KOLO: Rosen, Lee introduce bill to support Nevada vets exposed to radiation

WASHINGTON DC (KOLO) - U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen and Representative Susie Lee introduced a bill to support veterans exposed to radiation in Nevada.

They introduced the FORGOTTEN Veterans Act, which would require the Department of Defense to classify the Nevada Test and Training Range as a location in which contamination occurred. That list would also include locations that the Department of Energy classifies as contaminated.

The bill would establish a process for servicemembers and veterans to provide proof of their service within the NTTR and require the DOD to share the collected documentation with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The NTTR conducted more than 900 explosive nuclear weapons tests between 1950 and the 1990s. Rosen says that, due to current issues related to the classified nature of the test locations, many veterans are unable to prove their service, making them unable to receive care and benefits under the PACT Act.

“It’s embarrassing that our country is taking this long to allow veterans who were exposed to toxins at the Nevada Test and Training Range to service-connect their illnesses and access the care they deserve,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “I’m grateful for the tireless partnership of Senator Rosen and Sergeant Dave Crete as we continue to fight for these veterans and introduce new legislation to finally right this wrong.”