time again during war for the welfare of their country.''
Quotes from Dwight D. Eisenhower, General of the Army
Date Unknown: ``Every man in this Allied command is quick
to express his admiration for the loyalty, courage, and
fortitude of the officers and men of the Merchant Marine. We
count upon their efficiency and their utter devotion to duty
as we do our own; they have never failed us yet and in all
the struggles yet to come we know that they will never be
deterred by any danger, hardship, or privation. When final
victory is ours there is no organization that will share its
credit more deservedly than the Merchant Marine.''
May 8, 1945 (From his Tribute on V-E Day): ``The truly
heroic man of this war is GI Joe
[[Page H5424]]
and his counterpart of the Air, Navy, and Merchant Marine.''
1945: ``The officers and men of the merchant marine, by
their devotion to duty in the face of enemy action, as well
as the natural dangers of the sea, have brought us the tools
to finish the job. Their contribution to final victory will
be long remembered.''
Quotes from Douglas MacArthur, General of the Army
Date Unknown: ``I wish to commend to you the valor of the
merchant seamen participating with us in the liberation of
the Philippines. With us they have shared the heaviest enemy
fire. On this island I have ordered them off their ships and
into fox holes when their ships became untenable targets of
attack. At our side they have suffered in bloodshed and in
death. The caliber of efficiency and the courage they
displayed in their part of the invasion of the Philippines
marked their conduct throughout the entire campaign in the
southwest Pacific area. They have contributed tremendously to
our success. I hold no branch in higher esteem than the
Merchant Marine.''
October 14, 1945: ``They have brought us our lifeblood and
they had paid for it with some of their own. I saw them
bombed off the Philippines and in New Guinea ports. When it
was humanly possible, when their ships were not blown out
from under them by bombs or torpedoes, they have delivered
their cargoes to us who needed them so badly. In war it is
performance that counts.''
Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, U.S. Navy, Chief of Naval Operations
War Shipping Administration Press Release PR 1839, April
23, 1944: ``The Merchant Marine Service has repeatedly proved
its right to be considered as an integral part of our
fighting team. Its efforts have contributed in great part to
our success. Well done.
There is one quote that is particularly telling of the broken
promise, made by then General Dwight D. Eisenhower, delivered on May 8,
1945, during his tribute on V-E Day: ``The truly heroic man of this war
is GI Joe and his counterpart of the Air, Navy, and Merchant Marine.''
Madam Speaker, how do you measure the loss of the GI Bill benefits
that helped build the middle class of the United States, the missed
opportunities and the dreams unrealized? That is what H.R. 23 will do,
create a semblance of equity for the mariners of World War II. Undo
this broken promise and unmitigated travesty of justice by providing
this monthly benefit to the remaining 10,000 qualifying mariners.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise in opposition. I rise in opposition, and I would say to the
chairman, as a history professor, I know that you must embrace history
and not be a revisionist of history.
I'm greatly disappointed with regard to this legislation. I'm
disappointed because this is an attempt to say that he wants to resolve
an inequity through discrimination so that your bias towards one
specific group is so strong among the veterans community that you will
discriminate against others. And I will even use your example of your
friend with regard to his service as a merchant mariner, as a prisoner
of war building the bridge over the River Kwai. It means that other
POWs who served with him would not be entitled to the special monthly
payment, that you believe that that merchant mariner is so special that
all other prisoners of war should not receive such payment.
You see, there's a reason that those of us who have worn the uniform
do not do this. The only time we have provided a service pension, a
service pension, are for Medal of Honor recipients. We do not provide
service pensions, and that's exactly what this is. So we're paying
$1,100 to Medal of Honor recipients, and you want to pay now $1,000 to
merchant mariners. Yet there are 28 groups of whom are similarly
situated, individuals of whom were contractor status during the war.
Now, we need to stop and pause and think about what we are doing
here. Ever since the American Revolution, our government has utilized
contractors as our combatants go to war. Whether it was in the
Revolution, whether it was the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War,
the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II,
Korea, Vietnam, the first Gulf War, and, in fact, the present wars in
Iraq and Afghanistan, we all used contractors. So after World War II,
we created a process whereby these contractors then could be granted
that ``veteran status.'' So for merchant mariners, the question of
their valor, even the question of their status has now been resolved.
What's before the House is now with regard to a particular group of
veterans that we're going to treat them differently, that we're going
to say that you have such unique status that we are going to give you a
$1,000-a-month payment, a service pension, when, in fact, we don't even
do that for anyone else.
So I am greatly disappointed that this type of legislation is brought
to the floor. This is legislation that should never have been done.
