THE NATION - News from May 13, 2009
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Merchant mariners who survived German U-boats and lived for six more decades may finally get a financial reward under legislation approved by the House.
The measure passed by voice vote would provide a monthly benefit of $1,000 to those who served in the U.S. Merchant Marine between Dec. 7, 1941, and Dec. 31, 1946. Of the 250,000 merchant mariners during World War II, fewer than 10,000 are believed to be alive.
The cost of the legislation over a five-year period was estimated at $438 million. Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) has introduced similar legislation in the Senate.
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