To amend the Black Lung Benefits Act, and for other purposes.

May 6, 2003

Mr. RAHALL introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce

To amend the Black Lung Benefits Act, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Black Lung Benefits Survivors Equity Act of 2003'.

SEC. 2. EQUITY FOR CERTAIN ELIGIBLE SURVIVORS.

(a) REBUTTABLE PRESUMPTION- Paragraph (4) of section 412(c)(4) of the Black Lung Benefits Act is amended by striking the last sentence of such paragraph.

(b) CONTINUATION OF BENEFITS- Section 422(l) of the Black Lung Benefits Act is amended by striking `, except with respect to a claim filed under this part on or after the effective date of the Black Lung Benefits Amendments of 1981'.

END