April 4, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1411 support for the Good Friday Agreement as the bate between the political parties. Con- that promotes human rights and fosters com- blueprint for lasting peace in Northern Ireland sequently, problems have been directly and munity confidence. and support for continued police reform in civilly addressed through free and open de- Finally, I’d like to commend the leadership Northern Ireland as a critical element in the bate. Unfortunately, as my colleagues know, of Sinn Fein, specifically Gerry Adams and peace process. I compliment the work of Sub- due to disagreements between the political Martin McGuinness, for successfully urging the committee Chairmen ELTON GALLEGLY and parties—the Social Democrat and Labor Party, Irish Republican Army to end its armed cam- CHRISTOPHER SMITH for improving and making the Ulster Unionist Party, the Democratic paign and verifiably put all of its weapons be- the originally-introduced version even more Unionist Party, and Sinn Fein—the Northern yond use. This was a crucial step in the peace constructive and stronger on policing. The Ireland Assembly has been suspended since process to demonstrate the Republicans’ com- Good Friday Agreement needs U.S. support October of 2002. Ever since, the British gov- mitment to an exclusively democratic and and a push to fully implement all of its terms. ernment has taken direct control over the gov- peaceful process. There is no place for any On the important issue of policing reform, ernment to ensure stability. I would hope all paramilitaries in the North of Ireland and it is the resolution before us wisely reflects the sides can agree to terms in order to allow the my hope that the remaining private armies will overall view of the Independent Monitoring Assembly to be reestablished. follow the IRA’s lead by destroying their weap- Commission (IMC) for the north of Ireland, Madam Speaker, I have met with the lead- ons and signing up to the peace process. which has closely monitored paramilitary ac- ers of Sinn Fein, the DUP, the UUP and the Now is a critical time for the people and the tivities and made many critical suggestions for SDLP, both here in the U.S. and in Ireland. All political parties in the North of Ireland. This reform and change, especially in the area of a parties have conveyed to me that they agree Thursday the British and Irish governments in- new beginning on policing. it is vital for the future security of the North tend to publish their plans for a resumption of The IMC is made up of highly respected that new elections be held, an Executive put the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive. representatives appointed by both the Irish in place, and the legislative assembly recon- It is long past due for this government to be and British Governments, and includes an vened. I agree with this view, and express the back up and running. But for this to happen, American as well. In its May 2005 report to support of the U.S. House of Representatives all parties must agree to share power and the two governments and interested parties, to facilitate the peace process. commit themselves to the full implementation the IMC stated some key findings on the re- I thank the distinguished Chairman of the of the Good Friday Agreement. sponsibilities of all of the political parties on International Relations Committee, Mr. HYDE, Mr. LEACH. Madam Speaker, I yield criminal justice, and it has just reiterated these for authoring this resolution. back the balance of my time. again in its February 2006 report. Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. The IMC said that all the parties should, today I rise in strong support of H. Res. 744, BIGGERT). The question is on the mo- among other things: a resolution that expresses support for the tion offered by the gentleman from ‘‘Give credible vocal and practical support to Good Friday Agreement as the blueprint for Iowa (Mr. LEACH) that the House sus- all parts of the criminal justice system, includ- lasting peace in the North of Ireland. H. Res. pend the rules and agree to the resolu- ing policing . . .’’ 744 is an expanded version of a resolution tion, H. Res. 744. ‘‘Play a full and constructive role in the par- written by my colleagues JIM WALSH, RICHARD The question was taken. ticipative organs of the criminal justice system, NEAL, JOE CROWLEY, and I last November. I The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the such as the Policing Board and the District appreciate Chairman HYDE sponsoring this opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of Policing Partnerships.’’ new bill with its additional language which I those present have voted in the affirm- These are some wise and constructive sug- believe strengthens our initial endeavor and ative. gestions, which this resolution supports and moving it to the House floor promptly. I am Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, on that I fully endorses. We would encourage Sinn Fein also grateful for the opportunity to work with demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. and all the parties in the north to honor and the Chairman and his staff on the drafting of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- live by these ideas for a better, more secure this resolution. ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the and democratic north of Ireland. There is no H. Res. 744 expresses our strong commit- Chair’s prior announcement, further place for violence in the process. ment to the ideals of the Good Friday Agree- proceedings on this question will be Finally, my resolution also calls on both the ment, a referendum that was endorsed by an postponed. Irish and British governments to fully imple- overwhelmingly majority of the people living ment the important Patten Commission police both in the North and the Republic of Ireland f reform provision which calls for senior-level on April 10, 1998. As we approach the 8th an- COMMENDING THE PEOPLE OF police officer exchanges between the Republic niversary of this date, I think it is important to THE REPUBLIC OF THE MAR- of Ireland and the Police Service of Northern recognize those groups and individuals who SHALL ISLANDS FOR THE CON- Ireland (PSNI). These exchanges are clearly have committed themselves to peace, justice, TRIBUTIONS AND SACRIFICES needed so that some of the cultural, religious, and equality and worked to fully implement THEY MADE TO THE UNITED and other long-standing issues dividing com- this agreement. Much progress has been STATES NUCLEAR TESTING PRO- munities and the police in the north can fully made since 1998 but much still more needs to GRAM IN THE MARSHALL IS- benefit from senior-level understanding and di- be done. LANDS versity. First, I’d like to commend (UK) Prime Min- Mr. LEACH. Madam Speaker, I move I urge adoption of the resolution. ister Tony Blair and the (Irish) Taoiseach to suspend the rules and agree to the Mr. MURPHY. Madam Speaker, I rise in Bertie Ahem for their leadership in securing a resolution (H. Res. 692) commending support of House Resolution 744, which hon- peaceful resolution in the North of Ireland. We the people of the Republic of the Mar- ors the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 for would certainly not be where we are today if shall Islands for the contributions and being what I believe is, as the resolution it were not for these two great statesmen. I’d sacrifices they made to the United states, ‘‘the blueprint for lasting peace in also like to thank our own government, includ- States nuclear testing program in the Northern Ireland.’’ ing both the Clinton and Bush Administrations, Marshall Islands, solemnly acknowl- Next Monday, April 10, 2006 will mark the for their dedication and efforts to move this edging the first detonation of a hydro- 8th anniversary of the Good Friday Agree- process forward. We have been lucky to have gen bomb by the United States on ment, which has helped to bring nearly a dec- fine diplomats such as George Mitchell, Tony March 1, 1954, on the Bikini Atoll in ade of peace to Northern Ireland. As a result Lake, Richard Haass, and Mitchell Reiss play the Marshall Islands, and remembering of the historic Good Friday Agreement, there vital roles during the past decade. that 60 years ago the United States is perhaps a greater potential for lasting peace One of the most significant changes in the began its nuclear testing program in in Northern Ireland now than perhaps ever, North recently related to the changes in polic- the Marshall Islands, as amended. since the establishment of the Irish Republic. ing. The new Police Service of Northern Ire- The Clerk read as follows: The Good Friday Agreement has outlined a land (PSNI) has adopted many of the Patten H. RES. 692 plan for peace and reconciliation in the 21st recommendations to become a much more in- Whereas between 1946 and 1958, the United century. tegrated, professional, and impartial police States conducted 67 nuclear tests in the Mar- I believe the most significant result of the force. Under the leadership of its chief con- shall Islands, 66 of which resulted in atmos- Good Friday Agreement was the revival of the stable, Sir Hugh Orde, and its ombudsman, pheric fallout; Northern Ireland Assembly, a devolved gov- Nuala O’Loan, the PSNI is a much more effec- Whereas the most powerful of these tests ernment body that has facilitated important de- tive and accountable law enforcement agency was the hydrogen weapons test codenamed

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:03 Apr 05, 2006 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04AP7.013 H04APPT1 ycherry on PROD1PC64 with HOUSE H1412 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 4, 2006 Bravo, a 15-megaton device detonated on cluding the 15 megaton blast powerful of our nuclear tests and the March 1, 1954, at Bikini atoll; codenamed ‘‘Bravo,’’ a detonation one which caused the greatest impact Whereas the Bravo detonation alone was equivalent to a thousand Hiroshima- on the long-term health of Marshallese the equivalent to 1,000 Hiroshima-sized sized bombs, which occurred above Bi- citizens. bombs; Whereas 17 other tests in the Marshall Is- kini Atoll on March 1, 1954. Despite the enormous after-effects of lands were in the megaton range, and the The last nuclear test occurred in Au- the U.S. nuclear testing program, the total yield of the 67 tests was 108 megatons, gust of 1958. These massive detonations relationship between the Marshallese the equivalent yield of more than 7,000 Hiro- were considered critical at the time to and the American people has only shima bombs and 93 times the total of Ne- the development of our nuclear deter- grown stronger over the past six dec- vada atmospheric tests; rent during the Cold War and represent ades. Through the Compact of Free As- Whereas in July 1998, the Centers for Dis- the most vivid examples of a strategic sociation, the United States provided ease Control and Prevention estimated that partnership that stretches back to the substantial financial assistance to the 6.3 billion curies of radioactive iodine-131 were released to the atmosphere as a result Pacific campaign of the Second World Marshall Islands and medical aid to of the testing in the Marshall Islands; War. those directly impacted by the nuclear Whereas the 12-year nuclear testing pro- They also symbolize the dangers of tests. gram has been the defining experience of the nuclear weapons and the unintended In return, the government of the modern era for the people of the Marshall Is- consequences of weapons development. Marshall Islands has been a steadfast lands, and these momentous events created a Tragically, for instance, as this resolu- ally of the United States