Jeff Bingaman: “Let me note that even though this amendment proposes to move subtitle D from the DOE to the Department of Labor, the DOE…”

“Let me note that even though this amendment proposes to move subtitle D from the DOE to the Department of Labor, the DOE will continue to play a vital role in locating and interpreting the workers' employment and medical records. This move will let the DOE concentrate solely on performing this important function without trying to administer a large claims processing program. I conclude by thanking those who have contributed to this effort. I thank Ms. Kate Kimpan from Senator Bunning's Office, who has provided never-ending technical support on a complicated subject. I also thank Mr. Richard Miller of the Government Accountability Project, Mr. Jay Powers of the AFL-CIO, and others of the building trade unions. Richard Miller and Jay Powers have worked to help sick atomic workers since this program was initiated, and have continued to make Congress aware of its failings 4 years later; we owe both these gentlemen a debt of gratitude. These workers and their families have suffered the pain of serious illnesses for so long--we should not make them suffer the indignity of trying to navigate Government red tape a moment longer. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.”