[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 91 (Friday, July 14, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S6847]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 336--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE REGARDING THE 
  CONTRIBUTIONS, SACRIFICIES, AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE OF AMERICANS 
EXPOSED TO RADIATION OR RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS AS A RESULT OF SERVICE IN 
                            THE ARMED FORCES

  Ms. SNOWE (for herself, Mr. Murkowski, and Mr. Wellstone) submitted 
the following resolution, which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 336

       Whereas the Nation has a responsibility to veterans who are 
     injured, or who incur a disease, while serving in the Armed 
     Forces, including the provision of health care, cash 
     compensation, and other benefits for such disabilities;
       Whereas from 1945 to 1963, the United States conducted test 
     explosions of approximately 235 nuclear devices, potentially 
     exposing approximately 220,000 members of the Armed Forces to 
     unknown levels of radiation, and approximately 195,000 
     members of the Armed Forces have been identified as 
     participants in the occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, 
     Japan, after World War II;
       Whereas many of these veterans later claimed that low 
     levels of radiation released during such tests, or exposure 
     to radiation during such occupation, may be a cause of 
     certain medical conditions; and
       Whereas Sunday, July 16, 2000, is the 55th anniversary of 
     the first nuclear explosion, the Trinity Shot in New Mexico: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that--
       (1) July 16, 2000, should be designated as a ``National Day 
     of Remembrance'' in order to honor veterans exposed to 
     radiation or radioactive materials during service in the 
     Armed Forces; and
       (2) the contributions, sacrifices, and distinguished 
     service on behalf of the United States of the Americans 
     exposed to radiation or radioactive materials while serving 
     in the Armed Forces are worthy of solemn recognition.

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