Congressional hearing addresses legislation to benefit merchant marine veterans of World War II

Congressional hearing addresses legislation to benefit merchant marine veterans of World War II

The House of Representatives Committee on Veterans' Affairs, led by Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA), held a hearing April 18 on H.R. 23, "The Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act."

U.S. merchant mariners played a critical role in the U.S. victory during World War II, delivering troops, tanks, food, airplanes, fuel and other needed supplies to every theater of the war, stated the committee's announcement of the hearing. Merchant mariners were the necessary link between the supplies and equipment that were manufactured in the U.S. and used overseas. Merchant mariners took part in every invasion from Normandy to Okinawa. Only the U.S. Marine Corps suffered a higher casualty rate.

Despite their service, U.S. merchant mariners were not included in the 1944 G.I. Bill of Rights, the announcement stated. In 1988, they were finally granted veteran status, but many portions of the G.I. Bill have never been made available to the merchant marine and the lost benefits can never be recouped.

"While it is impossible to make up for over forty years of unpaid benefits, H.R. 23 will acknowledge the service of the veterans of the merchant marine and offer compensation," said Rep. Filner, the sponsor of H.R. 23. "A wrong has existed for too long and it must be corrected."

Witnesses testifying at the hearing included Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE), who introduced companion legislation to H.R. 23 in the Senate.

Comments for the record were submitted by AMO National President Tom Bethel; Michael Sacco, president of the Seafarers International Union of North America; Timothy Brown, president of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots; and Ron Davis, president of the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association. Their comments for the record included the following:

"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 2007' and to urge your Committee to favorably report this legislation. The organizations we represent have the privilege of including among our retired and active seagoing members individuals who served our country with honor and distinction during World War II, and their descendents.

"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.

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