Members are just flying back now, so they aren't even sure about this
legislation or what it's about, and they're thinking that, well,
because it came out of the committee, it must be great legislation. It
must be veterans legislation. We all must be arm in arm and let's go
ahead and pass it. Time out. I think we should be very cautious and
careful.
Like I said, we don't even give a specialty payment to prisoners of
war, and we're going to select a particular group of individuals to
give them.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time because I have
further comments I would like to make.
Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I would like to yield such time as he may
consume to one of our new Members who has been very active on our
committee, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Nye).
Mr. NYE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of our
merchant mariners from World War II and to urge this House to provide
them with the compensation that is many years overdue.
I would first like to thank Chairman Filner for his tireless work and
his commitment to this issue. As a representative from an area with a
long maritime tradition, it means a lot to me personally.
The Merchant Marines were an integral part of our fighting forces
during the Second World War. Just like our war fighters, they answered
the country's call. And just like those brave soldiers, sailors,
airmen, and marines, many of our merchant mariners made the ultimate
sacrifice.
Over 1,500 Merchant Marine ships were sunk during the war, many of
them by German U-boats during the perilous crossing of the North
Atlantic. By the end of the war, our merchant mariners had suffered the
highest casualty rate of any service. Of the approximately 250,000
Americans who served on our Merchant ships, more than one out of every
26 was killed.
But despite these sacrifices, they were not granted the same benefits
that other veterans received. They were promised benefits by President
Roosevelt, but they were systematically cut out of the GI Bill, health
care, loans, and the other tools that our grateful Nation provided to
our ``Greatest Generation.''
Even though many of our merchant marines were eventually granted
veteran status many years later, the effects of their unequal treatment
put them at a disadvantage that continues to this day.
That is why I am proud to be a cosponsor of H.R. 23. This bill will
provide each qualifying merchant mariner with a $1,000 monthly stipend,
a small step in the right direction of acknowledging the great
sacrifices that these brave men made.
Madam Speaker, this is an injustice that should never have happened.
It should have been fixed long ago. But with every year that passes,
there are fewer and fewer of these men left among us. It is now 2009,
over 63 years after the end of World War II, and it is long past time
for us to right this wrong.
I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.
Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
This conversation we are having here on the floor with regard to
degrees of valor is off the mark. Merchant mariners exhibited valor.
They have been granted their veteran status. The question is whether we
should now give them a service pension, which we do not do for any
other veterans groups except the most highly decorated veterans, our
Medal of Honor recipients.
The argument being made is that merchant mariners were shortchanged
because they did not receive GI Bill benefits, unlike the members of
the Armed Forces who then served in
[[Page H5425]]
World War II. However, 28 other groups that also provided military-
related service in the U.S. during World War II have received veteran
status in the same manner as merchant mariners and, likewise, did not
qualify for GI Bill benefits.
If equity were really the issue, this bill would help these groups,
too. But H.R. 23, as amended, does not. This bill unfairly ignores them
and, thus, does not provide full equity. It creates an inequity among
veterans, distinguishing the value of one group over and above someone
else, something that we don't do in the military. We're very cautious
and very careful not to do that type of thing, to say that, well, if
you're a combatant and you're on the front line, then your service is
more important than someone who is in a rear echelon, or, gosh, if you
were back in the home States or in the National Guard, then your
service isn't as important as somebody who is on the battlefield. Time
out. We don't do that in the military.
The reason we don't do that is we look at everybody as a team, as one
team. So when we go to a theater of operations, it may take seven to
actually put one combatant on the field of battle because everybody is
important, from the theater Army all the way to the actual combatants.
And as a matter of fact, when they fall on the battlefield, maybe when
they go to Landstuhl, Germany, they come back to the States. Everybody
is an important part of the team, and we don't then make discriminatory
judgments that someone's military service is more important than
another and, thereby, Congress then awards a service pension.
I'm just appealing to the Members do not do this. It will have
consequences among the ranks and the services of our military.
I would like to talk about the other 28 groups. One of these other
groups of veterans of whom are being discriminated here against if this
legislation passes is the American all-volunteer group famously known
as the Flying Tigers. They were American P-40 pilots and ground crews
who worked for the Chinese Government in the air defense of Rangoon and
other parts of China before and after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The
Flying Tigers are credited with destroying an impressive 297 enemy
aircraft and had one of the best kill ratios of any air group in the
Pacific theater. There were approximately 80 pilots that flew for the
Flying Tigers, of which 21 died in service.
{time} 1530
An amazing 19 of them were credited with five or more air-to-air
victories, making them aces. Nineteen out of the 80 pilots were aces.
