DRAFT: BWWachholz/bh
1/22/80
4 BSS
Overguidance-Marshall Islands
ISSUE
Increased DOE responsibilities in the Marshall Islands.
Background
H.R. 3756, currently before the Congress, significantly broadens
U.S. responsibilities in the Marshall Islands.
Briefly, the House bill
directs:
1.
General medical care for the people of Rongelap, Utirik,
Bikini and Enewetak atolls and their descendents.
Periodic radiological monitoring of those atolls.
Dose assessments to be prepared no less than every five years
Introduction of an information and educational program re
radiation.
Furthermore,
the House bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to
prepare overall plans, to involve other agencies as necessary, to
obtain funds for all of the programs, and to reimburse other agencies as
necessary.
The Senate committee markup of the bill makes a few changes:
1.
The term "descendents" is eliminated from (1) above, but it
provides for "such other atolls" as may need to be included.
It calls for a radiological survey not less than once every
five years.
It places on DOE the responsibility to obtain and provide
Pom
funding for the entire progran, including funding of other
agencies.
It requires the "consideration" of the Public Health Service to
provide the general medical care program.