Bill · H.R. 9520· House(119-HR-9520)
War Hazards Compensation Reform Act
- Introduced
- 6/29/2026
- Last activity
- 6/29/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Sponsored by
- Michael Lawler
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The War Hazards Compensation Reform Act aims to amend the War Hazards Compensation Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. This legislation requires the Federal Government to pay interest on late reimbursements to insurance carriers. It establishes a process for acknowledging reimbursement claims and sets a timeline for when interest begins to accrue. Additionally, the bill mandates the hiring of at least 15 full-time employees to process these specific claims. Finally, it prohibits the Secretary of Labor from requiring insurance carriers to post collateral or financial assurance for certain liabilities.
Yes· 3 of 6
Is this likely to create jobs?+5
The bill mandates the hiring of at least 15 full-time employees for the Division of Federal Employees' Compensation.
Would business owners be better off under this?+5
The bill reduces costs and administrative burdens for employers and insurance carriers involved in national defense-related activities.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+4
The bill reduces financial and administrative burdens on insurance carriers and employers by prohibiting collateral requirements and providing interest on late reimbursements.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Financial Relief for Carriers and Employers: The bill requires the Federal Government to pay interest on late reimbursements, which helps offset the carrying costs currently imposed on insurance carriers and insured employers (Section 2(a)).
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Increased Efficiency in Claim Processing: By requiring the Division of Federal Employees' Compensation to hire at least 15 full-time employees, the bill aims to increase the capacity for reviewing and processing WHCA claims (Section 3).
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Streamlined Reimbursement Acknowledgment: The bill creates a system where a claim is "deemed complete" if the Division of Federal Employees' Compensation fails to issue an acknowledgment or deficiency notice within 14 days, preventing indefinite delays (Section s 2(b)).
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Reduction of Financial Burdens on Carriers: The act prohibits the Secretary from requiring insurance carriers to post collateral, security, or other financial assurance for liabilities related to reimbursable WHCA claims (Section 4(b)). This is intended to reduce unnecessary financial and administrative burdens (Section 4(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No stated negative impacts for employees: The bill explicitly states that nothing in the act shall be construed to reduce or delay benefits payable to an injured employee or surviving beneficiary (Section 5(1)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+5Improves Small Business Support+4
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+5Good For Union Workers+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+3
- 6/29/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Introduced in House