Article: A Bipartisan Amendment to Expand Compensation for Americans Exposed to Atomic Radiation Removed from NDAA
On Wednesday evening, Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced that a bipartisan amendment to expand compensation for Americans exposed to atomic radiation by the government had been removed from the final version of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The amendment, which was cosponsored by Senators Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), would have provided additional financial compensation to those exposed to atomic radiation during the Cold War and other military operations.
The amendment was intended to help those who were exposed to atomic radiation due to the government’s negligence. It would have allowed those affected to receive more generous compensation for their physical and psychological injuries.
The amendment was supported by a number of organizations, including the American Legion, the Military Officers Association of America, and the National Association of Atomic Veterans. These organizations argued that the amendment was necessary to provide justice and compensation to those who suffered due to the government’s negligence.
The amendment had been included in the initial version of the NDAA, but was removed in the final version due to opposition from some members of Congress. Senator Hawley expressed his disappointment with the decision, stating that “the government has an obligation to those who have been exposed to atomic radiation and it is deeply disappointing that this amendment was removed from the final version of the NDAA.”
The removal of the amendment has been met with criticism from veterans’ organizations and advocacy groups. They argue that the decision to remove the amendment is a betrayal of those who have been exposed to atomic radiation and that the government should be doing more to provide them with the compensation that they deserve.
Despite the removal of the amendment, Senator Hawley has vowed to continue to fight for those affected by atomic radiation. He has promised to introduce a standalone bill that would provide additional compensation for those exposed to atomic radiation.
The removal of the amendment is a setback for those affected by atomic radiation, but Senator Hawley’s commitment to continue to fight for them is a sign of hope. It is clear that the government has an obligation to provide justice and compensation to those who have been exposed to atomic radiation due to their negligence. It is now up to Congress to ensure that those affected receive the compensation that they deserve.
