October 8, 2004

GREAT NEWS FOR FORMER SICK AND INJURED NUCLEAR WORKERS

WASHINGTON – Former workers at U.S. nuclear facilities received great news today when the House accepted changes to the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) which ensure compensation for thousands of sick workers who have waited years to receive promised compensation for their illnesses and injuries that resulted from their work.

Language coming to the floor of the House today as a part of the Defense Authorization Act for FY05 includes several changes in the program.  The changes will move Subtitle D of the EEOICPA from the Department of Energy (DOE) where it has languished for years, to the Department of Labor (DOL) which has successfully implemented its portion of the program.  DOL will serve as the payor for the claims.  In addition, the reforms create a federal benefits structure and, most importantly, guarantees funding to pay the claims. (MORE)