since it ob- common bond between the people of the Mar- tion points out, the Centers for Disease tained its independence in 1986. Young shall Islands and the United States military Control and Prevention estimated that Marshallese citizens proudly serve in and civilian personnel who shared hardships the United States military, and they and suffering with the people of the Marshall 6.3 billion curies of radioactive iodine- Islands during the testing program; 131 were released in the atmosphere as have died alongside their American Whereas as a Member State of the United a result of the testing in the Marshall comrades in defense of liberty in Iraq. Nations, the world body that once had over- Islands. The government of the Marshall Is- sight of United States stewardship of the Recently, the United States re- lands has stood with us on vote after trusteeship for the people of the Marshall Is- affirmed and extended aspects of its vote in the United Nations, when many lands and their island homelands, the Repub- unique relationship with the Republic of our other allies were more than lic of the Marshall Islands has an unmatched of the Marshall Islands in the amended happy to sideline their commitment to record of working in conjunction with the freedom and democracy, particularly leadership of the United States in the pur- Compact of Free Association which the suit of international peace and security, the Congress considered and approved dur- in cases when the defense of the demo- rights and well-being of the peoples of the ing the 108th Congress. As we approach cratic State of Israel was at stake. world, and in the War on Terrorism: Now, the anniversary of the commencement Mr. Speaker, over the past six dec- therefore, be it of the U.S. nuclear testing program in ades, the people of the Marshall Islands Resolved, That the House of Representa- the Marshall Islands, it is fitting to re- and the United States have been on a tives— call the mutual sacrifices that our peo- long, but important, journey together, (1) commends the people of the Republic of ple shared during the last century and beginning with the liberation by Amer- the Marshall Islands for the contributions ican GIs of the Marshall Islands from and sacrifices they made to the United commit ourselves to maintaining our States nuclear testing program in the Mar- special friendship in the decades ahead. Japanese occupation, continuing shall Islands; I urge support of this resolution. through 12 years of post-war atmos- (2) solemnly acknowledges the first deto- Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- pheric nuclear testing and resulting in nation of a hydrogen bomb by the United ance of my time. a strong and mutually beneficial rela- States on March 1, 1954, on the Bikini Atoll Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I tionship between these two Pacific na- in the Marshall Islands; and yield myself such time as I may con- tions. (3) remembers that 60 years ago the United sume. The 60th anniversary of the Bravo States began its nuclear testing program in Madam Speaker, I rise in strong sup- test is an important time to remember the Marshall Islands. port of this resolution. First, I would our shared history and to appreciate The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- like to commend my very good friend better the future positive relations we ant to the rule, the gentleman from and distinguished colleague, Mr. can surely expect between our two na- EACH Iowa (Mr. L ) and the gentleman FALEOMAVAEGA, for introducing this tions. from California (Mr. LANTOS) each will important measure concerning nuclear Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this control 20 minutes. testing in the Marshall Islands. resolution and urge all of my col- The Chair recognizes the gentleman His tireless leadership to strengthen leagues to do as well. from Iowa. the bonds between the United States Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield GENERAL LEAVE and all the nations of the Pacific is as much time as he might consume to Mr. LEACH. Madam Speaker, I ask deeply appreciated by all of us who the gentleman from American Samoa unanimous consent that all Members have the privilege of serving with him (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA), my distinguished may have 5 legislative days to revise on the International Relations Com- colleague and good friend, author of and extend their remarks and include mittee. this resolution and the ranking Demo- extraneous material on the resolution cratic member of the Subcommittee on under consideration. b 1500 Asia and the Pacific of the Inter- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Madam Speaker, 60 years ago, the national Relations Committee. objection to the request of the gen- history of the Marshall Islands and its Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, tleman from Iowa? people was fundamentally altered. The I thank my good friend and colleague There was no objection. residents of isolated Bikini Atoll were for yielding. Mr. LEACH. Madam Speaker, I yield loaded aboard American military ships Mr. Speaker, I also would like to myself such time as I may consume. and sent to live on a distant atoll. The offer my commendation to the chair- Madam Speaker, first I would like to goal of this relocation was simple: to man of our House International Rela- commend the gentleman from Amer- enable the testing of a hydrogen bomb tions Committee, Mr. HYDE, for his ican Samoa (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA) for equivalent to 1,000 Hiroshima-sized leadership and for his support of this introducing this timely resolution weapons. Bikini Atoll had drawn the resolution. I would also like to thank which commemorates the six decades short straw, and it would become our senior Democratic ranking member of friendship and strategic solidarity ground zero for the famous Bravo deto- on the committee, Mr. LANTOS from that the United States have shared nation. California, and especially also my good with the people of the Marshall Islands. This blast in 1954 was not the first friend and chairman of the House Sub- June 30 marks the 60th anniversary nor the last nuclear test in the Mar- committee on Asia and the Pacific, the of the U.S. nuclear testing program in shall Islands. Between 1946 and 1958, we gentleman from Iowa, Chairman the Marshall Islands. The program en- conducted 67 nuclear tests in the Mar- LEACH, for his support as well of this compassed 67 atmospheric tests, in- shall Islands, but Bravo was the most resolution.