Senators push to compensate test site workers for job-related diseases

WASHINGTON - Sens. Richard Bryan and Harry Reid, both D-Nev., were successful in their push to get the Senate to approve the Defense Authorization Act that would compensate Nevada Test Site workers for health related problems traced to their work at the test site.

"Our amendment is an effort to make sure that all current and past workers at the Nevada Test Site are included and eligible for the current compensation package that is now working its way through Congress," said Bryan.

An amendment calling for the program was added without a vote to the defense authorization bill. The House version of the bill does not include the program, whose fate congressional negotiators would have to decide.

Also, lawmakers have not set aside any money for the program, which could run into the hundreds of millions of dollars.

The amendment would allow compensation up to $200,000 for workers who suffer from silicosis from tunneling work at the Test Site. In addition, it would set a more reasonable standard for workers exposed to dangerous radiation to receive federal compensation.