Whitfield, Polis, Perlmutter Praise Inclusion of Cold War Atomic Worker Benefits Amendment in NDAA
Press Release
Representatives Ed Whitfield (KY-01), Jared Polis (CO-02) and Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) today praised the inclusion of an amendment in NDAA which would increase transparency and ensure Cold War atomic weapon workers at Rocky Flats and Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant will have their benefits applications reviewed accurately and expeditiously. Many of these Cold War nuclear workers were unknowingly exposed to radioactive and toxic substances, which have led to various illnesses, while working to defend our nation.
"The Cold War-era nuclear arms race was a trying time in our country, and especially for those who worked in the construction of atomic weapons," said Representative Whitfield. "That is especially true at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, which is why I have been pushing for the last several years to establish an Advisory Board for the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (EEOICPA)."
"It is unacceptable that so many brave men and women who worked tirelessly to defend our nation during the Cold War now have to battle US Government bureaucracy to get the benefits that they earned and deserve," said Representative Polis. "This amendment will expedite benefit processing times and ensure that Cold War employees of Rocky Flats will finally be taken care of by the country that they served."
"These Rocky Flats workers earned justice and the right to a fast and fair process to improve the processing of their claims," said Representative Perlmutter. "Our nation owes a special debt of gratitude to them for their dedication, courage and commitment to excellence in helping secure our freedom."
Congress enacted the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) in 2000 to provide compensation to the approximately 600,000 Cold War nuclear workers, but procedural inconsistencies and delays have effectively prevented workers from making EEOICPA claims and blocked access to benefits befitting their service and sacrifice.
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