On the recordJanuary 17, 2018
Today I rise to honor the life of Dr. Jim Melius, who passed away on January 1. Possessed of a technical expertise and a fierce sense of justice, Dr. Melius was a tireless advocate for people who, due to no fault of their own, were exposed to toxic and deadly substances in the workplace. He was a powerful force in our efforts in helping thousands of western New Yorkers get long overdue relief for suffering caused by their unknowing exposure to uranium at long-shuttered plants like Linde Ceramics, Hooker Chemical, Carborundum, and Bethlehem Steel, where, today, over $300 million in compensation and medical bills have been paid out to former employees. With a calm and steady demeanor, he gave instant credibility to any fight. He was a tremendous resource and he was a good man. While our fight to provide full and fair relief for all of these citizens continues, we will never forget this fighter for all the Cold War warriors. ____________________