But they are not worthy for this service pension, okay, because we are
not going to do that. Of the over 300 original members of the Flying
Tigers, 18 of them are still alive today.
Another one of the groups that is being discriminated against here
today I would like to highlight is the Women Airforce Service Pilots,
the WASPS. There is even a colleague of mine who has legislation to get
them the Congressional Medal of Honor. Yet a vote in favor of this
legislation today discriminates against the Women Airforce Service
Pilots. These were female pilots who flew every type of mission that an
Army Air Force male pilot flew during World War II, except combat
missions.
They freed up their male pilots for combat by flying planes from
factories to air fields and flew over 60 million miles in every type of
aircraft in the Army Air Force arsenal, from the fastest of fighters to
heaviest of bombers. More than 25,000 women applied for WASPS service
and less than 1,900 were accepted. After completing months of military
flight training, 1,078 of them earned their wings and became the first
women in history to fly American military aircraft. Thirty-eight of
these brave women died while serving their country.
Madam Speaker, these are just some of the stories of two of these
groups out of the 28 who all served loyally, selflessly, and
courageously. Yet their service also contributed directly to victory in
1945, but they are being ignored and discriminated against by the
legislation before us.
In May 11 of this year, a letter to all Members opposing H.R. 23, as
amended, the Veterans of Foreign Wars stated with respect to the
Merchant Mariners of World War II that ``singling out this group, no
matter how valiant their service, will create inequities. Congress
should not single them out for special benefits when they are not
provided to other groups.''
Madam Speaker, I offered an amendment at the full committee of H.R.
23, as amended, to include these other 28 groups, who are similarly
situated. It was rejected on a 15-14 vote.
I would like to insert the May 11, 2009, letter from the VFW and the
names of the other 28 groups who have been granted veteran status of
World War II to be placed into the Record.
Veterans of Foreign Wars
of the United States,
Washington DC, May 11, 2009.
Dear Representative: This week, the House of
Representatives is expected to take action on H.R. 23, the
Belated Thank You to the Merchant Marines of World War II
Act. This legislation would grant a $1,000 monthly benefit to
individuals who served in the Merchant Marines between
December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946, The Veterans of
Foreign Wars of the U.S. has serious concerns with the equity
of this bill, and we urge you to oppose it.
The VFW has no doubt about the dedication and bravery the
Merchant Marines demonstrated during World War II. Their
contributions to the war effort in transporting cargo to keep
forces supplied enabled the Allied forces to win the War.
They suffered heavy casualties. with nearly one-in-26 dying
in the Atlantic theater. We value and salute their efforts.
However, the VFW cannot support a special monthly benefit
for this single group. Merchant Marines are just one of 28
civilian groups that have been awarded Veterans status by
virtue of their military-related service. Not one of these
other 28 groups receives a special monthly benefit such as
this. In fact, the only group of veterans that receives a
special monthly benefit is Medal of Honor recipients.
Singling this group out--no matter how valiant their
service--would create inequities. Congress should not single
them out for special benefits when they are not provided to
other groups, such as the Women's Air Force Service Pilots
(WASPs) or those honorably discharged members of ``The Flying
Tigers.'' Further, many World War II veterans who served on
the front lines are not receiving any form of compensation,
and certainly not a $1,000 monthly benefit. We cannot put one
group ahead of all others.
The VFW is also concerned about the funding for this
proposal. The special monthly benefit would consume almost
$500 million of the VA's budget over the next five years.
With waves of service members returning from Iraq and
Afghanistan and presenting challenges for the entire VA
health care system, especially for those who are grievously
wounded, taking away money to give a special bonus to one
segment of veterans is not right. This is especially true
because the vast majority of the Merchant Marines covered
under this bill are already entitled to VA health care and
most veterans' benefits.
The VFW greatly respects their bravery and their
dedication, but we cannot support legislation that singles
them out above other deserving groups. We ask you to keep
these issues in mind, and to oppose this bill's passage.
Very truly yours,
Robert E. Wallace,
Executive Director.
World War II Service by Particular Groups
A number of groups who provided military-related service to the
United States can receive VA benefits. A discharge by the Secretary of
Defense is needed to qualify. Service in the following groups has been
certified as active military service for benefits purposes:
RECOGNIZED GROUPS UNDER PUBLIC LAW 95-202
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date of
recognition Recognized group
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1............................. 8 Mar 79......... Women's Air Force
Service Pilots
(WASPs) (WWII).
2............................. 18 Mar 80........ Women's Army
Auxiliary Corps
(WAAC) (WWII).
3............................. 22 Jan 81........ Civilian Employees,
Pacific Naval Air
Bases, Who Actively
Participated in the
Defense of Wake
Island during WWII.