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:33 Apr 05, 2006 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04AP7.014 H04APPT1 ycherry on PROD1PC64 with HOUSE April 4, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1413 Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. detonated on March 1, 1954, in the Mar- the State Department’s position. While Res. 692, commending the people of the shall Islands and its equivalent yield the State Department denies that Republic of the Marshall Islands for was 1,000 Hiroshima-sized nuclear there is no legal basis for Congress to the contributions and sacrifices they bombs. Acknowledged as the greatest hear this petition, the fact remains made to the United States nuclear nuclear explosion ever at that time that we in Congress should decide this testing program in the Marshall Is- detonated, the Bravo test vaporized six for ourselves. lands. islands and created a mushroom cloud Mr. Speaker, the State Department I want to especially thank the gen- 25 miles in diameter. issued a report in November of 2004 tleman from Arizona (Mr. FLAKE), my Because people were living in these evaluating the Marshall Islands’ peti- good friend and colleague. He and I also South Pacific islands during the time tion, concluding that the Marshall Is- had the privilege of visiting the Mar- of the U.S. nuclear testing program, lands’ request does not qualify as shall Islands a year ago, and is an the people of the Republic of the Mar- changed circumstances within the original cosponsor with me on this leg- shall Islands were exposed to severe ra- meaning of the agreement, so there is islation, as well as my dear friends and diation poisoning. Even today, 60 years no legal basis for considering addi- colleagues who have also. In the spirit after the U.S. nuclear testing program tional payments. of bipartisanship, I want to submit for began, the people of the Rongelap Mr. Speaker, the State Department the RECORD the list of the Members Atoll, as well as other atolls, are still fails to explain how the declassified who have also signed on as cosponsors exiled from their own land due to the documents released 10 years after the of this resolution. radioactive fallout. agreement was reached, indicating a H. RES. 692 Mr. Speaker, as the ranking member wider expanded radioactive fallout Title: Commending the people of the Re- of the House International Relations than previously disclosed, or that the public of the Marshall Islands for the con- Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific National Cancer Institute study indi- tributions and sacrifices they made to the and as a Pacific Islander myself, I feel cating that more cancers will surface United States nuclear testing program in the I have a special responsibility to look do not constitute a legal basis for Con- Marshall Islands, solemnly acknowledging after the interests of our Pacific Island gress to consider their circumstances. the first detonation of a hydrogen bomb by community, especially from the Mar- Mr. Speaker, I submit this is much the United States on March 1, 1954, on the shall Islands which have sacrificed larger than a legal issue. This is a Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands, and re- moral issue. The fact is the people of membering that 60 years ago the United greatly for our common good. States began its nuclear testing program in From 1946 to 1958, the United States the Marshall Islands are still suffering the Marshall Islands. detonated 67 nuclear weapons in the severe, adverse health effects directly Sponsor: Rep Faleomavaega, Eni F. H. [AS] Marshall Islands, representing nearly related to our nuclear testing program, (introduced 2/16/2006) Cosponsors (36). 80 percent of all atmospheric tests ever and they are still unable to use their Latest Major Action: 2/16/2006 Referred to conducted by the United States. If one own lands because of the radiation poi- House committee. Status: Referred to the were to calculate the net yield of these soning. We have a moral obligation to House Committee on International Rela- tests, it would be equivalent to the det- provide for health care, environmental tions. monitoring, personal injury claims, Rep. Abercrombie, Neil [HI–1]—3/30/2006 onation of 1.7 Hiroshima bombs every Rep. Ackerman, Gary L. [NY–5]—3/30/2006 day for 12 years. These tests exposed and the land and property damage in Rep. Baca, Joe [CA–43]—3/30/2006 the people of the Marshall Islands to the Marshall Islands. This is the least Rep. Berman, Howard L. [CA–28]—3/30/2006 severe health problems and genetic we can do, Mr. Speaker, considering Rep. Blumenauer, Earl [OR–3]—3/30/2006 anomalies for generations to come. the historic contribution the people of Rep. Bordallo, Madeleine Z. [GU]—3/30/2006 The U.S. nuclear testing program in the Marshall Islands have made in the Rep. Brown, Corrine [FL–3]—3/30/2006 the Marshall Islands continues to dev- Cold War struggle to preserve inter- Rep. Brown, Sherrod [OH–13]—3/30/2006 Rep. Burton, Dan [IN–5]—3/30/2006 astate the Marshall Islands, and the national peace and promote nuclear Rep. Cardoza, Dennis A. [CA–18]—3/30/2006 funds provided by the United States disarmament. Rep. Castle, Michael N. [DE]—3/30/2006 under the Compact of Free Association Mr. Speaker, the people of the Mar- Rep. Delahunt, William D. [MA–10]—3/30/ I submit, Mr. Speaker, are grossly in- shall Islands do not want handouts. 