[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 131 (Wednesday, October 18, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S10709]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO WORKERS AT THE PADUCAH GASEOUS DIFFUSION PLANT

 Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the thousands of workers, both past and present, at the Gaseous 
Diffusion Plants in Paducah, Portsmouth, and Oak Ridge for their 
patience and persistence through what has been, and continues to be, a 
challenging time.
  When the reports of contamination broke in the August 8, 1999 edition 
of the Washington Post, my first thoughts were of the individuals and 
families who had suffered because of DOE's mistakes. I thought of the 
pain those workers must have endured from the illnesses and continue to 
endure in many cases, and the sense of loss families must have felt for 
those whose loved ones did not survive the harsh effects of 
contamination.
  The story of the Harding Family, of Paducah, still haunts me. To 
think that a man suffered and died a painful death because of the 
carelessness of officials at the Department of Energy is 
incomprehensible. My heart goes out to the Harding Family for the loss 
of Mr. Joe Harding, and I hope that this dear family can take some 
solace in the knowledge that it was because of Joe's persistence that 
this story came to light. Because of Joe's willingness to speak in the 
face of high-powered opposition, at least 120 other workers who suffer 
effects of contamination will now be treated and compensated by the 
United States government. Joe paid the ultimate price in his death, and 
for that he deserves our sympathy, our respect, and our gratitude.
  From that very first moment the story broke, I have been determined 
to make sure all current and former employees are tested for 
contamination and that sick employees receive the treatment they need 
and deserve. Of course, nothing can take the place of good health or 
life, but every effort should be made to provide compensation for DOE's 
wrongs.
  I want the workers in Paducah, Portsmouth, and Oak Ridge to know that 
I am working here in the Senate to ensure that they are adequately 
tested and treated for any problems they experience as a result of 
contamination at the plant. I have continually sought funding, as a 
member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and am pleased to have 
played a role in providing the funding to make health testing 
equipment, such as the vital lung screening van for Paducah, available 
to all of the dedicated workers who have served at the each of the 
Gaseous Diffusion Plants.
  The mobile lung screening unit should serve as a symbol to each of 
the workers and their families that we will keep fighting for your 
health and safety, for your economic livelihood, and for the cleanup of 
the plant sites and surrounding neighborhoods.
  On behalf of my colleagues in the Senate, I want to say thank you to 
the employees at the plants for their service to the United States. 
Your sacrifice to help us win the Cold War will never be 
forgotten.

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