4............................. 17 Jul 81........ Male Civilian Ferry
Pilots (WWII).
5............................. 7 Apr 82......... Wake Island defenders
from Guam (WWII).
6............................. 27 Dec 82........ Civilian Personnel
Assigned to the
Secret Intelligence
Element of the OSS.
(WWII).
7............................. 10 May 83........ Guam Combat Patrol
(WWII).
[[Page H5426]]
8............................. 7 Feb 84......... Quartermaster Corps
Keswick Crew on
Corregidor (WWII).
9............................. 7 Feb 84......... U.S. Civilian
Volunteers Who
Actively
Participated in the
Defense of Bataan
(WWII).
10............................ 18 Oct 85........ U.S. Merchant Seamen
Who Served on
Blockships in
Support of Operation
Mulberry in the
World War II
invasion of Normandy
(WWII).
11............................ 19 Jan 88........ American Merchant
Marine in Oceangoing
Service during the
Period of Armed
Conflict, December
7, 1941 to August
15, 1945 (WWII).
12............................ 2 Aug 88......... Civilian U.S. Navy
IFF Technicians Who
Served in the Combat
Areas of the Pacific
during World War II
(December 7, 1941 to
August 15, 1945)
(WWII).
13............................ 30 Aug 90........ U.S. Civilians of the
American Field
Service (AFS) Who
Served Overseas
Under U.S. Armies
and U.S. Army Groups
in World War II
During the Period
December 7, 1941
through May 8, 1945
(WWII).
14............................ 5 Oct 90......... U.S. Civilian Flight
Crew and Aviation
Ground Support
Employees of
American Airlines
Who Served Overseas
as a result of
American Airlines'
Contract with Air
Transport Command
during the Period
December 14, 1941
through August 14,
1945 (WWII).
15............................ 8 Apr 91......... Civilian Crewmen of
the United States
Coast and Geodetic
Survey vessels who
performed their
service in areas of
immediate military
hazard while
conducting
cooperative
operations with and
for the United
States Armed Forces
within a time frame
of December 7, 1941
to August 15, 1945
(WWII) (Qualifying
vessels are: the
Derickson, Explorer,
Gilber, Hilgard, E.
Lester Jones,
Lydonia Patton,
Surveyor,
Wainwright,
Westdahl,
Oceanographer,
Hydrographer and
Pathfinder).
16............................ 3 May 91......... Honorably Discharged
Members of the
American Volunteer
Group (Flying
Tigers) Who Served
During the Period
December 7, 1941 to
July 18, 1942
(WWII).
17............................ 12 May 92........ U.S. Civilian Flight
Crew and Aviation
Ground Support
Employees of United
Air Lines (UAL), Who
Served Overseas as a
Result of UAL's
Contract With the
Air Transport
Command During the
Period December 14,
1941 through August
14, 1945 (WWII).
18............................ 12 May 92........ U.S. Civilian Flight
Crew and Aviation
Ground Support
Employees of
Transcontinental and
Western Air (TWA),
Inc., Who Served
Overseas as a Result
of TWA's Contract
with the Air
Transport Command
during the Period
December 14, 1941
through August 14,
1945 (WWII).
19............................ 29 Jun 92........ U.S. Civilian Flight
Crew and Aviation
Ground Support
Employees of
Consolidated Vultee
Aircraft Corporation
(Convair Division),
Who Served Overseas
as a Result of a
Contract with the
Air Transport
Command during the
Period (WWII) U.S.
Civilian Flight Crew
and Aviation Ground
Support during the
Period December 7,
1941 through August
14, 1945 (WWII).
20............................ 17 Jul 92........ U.S. Civilian Flight
Crew and Aviation
Ground Support
Employees of Pan
American World
Airways and its
subsidiaries and
affiliates, Who
Served Overseas as a
Result of Pan
American's Contract
with the Air
Transport Command
and Naval Air
Transport Service
during the Period
December 14, 1941
through August 14,
1945 (WWII).
21............................ 29 Jun 92........ Honorably Discharged
Members of the
American Volunteer
Guard, Eritrea
Service Command
during the Period
June 21, 1942 to
March 31, 1943
(WWII).
22............................ 13 Dec 93........ U.S. Civilian Flight
Crew and Aviation
Ground Support
Employees of
Northwest Airlines,
Who Served Overseas
as a Result of
Northwest Airlines'
Contract with the
Air Transport
Command during the
Period December 14,
1941 through August
14, 1945 (WWII).
23............................ 13 Dec 93........ U.S. Civilian Female
Employees of the
U.S. Army Nurse
Corps While Serving
in the Defense of
Bataan and
Corregidor During
the Period January
2, 1942 to June 12,
1945 (WWII).
