Senate Approves Compensation Extension for Radiation Exposure Victims

The Senate, at the urging of Sen. Josh Hawley, passed a bill to reauthorize funds for Americans exposed to radiation from nuclear waste, with a 69-30 margin. The legislation, emblematic of bipartisan support, would provide compensation to families affected by nuclear waste exposure, costing about $50 billion over five years. The bill now advances to the House of Representatives, where its future is less clear, but supporters hope the strong bipartisan showing in the Senate could make a difference. If passed by the House, President Joe Biden is expected to sign it.