HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 66

46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2004

INTRODUCED BY

W. Ken Martinez

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS AMEND THE FEDERAL RADIATION EXPOSURE COMPENSATION ACT OF 2000.

     WHEREAS, the United States congress originally passed the federal Radiation Exposure Compensation Act in 1990 and later amended the act in 2000; and

     WHEREAS, congress intended that the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act compensate and apologize to people who worked in the uranium industry from 1942 to 1972 because they worked in uranium production without being educated about the potential dangers to their health and the environment; and

     WHEREAS, many uranium industry workers developed terminal diseases and many others are weak and incapable of working; and

     WHEREAS, families of uranium industry workers are also experiencing health problems, including children who are suffering from respiratory problems, cancer and genetic diseases;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the United States congress be requested to amend the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to include enhanced compensable disease coverage and to reduce the stringent medical exam requirement to qualify for compensable disease coverage; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the New Mexico congressional delegation.

- 2 -