Bill Clinton: “I rise to introduce an important piece of legislation to assist our atomic weapons workers. The legislation addresses a…”

“I rise to introduce an important piece of legislation to assist our atomic weapons workers. The legislation addresses a major flaw in the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program by expanding eligibility for benefits. Under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA), workers are eligible for a payment of $150,000 and medical coverage for expenses associated with the treatment of diseases contracted due to exposure to radiation at atomic weapons plants. However, under EEOICPA, workers who became sick from working in contaminated atomic weapons plants after weapons production ceased are not eligible for benefits. In 2003, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health released a Congressionally-mandated report, entitled `` Report on Residual Radioactive and Beryllium Contamination in Atomic Weapons Employer and Beryllium Vendor Facilities.'' The report concluded that ``significant'' residual radioactive contamination existed in many of these plants for years and decades after weapons production ceased, posing a risk of radiation-related cancers or disease to unknowing workers.”