07.31.01

Senator Maria Cantwell: Payments to Nuclear Workers Begin Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced that the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Program will today send its first checks to workers who became ill from exposure to radiation while working at U.S. nuclear sites. Cantwell noted that as many as 1,000 workers from Hanford may be eligible for the program.

"The federal government is finally keeping its promise to nuclear workers, who unknowingly risked their lives for our county," Cantwell said. "Although no amount of money or medical benefits could ever restore what these workers and their families lost, I hope that they know their sacrifices are not forgotten."

"I will continue to monitor the progress of this program to make certain that it keeps faith with the workers it was intended to serve," Cantwell concluded.

Under the law, The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program provides benefits authorized to recipients. The Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs is responsible for administering claims filed by employees, former employees or their survivors.

To provide information and answer questions about the program the Department of Labor is available by telephone, web page or in-person at a Resource Center.

Toll-free telephone number: 1-866-888-3322

Web page: http://www.dol.gov/compliance/laws/comp-energy.htm

Richland Resource Center: 1029 N. Kellogg Street Kennewick, WA 99336 (509) 783-1500

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