Section 1556

SEC. 1556. EQUITY FOR CERTAIN ELIGIBLE SURVIVORS.

[a] REBUTTABLE PRESUMPTION.—Section 411[c][4] of the Black Lung Benefits Act [30 U.S.C. 921[c][4]] is amended by striking the last sentence.

[b] CONTINUATION OF BENEFITS.—Section 422[l] of the Black Lung Benefits Act [30 U.S.C. 932[l]] 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".

[c] EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to claims filed under part B or part C of the Black Lung Benefits Act [30 U.S.C. 921 et seq., 931 et seq.] after January 1, 2005, that are pending on or after the date of enactment of this Act.