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A bill to extend the period for filing claims under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act and to provide for compensation under such Act for claims relating to Manhattan Project waste, and to improve compensation for workers involved in uranium mining.
1/28/2025, 11:56 AM
Summary of Bill S 243
The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act was originally passed in 1990 to provide compensation to individuals who were exposed to radiation as a result of nuclear testing and uranium mining during the Cold War era. However, the time period for filing claims under RECA is set to expire, prompting the need for an extension.
Additionally, this bill recognizes the impact of Manhattan Project waste on individuals who were exposed to radiation during the development of the atomic bomb. By including compensation for claims related to Manhattan Project waste, the bill aims to provide justice for those who suffered as a result of their involvement in this historic project. Furthermore, the bill seeks to improve compensation for workers who were involved in uranium mining, recognizing the health risks and dangers associated with this industry. By enhancing compensation for these individuals, the bill aims to provide support and assistance to those who have been affected by their work in uranium mining. Overall, Bill 119 s 243 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that aims to extend the time period for filing claims under RECA, provide compensation for claims related to Manhattan Project waste, and improve compensation for workers involved in uranium mining. This bill highlights the importance of recognizing and compensating individuals who have been impacted by radiation exposure and uranium mining activities.
Congressional Summary of S 243
This bill reauthorizes and expands programs that compensate individuals who were exposed to radiation during certain nuclear testing or uranium mining and who subsequently developed medical conditions, including cancers.
Under current law, compensation is payable to individuals based on requirements including the (1) dates when exposure occurred, (2) duration of exposure, (3) type of exposure, and (4) resulting medical condition.
Among other changes to this program, the bill (1) extends the eligible dates when qualifying atmospheric exposure occurred, (2) authorizes compensation to individuals with combined work histories in uranium mining, (3) adds core drilling as an eligible mining occupation, and (4) increases the amount of compensation awarded to qualifying individuals.
The bill also expands this program to compensate individuals located in specified areas in Alaska, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee associated with waste from the Manhattan Project and who subsequently developed specified types of cancer.
The bill extends until five years after this bill's enactment the statute of limitations for the filing of claims.
The bill also expands eligibility under an existing occupational illness compensation program for former Department of Energy employees.
The bill also establishes a grant program for institutions of higher education to study the epidemiological impacts of uranium mining and milling among individuals without occupational exposure.
The bill directs the Government Accountability Office to study and report to Congress on the unmet medical benefits coverage for individuals who were exposed to radiation in atmospheric nuclear tests conducted by the federal government.
Current Status of Bill S 243
Bipartisan Support of Bill S 243
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
1Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
11Democrat Cosponsors
7Republican Cosponsors
4Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 243
Primary Policy Focus
Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 243
Comments
Robin Richards
10 months ago
I can't believe this bill is happening! It's so unfair and it's gonna hurt a lot of people. I don't like it at all.
