Original Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2025

This bill would have the Department of Veterans Affairs set up a Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund to give payments to certain U.S. merchant mariners who served during World War II, including those in the Army Transport Service and Naval Transport Service. Each person who qualifies would get a one-time $25,000 payment. To qualify, you must apply, have “qualified service” during the war, and you cannot have received benefits under the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944. The bill explains what service counts, including the time period and licensing rules.

Key points:

• Who is affected: People who served in the U.S. merchant marine during World War II, including the Army and Naval Transport Services.
• What changes: A new VA fund would pay a one-time $25,000 benefit to those who qualify; you must apply and meet the service rules; those who already received benefits under the 1944 law are not eligible.