Original Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2025

One-time $25,000 for World War II Merchant Mariners

If enacted, this bill would create a Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund in the Treasury. It would authorize $125 million for fiscal year 2026, available until spent, but only if Congress appropriates it. Eligible people could apply during the one-year period after enactment. If eligible, the Secretary would pay one one-time $25,000 check to each eligible merchant mariner. To be eligible, you must have served as a U.S. merchant mariner (including Army or Naval Transport Service) between Dec 7, 1941 and Dec 31, 1946 on government-operated vessels serving the Armed Forces, not have received benefits under the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, and submit the information the Secretary requires. The VA would accept a DD-214 as proof of service. Payments would be made in the order applications are received. The Secretary must write rules to run the program within 180 days and report yearly to Congress on the fund.