FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Howard Gantman
Feinstein Urges Timely, Fair Claims Processing for Santa
Susanna Field Lab Employees Harmed by Radiation and Toxic Exposure
- Out of approximately 500 claims filed, only seven
have been paid -
In a letter to Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, Senator
Feinstein wrote, “These workers were
subject to radiation and toxic exposure in their service to the federal
government. I urge you to look into this
matter and ensure that valid claims are processed in a timely and fair manner.”
Senator Feinstein expressed great concern over reports
that out of approximately 500 claims filed by former Santa Susana Field Lab
employees, only seven have been paid.
The following is the text of the letter sent by Senator Feinstein to
Secretary Chao:
January 30, 2006
The Honorable Elaine Chao
Secretary of Labor
Dear Secretary Chao:
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the
compensation of the former employees of the Santa Susana Field Laboratory
(SSFL).
Five years ago, Congress passed the Energy Employee
Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act.
The purpose of that legislation was to provide employees of Department
of Energy (DOE) nuclear facilities and their families up to $150,000 each, in
addition to providing them with assistance in applying for workers
compensation.
In 2004, in an effort to expedite the claims process,
Congress provided the Department of Labor the authority to evaluate workers’
claims that they were harmed by exposure to radiation and other toxic
materials. Despite these efforts, delays
continue. It is my understanding that
out of approximately 500 claims filed by former SSFL employees, only seven have
been paid.
These workers were subject to radiation and toxic
exposure in their service to the federal government. I urge you to look into this matter and
ensure that valid claims are processed in a timely and fair manner.
Thank you very much for your consideration of this
request.
Sincerely,
Dianne
Feinstein
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