The Exclusion of a Measure to Extend Compensation for People Exposed to Radiation from U.S. Nuclear Testing Marks Fracture in Republican Conference

This week marked yet another fracture in the Republican conference when the annual defense bill excluded a measure to extend compensation for people exposed to radiation from U.S. nuclear testing. The bipartisan amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed the Senate with a supermajority in August, but it was not included in the final version of the bill.

The amendment, sponsored by Senators Tom Udall (D-NM) and Jerry Moran (R-KS), would have provided compensation to the thousands of people exposed to radiation from U.S. nuclear tests during the Cold War, in the form of a $25,000 lump-sum payment. The amendment was seen as a way to provide some measure of justice to those affected, as they have been waiting decades for compensation.

The exclusion of the measure has been met with disappointment from both sides of the aisle. Senator Udall expressed his frustration, saying, “I am deeply disappointed that Republican leadership chose to ignore the plight of these individuals and their families. This was a missed opportunity to provide much-needed support to those who have been waiting for decades for justice.”

The measure had strong bipartisan support in the Senate, with 44 Republicans voting in favor of the amendment. However, it appears that the House Republican leadership was unwilling to include the amendment in the final version of the bill, citing concerns about the cost.

The exclusion of the measure is a stark reminder of the fractures within the Republican Party. While some members are willing to reach across the aisle to support important causes, the party’s leadership is often unwilling to compromise on issues that do not align with their agenda. As a result, bills such as the NDAA are often passed without important amendments like the one proposed by Senators Udall and Moran.

The exclusion of the measure is particularly disappointing, as the thousands of people affected by U.S. nuclear testing have been waiting decades for compensation. Many of them have suffered from radiation-related illnesses, and the lump-sum payment could provide them with some measure of justice.

Nevertheless, the fight to provide compensation to those affected by U.S. nuclear testing is not over. The amendment was reintroduced in the House in September, and it is likely to be included in the final version of the NDAA when it is signed into law.

The exclusion of the measure to extend compensation for people exposed to radiation from U.S. nuclear testing marks yet another fracture in the Republican conference. While the amendment had broad bipartisan support in the Senate, it appears that the House Republican leadership was unwilling to include it in the final version of the bill. Nevertheless, the fight to provide compensation to those affected by U.S. nuclear testing is not over, and the amendment is likely to be included in the final version of the NDAA when it is signed into law.