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President Bush last week signed into law the Department of
the Interior Appropriations Act, which includes $1 million
for health care programs in the Marshall Islands for fiscal
year 2006.
These programs provide medical care for communities in
the RMI that have been affected by the US nuclear testing
program. The new bill also provides $1.8 million for the
Enewetak food program, an increase of $500,000, over the
request by the administration.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Gerald Zackios, said,
“President Bush’s approval of this legislation is another
example of the strong cooperation our two nations enjoy. The
RMI looks forward to continued consultation with the US
administration and Congress as we seek continued assistance
with the RMI’s health care situation.”
RMI ambassador to Washington Banny deBrum added: “The RMI
is especially gratified with the work of Representatives
Charles Taylor (Republican-North Carolina) and Norm Dicks
(Democrat-Washington) of the House of Representatives, and
Senators Conrad Burns (Republican-Montana) and Byron Dorgan
(Democrat-North Dakota). Their collective leadership ensured
that the appropriations legislation passed both chambers by
wide margins.”
The 177 funds are to be used to provide primary health
care to members of the Enewetak, Bikini, Rongelap and Utrik
communities who currently reside on Enewetak Atoll, Kili
Island, Mejatto Island, Rongelap Atoll following
resettlement, and Utrik Atoll.
The funding for the Enewetak food program is for that
atoll’s agriculture and soil rehabilitation, purchase of
imported food, and also supports the operations of the
atoll’s vessel as well as its Majuro office, the RMI Embassy
said. |
