Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This bill seeks to enhance access to workers' compensation for civilian federal employees who were exposed to toxic burn pits and other hazards during foreign contingency operations. It amends title 5, United States Code, to establish a crucial presumption for these employees, making it easier for them to claim benefits. Specifically, the legislation creates a presumption that certain diseases are proximately caused by employment for eligible federal employees. An "eligible employee" is defined as an individual from specified federal agencies or a federal law enforcement officer who worked for at least 30 days in a country during a contingency operation on or after August 2, 1990. The bill mandates the Secretary of Labor to establish and maintain a list of diseases deemed to be work-related, which will align with the diseases recognized for veterans under section 1120(b) of title 38. Any additions made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to the veterans' list must also be added to this federal employee list. These provisions apply to all claims filed on or after the bill's enactment, and the Secretary of Labor is required to report on its implementation within one year.
This bill seeks to enhance access to workers' compensation for civilian federal employees who were exposed to toxic burn pits and other hazards during foreign contingency operations. It amends title 5, United States Code, to establish a crucial presumption for these employees, making it easier for them to claim benefits. Specifically, the legislation creates a presumption that certain diseases are proximately caused by employment for eligible federal employees. An "eligible employee" is defined as an individual from specified federal agencies or a federal law enforcement officer who worked for at least 30 days in a country during a contingency operation on or after August 2, 1990. The bill mandates the Secretary of Labor to establish and maintain a list of diseases deemed to be work-related, which will align with the diseases recognized for veterans under section 1120(b) of title 38. Any additions made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to the veterans' list must also be added to this federal employee list. These provisions apply to all claims filed on or after the bill's enactment, and the Secretary of Labor is required to report on its implementation within one year.