Bills · HR 5865
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 5865Health
Thalidomide Survivors Compensation Act of 2025
INTRO OCT 28· LAST ACTION OCT 28
READING
15MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill addresses a long-standing historical injustice and a unique health crisis that has affected a small but significantly impacted group of Americans. For decades, U.S. thalidomide survivors have struggled with the consequences of their injuries without formal recognition or financial support from the government, unlike survivors in many other countries.
If this bill becomes law, it would provide crucial financial assistance, helping survivors cover expensive medical treatments, accessibility modifications, and daily living costs that have burdened them throughout their lives. It would also formally acknowledge the U.S. connection to the thalidomide tragedy, ensuring these survivors can live with greater independence and dignity in their remaining years. If it doesn't pass, these survivors will continue to bear the full financial and personal burden of their thalidomide-related injuries without specific government aid.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes the Thalidomide Survivors Compensation Program within one year of the bill becoming law.
This creates the official mechanism for survivors to seek and receive financial aid from the government.
PROVISION 02
Allows eligible U.S. citizens or permanent residents who can prove thalidomide exposure and injury to receive a one-time payment of $150,000.
This provides direct financial relief to help survivors manage their long-term medical and accessibility needs.
PROVISION 03
Stipulates that compensation received through this program will not be counted as income or assets for means-tested welfare programs, and will be exempt from federal income tax.
This ensures that the compensation genuinely benefits survivors without jeopardizing their eligibility for other necessary aid or adding a tax burden.
PROVISION 04
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct annual reviews of the program and report findings and recommendations to Congress.
This ensures ongoing oversight, evaluation of the program's effectiveness, and potential for future adjustments or additional support.
PROVISION 05
Sets a deadline of May 31, 2034, for submitting compensation requests.
This provides a clear timeframe for survivors to apply while also defining the program's operational period for initial compensation.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
R· New Jersey
YRS IN OFFICE
7
BILLS LED
57
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSOCT 28
Introduced in House
OCT 28
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources, Agriculture, Education and Workforce, Financial Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Veterans' Affairs, 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.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 5865
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedOct 28, 2025
Last actionOct 28, 2025
READER REACTIONS
OVERALL SENTIMENT
No reactions yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Discussion
Loading comments...
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED OCT 28, 2025
House BillHR 5865Health
Thalidomide Survivors Compensation Act of 2025
INTRODUCED OCT 28, 2025· LAST ACTION OCT 28, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
15 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
