[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 114 (Thursday, July 14, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5166-S5167]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Ms. COLLINS (for herself and Mr. King):
  S. 3226. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
establish a registry of certain veterans who participated in a 
radiation cleanup mission in the Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands 
during the period beginning on January 1, 1977, and ending on December 
31, 1980, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs.
  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Enewetak Atoll 
Cleanup Veterans Registry and Study Act of 2016. I am pleased to be 
joined by my colleague from Maine, Senator King, in this initiative. 
Our bill would address an issue important to veterans, including many 
in Maine, who participated in the Enewetak Atoll radiation cleanup 
missions from 1977 to 1980. These veterans may now be suffering from 
adverse health conditions due to exposure to radiation during these 
missions.
  At the end of World War II, Enewetak Atoll came under the control of 
the United States, which used it to test nuclear bombs. From 1948 to 
1958, Enewetak Atoll was the site of 43 U.S. nuclear tests. The 
combined federal effort to clean up the resulting radioactive waste 
cost about $100 million over three years and required an on-atoll task 
force numbering almost 1,000 people.
  The veterans who served on the cleanup task force did not ask to be 
sent to Enewetak Atoll. Like good servicemembers, they received their 
orders and went to work serving the U.S. government by cleaning up 
radioactive waste over a 3-year period. I have heard from several 
Enewetak Atoll veterans who have now developed cancers, and they have 
expressed their concerns that these cancers may be rooted in their 
service cleaning up nuclear material.
  To address this troubling issue, our bill would help identify and 
bring together the shared experiences of those who served as a part of 
the Enewetak Atoll cleanup. It would require the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs, VA, to establish a registry of U.S. veterans who participated 
in the cleanup missions of the Enewetak Atoll and who have subsequently 
experienced health issues. It would also direct the VA to commission an 
independent study investigating any possible linkage between radiation 
exposure during the cleanup missions and subsequent health problems 
among the servicemembers who served or trained there.
  Protecting the health of those who have served our nation is a solemn 
responsibility. This legislation keeps faith with our veterans by 
demonstrating that our government takes the allegations of service-
connected exposure to radiation seriously. We must fulfill our 
obligations and affirm a larger commitment made long ago to take care 
of those who have so proudly served our Nation--the patriots who have 
worn our Nation's uniform.
  I ask my colleagues to support this important legislation.
  Mr. KING. Mr. President, today I wish to voice my support for the 
Enewetak Atoll Cleanup Veterans Registry and Study Act of 2016. I am 
joined by my esteemed colleague from Maine, Susan Collins, in 
introducing this initiative, which will help to combat a very important 
issue facing the servicemen and women stationed at the Enewetak Atoll 
between 1977 and 1980. These veterans assisted in a radiation cleanup 
mission that may have exposed them to harmful nuclear waste, and may be 
causing them health problems to this day.
  Between 1948 and 1958, the United States used the Enewetak Atoll for 
nuclear bomb testing. In 1977, after a

[[Page S5167]]

total of 43 nuclear tests, the United States engaged in a 3-year 
cleanup mission, costing $100 million and requiring a task force of 
nearly 1,000 servicemembers. However, despite the clearly dangerous 
nature of handling radioactive material, there is no registry or health 
study for those who served at Enewetak during that time.
  This bill would require the Secretary of the VA to establish a 
registry of veterans who served as part of the cleanup of Enewetak 
Atoll, and have subsequently experienced health issues that may have 
resulted from exposure to radiation. In addition, the bill would direct 
the VA to commission an independent study investigating any linkages 
between those who were exposed to the radiation and subsequent health 
problems. It would allow for the gathering of targeted data for a 
better assessment of exposure, and would help determine whether these 
veterans should be granted the presumption of service-connection 
disabilities.
  Throughout our Nation's history, our veterans have put themselves in 
harm's way to ensure our freedom time and time again. Their unwavering 
patriotism and courage demonstrate the fortitude of American character 
and our Nation's commitment to democracy worldwide. In response, we 
must do everything we can to follow through on our responsibility to 
provide for our veterans, and the brave men and women who served at 
Enewetak Atoll are no exception to this solemn duty. This bill 
demonstrates our commitment to honoring and respecting our Nation's 
heroes, past and present, and I urge my colleagues to support this 
important legislation.
                                 ______