Juneau -- The House of Representatives unanimously approved a measure designed to provide benefits to civilian workers and families on Amchitka Island who were exposed to nuclear radiation. Amchitka Island was the site of the largest underground nuclear testing ever conducted by the United States.

"I would like to personally thank Bev Alek, widow of Alaskan laborer Nick Alek, for her efforts in bringing this issue to the forefront on a state and national level where it belongs," said Senator Jerry Mackie (R-Craig), Chair of the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee which sponsored SJR 21. "SJR 21 seeks justice for Alaskan workers who, unlike thousands of other workers from other test sites, were excluded from the 1990 Radiation Exposure Compensation Act," he said.

"I am personally overwhelmed with the unanimous support, of my colleagues in the House and Senate, and notably their willingness to respond quickly to this tragic oversight," said Mackie. "The recent efforts of the 21st Alaska State Legislature has served the additional purpose of increasing the amount of initial contacts with Amchitka workers and their families," he said.

"SJR 21 sends a strong message of statewide legislative support to our Alaskan Congressional Delegation in seeking justice for these workers, some who are deceased, and their families," said Mackie. "Now that this is being pursued on a state and national level, the Department of Energy can no longer afford to deny of existence of radiation-related health issues of Amchitka's former civilian workers."

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