HR 108 (LSB 5609HH (1) 86)

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 108

BY  GASSMAN

A Resolution recognizing July 16, 2016, as Iowa Atomic Veterans Day.

   WHEREAS, as a result of the Manhattan Project, the United States conducted the Trinity nuclear test, the first detonation of a nuclear device, in New Mexico on July 16, 1945; and
   WHEREAS, over 200,000 American service members, including Iowans, participated in aboveground nuclear tests between 1945 and 1962, were part of the United States military occupation forces in Japan in or around Hiroshima and Nagasaki before 1946, or were held as a prisoner of war in or near Hiroshima or Nagasaki; and
   WHEREAS, Iowans have been exposed to radiation due to their work at the Ames Laboratory at Iowa State University as part of the Manhattan Project and at the Burlington Atomic Energy Commission Plant at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant located in Des Moines County; and
   WHEREAS, these atomic veterans, both military and civilian, may have been exposed to radiation as a result of their service and, due to that exposure, may have developed cancer or other medical conditions; and
   WHEREAS, many atomic military veterans were prevented by secrecy laws or oaths from seeking medical care or disability compensation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for conditions they may have developed as a result of radiation exposure; and
   WHEREAS, in 1996, the United States Congress repealed the Nuclear Radiation and Secrecy Agreements Act, freeing atomic military veterans to describe their military involvement in nuclear testing in order to file for VA benefits; and
   WHEREAS, atomic military veterans may be eligible for free medical care from the VA and compensation in the form of a partial or full service-connected disability allowance, including potential payments to a surviving spouse or children; and
   WHEREAS, the National Association of Atomic Veterans was formed in 1979 to help atomic military veterans obtain medical care and assistance; and
   WHEREAS, it is altogether fitting and proper that atomic veterans be recognized for their service and sacrifice to the nation; NOW THEREFORE,

   BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, That the House of Representatives recognizes July 16, 2016, as Iowa Atomic Veterans Day.