A MEMORIAL

URGING CONGRESS TO IMPROVE COMPENSATION FOR NAVAJO AND OTHER PEOPLE IN NEW MEXICO ELIGIBLE FOR BENEFITS UNDER THE FEDERAL RADIATION EXPOSURE COMPENSATION ACT.

     WHEREAS, congress adopted the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to compensate people who suffered health consequences of the federal government's uranium mining operations in northwestern New Mexico between 1942 and 1971; and

     WHEREAS, uranium mines were left open through the year 1990; and

     WHEREAS, amendments made in 2000 expanded the numbers of people eligible to receive compensation; and

     WHEREAS, the amendments of 2000 also expanded the number of compensable diseases covered by the act; and

     WHEREAS, despite the intent of congress to increase support for victims of the government's uranium mining, a large number of Navajo and other claimants have not been awarded compensation; and

     WHEREAS, only three caseworkers currently handle some four thousand compensation claims; and

     WHEREAS, only five hundred fifty-eight of six thousand potentially eligible Navajo and other claimants have been compensated over a fourteen-year period; and

     WHEREAS, currently only three thousand seven hundred fifty-five Navajo and other claimants are registered; and

     WHEREAS, there are an estimated five thousand unfiled claims; and

     WHEREAS, the need for compensation for financial losses due to illness, disability and death resulting from the uranium mining operations is established but unmet;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that congress be requested to improve the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to address these concerns; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that appropriation be made for adequate staffing to process Navajo and other claims under the act; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act be amended to include claims made while the uranium mines were open, or through 1990; and

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