2006 adequate to provide for the health care, They have brought these ongoing Rep. Engel, Eliot L. [NY–17]—3/30/2006 environmental monitoring, personal health environmental and loss of land Rep. Flake, Jeff [AZ–6]—2/16/2006 injury claims, or land and property issues to Congress for our consider- Rep. Gallegly, Elton [CA–24]—3/30/2006 Rep. Gutierrez, Luis V. [IL–4]—3/30/2006 damages. ation. While we may find that we can- Rep. Honda, Michael M. [CA–15]—3/30/2006 Pursuant to the compact and the ac- not provide the amount of money re- Rep. Jackson-Lee, Sheila [TX–18]—3/30/2006 companying section 177 agreement, the quested, I believe we do have an obliga- Rep. Kennedy, Patrick J. [RI–1]—3/30/2006 United States accepted responsibility tion to examine carefully the applica- Rep. Kind, Ron [WI–3]—3/30/2006 for the damage to the property and en- tion they have submitted to ensure Rep. Kucinich, Dennis J. [OH–10]—3/30/2006 vironment of the Marshall Islands and that we live up to the responsibility we Rep. Lantos, Tom [CA–12]—3/30/2006 the health of its people. This agree- embraced over 50 years ago when we Rep. Leach, James A. [IA–2]—3/30/2006 Rep. Lee, Barbara [CA–9]—3/30/2006 ment did not constitute a final agree- began nuclear testing in the Pacific. Rep. Lewis, John [GA–5]—3/30/2006 ment, as evidenced by the inclusion of We should not be looking for ways to Rep. Miller, George [CA–7]—3/30/2006 article IX authorizing the government sidestep this responsibility. We should Rep. Napolitano, Grace F. [CA–38]—3/30/2006 of the Marshall Islands to petition the ask ourselves if we have done every- Rep. Payne, Donald M. [NJ–10]—3/30/2006 U.S. Congress in the event of ‘‘changed thing we can possibly do to make Rep. Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana [FL–18]—3/30/ circumstances that render the provi- things right for the people of the Mar- 2006 sions of this agreement manifestly in- shall Islands who have sacrificed their Rep. Schiff, Adam B. [CA–29]—3/30/2006 Rep. Spratt, John M., Jr. {SC–5]—3/30/2006 adequate.’’ lives, their health and their lands for Rep. Udall, Tom [NM–3]—3/30/2006 The government of the Republic of the benefit of the United States. Rep. Waters, Maxine [CA–35]—3/30/2006 the Marshall Islands has submitted a I have reviewed the petition. I have Rep. Watson, Diane E. [CA–33]—3/30/2006 request to Congress based on a changed researched this issue extensively, and I Rep. Watt, Melvin L. [NC–12]—3/30/2006 circumstances claim. The administra- believe enough evidence exists to jus- Rep. Wexler, Robert [FL–19]—3/30/2006 tion, however, as represented by the tify a thorough review of the changed Mr. Speaker, 60 years ago in 1946, the State Department in its report evalu- circumstances in the petition. United States began testing nuclear ating the Marshall Islands’ request, re- Mr. Speaker, I do not know if my col- weapons in the Marshall Islands. Over jected the argument made in the Mar- leagues can see this picture. These are a 12-year period until 1958, the United shall Islands’ petition, contending that some of the children who were born to States conducted 67 nuclear tests with the claims did not constitute changed mothers this day last year, deformed the equivalent yield of more than 7,000 circumstances as defined in the agree- children, still as a result of nuclear Hiroshima nuclear bombs. In fact, the ment. testing that we conducted in the Mar- nuclear test code-named Bravo was a For the record, Mr. Speaker, I want shall Islands, and how dare that our 15-megaton hydrogen bomb that was to make it clear that I take issue with government say that we do not have

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:33 Apr 05, 2006 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04AP7.029 H04APPT1 ycherry on PROD1PC64 with HOUSE H1414 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 4, 2006 any further responsibility to the people our Asia Pacific Subcommittee, Mr. bomb. It was detonated on March 1, 1954, on of the Marshall Islands. It is still there, LEACH, and my good friend, senior Bikini Atoll, and caused dangerous levels of and we should pay attention to this. Democratic member, Mr. LANTOS, for radioactive fallout to be released over 7,000 Mr. Speaker, I am probably one of their support and management of this square miles, including the populated atolls of the few Members who has ever been to bill. Rongelap and Utrik. the Marshall Islands and have seen the Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- It is vital that our country remember the con- results of our nuclear testing program. self such time as I may consume. tributions of the Marshallese to our national Some of our colleagues may ask how I would just like to conclude briefly security and to world peace. come we stopped our nuclear testing in with three thoughts. One, I think it is While recognizing such contributions, our the Marshall Islands. I will tell you absolutely imperative that this body country over the years has sought to address why: because of the radiation, a nu- emphasize its friendship to the people the legacy of our nuclear testing in the Mar- clear cloud that floated all over to the of the Marshall Islands and affirm, as shall Islands in our initial Compact with the United States and we found strontin-90 Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA has suggested, our Republic of the Marshall Islands in 1986 and on milk products coming out of Min- obligation to take care of those whose in our ongoing bilateral relations with the RMI nesota and Wisconsin. That is why we health we are responsible for affecting. government. Just recently, our governments stopped our nuclear testing there