Christopher Shays: “as a cosponsor of H.R. 23, I am pleased to support this legislation on the House floor today. The duty performed by the…”

“as a cosponsor of H.R. 23, I am pleased to support this legislation on the House floor today. The duty performed by the U.S. Merchant Marines during World War II was courageous and vital to our national interest. H.R. 23 would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly benefit of $1,000 to U.S. Merchant Marine veterans who served in the Army and Navy Transport Services between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946, or to their survivors. During World War II, the Army and Navy Transport Services delivered troops and supplies to the front lines. These men often put their lives in danger to keep supplies flowing, but Merchant Marine veterans were not granted benefits under the G.I. Bill of Rights that Congress enacted in 1945. All those who served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or Coast Guard were recipients of benefits under the G.I. Bill. The United States Merchant Marine regretfully was not included. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.”