María Elvira Salazar: “I rise to share my serious concern about the implementation of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation…”

“I rise to share my serious concern about the implementation of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act, EEOICPA. Because of the gravity of my concerns, I have placed a hold on a nomination currently pending before this body--the nomination of Leon R. Sequeira to be Assistant Secretary for Policy at the Department of Labor. I harbor no ill will toward Mr. Sequeira. But I am furious with the foot-dragging, the obstruction, and the neglect that have characterized the administration's approach toward American citizens who took real risks for our country during the cold war, who are suffering now, and who need and deserve help. It is my understanding that Mr. Sequeira's role will be to advise the Department of Labor Secretary Elaine Chao on policy development and program implementation. It is my hope that I can work through my numerous concerns with the Department of Labor and the Department of Health and Human Services. The EEOICPA Program is supposed to compensate the thousands of cold war veterans who worked for our country's nuclear weapons programs.”