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Senate endorses SR14 urging Congress to include Montanans in Radiation Exposure Compensation Act
Summary
Senate Resolution 14, urging Congress to include Montanans in the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act or its renewal, was recommended for passage and passed on second reading, 45–5; sponsors cited historical downwind exposure during nuclear testing.
The Committee of the Whole recommended concurrence on Senate Resolution 14, a communication urging Congress to include Montanans in the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act or its renewal; the motion passed on second reading with a recorded vote of 45–5.
Sponsor Senator Olsen framed the resolution as a request to Congress to address historic downwind exposure from above-ground nuclear testing and to ensure Montana residents are included if the federal compensation program is extended. Olsen said Montana is “the number 1 downwind state” per an historical study referenced during his remarks.
Senator Fauldman asked whether the federal compensation act’s expiration would limit the resolution’s effect; Fauldman said an attorney told him the federal program expired in July 2024. Olsen responded that Congress is moving to renew and expand the program and said the resolution serves as a reminder to federal legislators to act.
Senator Cuff and others commented that cancers had occurred in local communities and that being on any renewed list would be appropriate. The clerk recorded 45 ayes and 5 nays on second reading; the committee recommended the resolution for passage.
