H.R. 2056House116th Congress (2019-2021)In Committee

To recognize and honor the service of individuals who served in the United States Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II, and for other purposes.

Introduced April 3, 2019

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Updated April 14, 2026 at 3:45 AM UTC

The bill honors people who served in the United States Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II by officially treating their service as active military duty. It directs the Secretary of Defense to issue each former cadet an honorable discharge and to recognize them as veterans, though they will not receive standard VA benefits except for burial rights. The measure also allows the creation of a special medal or commendation for these individuals.

Key Provisions

  • The Secretary of Defense must declare Cadet Nurse Corps service (July 1 1943 – Dec 31 1948) as active military service.
  • Within one year, each former cadet must receive an honorable discharge.
  • Recipients are to be honored as veterans but are not eligible for VA benefits, except they qualify for burial benefits under existing military burial rules.
  • The Secretary of Defense may design and award a service medal or other commendation to recognize these individuals.

Legislative Activity

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2 earlier actions
HouseCommittee Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

April 4, 2019

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

April 3, 2019

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

April 3, 2019

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

April 4, 2019

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued April 3, 2019

I

116th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 2056

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 3, 2019

Mrs. Bustos (for herself, Mr. Gianforte, Mrs. Axne, Mr. Balderson, Mr. Moulton, Mr. Raskin, Ms. Schakowsky, Ms. Clark of Massachusetts, Mr. Keating, and Mr. McGovern) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

A BILL

To recognize and honor the service of individuals who served in the United States Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II, and for other purposes.

1.

Recognition and honoring of service of individuals who served in United States Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II

(a)

Determination of active military service

(1)

In general

The Secretary of Defense shall be deemed to have determined under subparagraph (A) of section 401(a)(1) of the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977 (Public Law 95–202; 38 U.S.C. 106 note) that the service of the organization known as the United States Cadet Nurse Corps during the period beginning on July 1, 1943, and ending on December 31, 1948, constitutes active military service.

(2)

Issuance of discharge

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall, pursuant to subparagraph (B) of such section, issue to each member of such organization a discharge from service of such organization under honorable conditions where the nature and duration of the service of such member so warrants.

(b)

Benefits

(1)

Status as a veteran

Except as otherwise provided in this subsection and notwithstanding any other provision of law, an individual who receives a discharge under subsection (a)(2) for service shall be honored as a veteran but shall not be entitled by reason of such service to any benefit under a law administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

(2)

Burial benefits

Service for which an individual receives a discharge under subsection (a)(2) shall be considered service in the active military, naval, or air service (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code) for purposes of eligibility and entitlement to benefits under chapters 23 and 24 of title 38, United States Code.

(3)

Medals or other commendations

The Secretary of Defense may design and produce a service medal or other commendation to honor individuals who receive a discharge under subsection (a)(2).