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S 61 105th Congress Senate Armed Forces and National Security Administrative fees Cemeteries and funerals History Labor and Employment Law Merchant marine Merchant seamen Military discharges Transportation and Public Works Veterans' benefits World War II

A bill to amend title 46, United States Code, to extend eligibility for veterans' burial benefits, funeral benefits, and related benefits for veterans of certain service in the United States merchant…

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A bill to amend title 46, United States Code, to extend eligibility for veterans' burial benefits, funeral benefits, and related benefits for veterans of certain service in the United States merchant marine during World War II.

Introduced: January 21, 1997 See on congress.gov
This bill died when the 105th Congress ended
It never became law before the 105th Congress (1997–1998) 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 3 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jan 21, 1997
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans.
Jan 21, 1997
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S437)
Jan 21, 1997
Introduced in Senate
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 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Extends veterans' benefits to an individual who served as a member of the U.S. merchant marine between August 16, 1945, and December 31, 1946, who, during that period, was licensed or otherwise documented by an officer or employee of the United States authorized to license or document such an individual as a crewmember of a vessel that at the time of service was: (1) operated by the War Shipping Administration or the Office of Defense Transportation, or an agent thereof; (2) operated in waters other than inland waters, the Great Lakes, other lakes, bays, and harbors of the United States; (3) under contract, charter to, or property of, the U.S. Government; and (4) serving the armed forces.

Establishes application procedures. Requires the issuance of a certificate of honorable discharge to an individual who performed qualified service. Deems qualified service to be active duty in the armed forces during a period of war for purposes of eligibility for benefits.

Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) reimbursement of the Secretary for benefits provided under this Act; and (2) an application processing fee.

What's happening now January 21, 1997

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans.

 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 1
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). S. 61: A bill to amend title 46, United States Code, to extend eligibility for veterans' burial benefits, funeral benefits, and related benefits for veterans of certain service in the United States merchant marine during World War II.. 105th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/105-S-61/
MLA
"S. 61: A bill to amend title 46, United States Code, to extend eligibility for veterans' burial benefits, funeral benefits, and related benefits for veterans of certain service in the United States merchant marine during World War II.." 105th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/105-S-61/.
Bluebook (legal)
S. 61, 105th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/105-S-61/.
Markdown link
[S. 61: A bill to amend title 46, United States Code, to extend eligibility for veterans' burial benefits, funeral benefits, and related benefits for veterans of certain service in the United States merchant marine during World War II.](https://openamerica.io/bill/105-S-61/)
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