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LRB-2231/1
CMH:wlj
2019 - 2020 LEGISLATURE
June 7, 2019 - Introduced by Senators Jacque, Carpenter, Wirch, Miller and
Marklein, cosponsored by Representatives Sortwell, Kurtz, Tusler,
Ohnstad, Brandtjen, Horlacher, Plumer, Skowronski, VanderMeer,
Murphy, Sinicki, Thiesfeldt, Gundrum, Edming, Tittl, Wichgers, Kulp and
Vruwink. Referred to Committee on Senate Organization.
SJR45,1,2 1Relating to: supporting atomic veterans, their spouses, and dependents in receiving
2medical care and disability compensation.
SJR45,1,53 Whereas, throughout the nation's history, brave Wisconsin residents have
4answered the call of duty and service, defending our freedom as members of the
5United States Armed Forces; and
SJR45,1,86 Whereas, as a result of the Manhattan Project, the United States conducted the
7Trinity Atomic Test, the first detonation of a nuclear device, in New Mexico on July
816, 1945; and
SJR45,1,149 Whereas, there were over 200,000 American service members, including those
10from Wisconsin, who participated in aboveground nuclear tests between 1945 and
111962, who participated in the cleanup of the Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands
12between 1977 and 1980, and who were part of the U.S. military occupation forces in
13or around Hiroshima and Nagasaki before 1946, and some were held as prisoners of
14war during this time; and
SJR45,2,4
1Whereas, these atomic veterans were exposed to radiation during their military
2service and, because of that exposure, developed several types of medical conditions
3that are not currently listed under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act
4(RECA); and
SJR45,2,85 Whereas, many atomic veterans were prevented by secrecy laws or oaths from
6seeking medical care or disability compensation from the U.S. Department of
7Veterans Affairs for conditions they may have developed as a result of radiation
8exposure; and
SJR45,2,119 Whereas, in 1996, the United States Congress repealed the Nuclear Radiation
10and Secrecy Agreements Act, freeing atomic veterans to describe their military
11involvement in nuclear testing in order to file for VA benefits; and
SJR45,2,1512 Whereas, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs may provide
13assistance to Wisconsin veterans and their dependents in developing and submitting
14disability compensation claims to the VA and the Department of Justice for death
15benefits; and
SJR45,2,1816 Whereas, atomic veterans will now be eligible for free medical care from the VA
17and compensation in the form of full service-connected disability allowance,
18including payments to a surviving spouse or children; and
SJR45,2,2019 Whereas, the National Association of Atomic Veterans was formed in 1979 to
20help atomic veterans obtain medical care and assistance; now, therefore, be it
SJR45,2,24 21Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the members of this
22legislative body find it proper and fitting that atomic veterans be recognized for their
23service and sacrifice for our nation and that they be provided the necessary medical
24services and compensation for their service; and, be it further
SJR45,3,3
1Resolved, That it is the sense of the Wisconsin Legislature that everything
2possible should be done to support atomic veterans, their spouses, and dependents
3in receiving medical care and disability compensation; and, be it further
SJR45,3,9 4Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the National
5Association of Atomic Veterans; the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs;
6Disabled American Veterans, Wisconsin; Department of Wisconsin, Veterans of
7Foreign Wars; American Legion Department of Wisconsin; and Enewetak Atoll
8Atomic Debris Cleanup Mission Survivors to assist their efforts on behalf of these
9veterans.
SJR45,3,1010 (End)
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