A joint resolution formally apologizing for the nuclear legacy of the United States in the Republic of the Marshall Islands and affirming the importance of the free association between the Government of the United States and the Government of the Marshall Islands.

12/29/2022, 10:48 PM

Summary of Bill SJRES 40

Bill 117 SJRes 40 is a joint resolution that seeks to formally apologize for the nuclear legacy of the United States in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The resolution also affirms the importance of the free association between the Government of the United States and the Government of the Marshall Islands.

The Republic of the Marshall Islands was used as a testing ground for nuclear weapons by the United States during the Cold War. The testing had devastating effects on the environment and the health of the Marshallese people. This resolution acknowledges the harm caused by these nuclear tests and expresses regret for the impact on the Marshall Islands.

Additionally, the resolution emphasizes the importance of the free association between the United States and the Marshall Islands. This relationship allows for economic assistance, defense, and other forms of support from the United States to the Marshall Islands. The resolution reaffirms the commitment of the United States to this partnership and the well-being of the Marshallese people. Overall, Bill 117 SJRes 40 is a significant step towards acknowledging and addressing the nuclear legacy of the United States in the Marshall Islands, while also reaffirming the importance of the relationship between the two countries.

Congressional Summary of SJRES 40

This joint resolution expresses that Congress

recognizes that the United States' nuclear testing program and radioactive waste disposal in the Marshall Islands caused irreparable material and intangible harm to the people of those islands,
apologizes on behalf of the United States to the individuals and families of the Marshall Islands for the hardships they have endured as a result of the U.S. nuclear testing program and radioactive waste disposal, and
recognizes that it is incumbent on the United States to open dialogue regarding the nuclear legacy of the United States in Marshall Islands during any negotiation of the Compact of Free Association or its subsidiary agreements.

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Current Status of Bill SJRES 40

Bill SJRES 40 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 1, 2022. Bill SJRES 40 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the Senate on March 1, 2022. Bill SJRES 40's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S885-886) as of March 1, 2022

Bipartisan Support of Bill SJRES 40

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill SJRES 40

Primary Policy Focus

International Affairs

Potential Impact Areas

- Air quality

- Climate change and greenhouse gases

- Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad

- Emergency planning and evacuation

- Environmental assessment, monitoring, research

- Foreign aid and international relief

- Health care coverage and access

- Intelligence activities, surveillance, classified information

- International law and treaties

- Marshall Islands

- Medical research

- Nuclear weapons

- Pacific Ocean

- Radiation

- Radioactive wastes and releases

- Veterans' medical care

- Water quality

Alternate Title(s) of Bill SJRES 40

A joint resolution formally apologizing for the nuclear legacy of the United States in the Republic of the Marshall Islands and affirming the importance of the free association between the Government of the United States and the Government of the Marshall Islands.