I 111th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2553 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2009 Mr. Tiahrt (for himself, Mr. Moore of Kansas, Ms. Berkley, Mr. Gingrey of Georgia, Mr. Moran of Kansas, Ms. Bordallo, and Mr. Loebsack) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services A BILL To authorize the award of a military service medal to members of the Armed Forces who were exposed to ionizing radiation as a result of participation in the testing of nuclear weapons or under other circumstances.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Atomic Veterans Service Medal Act.

2.

Atomic Veterans Service Medal

(a)

Service medal required

The Secretary of Defense shall design and produce a military service medal, to be known as the Atomic Veterans Service Medal, to honor retired and former members of the Armed Forces who are radiation-exposed veterans (as such term is defined in section 1112(c)(3) of title 38, United States Code). (b)

Distribution of medal

(1)

Issuance to retired and former members

At the request of a radiation-exposed veteran, the Secretary of Defense shall issue the Atomic Veterans Service Medal to the veteran. (2)

Issuance to next-of-kin

In the case of a radiation-exposed veteran who is deceased, the Secretary may provide for issuance of the Atomic Veterans Service Medal to the next-of-kin of the person. (3)

Application

The Secretary shall prepare and disseminate as appropriate an application by which radiation-exposed veterans and their next-of-kin may apply to receive the Atomic Veterans Service Medal.