HR2192-119

What This Bill Does

The Air America Act recognizes the service of U.S. citizen employees of Air America and affiliated companies supporting CIA operations from 1950 through 1976. The CIA Director must provide a one-time $40,000 award to an eligible person with at least five years of qualifying service or to a survivor of such a person, and to a survivor of a covered decedent killed in Southeast Asia while supporting CIA operations. Additional service beyond five years earns $8,000 for each full year, with proportional payment for partial years. Total awards may not exceed $60 million unless the Director requests more funds. Claimants must file within two years after regulations take effect; the Director has 90 days to decide claims and 60 days after approval to pay. The bill does not create federal retirement, disability, or death benefits, caps attorney or agent fees at 25 percent of an award, fines violations, and requires semiannual reports to congressional intelligence, oversight, homeland security, and appropriations committees.

Who Benefits and How

Former Air America employees benefit from one-time recognition payments for qualifying CIA-support service from 1950 through 1976. Surviving spouses and dependents benefit when they can claim awards for eligible service members or covered decedents. Families of covered decedents benefit from the $40,000 award pathway for deaths tied to Southeast Asia CIA support operations. Congressional intelligence committees benefit from semiannual reporting on approved claims, denied claims, rationales, and funding needs.

Who Bears the Burden and How

The CIA Director must issue regulations, decide claims within 90 days, make payments within 60 days after approval, and report delays. CIA claims staff must verify Air America, affiliated company, government, or personal records of qualifying service. Award attorneys and claim agents may not receive more than 25 percent of an award and face title 18 fines for violations. Federal taxpayers bear award costs up to the $60 million cap and any additional funding Congress provides.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes $40,000 one-time awards for at least five years of qualifying Air America service or covered death.
• Provides $8,000 for each additional full year of qualifying service, with proportional payment for partial years.
• Limits total awards to $60 million unless the CIA Director requests more funding.
• Requires claims within two years after regulations, eligibility decisions within 90 days, and payment within 60 days after approval.
• Caps attorney and agent fees at 25 percent and requires semiannual congressional reports.