in b 1515 renegotiated the compact agreement. the Marshall Islands. I am aware that the RMI government has I am probably one of the few Mem- Secondly, I want to express my deep filed a ‘‘changed circumstances’’ petition with bers who also visited the French nu- regard and friendship for the two Mem- the U.S. government, which still must be ne- clear testing in the South Pacific in bers who have spoken, Mr. LANTOS, our gotiated. It is time our country come to closure French Polynesia where the French ranking member, and Mr. on the changed circumstances petition and Government detonated over 220 nuclear FALEOMAVAEGA. address our country’s long-standing nuclear bombs in the atmosphere, on the sur- And, thirdly, I want to make a con- legacy in the Marshall Islands and its ramifica- face, under the ocean; and guess what, stitutional point. People listening to tions on the lives of its residents, particularly those atolls are beginning to leak now. the debate maybe do not understand those of the affected atolls. I also believe that The French Government refuses to that this is a body of 435 voting Mem- we must ensure that the U.S. Department of allow international scientific teams to bers plus five delegates, and the impor- Energy’s medical assistance program is ful- go down there and find out exactly the tance of delegates is often not noted in filling its obligation to its beneficiaries in the extent of the nuclear damage that the the American constitutional system. Marshall Islands. French Government has done to those But this is a classic example of an indi- I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 692 people in the Pacific. vidual leader, Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA, who and to work on addressing these crucial re- Last year, Mr. Speaker, I was invited comes from American Samoa, who is maining issues. by the President of Kazakhstan to visit bringing a resolution that would other- Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise that country; and to my surprise, I did wise not have been brought to this today in support of H. Res. 692, a resolution not realize that this is where the So- House except for his leadership. It is to commend the people of the Republic of the viet Union conducted their nuclear resolution of seminal importance and Marshall Islands for the contributions and testing program. They detonated 500 one that intriguingly looks to the grave sacrifices they made to the United nuclear devices in Afghanistan before problems of our times and also to the States nuclear testing program in the Marshall Afghanistan became independent; and history of the 20th century in a unique Islands. as a result of the Soviet Union nuclear and profound way. In 1947, the Republic of the Marshall Is- testing, 1.5 million Kazakhs were ex- So I want to express my deepest re- lands (RMI) became one of six entities in the posed to nuclear radioactivity, very gard for this initiative, and I thank the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands estab- similar to the problems that we have gentleman from American Samoa. lished by the United Nations with the U.S. as just had a resolution on on Chernobyl. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of It is madness. It is madness, Mr. the Trustee. This began a decades-long rela- my time. Speaker, and I submit this is some- tionship between the U.S. and RMI that has Mr. LANTOS. Before yielding back thing we should at least do for the peo- proven to be resilient and enduring. the balance of our time, I want to ex- ple of the Marshall Islands. They are In particular, I’d like to highlight the U.S. nu- press my appreciation to the chairman not asking for handouts, Mr. Speaker. clear testing program in RMI which began in of our Pacific and Asian Subcommittee They are just simply asking for fair- 1946. Over the years, the U.S. detonated 67 for his extraordinary work on this and ness. If we were so deliberate in our ef- nuclear weapons on the islands of Bikini and forts to fund the Cold War, let us give all other issues, and I want to identify Enewetak. These tests comprise 80 percent of the Marshall Islands people at least myself with the powerful and persua- all atmospheric tests conducted by the United what they deserve, a good medical sive statements of my friend and col- States. On March 1, 1954, the hydrogen treatment for the mothers that still league, ENI FALEOMAVAEGA. weapons test code-named ‘‘Bravo’’ yielded ex- continue to have cancers in thyroid Mr. CASE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of plosive power approximately 1,000 times glands, cancers all over, several hun- H. Res. 692, a resolution introduced by my es- greater than the weapon used in the 1945 dred, and their descendants still con- teemed colleague from American Samoa and wartime nuclear attack on Hiroshima, Japan. tinue to be exposed because of what we Ranking Member of the House International The Bravo test created a mushroom cloud 25 had done to these people 60 years ago. Relations Subcommittee on Asia and the Pa- miles in diameter, produced a crater 6,000 Mr. Speaker, I submit and I ask my cific—Congressman ENI FALEOMAVAEGA—com- feet in diameter, and vaporized 6 islands at colleagues, I request with all due re- mending the people of the Republic of the the Bikini Atoll. Radiation from the test forced spect that the least we could do is to Marshall Islands for their incalculable contribu- the evacuation of Marshallese and U.S. mili- pass this resolution. With this resolu- tions and sacrifices they made to the United tary personnel on Rongelap, Rongerik, Utirik tion, Mr. Speaker, we want to acknowl- States nuclear testing program throughout the and Ailinginae. This responsibility shouldered edge the historic contribution the peo- 1940s and 1950s in the Marshall Islands. by the Marshallese people allowed a majority ple of the Marshall Islands