Renewal of Nuclear Waste Exposure Compensation Program Faces Opposition

Proposed expansion and extension of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, set to expire in June, is blocked due to its estimated cost of over $100 billion.

• The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, a program granting compensation to victims of government-caused nuclear contamination, is set to expire in June with no clear path for renewal.
• Efforts to renew and expand the program, which would increase the number of eligible recipients and the highest payout, have been blocked due to its estimated cost of over $100 billion.
• Republican leaders in both the House and Senate have objected to including the renewal in the annual defense bill.
• The proposed renewal would extend the fund for 19 years and expand eligibility to include individuals in most western states and those affected by improperly disposed radioactive waste in St. Louis.
• Unless new legislation is passed, the fund will shut down in June.

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