Haley Stevens (D-MI)
Paul Whelan Hostage Compensation and Reintegration Act
A Democratic bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill creates the Paul Whelan Hostage Compensation and Reintegration Program to provide financial compensation to U.S. nationals who are unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad. Under the bill, the Secretary of State will manage applications, determine payout amounts based on the average wage index and days detained, and issue a one-time lump sum payment. The legislation includes rules for eligibility, limits attorney fees, and protects the payment from being treated as regular income for benefit programs. Funding for the program comes from the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +5
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?
The bill provides financial compensation and support programs for U.S. nationals wrongfully detained abroad, aiding affected individuals and their families.
- Scored +4
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
Compensation payments are explicitly exempted from being counted as income or resources for means-tested government benefit programs.
- Scored +4
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
The legislation provides specialized financial and reintegration support for individuals who have suffered wrongful detention abroad.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Financial Payouts for Detainees: Section 2(e)(1) requires the Secretary of State to compensate eligible U.S. nationals who have been unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad, providing financial support for their suffering.
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Protection of Benefits: Section 2(e)(8) states that the compensation will not be counted as income or resources when determining a person's eligibility or benefit amounts for means-tested government programs.
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Tax Relief: Section 2(e)(7) treats the compensation as damages for human suffering under internal revenue laws, easing the tax burden on those who have already suffered wrongful imprisonment.
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Capped Attorney Fees: Section 2(e)(10) protects individuals by restricting lawyers from charging more than 5 percent of the compensation for services related to the claim.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Travel Restrictions and Denials: Section 2(e)(3)(A) blocks individuals from receiving compensation if they entered a foreign country during a period when it had a level 4 travel advisory, a travel warning, or any travel advisory with a "D" risk indicator. This could leave some wrongfully detained citizens without financial help unless they meet specific exceptions like official travel, journalism, or compelling humanitarian interests determined by the Secretary of State.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Compensation payments are explicitly exempted from being counted as income or resources for means-tested government benefit programs. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The legislation provides specialized financial and reintegration support for individuals who have suffered wrongful detention abroad. Would immigrants be better off under this? — Lawful permanent residents are included alongside U.S. citizens as eligible beneficiaries for the hostage compensation and reintegration program.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill provides financial compensation and support programs for U.S. nationals wrongfully detained abroad, aiding affected individuals and their families.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates public awareness campaigns and clear internet publication regarding application processes and eligibility for compensation.
- 9/16/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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.
- Introduced in House