have made This year will mark the 60th anniversary of of all tests to be conducted as far from dense- in the Cold War struggle to preserve the United States’ commencement of nuclear ly populated areas as possible and helped the peace that we are seeking through- testing in the Marshall Islands. Over a period bring about a peaceful end to the Cold War. out the world. We commend the people of twelve years, from 1946 to 1958, the United Over the years, the Marshallese have faced of the Marshall Islands for the con- States of America conducted sixty-seven at- very serious consequences as a result of the tributions and sacrifices they made, mospheric nuclear weapons tests in the Mar- nuclear testing. The health and property ef- and we hope and I hope, sincerely hope, shall Islands. The tests resulted in a combined fects have proved to be extensive and in that my colleagues will join me in pro- yield of 108 megatons, roughly the destructive many cases, immeasurable. The U.S. has rec- viding for appropriate legislation so force of over 7,000 times that of the bomb ognized this and set up a fund to compensate that we can give these people the prop- used on Hiroshima. The worst of these tests, those affected by the testing. However, the er medical care that they deserve. the Bravo shot, was a l5-megaton thermo- consequences of this testing, especially the With that, Mr. Speaker, again, I nuclear device, which in itself carried 1,000 health of the Marshallese people, continue to thank my good friend, the chairman of times the destructive power of the Hiroshima be impacted.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:33 Apr 05, 2006 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K04AP7.030 H04APPT1 ycherry on PROD1PC64 with HOUSE April 4, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1415 In particular, the Section 177 Health Care significant damage to the health of the people During the period of June 20, 1946 to Au- Program is in urgent need of increased fund- of the Marshall Islands, as well as, to the gust 18, 1958, the United States conducted 67 ing. Intended to provide comprehensive med- lands, vegetation, lagoons and surrounding nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands. The vast ical care, including cancer care, for the four ecosystems. In addition to rendering all of Bi- majority of the tests were atmospheric. The communities most affected by the nuclear kini and most of Enewetak uninhabitable, ra- most powerful of these tests was the ‘‘Bravo’’ weapons testing program, this healthcare pro- dioactive fallout from nuclear testing on Bikini shot, a 15 megaton device detonated on gram has fallen woefully short of its intended and Enewetak accidentally spread to other March 1, 1954, at Bikini atoll. The test was goals. Spending approximately $12 per patient populated areas of the RMI. equivalent to 1,000 Hiroshima bombs. per month, the needs of this program are im- It is believed that these tests on Bikini and While the Bravo test is the probably the best mediate and urgent. Enewetak caused high rates of thyroid, cer- known, it should also be acknowledged that Mr. Speaker, I am sure that our countries vical and breast cancer throughout the Mar- 17 other tests in the Marshall islands were in will continue to work on this issue and find a shall Islands, with more than a dozen Marshall the megaton range with a combined yield esti- resolution. I also have no doubt that the rela- Islands atolls seriously affected. In 1998, the mated to be 174 megatons. Approximately tionship between our governments will con- U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimated 137 megatons of the that total was detonated tinue to be productive and mutually beneficial. that 6,300,000,000 billion curies of radioactive in the atmosphere. This represents nearly 80 As our alliance continues in the coming dec- iodine-131 were released to the atmosphere percent of the atmospheric nuclear tests deto- ades, I urge the United States to step up and as a result of the testing in the Marshall Is- nated by the U.S. meet its obligations to the people of the RMI. lands. Mr. Speaker, we must also acknowledge With all the sacrifices they have made for the Mr. Speaker, the U.S. government accepted that the people of the Marshall Islands paid a United States and continue to make each day, responsibility for the injuries to the people of steep price for the nuclear testing program. it is the very least the United States can do. the Marshall Islands and provided financial Many Marshalese who lived through the pe- I urge my colleagues to join me in com- and other assistance to the RMI as com- riod of nuclear testing have been relocated to mending the people of the Marshall Islands pensation for the harm done as a result of our other areas and have been waiting for dec- and acknowledge their profound sacrifices. We nuclear testing. ades to return to their homes. Residents of the must continue our efforts to restore the health Six years ago, the Republic of the Marshall Rongelop Atoll, the island closest to ground and lands of the people of the Marshall Is- Islands government submitted a Changed Cir- zero, still remain in exile. Other Marshalese, lands. cumstances Petition to the United States Con- including their offspring, have suffered from Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today gress related to U.S. nuclear testing on the medical conditions associated with increased in support of House Resolution 692 which Marshall Islands atolls of Bikini and Enewetak levels of radioactivity. commends the people of the Republic of the during the 1940s and 1950s. The Petition re- Despite the hardships endured by the peo- Marshall Islands for their contributions and quests additional compensation for personal ple of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of the sacrifices associated with the United States injuries and