Jon L. Christensen: “H.R. 2584 is noncontroversial legislation that would convey a decommissioned research vessel formerly operated by the…”

“H.R. 2584 is noncontroversial legislation that would convey a decommissioned research vessel formerly operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to the local government of Utrok Atoll located in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Congress should do whatever we can to help the residents of Utrok Atoll. It is imperative that they receive the critical medical testing and treatment necessary to address the increased rates of thyroid cancer and birth defects that have arisen as a result of the U.S. nuclear testing program we conducted in the Northern Marshall Islands between 1946 and 1958. The conveyance of this former NOAA vessel will allow more convenient and less expensive transportation for these residents who have to make a 265-mile trip to the neighboring islands of Majuro where the medical facilities are located. I commend the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) for introducing this legislation to help the residents of this very remote atoll in the Pacific Ocean.”