U.S. Senator Ken Salazar

Member of the Agriculture, Energy and Veterans Affairs Committees

 

2300 15th Street, Suite 450 Denver, CO 80202 | 702 Hart Senate Building, Washington, D.C. 20510

 

 

For Immediate Release

November 7, 2005

CONTACT:    Cody Wertz – Press Secretary

                        202-228-3630

Jen Clanahan – Deputy Press Secretary

                        303-455-7600

 

Sen. Salazar Disappointed Rocky Flats Workers Still Denied Benefits

WASHINGTON, D.C. – United States Senators Wayne Allard and Ken Salazar today sponsored an amendment to the Defense Authorization bill, S.1042, that would have directed the Secretary of Energy to provide $15 million in benefits for Rocky Flats workers who would have qualified for benefits but for the early completion of the cleanup at the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (RFETS). The amendment failed by a vote of 38 to 53.

“This amendment would have ensured that we didn’t punish those who have served our nation well and faithfully, at significant sacrifice to themselves and their families,” said Senator Salazar. “This amendment would have also sent a message to workers at other DOE clean-up sites that they can work hard to achieve savings of time and taxpayer funds without having to worry that they are depriving themselves or their families of basic retirement benefits. I am disappointed with today’s vote and will continue to fight for these workers who I consider to be National heroes.”

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