property damages and restoration Marshall Islands has an exemplary record of nuclear testing program. The first nuclear det- costs, medical care programs, health services working with the United States and supporting onation was made on the Bikini Atoll in the infrastructure and training, and radiological U.S. security concerns, including efforts to Marshall Islands on March 1, 1954. This test, monitoring. stamp out terrorism around the world. and the subsequent testing program, estab- The Petition bases its claims for compensa- H. Res. 692 acknowledges the debt that all lished the nuclear deterrent that has served to tion upon ‘‘changed circumstances’’ pursuant Americans owe for the sacrifice as well as loy- ensure the security of our Nation and our al- to Section 177 of the Compact of Free Asso- alty of the people of the Marshall Islands. lies throughout the Cold War. The people of ciation. The Compact of Free Association, en- Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I have no the Marshall Islands sacrificed in a particularly acted in 1986, governs the economic and stra- further requests for time, and I yield unique way for our security, one that is both tegic relationships between the United States back the balance of my time. immense and somber. Today we continue to and the RMI. The Section 177 Agreement Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I move honor their contribution. granted $150 million as part of a ‘‘full and final adoption of the resolution, and I yield Further, Mr. Speaker, the contributions of settlement’’ of legal claims against the U.S. back the balance of my time. the people of the Republic of the Marshall Is- government, and provided for possible addi- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. lands have continued to this very day. Today tional compensation, if loss or damages to CAMPBELL of California). The question we can find Marshallese serving in the United is on the motion offered by the gen- States Armed Forces around the world. Some persons or property arose or were discovered that could not reasonably have been identified tleman from Iowa (Mr. LEACH) that the are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan as we House suspend the rules and agree to speak and many others are contributing to the as of the effective date of the agreement, and if such injuries rendered the provisions of the the resolution, H. Res. 692, as amended. well being of the United States in other new The question was taken. and unique ways throughout the Global War Compact ‘‘manifestly inadequate.’’ The Petition The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the on Terror. argues that ‘‘new and additional’’ information opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of The Republic of the Marshall Islands stands since the enactment of the Compact—such as those present have voted in the affirm- today with America as one of the Freely Asso- a wider extent of radioactive fallout than pre- ative. ciated States in the Pacific, and our strong viously known or disclosed and more recent Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, on that I bonds of friendship are a testament to our mu- radiation protection standards—constitute demand the yeas and nays. tual commitment to freedom and democracy. ‘‘changed circumstances.’’ The yeas and nays were ordered. To my friends and neighbors, the Mr. Speaker, we should support the petition The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Marshallese, I extend the thanks of a grateful of the RMI calling for recognition of a ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Nation. To borrow from your beautiful lan- ‘‘changed circumstances’’. Our country owes a Chair’s prior announcement, further guage, ‘‘kommol tata,’’ or thank you very great debt to the people of the RMI for the proceedings on this question will be much. sacrifices they made on our behalf and we postponed. Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in must, as called for by H. Res. 692, assist f support of H. Res. 692, commending the peo- them in extricating themselves from the legacy ple of the Republic of the Marshall Islands for of the nuclear age and the burden of providing RECOGNIZING THE BENEFITS AND their contributions and sacrifices to the United testing grounds for nuclear weapons. IMPORTANCE OF SCHOOL-BASED States nuclear testing program. Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I want to con- MUSIC EDUCATION Mr. Speaker, as fellow islander, I feel a kin- gratulate Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA for sponsoring H. Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, I move to ship to the people of the Marshall Islands and Res. 692, which commends the people of the suspend the rules and agree to the con- sympathize with them for the suffering they Republic of the Marshall Islands for the con- current resolution (H. Con. Res. 355) endured for our benefit. Between June 30, tributions and sacrifices they made to the recognizing the benefits and impor- 1946 and August 18, 1958, our government, United States nuclear testing program in the tance of school-based music education, after evacuating the residents, conducted an Marshall Islands 60 years ago. and for other purposes, as amended. intensive program of nuclear testing on Bikini When I served as the Ambassador to the The Clerk read as follows: and Enewetak atolls in the Republic of the Federated States of Micronesia, I had the op- H. CON. RES. 355 Marshall Islands. portunity to visit the Marshall Islands on sev- Whereas school music programs enhance These tests, which were the equivalent of eral occasions and to get to know the people, intellectual development and enrich the aca- more that 7,200 Hiroshima bombs, caused their land, and their history. demic environment for students of all ages;

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