This bill has advanced since we wrote our summary.
Current stage on Congress.gov: Introduced in House.
Women who served in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II — roughly 1943 to 1948 — trained as nurses to fill civilian hospital shortages while military nurses deployed overseas, but were never officially granted veteran status. The United States Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act of 2025 would change that by directing the Secretary of Defense to issue honorable discharge papers to surviving members. With that discharge, Cadet Nurses would become eligible for military headstones and burial markers, though not for full VA benefits or burial at Arlington National Cemetery based solely on this service. The Secretary of Defense may also create a special service medal or commemorative plaque to honor them.
Congressional Summary
This bill recognizes service as a member of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps between July 1, 1943, and December 31, 1948, as active duty service. The active duty designation entitles qualifying individuals to certain benefits afforded to veterans, such as burial benefits (not including interment or inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery) and honorary veteran status.Under the bill, the Department of Defense (DOD) must issue individuals who served in the corps during the specified period a discharge from their service under honorable conditions if such a discharge is warranted based on the duration and nature of the service.Such individuals are not entitled to Department of Veterans Affairs benefits aside from those related to burials and memorials.The bill also authorizes DOD to produce a service medal or other commendation, memorial plaque, or grave marker to honor the individuals.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2025-11-20
- Date Added
- 2026-04-10
- Source
- Congress.gov →
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