[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 159 (Thursday, October 29, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S10912]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  NATIONAL NUCLEAR PROGRAM WORKERS DAY

  Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, today I rise to honor nuclear weapons 
program workers and uranium miners, millers and haulers. Tomorrow, 
October 30, 2009, has been designated by Congress as a national day of 
remembrance for these workers and their families.
  During the Cold War, these men and women served the United States by 
working in the Department of Energy's nuclear plants, exposing 
themselves to hazardous materials. As a result of this exposure, many 
developed illnesses and sacrificed their well-being for the sake of our 
Cold War victory.
  This day of remembrance is particularly important to Kentuckians, 
because of men and women who have worked--and still work--for the 
Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Paducah, KY, since 1952. During the 
Cold War, this plant enriched the uranium for the weapons that kept 
America safe. Back then, this plant provided jobs to a small town and 
helped Paducah grow. What these workers did not necessarily know then 
was that they were not just going to work for a paycheck, but they were 
sacrificing themselves to protect our national security. Now, during a 
time of high unemployment, the plant continues to provide jobs by 
cleaning up the nuclear waste of the Cold War era.
  Our Nation's nuclear workers have bravely served our country at a 
time when we needed them most and they deserve to be honored. Today, I, 
alongside the Nation, recognize these fine men and women for the 
sacrifices they have made.

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