Senate Approves Legislation to Provide Compensation to Americans Exposed to Radiation by Government

The Senate has approved a bill on Thursday that would provide compensation to Americans who were exposed to radiation by the government, renewing a law passed over three decades ago.

Sponsored by Sens. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., the legislation aims to expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to cover more individuals who believe their illnesses were caused by such exposure. Despite concerns from many Republicans about the estimated cost of $50 billion, according to Hawley’s office, the senators argue that the government is responsible and should take action.

Hawley, along with advocates for the bill, addressed the Senate before the vote. Several of these advocates have been diagnosed with cancer or have family members with similar diagnoses. Hawley emphasized the importance of acknowledging government negligence that resulted in poisoning individuals affected by radiation exposure.

The Senate passed the bill with a 69-30 vote, with support from 20 Republicans and nearly all Democrats. However, the bill’s future in the House remains uncertain.

Decades after uranium processing in the St. Louis area contributed to nuclear weapons development, the region continues to grapple with contamination at various sites.

A recent investigation revealed health risks, spills, improper waste storage, and other issues that the federal government and nuclear companies in the St. Louis area were aware of but often neglected.

While establishing a definitive link between illnesses and radioactive waste is challenging, advocates maintain that there is sufficient evidence connecting contamination to illnesses among residents.

Missouri state Rep. Chantelle Nickson-Clark, a breast cancer survivor, stressed the importance of representing underserved communities impacted by nuclear waste contamination.

President Joe Biden previously extended the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act in 2022, but the law is set to expire soon. Hawley’s bill seeks to extend the law for five years and expand coverage to additional states and territories, including Missouri, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alaska, and Guam.

The White House has indicated Biden’s support for the legislation.

Concerns have been raised about the financial implications of the bill, with some advocating for budget offsets to cover the costs.

The Senate’s decision to prioritize standalone legislation amid ongoing government funding discussions underscores the significance of addressing toxic exposure issues.

House support for the bill may present challenges, but advocates remain hopeful, emphasizing the urgent need for relief and compensation for affected individuals and families.

The impact of nuclear waste contamination in St. Louis continues to affect communities, prompting calls for accountability, compensation, and healthcare coverage for those affected.

Advocates who traveled to Washington to advocate for the bill see it as a beacon of hope for individuals burdened by medical expenses.

The bill is viewed as a crucial step in addressing the long-lasting repercussions of government negligence regarding radiation exposure and its impact on affected individuals and communities.