New Bill Aims to Compensate Veterans Exposed to Nuclear Clean-Up Sites

The U.S. Congress is set to introduce a bill that would extend compensation benefits to veterans who participated in nuclear clean-up operations at three atomic sites. The Radiation Exposure Reauthorization Act of 2026 aims to provide financial assistance and recognition for those affected by their work during the Cold War era, including Robert Celestial, an Army veteran who was part of the Enewetak Atoll cleanup crew from 1977.

Celestial, now 69 years old, describes his experience as a heavy equipment operator tasked with transferring radiated debris to Runit Dome. He and his fellow soldiers were unaware of the dangers they faced while working in areas contaminated by nuclear tests. Decades later, many veterans like Celestial have developed serious health issues such as bone diseases, heart conditions, and various forms of cancer.

The proposed bill would amend the existing Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) to include veterans from Enewetak Atoll, Palomares, Spain, and Thule, Greenland. These sites were involved in significant nuclear incidents, including a hydrogen bomb accident in Palomares and a B-52 bomber crash near Thule that did not result in detonation.

The new legislation seeks to address gaps in the current RECA framework by expanding eligibility criteria to cover veterans who worked at these specific cleanup locations. The bill's sponsors argue that it is crucial to acknowledge the unique risks faced by those involved in post-nuclear cleanup efforts and provide them with appropriate support.

Rep. James Moylan, a Republican from Guam and one of the bill’s co-sponsors, emphasized the need for bipartisan support to ensure passage. He stated that the proposal aims to reflect the realities of U.S. atomic weapons testing and its aftermath more accurately by including veterans who were exposed during cleanup operations.

In 2022, Congress passed the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT), which expanded disability benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxins. The PACT Act also granted presumptive exposure status to radiation for disability claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for those from the three nuclear clean-up sites.

Keith Keifer, national commander for the National Association of Atomic Veterans, highlighted that only a small number of veterans are still alive from these cleanup operations. He estimated less than 6,000 veterans were involved in total, with fewer than 400 from Enewetak Atoll potentially eligible today. The bill's passage would provide much-needed relief to these individuals and their families.

Veterans currently covered by RECA for nuclear weapons tests face limitations on double dipping, meaning they can only receive compensation through one program. Keifer noted that veterans have found more success with RECA claims compared to VA disability claims due to the straightforward nature of the application process under RECA. However, many veterans still struggle with lengthy delays and denials.

The proposed bill aims to streamline the compensation process for those affected by nuclear clean-up efforts, ensuring they receive the recognition and financial assistance they deserve after years of service in hazardous conditions. As the legislation moves forward, advocates hope it will provide closure and support for aging atomic veterans who have long awaited acknowledgment of their sacrifices.