Compensation Bill Introduced for U.S. Military Personnel Exposed to Radiation at Tonopah Test Range

A bill to provide compensation and restitution to U.S. Military personnel and their families who suffered from exposure to radiation and toxic materials at the Tonopah Test Range is being drafted in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Mark Amodei, serving the 2nd District of Nevada, will introduce the bill in response to research by U.S. Air Force veteran David Crete. Crete, a member of the 4461st Security Police Squadron, was stationed at the highly classified Tonopah Test Range from 1983 to 1987, where he and other personnel were exposed to ionizing radiation from Plutonium 239 and other toxic materials without protection.

Key Takeaways:

• The bill alleges that no measures were taken to protect military personnel at the Tonopah Test Range from radiation and toxic materials.
• Exposure to these contaminants has resulted in various health issues, including cancers, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, and birth defects.
• Many military personnel and their families have suffered serious health consequences, including miscarriages and stillbirths.
• The DoD personnel who served at the Tonopah Test Range and their families were not eligible for compensation from Executive Order 13179, which applied only to civilian workers.
• More than $23 billion has been paid in compensation and medical expenses to DoE and civilian workers who suffered occupational illnesses due to radiation exposure.

Statistics:

• 1983-1987: The time period during which U.S. Air Force veteran David Crete was a member of the 4461st Security Police Squadron at the Tonopah Test Range.
• 30 years: The amount of time it has taken for the pending House Bill to seek rectification for the injustice faced by DoD personnel and their families.
• $23 billion: The amount of compensation and medical expenses paid to DoE and civilian workers who suffered occupational illnesses due to radiation exposure.

Sources:

• U.S. Air Force Veteran David Crete
• Congressman Mark Amodei (R-Nev.)
• Executive Order 13179 (2000)
• The Administration's historic announcement in July 1999
• President Bill Clinton