G. K. Butterfield actually said...

"Seeing this bill signed into law is a personal priority and I am hopeful that this hearing signals that I am one step closer to achieving that goal on behalf of World War II Merchant Mariners."

"Passing this bill is the right thing to do and now is the right time to do it."

"This legislation would expand the acceptable forms of documentation used to determine eligibility for benefits as a Merchant Marine."

"For the past three Congresses, I have led a strong bipartisan effort to recognize individuals that served our country during World War II in the Merchant Marine."