24............................ 2 Jun 97......... U.S. Civilian Flight
Crew and Aviation
Ground Support
Employees of
Northeast Airlines
Atlantic Division,
who served overseas
in the result
Northeast Airlines'
contract with the
Air Transport
Command during the
Period December 7,
1941, to August 14,
1945 (WWII).
25............................ 2 Jun 97......... U.S. Civilian Flight
Crew and Aviation
Ground Support
Employees of Braniff
Airways, who served
overseas in the
North Atlantic or
under the
jurisdiction of the
North Atlantic Wing
as a result of a
contract with Air
Transport Command
during the period
February 26, 1942,
to August 14, 1945
(WWII).
26............................ 30 Sep 99........ Approximately 50
Chamorro and
Carolinian
policemen, who
received military
training and under
the command of the
6th Provisional
Military Police
Battalion, to
accompany U.S.
Marines in combat
patrol activity from
August 19, 1945, to
September 2, 1945.
27............................ 27 Aug 99........ Operational Analysis
Group of the Office
of Scientific
Research and
Development, who
served overseas from
December 7, 1941,
through August 15,
1945.
28............................ 9 Aug 00......... Service as a member
of the Alaska
Territorial Guard
during World War II
of any individual
who was honorably
discharged under
section 8147 of the
Department of
Defense
Appropriations Act
of 2001 (P.L. 106-
259).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now, while I am disappointed with regard to the outcome, I am
encouraged that when the vote was concluded that Chairman Filner had
agreed to consider separate legislation with regard to these groups.
Immediately following the markup, I introduced H.R. 2270, the Benefits
of Qualified World War II Veterans Act of 2009, which provides equity
to those other groups by providing them the same type of payment as
sought here today.
Now that this whole issue is becoming better understood, it is my
hope that other Members will join me in supporting H.R. 2270 to ensure
fair treatment for all of these groups equally deserving.
H.R. 23, as amended, much like the legislation that comes to the
floor, is certainly well meaning, but I must oppose it. I oppose it
because you cannot resolve an inequity through discrimination, and
that's exactly what this bill does.
Madam Speaker, H.R. 23, as amended, would provide an unprecedented
$1,000 monthly payment to World War II Merchant Mariners.
There is no dispute that these mariners braved great danger and
suffered great loss in their service to the Allies.
This service has been recognized. These Merchant Mariners were given
veteran status in 1988 and have VA healthcare and benefits. This bill
would grant them a non-service connected pension unlike anything
Congress has authorized, with one exception: the service pension of
$1,100 for recipients of the Medal of Honor.
Thus, the conversation about the Merchant Marines' degree of valor is
off the mark. They were valorous. They have been granted veterans'
status. The question is whether we should now give them a service
pension, which we do not do for other groups of veterans except our
most highly decorated veterans, our Medal of Honor recipients.
The argument begin made is that the Merchant Mariners were
shortchanged because they did not receive G.I. Bill benefits, unlike
the members of the Armed Forces who served in World War II. However,
twenty-eight other Veterans groups who were also contractors and
mercenaries that also provided military-related service to the U.S. in
World War II have also received veteran status as the Merchant
Mariners, and likewise did not qualify for the G.I. Bill.
If equity was really the issue, this bill should help these groups,
too; but H.R. 23, as amended, unfairly ignores them and thus does not
provide full equity. It creates an inequity among veterans, diminishing
the value of one group's service about others'. It is not possible to
resolve an inequity through bias to Merchant Marines by discriminating
against similarly situated veterans groups.
Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the names of these 28
groups be inserted into the Record with my statement so that the
discriminations against these veterans by this Congress will be noted.
One of those other groups of similarly situated veterans are members
of the American Volunteer Group, famously known as the Flying Tigers.
They were American P-40 pilots and ground crews who worked for the
Chinese government in the air defense of Rangoon and other parts of
China before and after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The Flying Tigers are credited with destroying an impressive 297
enemy aircraft and had one of the best kill ratios of any air group in
the Pacific theater. There were approximately 80 pilots that flew for
the Flying Tigers, of which 21 died in service.
An amazing 19 of them were credited with five or more air to air
victories, making them aces.
Of the over 300 original members of the Flying Tigers only 18 of them
are still with us today--yet the chairman has chosen to discriminate
against them.
Another one of these groups that I would like to highlight are the
Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASPS). These were female pilots who
flew every type of mission that any Army Air Force male pilot flew
during World War II, except combat missions.
