KENNEDY ON PASSAGE OF ENERGY WORKERS’ OMBUDSMAN AMENDMENT

WASHINGTON, DC— The DoD Authorization Conference Report includes a provision to continue the operation of the ombudsman’s office in the Department of Labor, which assists sick energy workers seeking compensation under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act. Senator Kennedy, Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said: “The Act’s important goal is to provide fair compensation for employees in the nation’s nuclear weapons program who suffered serious illness from exposure to radiation. The Ombudsman’s Office has provided indispensable assistance to thousands of sick employees in navigating the process and obtaining the compensation they deserve, and it’s essential for Congress to continue this assistance.”