Atomic Civilians Recognition and Compensation Act
Summary
The "Atomic Civilians Recognition and Compensation Act" aims to honor and compensate civilian employees and contractors who participated in the US atomic and nuclear weapons programs. It establishes the Atomic Civilians Commemorative Service Medal to recognize their service and sacrifice. The act also creates a compensation program for those who directly participated in radioactive material cleanup and subsequently developed specific diseases.
Eligibility for compensation includes current and former civilian employees and contractors who participated in cleanup efforts related to atmospheric detonations or accidents involving atomic weapons. Individuals diagnosed with certain cancers are eligible for a $75,000 award, offset by any payments received under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.
The Secretary of Defense is responsible for designing the medal, establishing the compensation program, and processing applications. The act requires supporting documentation to determine eligibility for both the medal and compensation.
Expected Effects
This act will create a formal recognition and compensation system for civilian workers involved in the atomic weapons program. It will provide a commemorative medal to honor their service. Furthermore, it will offer financial compensation to those who developed specific diseases as a result of their work cleaning up radioactive materials.
The Department of Defense will be responsible for implementing the medal program and the compensation program. This includes designing the medal, creating application processes, and disbursing funds.
Potential Benefits
- Provides recognition for civilian employees and contractors involved in the atomic weapons program.
- Offers financial compensation to those who developed specific diseases due to radioactive material cleanup.
- Acknowledges the sacrifices made by these individuals in service to the nation.
- Establishes a formal process for applying for and receiving compensation.
- May improve the health and well-being of affected individuals and their families.
Potential Disadvantages
- The compensation amount of $75,000 may be insufficient to cover the full costs of medical treatment and related expenses.
- The eligibility criteria for compensation may exclude some individuals who were exposed to radiation but did not directly participate in cleanup efforts.
- The offset for payments received under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act may reduce the amount of compensation received by some individuals.
- The program is subject to the availability of appropriations, which could lead to delays or reductions in compensation payments.
- The administrative burden of processing applications and determining eligibility could be significant.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). It aims to provide for the well-being of individuals who contributed to national security. The establishment of a compensation program could be seen as an effort to "promote the general Welfare."
Congress has the power to provide for the common defense (Article I, Section 8). This act can be viewed as a means of supporting those who contributed to that defense. The act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
However, the act's implementation must adhere to due process (5th Amendment) in determining eligibility and disbursing compensation. This ensures fair treatment and prevents arbitrary decisions.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).