They freed up male pilots for combat by flying planes from factories
to airfields and overall flew 60 million miles in every type aircraft
in the Army Air Force arsenal--from the fastest fighters to the
heaviest bombers.
More than 25,000 women applied for WASP service, and fewer than 1,900
were accepted. After completing months of military flight training,
1,078 of them earned their wings and became the first women in history
to fly American military aircraft. Thirty-eight of these brave pilots
died while serving their country--yet the chairman has chosen to
discriminate against them.
Madam Speaker, these are just the stories of two of these groups who
all served loyally, selflessly, and courageously.
Their service contributed directly to victory in 1945 and yet they
are ignored by this bill.
In their May 11th letter to all members opposing H.R. 23, as amended,
the Veterans of Foreign Wars agreed with this argument and stated with
respect to the Merchant Mariners of World War II that, ``Singling out
this group--no matter how valiant their service--would create
inequities. Congress should not single them out for special benefits
when they are not provided to other groups . . .''.
[[Page H5427]]
Madam Speaker I offered an amendment at the Full Committee markup of
H.R. 23, as amended, to include these other 28 groups but it was
rejected by a vote of 15-14.
I am very disappointed by this outcome.
Immediately following the markup, I introduced H.R. 2270, the
Benefits for Qualified World War II Veterans Act of 2009, which
provides equity to these other groups by providing them the same $1,000
a month pension that H.R. 23, as amended, would provide to Merchant
Mariners. Now that this whole issue is becoming better understood, it
is my hope that other members will join me in supporting H.R. 2270 to
ensure fair treatment for all of these groups who are equally
deserving.
H.R. 23, as amended, like much of the legislation that comes to this
floor, is certainly well-meaning. It may well pass the House, although
I have opposed it. And if it does, then it will behoove us to also
provide full equity and pass H.R. 2270 as soon as it can be brought to
the floor. I urge all members to oppose H.R. 23, as amended.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BUYER. I urge all Members to oppose this legislation before us,
and I appeal to them, do not create a service pension that will
differentiate members' service from others. This is the wrong approach.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, without a doubt these men, now
octogenarians, average age almost 85, fought the good fight and gave
our country their all. And H.R. 23 will provide them with the
compensation they earned or was promised them and has been denied for
decades, not just in words but in deeds.
Madam Speaker, I ask that letters of support from the American
Maritime Officers, the International Organization of Masters, Mates &
Pilots, the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association, and the Seafarers
International Union expressing their strong support for H.R. 23, as
amended, be included in the Record.
May 5, 2009.
Hon. Bob Filner,
Chairman, House Veterans' Affairs Committee, Cannon House
Office Building, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: We are writing on behalf of the
undersigned American maritime labor organizations to express
our strong support for H.R. 23, the ``Belated Thank You to
the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2009'' and to
urge your Committee to favorably report this legislation. The
organizations we represent have the privilege of including
among our retired members individuals who served our country
with honor and distinction during World War II. These World
War II merchant mariners are truly representative of the
``Greatest Generation'', and we are extremely proud of them
and the example they have set for all merchant mariners who
continue to respond to our Nation's call whenever and
wherever they are needed.
General Colin Powell, following the Persian Gulf War, said
that: ``Since I became Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,
I have come to appreciate first-hand why our Merchant Marine
has long been called our Nation's fourth arm of defense. The
American seafarer provides an essential service to the well-
being of our Nation as was demonstrated so clearly during
Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm . . . ''
We agree wholeheartedly with you that the enactment of H.R.
23 is necessary ``to correct an injustice that has been
inflicted upon a group of World War II veterans, the World
War II United States merchant mariners.'' We sincerely thank
you, Mr. Chairman, for your initiative in working to address
this injustice by sponsoring legislation to provide long-
overdue recognition and benefits to World War II merchant
mariners. We are also grateful to your colleagues who have
cosponsored H.R. 23 and for their decision to add their names
to the bipartisan supporters who are committed to working
with you and with us for the enactment of H.R. 23 this year.
There is not, nor should there be, any debate as to the
invaluable service given by American merchant mariners during
World War II. In fact, World War II merchant mariners
suffered the highest casualty rate of any of the branches of
the Armed Forces other than the United States Marine Corps,
as they delivered troops, tanks, food, fuel and other needed
equipment and material to every theater of World War II.
Enemy forces sank more than 800 merchant vessels between 1941
and 1944 alone.
As General of the Army, Allied Expeditionary Forces in
Europe, Dwight David Eisenhower stated, ``When final victory
is ours there is no organization that will share its credit,
more deservedly that the Merchant Marine.'' Fleet Admiral
Chester W. Nimitz, Commander in Chief, Pacific Theater, said
that ``The Merchant Marine . . . has repeatedly proved its
right to be considered as an integral part of our fighting
team.''
