Rep. Smucker Introduces Legislation to Modernize Vaccine Injury Compensation Program

Image July 14, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON – Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, introduced the Vaccine Injury Compensation Modernization Act, legislation to modernize the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) by including COVID-19 vaccine related claims, improving access to compensation, and streamlining program administration to increase transparency and efficiency. “Vaccines remain an important public health tool, but when rare vaccine-related injuries occur, Americans deserve a compensation system that is fair, transparent, and efficient,” said Rep. Smucker (PA-11) . “Our legislation strengthens the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program while bringing COVID-19 vaccine claims into the program, so they are handled under the same fair and efficient process as other vaccine injury claims." “ Vaccines save lives and are an essential public health tool.  In the rarest of instances when a related injury is suffered, compensation for medical bills and related losses should be prompt and reasonable,” said Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX-37). “But that has not been happening because of extended delays, outdated compensation caps, and failure to include coverage for COVID-19 vaccines. By making much-needed improvements to assure a prompt and fair response to vaccine-related injuries, this legislation will bolster consumer confidence and help combat misinformation.” Currently, COVID-19 vaccine claims are processed through the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP), which generally involves longer processing times and fewer procedural protections. The legislation would transfer pending COVID-19 vaccine claims to the VICP, while modernizing the program to improve transparency, reduce delays, and strengthen procedures to ensure a fair and efficient compensation process. This legislation is co-led by Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX-37). A previous version of the bill was introduced by Reps. Lloyd Smucker and Lloyd Doggett during the 117 th Congress. The Vaccine Injury Compensation Modernization Act would: Add COVID-19 vaccines to the Vaccine Injury Table. Transfer pending COVID-19 vaccine claims from the CICP to VICP. Increase the number of Special Masters from 8 to 10 to reduce case backlog. Improve case processing of both VICP and CICP by requiring the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to present a budget for sufficient resources. Adjust compensation amount for inflation, increasing the cap to $600,000. Issues : Health Care