HHS must set up a program to pay eligible thalidomide survivors a one-time $150,000 lump sum. People must apply with medical documentation and meet citizenship or permanent-resident rules, and they must file by May 31, 2034. The payments are tax-free and won’t count against federal means-tested benefits.
Modern Action explains what the legislation does, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.
Thalidomide Survivors Compensation Act of 2025 is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: 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.
Latest action on H.R. 5865: 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.
Who this affects: This mainly affects people who were harmed before birth by thalidomide exposure and who can document that harm. It also affects people who might otherwise worry that a payment could reduce or end their eligibility for federal benefits that are based on income or assets. HHS will have to run the program, manage petition reviews, and publish annual public reports to Congress.
Why this matters: For survivors, the bill could provide a clear federal path to compensation for lifelong medical and daily-living needs tied to thalidomide-related injuries. The payment being tax-free and not counted for federal means-tested programs could help people accept compensation without losing benefits that depend on income or assets. At the same time, who can qualify and how much help is ultimately available depends on documentation, eligibility rules, and future funding decisions—especially for any additional payments beyond the initial $150,000.
You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.
Officially: Thalidomide Survivors Compensation Act of 2025
HHS must set up a program to pay eligible thalidomide survivors a one-time $150,000 lump sum. People must apply with medical documentation and meet citizenship or permanent-resident rules, and they must file by May 31, 2034. The payments are tax-free and won’t count against federal means-tested benefits.
Use this page to support, oppose, or ask Congress to amend HR5865. Modern Action explains what the bill does, helps identify the right senators or representative, and drafts a bill-specific message you can edit and send.
Where it stands
Sitting in the Judiciary
No vote scheduled. Constituent contact is what moves bills out of committee.
↓ Why your message matters here
This bill is sitting in committee with no scheduled vote — which means a small number of constituent messages can decide whether it moves forward or quietly dies.
Enter your ZIP to see how your senators and member of Congress have voted, sponsored, or spoken on this bill.
Where this bill is in the process
Introduced
Introduced in House
House Committee
Under House committee consideration
Latest: 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. (10/28/2025)
House Floor Vote
Voted on by House
Passed House
Approved by House
Senate Review
Sent to Senate for consideration
Passed Both Chambers
Approved by both House and Senate
Signed into Law
Signed by the President
For more detail
Choose one clear position: support, oppose, or amend. Then pick any reasons or personal context you want included. Modern Action uses that input and the bill context to draft a message you can edit and send.
Congressional offices prioritize messages from their own constituents. Modern Action uses your address to route the drafted message to your House representative when that is the most relevant target for this bill.
The draft includes the bill number, your position, the reasons you selected, any personal context you added, and a direct ask such as voting yes, voting no, cosponsoring, opposing, or seeking changes. You stay in control because you can edit the message before sending.
This page gives you an opportunity to support, oppose, or ask for changes to Thalidomide Survivors Compensation Act of 2025, then contact the elected officials who can act. Modern Action drafts the message from your position and the reasons you select.
Modern Action keeps the action tied to the bill itself: what it does, where it is in the process (committee), which office can still act, and what ask belongs in the message.
You are not starting from a blank form. Modern Action drafts the message around HR5865, your stance, and the reasons you choose, then lets you edit and send when ready.
