NFLPA seeks congressional help with disability disputes

"Since the NFLPA has been criticized when applications are denied -- even though a majority vote of the six trustees is necessary to make a decision -- and since current players are funding the system, it makes sense for the players to be the ones making the disability decisions," Upshaw said.

The union is also asking Congress to tweak federal workers compensation laws and eliminate some of the layers of bureaucracy that make it harder for claims to be honored.

North Dakota Sen. Byron Dorgan, a Democrat who led the hearing before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, said his preference is that Congress not legislate on the issue but stay involved through oversight.

Still, he said, "something's not working the way it should work."

Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., said he is prepared to offer legislation, however, if the problem is not resolved soon.

"It seems to me the league is dropping the ball here," he said.