[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 17]
[SENA]
[Page 23159]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PADUCAH GASEOUS DIFFUSION 
                                 PLANT

 Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, on October 24, 2002, the Paducah 
Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Paducah, KY commemorated and celebrated its 
50th anniversary. In 1952, the Paducah Plant began the process of 
enriching uranium to help build and maintain our national security 
against our adversaries throughout the Cold War era, and to this day 
the 1,500 workers there continue their work to help ensure a safer 
world by dismantling nuclear agents from Russia's stockpile of weapons 
from its gladly-gone-days as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
  Throughout these past 50 years, the Federal Government did not always 
shoot straight with the Paducah Plant workers. Much of the time the 
workers were exposed to harsh and deadly chemical and industrial 
agents. Many became sick and many died while the Federal Government 
looked the other way. But throughout these times these workers forged 
ahead, and they continue to do so today. Now knowing the dangers of 
then and even the risks that go along with their jobs today, these 
dedicated workers still roll up their sleeves and get the job done, 
without complaint and with no questions asked. They are selfless and 
humble. The history of the Paducah Plant and its workers, and what they 
have and continue to do to ensure a more peaceful world, has and will 
continue to be an inspiration to us all.
  The Paducah Plant is tucked away in God's country in southwest 
Kentucky between the Ohio River and rolling prairies and farmland. The 
Paducah community and those in the surrounding area have been bedrock 
in their support of this plant and its workers, and they are owed a 
great deal of gratitude as well on this 50th anniversary. They have 
always been there with support and prayer for these plant workers and 
their family members during the toughest and roughest of times.
  While the Federal Government and others turned away and failed to 
live up to their responsibilities to the Paducah Plant workers--
neighbors, friends and family members were always there to comfort them 
and each other. This is a spirit which humbles us all. May God bless 
all those associated with this plant and its mission. We owe all of 
them more than we will ever realize.

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