[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 64 (Thursday, April 6, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S5454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SENATE RESOLUTION 108--DESIGNATING NATIONAL ATOMIC VETERANS DAY

       Mr. WELLSTONE (for himself, Mr. Simon, Mr. Jeffords, Mr. 
     Dashchle, Mr. Pryor, Mr. Rockefeller, Mr. Akaka, Mr. Reid, 
     and Mr. Leahy) submitted the following resolution; which was 
     considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 108
       Whereas July 16, 1995, is the 50th anniversary of the first 
     detonation of an atomic bomb at Alamagordo, New Mexico;
       Whereas the members of the Armed Forces who have been 
     exposed to ionizing radiation as a result of the detonation 
     of a nuclear weapon or device are considered to be America's 
     ``atomic veterans'';
       Whereas atomic veterans are in many ways one of the most 
     neglected groups of United States veterans;
       Whereas atomic veterans served their country patriotically 
     and proudly, believing fully that the United States 
     Government would protect them from any serious hazards to 
     their health;
       Whereas atomic veterans were not told of the hazards they 
     faced from exposure to ionizing radiation, often were 
     provided with little protection from such exposure even when 
     deployed at or near ground zero immediately after test 
     detonations of nuclear weapons, on occasion were not provided 
     film badges to measure their exposure to radiation during 
     such detonations, and were provided with no follow-up medical 
     care or other monitoring to determine the health consequences 
     of such exposure;
       Whereas for 40 years after World War II Federal law 
     contained no provisions specifically providing veterans 
     compensation or health care for atomic veterans for service-
     connected radiogenic diseases; and
       Whereas many of the 250,000 members of the Armed Forces who 
     participated in post-World War II atmospheric nuclear testing 
     were forbidden from publicly revealing such participation for 
     reasons of national security and received no recognition for 
     their important contributions to the United States and the 
     Armed Forces: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That--
       (1) July 16, 1995, is designated as ``National Atomic 
     Veterans Day''; and
       (2) the President is authorized and requested to issue a 
     proclamation calling on the departments and agencies of the 
     Federal Government, State and local governments, and the 
     people of the United States to observe that day with 
     appropriate ceremonies and activities.
     

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