Senators Acknowledge Moral Responsibility to Address the Marshall Islands’ Nuclear Testing Legacy

In testimony on July 19, before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Foreign Minister Gerald Zackios and other representatives of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) presented their case for a renewed partnership with the U.S. Congress to address the enduring consequences of the U.S. nuclear testing program.

Foreign Minister Zackios noted at the Senate hearing that “despite our best efforts to jointly address the damages and injuries resulting from the U.S. government’s testing of 67 atmospheric weapons in our country, the RMI is unable to manage its radiological burdens.

Consequently, people are dying, and people suffer from severe radiological illnesses that become untreatable in advanced stages when there is no medical monitoring capability.”

The hearing centered on the RMI’s Changed Circumstances Petition (CCP), submitted to Congress in 2000 pursuant to a legal mechanism it established by which the RMI can propose additional assistance for nuclear-related health, personal injury, and property damages.

Senators at the hearing acknowledged that the U.S. Government has a continuing responsibility to address effects of the nuclear testing program. Noting similar circumstances facing Alaskan islanders, Senator Lisa Murkowski stated that “we need to do right by those residents who were exposed to radiation.” She also thanked Representative Eni Faleomavaega, who appeared at the hearing with a strong statement of support for the RMI, for reminding those present that the U.S. Government has a moral responsibility to address the nuclear program’s enduring consequences.

During the proceedings, Senator Hiroshi Yamamura of Utrok Atoll gave a presentation on behalf of the people of Utrok, Bikini, Enewetak and Rongelap atolls, which were most significantly affected by the testing program. Chairman James H. Plasman of the RMI’s Nuclear Claims Tribunal testified on its adjudication of personal injury and property claims resulting from the nuclear tests. Neal A. Palafox, MD MPH, Professor and Chair, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, also testified to address the medical needs and problems of the people affected by the Nuclear Testing Program. Dr. Palafox referred to the future increase in cancer cases and other illnesses resulting from exposure to ionizing radiation as stated in National Cancer Institute (NCI) study as well as the BEIR VII report from the National Academy of Science.

The Senate hearing followed a similar one held jointly by the House Resources Committee and the House Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, which featured Members and witnesses justifying the moral, legal and scientific grounds for additional funds for the Nuclear Claims Tribunal, healthcare programs and the loss of property.

At the conclusion of his testimony yesterday, Minister Zackios stated, “We hope that today’s hearing is the beginning of a process to jointly address our inability to respond to our radiation-related needs. The well-being of our citizens depends on our action, and there is a continued responsibility to address the burdens of Marshallese citizens resulting from the U.S. nuclear weapons testing program.” Also in attendance at the hearing were Justice Minister Donald Capelle, Health Minister Alvin Jacklick, Iroj and Senator Michael Kabua, Iroj and Senator Christopher Loeak, Senator Abacca Maddison, Senator Ismael John, Senator Tomaki Juda, Mayor James Matayoshi, Senator Maynard Alfred, Mayor Joe Saul, Mayor Jackson Ading, Mayor Eldon Note, members of the local councils of Enewetak, Bikini, and Rongelap Atolls, and Ambassador Banny de Brum and his staff at the Embassy.

During the few days in Washington prior and after the hearing, the RMI Ministers and Senators visited with members of Congress and key staffers to thank them for their continued leadership on RMI issues, particularly for their support at the recent congressional hearings on the CCP.

With the hearing process completed, it is expected that the RMI and U.S. Congress will now begin consultations on ways in which the RMI’s enduring nuclear-related problems can be properly addressed.

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS
2433 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20008
Tel. # (202) 234-5414 * Fax # (202) 232-3236
E-mail: info@rmiembassyus.org