General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, speaking of the
merchant seamen who supported the liberation of the
Philippines, stated that ``With us, they have shared the
heaviest enemy fire. On these islands I have ordered them off
their ships and into foxholes when their ships became
untenable targets of attack. At our side they have suffered
in bloodshed and death . . . They have contributed
tremendously to our success. I hold no branch in higher
esteem than the Merchant Marine Service.''
Finally, President Franklin Roosevelt eloquently and
accurately summed up the contributions of World War II
merchant mariners, telling the country and the world that
they ``have written one of the most brilliant chapters. They
have delivered the goods when and where needed in every
theater of operations and across every ocean in the biggest,
the most difficult and most dangerous job ever taken.''
Yet, despite this record of exemplary, indispensable
service to America's war efforts, merchant mariners were not
given the formal recognition and benefits granted other
services by the Congress through the GI Bill of Rights in
1945. In fact, no legislation to recognize the contributions
made by World War II merchant mariners was enacted until
Congress extended limited veterans' status to these gallant
American citizens in 1988.
We believe, as you have stated Mr. Chairman, that it is
time to correct this injustice. We believe our country has an
obligation to the remaining World War II merchant mariners,
to fully acknowledge their service and to give them the
measure of benefit called for in H.R. 23. We ask you and your
Committee to take the first step in righting this wrong by
favorably reporting H.R. 23 to the House of Representatives
for its consideration.
We note that during the consideration of H.R. 23 in the
last Congress, changes were made to the legislation that
would, among other things, reduce its overall cost. For
example, it no longer provides any payment of benefits to
survivors' spouses and revised the legislation so that it is
no longer self-funded. Rather, it sets up a Merchant Mariner
Equity Compensation Fund and leaves it to Congress to later
determine funding within its spending caps. Finally, those
who have received benefits under the Servicemen's
Readjustment Act of 1944 (the GI Bill--PL 78-346) are not
eligible for benefits under H.R. 23. The bill, with these
changes, is the legislation that was adopted by the House of
Representatives on July 7, 2007 and we continue to support
H.R. 23 with these changes.
We again thank you and your colleagues for the support you
have shown for the World War II merchant mariners and we
stand ready to work with you for its enactment this year.
Sincerely,
Thomas Bethel, President, American Maritime Officers;
Timothy Brown, President, International Organization of
Masters, Mates & Pilots; Don Keefe, President, Marine
Engineers' Beneficial Association; Anthony Poplawski,
President, Marine Firemen's Union; Gunnar Lundeberg,
President, Sailors' Union of the Pacific; Michael
Sacco, President, Seafarers International Union.
____
National Association
for Uniformed Services',
Springfield, VA, May 11, 2009.
Dear Member of Congress:
On behalf of the National Association for Uniformed
Services (NAUS), celebrating its 41st year representing all
ranks, branches and components of the uniformed services,
their spouses and survivors, I write to ask you to approve
H.R. 23, the Belated Thank You to Merchant Mariners of World
War II Act of 2009. NAUS strongly urges you to recognize
finally, completely, and honorably, the service given in
harm's-way during World War II by members of the U.S.
Merchant Marines.
Despite recent arguments against this bill, H.R. 23 does
not, repeat, not put one group ahead of all others nor does
it take funding away from any other veterans groups or
programs. History shows that the Merchant Mariners of World
War II had every reasonable expectation that they would be
treated as veterans for their service in World War II.
When President Roosevelt signed the GI Bill in 1944, he
said, ``I trust Congress will soon provide similar
opportunities to members of the Merchant Marine who risked
their lives time and again during the War for the welfare of
their country.'' Unfortunately, Congress did not act until 44
years later, long after other war veterans had used the
generous benefits our nation provided and had received the
medical care necessary to treat their wounds.
For all those years, the U.S. Merchant Marine Combat
Veterans received no help from the Government they served and
little to no recognition for wartime service to our country.
They missed out on the GI Bill for their education, the GI
Home Loan Program for purchase of their family home, and
related earned benefits, not to mention the cost of the
medical care they underwent for the wounds, injuries and
illnesses they experienced. Their service was shelved and
taken for granted.
Nearly 300,000 men answered the call to train and serve in
the U.S. Merchant Marine during WWII. Many never returned
home and many others who did return came back with both
physical and mental wounds. These men put their lives on the
line for their country with 9,521 killed (or died from
wounds), 12,000 wounded, 663 taken as Prisoner of War, and 66
who died in POW camps.
