Relief for Survivors of Miners Act of 2025
Congress proposes easier black lung survivor benefits and aid for legal and medical claim costs
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- Makes it easier for a miner’s surviving family to qualify for benefits when the miner worked at least 10 years in coal mining and died with black lung disease.
- Adds a new rule: if the miner was totally disabled by black lung while alive, the law will generally assume black lung helped cause the death unless an employer proves it played no role.
- Applies to some newer and still-open claims, including certain claims filed up to 5 years before the law is enacted if they’re still pending.
- Creates a Labor Department program to help pay claim-related costs in long-running, contested cases, including up to $4,500 for attorney fees and up to $3,000 for medical expenses.
- Orders the Government Accountability Office to study interim payments, whether benefits are enough, and options to let survivors file another claim after a final decision.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
How this policy affects specific groups of people
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
4 articles
McGarvey and Warner Introduce Bill to Support Families of Mine Workers Who Died of Black Lung Disease
Announcement of the Relief for Survivors of Miners Act, describing how it would reduce proof burdens for survivors seeking Black Lung Benefits Act payments and medical benefits.
Congress introduces two bills to help coal miners access black lung benefits
Explains the survivor-focused bill (often called the “Widows’ Bill”) and how it changes presumptions so survivors don’t have to prove black lung caused death unless the operator rebuts.
Endorsements for McGarvey Bills to Improve Black Lung Benefits for Miners and Their Families
Compilation of supportive statements from advocacy groups regarding the Relief for Survivors of Miners Act and related black lung benefits legislation.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Relief for Survivors of Miners Act of 2025
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(10)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.