S-3047 : Still Just a Bill

The Air America Act of 2023, or S.3047, aims to provide financial awards to former employees of Air America and its affiliated companies, such as Air Asia Company Limited, CAT Incorporated, Civil Air Transport Company Limited, and the Pacific Division of Southern Air Transport, for their service to the United States from 1950 to 1976.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Eligibility: United States citizens who were employees of Air America or affiliated companies between January 1, 1950, and December 31, 1976, are eligible. Survivors of these employees or of those killed in Southeast Asia while supporting CIA operations during the same period may also be eligible.
• Award Amounts: A $40,000 award payment will be provided to eligible individuals with 5 or more years of qualifying service, or to survivors of such individuals or of covered decedents. An additional $8,000 will be awarded for each full year of service exceeding 5 years.
• Funding: The total amount of awards granted under this Act may not exceed $60,000,000, however, the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency can request additional funds from Congress, should the funds be insufficient.
• Time Limit: Claimants must file a claim for payment within 2 years after the effective date of regulations prescribed by the Director of the CIA.
• Application Procedures: The Director of the CIA will establish procedures for submitting claims, awarding amounts, and appealing determinations.

The bill explicitly states that these awards do not entitle recipients to other federal benefits and that determinations made by the Director of the CIA are not subject to judicial review. The bill also caps attorneys' fees at 25% of the award amount.