Relief for Survivors of Miners Act of 2025
Summary
The Relief for Survivors of Miners Act of 2025 aims to amend the Black Lung Benefits Act to ease the benefits process for survivors of miners who died from pneumoconiosis (black lung disease). It introduces rebuttable presumptions for deaths due to pneumoconiosis, restores certain pre-1981 provisions regarding total disability, and establishes an attorneys' fees and medical expenses payment program. The Act also mandates reports from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on interim benefit payments and benefit payment sufficiency.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely make it easier for survivors of miners to receive benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act. This is achieved by shifting the burden of proof in certain cases and providing financial assistance for legal and medical expenses. The GAO reports could lead to further changes in the program based on their findings.
Potential Benefits
- Eases the process for survivors to claim benefits.
- Provides financial assistance for legal and medical expenses through a new payment program.
- Restores certain pre-1981 provisions, potentially expanding eligibility.
- GAO reports could lead to increased benefit payments or other improvements.
- Addresses long-standing issues within the Black Lung Benefits Act.
Potential Disadvantages
- The rebuttable presumption could still be challenged, leading to continued legal battles.
- The attorneys' fees and medical expenses payment program has maximum limits, which may not cover all costs.
- The requirement for liable operators to reimburse the fund could create financial strain on coal companies.
- Recoupment of interim benefits if claims are denied remains a concern.
- The changes may increase the administrative burden on the Department of Labor.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8), which includes the coal mining industry. The Act's provisions for fair process and benefits could be seen as supporting due process, although no specific constitutional rights are directly implicated.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).