[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 65 (Thursday, May 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E640]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING OUR WWII MERCHANT MARINERS ACT OF 2013

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                            HON. JANICE HAHN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 9, 2013

  Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, during World War II, millions of Americans in 
uniform fought bravely to secure freedom and peace throughout the 
world. We made sure to honor their sacrifices by ensuring we took care 
of them at home, through initiatives such as the G.I. Bill and other 
services meant to support our veterans. However, many of those who made 
the ultimate sacrifice during the war were not actually part of the 
U.S. military.
  During the war, U.S. Merchant Mariners were responsible for 
transporting troops and delivering supplies for the military. Even 
though they were mainly used as an auxiliary fleet, hundreds of ships 
and thousands of men were lost to enemy submarines and aircraft, 
including dangerous missions ferrying supplies to western Europe and 
even Russia. Though the role of non-uniformed merchant sailors in World 
War II may have faded, it was one of the most critical roles played 
during the early part of the war.
  Unfortunately, those who served this nation so valiantly during that 
time, have never been eligible for the tuition subsidies, home loan 
guarantees or other provisions of the G.I. Bill that helped millions of 
veterans go to college, secure a home and transition seamlessly into 
civilian life. The fact that we are not providing similar benefits to 
those who have risked their lives for this country is simply 
unfathomable.
  That's why I am introducing the ``Honoring Our WWII Merchant Marine 
Act for 2013.'' This bill would provide a $1,000 monthly benefit to the 
nearly 10,000 surviving World War II Mariners. By providing this modest 
benefit, we will finally be giving our brave merchant mariners the 
recognition they rightfully deserve.

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