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Congress approved a $3.2 billion budget for cleanup at the Hanford Site in Washington, following a Senate vote of 82-15 on H.R. 6938. This budget marks a 10% increase from previous years but is $3 billion short of the $6 billion needed annually.

The funding will support ongoing vitrification and treatment of contaminated groundwater and soil, addressing hazardous waste from the nuclear weapons program. Despite progress, state officials warn that delays in meeting cleanup deadlines could pose health risks due to leaking radioactive materials. The current cleanup efforts are expected to last until the 2080s, with key milestones set for 2033.