Advocates Race to Expand Radiation Exposure Compensation Before Current Law Expires
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Advocates fear a bipartisan NDAA amendment expanding radiation exposure compensation may not make it into the final bill. The existing compensation law is set to expire in May.
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The amendment would expand eligibility to 6 more states affected by nuclear testing and uranium mining. Supporters may block the NDAA if it's not included.
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In the affected areas, many are unaware of the existing compensation or have already died, making the issue urgent. The compensation helps pay for cancer treatment.
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Atomic veterans exposed to radiation could lose specialized compensation and be forced into unfamiliar VA bureaucracy without the law.
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Despite submitting offsets, supporters argue more focus should be on the "moral imperative" than budget concerns in negotiations.