Relief for Survivors of Miners Act of 2025
Congress aims to ease black lung survivor benefits and cover some legal, medical case costs
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- Makes it easier for a miner’s family to prove the death was linked to black lung, especially when the miner worked at least 10 years in coal mining.
- Adds a new rule: if the miner was totally disabled by black lung while alive, the death is generally presumed to be from black lung unless proven otherwise.
- Applies the new rules to some recent claims too: claims filed within 5 years before the law takes effect, as long as they’re still pending.
- Creates a Labor Department program to pay some legal fees and medical evidence costs for long-running contested cases, so families aren’t stuck paying up front.
- Orders an independent government review of interim payments and benefit levels, including whether taking money back after a denial harms families and taxpayers.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
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
Congress introduces two bills to help coal miners access black lung benefits
Explains the Relief for Survivors of Miners Act (“Widows’ Bill”) and the companion Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act, including shifting burden to coal operators and helping families with contested cases.
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; describes easing proof requirements for survivors and reducing legal/financial burdens in black lung claims.
Endorsements for McGarvey Bills to Improve Black Lung Benefits for Miners and Their Families
Compilation of endorsements for the Relief for Survivors of Miners Act and related black lung legislation from advocacy groups and the UMWA.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Relief for Survivors of Miners Act of 2025
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(2)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.