WILSON, PERLMUTTER SECURE PERMANENT AUTHORIZATION OF OMBUDSMAN FOR ENERGY EMPLOYEES OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS COMPENSATION PROGRAM

On December 8, the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with permanent authorization of the Office of the Ombudsman for the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (EEOICP). Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) and Congressman Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) worked through the entire bill process to ensure this critical legislation made it to the President's desk.

"I am grateful that this year's NDAA included permanent authorization of the Office of the Ombudsman for the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program. Passage of this provision will now allow thousands of nuclear workers, including those who have served at the Savannah River Site, to navigate the difficult process of receiving these benefits," said Congressman Wilson. "This has been a bipartisan effort with me and Congressman Ed Perlmutter. By passing this bill, Congress has shown appreciation for those who have dedicated their lives to our national security."

"The Office of the Ombudsman serves as a critical resource and advocate for those who risked their lives to protect our nation," said Congressman Perlmutter. "By making this office permanent we can better ensure these patriots receive the compensation and care they need and deserve as they deal with the health consequences and other side effects related to their service to our country."

BACKGROUND

During the Cold War, approximately 600,000 workers were employed at U.S. weapons program facilities throughout the country. As a result of their work for the U.S. government, some atomic weapons workers developed cancers and other diseases. In 2000, Congress acted to provide healthcare and benefits for former nuclear weapons workers by passing the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA). The Department of Labor's Office of the Ombudsman helps former nuclear weapons workers navigate the complex claims process under the EEOICPA. Under previous law, the Ombudsman's office sunset in October 2020.

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