House passes bill to establish low-dose radiation research

The House on Wednesday passed legislation to establish a Department of Energy research program to study low-dose radiation.

The noncontroversial measure passed by voice vote. But it became an apparent vehicle for Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) to punish a lawmaker who opposed his candidacy for a third term atop the GOP leadership team.

{mosads}Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas) claimed that he was originally slated to introduce the bill this week until he announced he’d support Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) for Speaker.

The House passed a similar bill by voice vote in the last Congress sponsored by now-former Rep. Paul Broun (R-Ga.).

Lawmakers on both sides said that insufficient data is currently available on the risks of low-dose radiation.

“This research is critical for physicians and decision-makers to more accurately assess potential health risks in this area,” said House Science, Space and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas).