Broun's Bipartisan Low-Dose Radiation Research Bill Passes in U.S. House

Statement

U.S. Rep. Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10) today released the following statement after the Low-Dose Radiation Research Act of 2014 (H.R. 5544) passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. H.R. 5544 seeks to provide physicians with the necessary research to make better informed decisions regarding whether or to what extent there are health risks associated with low-dose radiation. This would be accomplished using existing, rather than new or increased, appropriations. H.R. 5544 passed by a voice vote and now awaits consideration by the U.S. Senate.

Said Dr. Paul Broun, "I am pleased by the bipartisan efforts of my colleagues to advance this common-sense bill and help resolve what we do not yet know in the field of low-dose radiation. Every day, more humans are exposed to a wide range of low-dose background radiation -- but there exists only limited research on the health-risks associated with low-dose radiation. This bill seeks to address the current gaps in knowledge by leveraging the nation's current expertise in the area, and then proposing a long-term strategy to tackle the issue. At the same time, this legislation does not authorize any additional funds and requires the Department of Energy to carry out this work using only their existing appropriated funds. This bill is a common-sense win, and I hope that Senator Reid and President Obama will act swiftly in passing this vital legislation and signing it into law."

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