The Senate of the State of Montana has passed a resolution urging Congress to amend the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to include residents of Montana. This resolution highlights the significant impact of nuclear testing conducted by the U.S. government from 1945 to 1962, which exposed many Montanans to harmful radiation. Montana is identified as one of the most affected states, with 15 of the 25 counties in the U.S. that experienced the highest levels of exposure. The resolution emphasizes the health consequences faced by individuals in these areas, many of whom may be unaware that their illnesses, including various cancers, could be linked to the nuclear tests.

The resolution calls for action from Congress to ensure that Montanans receive the compensation they deserve for the adverse effects of radiation exposure. It references a 1997 government study that recommended including Montana in the compensation program, which has not yet been realized. The resolution concludes by directing the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to members of both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate, advocating for legislative support to address this critical issue for the state's residents.