Posted 12/10/2023, 11:00:00 AM
GOP Divisions Resurface as Radiation Compensation Amendment Dropped from Defense Bill
- Amendment to extend compensation for people exposed to radiation from nuclear testing was excluded from final NDAA bill, causing outrage among supporters
- Sen. Josh Hawley called the removal a "betrayal" and blamed House Speaker Mike Johnson and Sen. Mitch McConnell specifically
- Amendment would have reauthorized compensation funds for 19 more years and expanded eligibility to more states affected
- Objections seemed to center around cost, with some calling for offsetting spending cuts to make it budget neutral
- The issue marks latest divide among Congressional Republicans, following government shutdown fight and holds on military promotions