Air America Act of 2025
Sponsor
Glenn Grothman
Republican · WI-6
Latest Action · Mar 18, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select).
Bill Progress
Congress Eyes Compensation for Air America Veterans
Why it matters
Thousands who secretly served U.S. interests finally stand to get recognition and compensation.
The big picture: Air America was the CIA’s covert airline, flying risky missions during the Vietnam War and other Cold War hotspots. Back then, its pilots and crew did everything from rescue operations to supply drops—often in dangerous conditions. Despite serving U.S. interests, these civilian employees never got the same benefits or recognition as military veterans.
Zoom in: The Air America Act of 2025 would award payments to anyone who worked for Air America or its affiliates between 1950 and 1976. Congress recognizes not just their service, but also the high rate of casualties and sacrifices made. The effort has broad, bipartisan support with 170 cosponsors.
Between the lines: This isn’t just about money—it’s about fixing decades of official silence. Air America’s stories were classified for years, so former employees missed out on the support other U.S. veterans received. The bill sends a clear message: government-backed covert service matters too.
What This Bill Does
Direct payments to Air America employees
Provides financial compensation to people who worked for Air America or its affiliates between 1950 and 1976.
Broad definition of eligible employees
Covers pilots, crew, and support staff—not just those in combat roles.
Official recognition of service
Congress publicly acknowledges the air crews’ service and sacrifice.
Focus on high-risk operations
Recognizes those who participated in life-saving missions, medevacs, and rescue operations.
Potential survivor benefits
Language may allow families of deceased workers to receive compensation if the worker is no longer alive.
Who Benefits
Former Air America employees
Receive overdue financial payments and long-denied recognition for their service.
Families of deceased employees
May qualify for compensation on behalf of loved ones.
Vietnam War-era U.S. allies
Indirectly benefit as their rescuers and supporters are finally acknowledged.
Historians and veterans' advocates
Gain official acknowledgment of a long-hidden chapter in U.S. intelligence history.
Who's Affected
U.S. government and intelligence agencies
Must account for past covert operations and allocate new resources.
Other government contractors
Sets a precedent that might encourage claims for similar compensation.
Taxpayers
Would ultimately fund these payments through the federal budget.
Veterans’ organizations
May need to support or explain the change in policy to their members.
Cosponsors (170)
Adam Smith
Democrat · WA
Aumua Amata Radewagen
Republican · AS
Carlos Gimenez
Republican · FL
Paul Tonko
Democrat · NY
Derrick Van Orden
Republican · WI
Bill Foster
Democrat · IL
Pramila Jayapal
Democrat · WA
Valerie Foushee
Democrat · NC
Derek Tran
Democrat · CA
Bryan Steil
Republican · WI
David Valadao
Republican · CA
Dina Titus
Democrat · NV
Recent Actions
Referred to the House Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select).
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Committees (1)
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View the complete legislative text on Congress.gov
Source: Congress.gov