The Senate passed legislation Thursday that would compensate Americans exposed to radiation by the government by renewing a law initially passed more than three decades ago. The bill, introduced by Sens. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., aims to expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to include more individuals who believe their illnesses were caused by exposure to radiation.
Despite concerns over the estimated $50 billion cost, the senators argued that the government is at fault and should take responsibility for compensating those affected. The bill passed the Senate with a 69-30 vote, with bipartisan support, but its prospects in the House remain uncertain.
The legislation would extend coverage to individuals in Missouri, as well as in Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alaska, and Guam. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill, as the White House indicated its support for addressing toxic exposure among those harmed by government actions.
Advocates for the bill, including cancer survivors and individuals affected by radiation exposure, have been fighting for years to expand the program to include more affected sites in the U.S. The bill represents hope for many families burdened with medical costs and health issues related to radiation exposure.
The vote on the bill was a rare standalone legislation roll call amid Congress’s efforts to fund the government. While the bill faces challenges in the House, advocates remain hopeful that justice will be served for those impacted by government-induced radiation exposure.
