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. The resolution highlights the significant impact of above-ground nuclear tests 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, are linked to the nuclear testing.

The resolution calls for action from Congress to ensure that Montanans receive the compensation they deserve, as previous studies have indicated that they should be included in the existing compensation framework. It also mandates that copies of the resolution be sent to members of both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate to advocate for this important change.