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HR 1415 103th Congress House

Combat Merchant Mariners Benefits Act of 1993

Official title: To provide veterans benefits to certain individuals serving in the United States merchant marine in a combat zone during a period of war, and for other purposes.

Introduced: March 24, 1993 See on congress.gov
Armed Forces and National Security CommemorationsFeesMerchant marineMerchant seamen
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Military medals, decorations, etc.Veterans' benefitsWar
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This bill died when the 103rd Congress ended
It never became law before the 103rd Congress (1993–1994) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 10 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Mar 31, 1993
Executive Comment Requested from DOT.
Mar 31, 1993
Referred to the Subcommittee On Merchant Marine.
Mar 25, 1993
Referred to the Subcommittee on Compensation, Pension and Insurance.
Mar 25, 1993
Referred to the Subcommittee on Hospitals and Health Care.
Mar 25, 1993
Referred to the Subcommittee on Housing and Memorial Affairs.
Mar 25, 1993
Referred to the Subcommittee on Education, Training and Employment.
Mar 18, 1993
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Mar 18, 1993
Referred to the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.
Mar 18, 1993
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E690)
Mar 18, 1993
Introduced in House
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 Latest action March 31, 1993

Executive Comment Requested from DOT.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Combat Merchant Mariners Benefits Act of 1993 - Provides that: (1) service in the U.S. merchant marine during a period of war for a total period equal to at least 12 months shall be considered active duty in determining eligibility for veterans benefits; and (2) such service may be verified by entries in a continuous discharge book, a certificate of discharge to merchant seamen, a certificate of substantially continuous service, or other documentation available from the Secretary of Transportation or the head of any other Federal agency.

Limits eligibility.

Specifies that: (1) the minimum active-duty service requirement of any law administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs shall apply in determining eligibility for veterans' benefits under this Act; (2) the 12-month requirement under this Act shall not apply to an individual who is permanently disabled in the performance of such service while the vessel is subjected to hostile action; and (3) such service may have been rendered before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act, with a limitation.

Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide that any medal awarded to a member of the merchant marine for service during a period of war be provided without charge.

 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 7
 Cosponsors 1
All 1 Democratic 1
D
Clyburn, James E.
South Carolina · Mar 24, 1993
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 1415: Combat Merchant Mariners Benefits Act of 1993. 103rd Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/103-HR-1415/
MLA
"H.R. 1415: Combat Merchant Mariners Benefits Act of 1993." 103rd Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/103-HR-1415/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 1415, 103rd Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/103-HR-1415/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 1415: Combat Merchant Mariners Benefits Act of 1993](https://openamerica.io/bill/103-HR-1415/)
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