_____________ joint resolution NO. _____________

INTRODUCED BY _________________________________________________

By Request of the ****

A resolution of the Senate of the state of montana urging congress to include Montanans in the radiation exposure compensation act.

WHEREAS, from 1945 to 1962, the U.S. government conducted over 200 above-ground nuclear tests, exposing tens of thousands of people in downwind areas to deadly radiation; and

WHEREAS, Montana is one of the most impacted "downwind" states and home to 15 of the 25 most exposed counties in the United States, including Meagher, Broadwater, Beaverhead, Chouteau, Jefferson, Powell, Judith Basin, Madison, Fergus, Gallatin, Petroleum, Lewis and Clark, Blaine, Silver Bow, and Deer Lodge Counties; and

WHEREAS, this issue is important to many Montanans who have suffered and even died from radiation exposure, and may not even know their cancers were caused by our nation's nuclear testing; and

WHEREAS, the current compensation available for those impacted by U.S. nuclear weapons development and testing is still not available for impacted Montanans, even though the 1997 study by the U.S. government indicated that Montana should be included in the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the U.S. Congress pass amendments to include Montanans in the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Secretary of State send copies of this resolution to the members of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate.