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HR 9520

War Hazards Compensation Reform Act

119th Congress Introduced by Mike Lawler

The bill requires the federal government to pay interest on late reimbursements under WHCA and LHWCA to ensure timely payments to claimants.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 9520

Summary of HR 9520 (109th? 119th Session) — To amend the War Hazards Compensation Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act to require that the Federal Government pay interest on late reimbursements, and for other purposes

Note: The following summary reflects the bill’s stated aims and provisions as introduced and described in its action history. It does not reflect any subsequent amendments or enactment.

Purpose and intent

  • The bill seeks to amend two existing federal compensation programs—the War Hazards Compensation Act (WHCA) and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA).
  • The core objective is to require the Federal Government to pay interest on reimbursements that are late. In other words, when reimbursements owed to individuals or entities under WHCA or LHWCA are delayed, interest would accrue and be paid to the payee.
  • The measure is framed as ensuring timely payment of reimbursements and compensating claimants for the cost of delays in receiving funds.

Key provisions and changes

  • Amend WHCA: Modify provisions to mandate the government pay interest on late reimbursements under the War Hazards Compensation Act.
  • Amend LHWCA: Modify provisions to mandate the government pay interest on late reimbursements under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act.
  • Interest mechanics (anticipated): While the text available here does not specify all details, typical elements likely addressed include:
    • The rate at which interest accrues (potentially aligning with federal rates or a statutory rate).
    • The calculation method and periods of accrual (from when the reimbursement was due to when paid).
    • Any caps, exclusions, or special circumstances (e.g., waivers in certain cases, administrative delays beyond control, or interest for partial payments).
  • Effective date and implementation: The bill would become law (or require implementing regulations) upon passage and signing, with administrative agencies responsible for applying the new requirement to ongoing and future claims under WHCA and LHWCA.

Affected parties and impact

  • Primary affected parties: Claimants and beneficiaries under WHCA and LHWCA who are owed reimbursements by the Federal Government.
  • Federal agencies: Agencies administering WHCA and LHWCA would be responsible for ensuring timely reimbursements and for paying any statutory interest on late payments.
  • Fiscal impact: Depending on the rate and frequency of late reimbursements, agencies could incur additional payments in interest. The bill may have budgetary implications to cover interest costs and administrative adjustments.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Action history:
    • Introduced in the House (June 29, 2026).
    • Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce (June 29, 2026).
  • Sponsorship:
    • Co-sponsor: Mike Lawler.
  • Next steps (if advanced): Committee markup to draft language, potential floor consideration, and votes in the House, followed by consideration by the Senate (if it advances through Congress) and potential presidential action.

Observations

  • The bill is focused on administrative equity—ensuring that delayed federal reimbursements do not financially disadvantage claimants by compensating them for the delay.
  • It targets two specific compensation programs, indicating a policy goal of improving compensation timeliness and reliability within these federal programs.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (e.g., policymakers, program administrators, or affected workers) or compare it to existing statutory provisions on interest for late payments in related programs.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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