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Congress·In Committee·3 months ago

Congress aims to ease black lung survivor benefits and cover some legal, medical case costs

Also known as: Relief for Survivors of Miners Act of 2025

Legislative Progress

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House
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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.
Labor EmploymentHealthcareConsumer Protection

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Dec 16, 2025Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Dec 16, 2025

Introduced in Senate

Related News

4 articles
Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center·3 months ago

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.

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Office of Rep. Morgan McGarvey (press release)·3 months ago

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.

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Office of Rep. Morgan McGarvey (press release)·3 months ago

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.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Relief for Survivors of Miners Act of 2025

Bill NumberS 3505
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionRead twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(2)
D: 2

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.