Air America Act of 2025

Key Points

• This bill would give one-time cash payments to people who worked for Air America, a company that flew secret missions for the CIA during the Cold War. These employees often faced high risks while rescuing downed pilots and moving refugees, but they were not considered federal employees at the time.
• To qualify, a person must be a U.S. citizen who worked for the company for at least five years between 1950 and 1976. If the worker has passed away, their surviving spouse or children can apply for the money instead. This also covers those who were killed while supporting operations in Southeast Asia.
• Eligible workers or their families would receive a base payment of $40,000. For every year they worked beyond the first five years, they would get an extra $8,000. The government plans to spend up to $60 million total on these awards to honor the service of these individuals.
• For decades, these workers were treated as private contractors, meaning they did not receive the same retirement or health benefits as military members. This bill provides a one-time payment to recognize their sacrifices without making them full federal retirees or changing their legal status.
• If the bill passes, the Director of the CIA will have 60 days to set up an application process. People will then have two years to file a claim. Once a claim is submitted, the government must decide if the person is eligible within 90 days and send the payment shortly after.

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