Senator Josh Hawley, a conservative from Missouri, is urging Hollywood to pay tribute to the victims of America’s nuclear testing programs, particularly as the acclaimed film “Oppenheimer” receives acclaim. The movie, nominated for 13 awards at the upcoming March 10 Oscars, is commended by Hawley for its compelling portrayal of these nuclear testing initiatives. However, he notes in a letter to the governors of the Academy Awards that the film falls short in depicting the ongoing challenges faced by Americans still grappling with the health and financial consequences of the nation’s nuclear research over the years.
In his letter, Hawley emphasizes the need to tell the stories of these victims, advocating for their justice and fair compensation from the government. He believes that Hollywood has a role in shedding light on the experiences of individuals affected by radiation exposure, including those harmed by a nuclear waste site near St. Louis. This letter represents Hawley’s ongoing efforts to garner national attention for radiation exposure victims and their pursuit of federal compensation. Last year, he issued a threat to impede the passage of the crucial national defense policy bill unless the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, set to expire in June 2024, was reauthorized.
