Downwinders Act

Hozzl · 2022-12-30T07:04:01Z

Explore the details of Senate Bill 2825 Downwinders Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Labor and Employment. Stay informed on legislative developments.

12/30/2022, 7:04 AM

Congressional Summary of S 2825

Downwinders Act

This bill expands eligibility for and extends a program that compensates individuals who were exposed to radiation from atmospheric nuclear testing and subsequently developed specified cancers.

Under current law, the program compensates, among others, individuals who were present in a designated geographic area during a period of nuclear testing. The bill expands that area to include all of Utah and specified counties in New Mexico. In addition, individuals may submit claims for compensation for 10 years following this bill's enactment (currently, the program terminates on July 10, 2022).

To support the program, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration must auction 100 megahertz of electromagnetic spectrum assigned or allocated to the federal government with a portion of the proceeds to be deposited into the Radiation Exposure Compensation Trust Fund in the Treasury. The bill extends this trust fund for 10 years following the bill's enactment.

In addition, the Department of Health and Human Services must study which counties in Nevada and New Mexico were affected by radiation fallout from open air nuclear testing.

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Current Status of Bill S 2825

Bill S 2825 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since September 23, 2021. Bill S 2825 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the Senate on September 23, 2021. Bill S 2825's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. as of September 23, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 2825

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 2825

Primary Policy Focus

Labor and Employment

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 2825

Downwinders Act

A bill to amend the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to revise the definition of "affected area" and extend the period in which compensation may be provided, and for other purposes.

Downwinders Act