Banks-Panetta Amendment to Replace Dangerous Cesium Blood Irradiators Passes House
Washington,
May 23, 2018
This afternoon, the House of Representatives passed an amendment to the fiscal year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authored by Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) and Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) that provides for the replacement of high-risk cesium blood irradiators.
Banks and Panetta both serve on the House Armed Services Committee. “This important amendment sets the goal of eliminating the use of radioactive cesium blood irradiators in the United States by 2027, provides funding for the United States government to remove and dispose of cesium, and helps fund the replacement cost of safer devices,” said Banks. “This effort will significantly reduce the risk of WMD terrorism by removing and replacing radiological sources that pose unnecessary dangers to our communities.” The House is expected to vote on final passage of the FY19 NDAA this week. ### Interested members of the media may contact Andrea Palermo at andrea.palermo@mail.house.gov. |