Michael Lawler
06/29/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/29/2026 12:27
Lawler Introduces War Hazards Compensation Reform Act To Modernize The Reimbursement System
Washington, D.C. - 6/29/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the War Hazards Compensation Reform Act, legislation to modernize the War Hazards Compensation Act (WHCA) by improving the reimbursement process for insurance carriers.
The WHCA provided a process for the government to provide workers' compensation to civilian contractors directly supporting U.S. war efforts overseas. Private insurance companies work with the U.S. Department of Labor to cover injuries on the front end, and then they are supposed to get reimbursed. Unfortunately, DOL has not been issuing reimbursements in a timely manner, with some claims outstanding for multiple years.
This legislation would create incentives for DOL to issue claims more quickly, ensuring the sustainability of WHCA programs. Specifically, it would require DOL to pay interest on late reimbursements for eligible claims, establish clear timelines for acknowledging reimbursement submissions, and require regulations to improve accountability.
It also directs the Division of Federal Employees' Compensation to hire at least 15 full-time employees to help reduce the backlog of WHCA claims and eliminates unnecessary collateral requirements that hinder program effectiveness.
"When private insurers step up to fulfill the federal government's obligations under the War Hazards Compensation Act, they should not be left waiting for years to be reimbursed. This legislation brings accountability to the process by requiring timely reimbursements, reducing unnecessary related costs, and strengthening a program that supports our civilian employees abroad," said Congressman Lawler.
"Programs such as the WHCA must be prepared to meet the growing needs of U.S. personnel on hardship assignments overseas. American companies that support these missions in partnership with the U.S. Government should be treated reasonably, predictably, and fairly when their work supports American personnel and national security interests," said Neil Bradley, Chief Policy Officer and Head of Strategic Advocacy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The full bill text can be found HERE.
Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.
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The WHCA provided a process for the government to provide workers' compensation to civilian contractors directly supporting U.S. war efforts overseas. Private insurance companies work with the U.S. Department of Labor to cover injuries on the front end, and then they are supposed to get reimbursed. Unfortunately, DOL has not been issuing reimbursements in a timely manner, with some claims outstanding for multiple years.
This legislation would create incentives for DOL to issue claims more quickly, ensuring the sustainability of WHCA programs. Specifically, it would require DOL to pay interest on late reimbursements for eligible claims, establish clear timelines for acknowledging reimbursement submissions, and require regulations to improve accountability.
It also directs the Division of Federal Employees' Compensation to hire at least 15 full-time employees to help reduce the backlog of WHCA claims and eliminates unnecessary collateral requirements that hinder program effectiveness.
"When private insurers step up to fulfill the federal government's obligations under the War Hazards Compensation Act, they should not be left waiting for years to be reimbursed. This legislation brings accountability to the process by requiring timely reimbursements, reducing unnecessary related costs, and strengthening a program that supports our civilian employees abroad," said Congressman Lawler.
"Programs such as the WHCA must be prepared to meet the growing needs of U.S. personnel on hardship assignments overseas. American companies that support these missions in partnership with the U.S. Government should be treated reasonably, predictably, and fairly when their work supports American personnel and national security interests," said Neil Bradley, Chief Policy Officer and Head of Strategic Advocacy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The full bill text can be found HERE.
Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.
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Michael Lawler published this content on June 29, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 29, 2026 at 18:27 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]