Expansion of Compensation for Victims of Nuclear Contamination Supported by U.S. Senators

• U.S. senators have supported the expansion of the compensation program for victims of radiation from nuclear tests.
• The amendment covers new states and diseases, including victims from uranium sites.
• Delays in the House of Representatives are related to financial issues.

This was reported by Associated Press, ABC News.

Washington (AP) — The compensation program for individuals exposed to radiation due to nuclear tests may be revived and expanded through an amendment introduced by senators to a major tax bill.

The changes made to the Senate version of the bill aim to modernize the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), which was enacted in 1990 and expired about a year ago. The law compensated individuals in western states who developed serious illnesses as a result of nuclear tests and production that occurred during World War II.

The new amendment expands the coverage of compensation to states like Missouri and Tennessee and includes a broader range of diseases. Senator Josh Hawley from Missouri has insisted on expanding the program to include victims from uranium sites in St. Louis and other states. His efforts have led the Senate to adopt significant changes to the program twice, but it has faced delays in the U.S. House of Representatives due to concerns over costs.

Long-lasting Consequences in Missouri

St. Louis played a crucial role in uranium processing during the development of the U.S. nuclear program. However, this activity exposed workers and nearby residents to radiation, which remains a problem to this day. For example, several years ago, an elementary school was closed due to the discovery of radioactive materials on the premises.

Investigations have shown that the federal government and companies responsible for nuclear weapons production were aware of health risks but often ignored them. Contaminated nuclear waste has raised concerns among residents who suspect that their illnesses are linked to this waste.

Expansion of "Downwinder" Coverage

In addition to expanding coverage, the new amendment also extends territories in several states for individuals exposed to radioactive contamination carried by wind from government facilities. For example, in New Mexico, activists are trying to expand the program for individuals living in the area where the first atomic bomb test was conducted.

Senator Hawley noted that the new language on compensation covers significantly more people but with lower costs than previous legislative initiatives. And while there is broad support in the Senate, the path for implementing the amendment remains uncertain as the House of Representatives considers the changes.

Теги: США/Політика