S-1751 : Still Just a Bill

S. 1751, the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2023 aims to improve compensation for individuals affected by uranium mining and nuclear testing. Key provisions include:

• Extending the Fund: Extends the fund for compensation by 19 years.
• Expanding Eligibility:
  • Expands eligibility for leukemia claims related to the Trinity Test in New Mexico and other nuclear tests.
  • Includes Guam as an affected area for certain claims.
  • Adds chronic lymphocytic leukemia as a specified disease.
• Improving Compensation for Uranium Workers:
  • Expands eligibility to include core drillers and those involved in uranium mine remediation.
  • Includes renal cancer and other chronic renal diseases as compensable conditions for miners, millers, core drillers, and ore transporters.
  • Allows for combined work histories to meet eligibility requirements.
• Streamlining Claims:
  • Expands the use of affidavits to substantiate employment history and physical presence in affected areas.
  • Allows for resubmittal of denied claims and requests for additional compensation for previously successful claims.
• Medical Benefits: Provides medical benefits to individuals receiving payments under the Act.
• Grant Program: Establishes a grant program for studying the epidemiological impacts of uranium mining and milling.
• Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program: Amends the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 to include uranium workers.