Air America Act of 2025

This bill would give one-time payments to former Air America workers and to certain family members of those who died while supporting U.S. operations in Southeast Asia between 1950 and 1976. It recognizes that these workers took big risks, saved lives, and served for long periods in tough conditions.

People who worked at least five years would receive $40,000, plus $8,000 more for each full year beyond five. If a U.S. citizen employee was killed during that period while supporting CIA operations, their survivor could receive the payment. Payments to survivors go first to a widow or widower, or if none, to dependents or children, split equally. All payments are one-time lump sums .

Key points

• Who is affected: Former Air America employees and their eligible survivors; some Intermountain Aviation employees may also qualify case by case .
• What changes: Sets up an application process run by the CIA Director; rules must be issued within 60 days; claims must be filed within 2 years after those rules take effect; decisions come within 90 days, and payments within 60 days after approval.
• Money limits: Total payouts are capped at $60 million, though the Director can ask Congress for more to cover valid claims; lawyers cannot take more than 25% of an award .
• What it does not do: It does not create retirement, disability, or other federal benefits, and the Director’s decisions are final and can’t be challenged in court.