Congressman Zach Wamp will speak out for sick workers in Oak Ridge Thursday during a hearing before a House subcommittee that is considering a compensation plan for contractor employees of the nation's nuclear weapons facilities.

The hearing was called at the request of Congressman Wamp and other House members. It will also feature testimony from five sick workers, including a Knoxville, Tenn., resident and former Oak Ridge worker who became ill after working at DOE facilities in Oak Ridge.

Wamp will speak before the House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims at 9 a.m. in room 2237 of the Rayburn House Office Building. Wamp has also submitted the following statement for the record:

Chairman Lamar Smith, Ranking Member Sheila Jackson Lee, and members of the Subcommittee:

More than ten years ago, we witnessed the end of a war unlike any ever seen in history, the Cold War. Costing billions of dollars and lasting almost half a century, this decade long struggle ended when American democracy triumphed over communism. But that does not mean we did not endure severe casualties.

In the heart of America, workers in Oak Ridge's Department of Energy (DOE) facilities labored to boost this country's nuclear arsenal. Their loyalty and dedication played a significant role in the victory over tyranny. Working in sensitive areas exposed some of our workers to high levels of radiation and other harmful substances. Hundreds of employees at DOE sites have been diagnosed with a wide range of illnesses. A decade after the end of the Cold War they suffer from debilitating health problems that have reduced their quality of life immeasurably.

Indeed, these men and women are "soldiers" and "veterans" of the cold war. They deserve not only our respect, but care. Withholding support and neglecting their health needs would be a national travesty. I urge you to support a permanent worker's compensation benefits package that alleviates the burdens these cold war warriors and their families endure on a daily basis. Mr. Chairman, it is the right thing to do given their enormous sacrifice.

 As we enjoy these times of peace and prosperity, let us not forget that an honorable group of Americans gave their longevity and health to secure our national security. Show them your gratitude by approving this much-needed benefits package, so that we can finally ease their suffering, and right this wrong.