Bill · H.R. 9672· House(119-HR-9672)
Vaccine Injury Compensation Modernization Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 7/14/2026
- Last activity
- 7/14/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Lloyd Doggett
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill makes updates to the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program and changes related laws. It increases the minimum number of special masters who handle petitions and lengthens certain terms. The legislation updates compensation amounts for vaccine-related deaths and pain and suffering. It also increases the statute of limitations for filing a petition from thirty-six months to five years. Finally, the bill adds specific vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, to the Vaccine Injury Compensation Table and raises the vaccine excise tax.
Yes· 3 of 27
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+6
Significant increase in compensation for pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+6
Expands the statute of limitations and ensures more special masters for fair case resolution.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+5
Increased compensation for vaccine injuries provides critical financial support for those without private means.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-4
Vaccine manufacturers and distributors face higher excise taxes.
Does this lower the price of prescription medicines?-2
Higher excise taxes on vaccines may be passed down to consumers as higher costs.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Compensation for Deaths: Section 2(c)(1) increases the award for a vaccine-related death to an exact amount of $600,000, which provides clearer and potentially higher financial support for families who experience a tragic loss.
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Higher Cap for Pain and Suffering: Section 2(c)(2) raises the maximum award for actual and projected pain and suffering and emotional distress to $600,000, offering greater financial relief to individuals who suffer vaccine-related injuries.
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More Time to File Claims: Section 2(d) extends the statute of limitations from thirty-six months to five years, giving everyday people significantly more time to file a petition for compensation.
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Broader Vaccine Eligibility: Section 3(b) allows individuals who received a COVID-19 vaccine or other newly added vaccines to file a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, expanding access to relief for more people.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Increased Vaccine Excise Tax: Section 6(a) raises the tax on vaccines from 75 cents to $2.20, which could result in higher costs for consumers or the healthcare system.
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Stricter Initial Filing Requirements: Section 2(e)(1) requires individuals to include all necessary medical records and information directly in their initial petitions, which might create a heavier burden for ordinary citizens trying to file claims without legal assistance.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+6Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Middle Class Households+4Good For African Americans+3Good For Asian Americans+3Good For Children+3Good For Hispanic Americans+3Good For Middle Aged+3Good For Native Americans+3Good For Retirees+3Good For Seniors+3Good For White Americans+3Good For Women+3Good For Young Adults+3Good For High Income Households+2Good For Men+2Good For Business Owners-4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+5Increases Corporate Taxes+3Reduces National Debt+2Improves Fiscal Responsibility+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+6Improves Government Transparency+4Increases Federal Power+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+4Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- Healthcare
- Improves Pandemic Preparedness+3Improves Healthcare Access+2Reduces Prescription Drug Costs-2
- 9/21/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/14/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Marlin StutzmanRepublican · Indiana
Lloyd SmuckerRepublican · Pennsylvania