The U.S. Senate has voted to expand a compensation program for individuals who were exposed to radiation during nuclear weapons testing and uranium mining. The provisions would extend health care coverage and compensation to "downwinders" exposed to radiation in new regions, as well as to more former uranium industry workers. The changes are not yet included in a House-approved defense bill. The push for compensation has gained renewed attention with the release of the film "Oppenheimer" and efforts to bring awareness to the effects of radiation exposure on the Navajo Nation. Since the compensation program began in 1992, over 54,000 claims have been filed and $2.6 billion awarded for approved claims.
Fri, 28 Jul 2023 02:46:31 GMT | WFMJ