Fewer than 10,000 of these brave men, who challenged our
enemy at sea and willingly
[[Page H5428]]
risked life to help win the war, survive today. We ask you to
support those now almost-ancient mariners whose heroic
contribution as members of the ocean-going Merchant Mariners
struggled to help secure the American victory in World War
II.
On behalf of a grateful nation, I urge you to honor these
brave men with your vote for H.R. 23, The Belated Thank You
to the Merchant Mariner Combat Veterans of World War II. Time
is running short for a final thanks to the Merchant Mariner
of World War II. Let us not squander this opportunity. As
always, thank you for your leadership and continued support
of America's veterans.
Sincerely,
William M. Matz, Jr.,
Major General, U.S. Army, Retired,
President.
____
National Association
for Uniformed Services,
Springfield, VA, May 5, 2009.
Hon. Bob Filner,
Chairman, Veterans' Affairs Committee, House of
Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: On behalf of the National Association
for Uniformed Services (NAUS), I write to offer our support
for H.R. 23, The Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners
of World War II Act of 2009, a bill to recognize the
honorable service these brave and courageous individuals gave
in wartime to their country.
By establishing a Merchant Mariners Equity Compensation
Fund, the bill would provide monthly payments of $1,000 to
qualifying members of the United States Merchant Marines who,
motivated by a deep love of country and personal sense of
patriotism, faced enemy action and contributed decisively to
the war's final victory.
NAUS commends your strength of leadership in recognition of
the heroic service put forth during World War II by the
thousands of young men who volunteered for service in the
U.S. Merchant Marine. These forgotten heroes have struggled
for more than six decades for honorable recognition by the
nation they proudly served and their recognition is long
overdue.
Once again, the National Association for Uniformed Services
fully supports The Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners
of World War II Act. We appreciate working with you and thank
you for your leadership in recognizing the vital role these
brave men served in helping to win the war.
Sincerely,
William M. Matz, Jr.,
Major General, U.S. Army, Retired,
President.
Madam Speaker, William Matz, Jr., major general of the U.S. Army,
retired, who is president of the National Association for Uniformed
Services, wrote to all Members of Congress that ``on behalf of NAUS
celebrating its 41st year representing all ranks, branches and
components of the uniformed services, their spouses and survivors, I
write to ask you to approve H.R. 23, the Belated Thank You to Merchant
Mariners of World War II Act of 2009. NAUS strongly urges you to
recognize finally, completely, and honorably, the service given in
harm's way during World War II by members of the U.S. Merchant Marines.
``Despite recent arguments against this bill, H.R. 23 does not,
repeat, not put one group ahead of all others nor does it take funding
away from any other veterans group or programs. History shows that the
Merchant Mariners of World War II had every reasonable expectation that
they would be treated as veterans for their service in World War II.
``When President Roosevelt signed the GI Bill in 1944, he said, `I
trust Congress will soon provide similar opportunities to members of
the Merchant Marine who risked their lives time and time again during
the War for the welfare of their country.' Unfortunately, Congress did
not act until 44 years later, long after other war veterans had used
the generous benefits our Nation provided and had received the medical
care necessary to their wounds.
``For all those years, the U.S. Merchant Marine Combat Veterans
received no help from the government they served and little to no
recognition for wartime service to our country. They missed out on the
GI Bill for their education, the GI Home Loan Program for purchase of
their family home, and related earned benefits, not to mention the cost
of the medical care they underwent for the wounds, injuries and
illnesses they experienced. Their service was shelved and taken for
granted.
``Nearly 300,000 men answered the call to train and serve in the U.S.
Merchant Marine during World War II. Many never returned home and many
others who did return came back with both physical and mental wounds.
These men put their lives on the line for their country with 9,521
killed (or died from wounds) 12,000 wounded, 663 taken as prisoner of
war, and 66 who died in POW camps.
``Fewer than 10,000 of these brave men, who challenged our enemy at
sea and willingly risked life to help win the war, survive today. We
ask you to support these now almost-ancient mariners whose heroic
contribution as members of the ocean-going merchant mariners struggled
to help secure the American victory in World War II.
``On behalf of a grateful Nation, I urge you to honor these brave men
with your vote for H.R. 23, the Belated Thank You to the Merchant
Mariner Combat Veterans of World War II. Time is running short for a
final thanks to the merchant mariner of World War II. Let us not
squander this opportunity.''
Madam Speaker, that was the letter from the president of the National
Association for Uniformed Services, Major General William Matz of the
U.S. Army, Retired.
I can say it no better, and I urge my colleagues to unanimously
support H.R. 23, as amended.
I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from California (Mr. Filner) that the House suspend the rules
and pass the bill, H.R. 23, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________