2 Because Rongelap was directly affected by fallout from a 1954 United states thermonuclear test and because the Rongelap people remain unconvinced that is safe to continue to live on Rongelap Island, it is the intent of Congress to take such steps (if any) as may be necessary to overcome the effects of such fallout on the habitability of Rongelap Island, and to restore Rongelap Island, if necessary so that it can be safely inhabited. The fears that swept through our people were justified in the eyes of Congress. The 1982 DOE report and revelations contained in it terrified our people. More information was needed and Congress established a process by which it would be obtained. Your Preliminary Study, as the Mayor and I said to you in April, “for the first time, contains important and significant revelations about the radiation contamination to which we have been exposed." The disclosures in 1982 made it evident that DOE was not truthful with the Rongelap people from 1957 to 1982 regarding the level of atoll contamination. was, As alarming as the 1982 DOE Report the Rongelap people didn't believe that DOE told the full story regarding atoll contamination or health impacts. Your study has substantiated our concerns. the truth and we now know it. DOE did not tell Since the April 26 hearing at which time your Study was released, the nature of your undertaking Many things you have done or are in the process of understood. The manner in which this study is now conducted is unacceptable. Preliminary has changed. doing are not being The following is a list of major problems with the study: (1) studies When DOE's Harry Brown testified before the Appropriations Committee, he indicated that DOE had published a study in 1986 concerning plutonium and the Rongelap people. He further stated that the study was provided to you and your consultants. It was not. You were provided information and data from DOE which was not shared with your consultant working on this very issue. Despite repeated requests for these documents and materials, they remains unavailable. (2) But On June 1, Dr. Bertell completed her report evaluating medical and health data, including impacts on the children of Rongelap. 85