Joseph T. Burns: “on April 28, 2005 of this year, just hours after the National Academy of Science released its report, I stood before…”

“on April 28, 2005 of this year, just hours after the National Academy of Science released its report, I stood before this body and declared the importance of amending this law. On May 9, I introduced S. 977 which places Montana on equal ground with others who have suffered from nuclear testing fallout. Again, on May 10, I stood in this Chamber and talked about the importance of this legislation for the good people of Montana. Today, I am happy to be joined in my efforts by the Senator from Idaho, who introduced similar legislation for the people of Idaho. This bill is an important step forward in securing the justice that the people of Montana deserve. This bill combines my efforts with those of Senator Crapo to extend RECA coverage to both Montana and Idaho in a single, simple bill. Montana, more than any other State, was affected by the downwind radiation that came from the nuclear testing in Nevada during the 1950s. The statistics are eye-opening. Of the 25 counties in the United States with the highest exposure rates, 15 are in Montana. Meagher County in Montana has a rate of exposure greater than any other county in the United States. Fifty-five out of Montana's 56 counties experienced elevated levels of radiation exposure. And yet, Montana is the only State in the region that receives absolutely no compensation from the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act whatsoever.…”