A Bipartisan Amendment to Expand Compensation for Americans Exposed to Atomic Radiation Removed from NDAA
In a major setback for atomic radiation victims, a bipartisan amendment to expand compensation for Americans exposed to atomic radiation by the government has been removed from the final version of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said Wednesday evening.
The amendment, which Hawley cosponsored with Sens. Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), would have provided additional compensation for those exposed to atomic radiation during the Cold War era. It would have increased the amount of compensation available to victims from $75,000 to $125,000, and would have extended the time period for which victims could receive compensation from five years to ten years.
The amendment was removed from the NDAA in a last-minute decision by the Senate Armed Services Committee. This decision has been met with outrage by victims of atomic radiation exposure, as well as their families and advocates.
“This is an outrageous betrayal of the brave men and women who were exposed to atomic radiation in the service of our nation,” said Hawley in a statement. “These individuals and their families have suffered for decades, and they deserve more than empty promises and broken promises from Congress.”
Hawley and his colleagues have vowed to continue fighting for the rights of atomic radiation victims. They have pledged to introduce a standalone bill in the Senate that would provide the same level of compensation as the amendment that was removed from the NDAA.
“We will not rest until these brave men and women receive the compensation they deserve,” said Hawley. “We will continue to fight for justice for atomic radiation victims and their families.”
The amendment’s removal from the NDAA is a major blow to atomic radiation victims and their families. For decades, they have been fighting for recognition and compensation for the harms they have suffered as a result of their exposure to atomic radiation.
The amendment’s removal from the NDAA is a reminder that the fight for justice for atomic radiation victims is far from over. It is a reminder that Congress must do more to ensure that these brave men and women receive the recognition and compensation they deserve.
Hawley and his colleagues have vowed to continue fighting for the rights of atomic radiation victims. They have pledged to introduce a standalone bill in the Senate that would provide the same level of compensation as the amendment that was removed from the NDAA.
Atomic radiation victims and their families have waited too long for justice. It is time for Congress to act and ensure that these brave men and women receive the recognition and compensation they deserve.
