Sen. Rosen, Reps. Lee & Amodei Introduce Landmark Bipartisan Bill to Support Veterans Exposed to Radiation in Nevada

Watch the Full Press Conference HERE.

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Representatives Susie Lee (D-NV-03), Mark Amodei (R-NV-02) introduced the Sergeant Dave Crete Fighting for the Overlooked Recognition of Groups Operating in Toxic Test Environments in Nevada (FORGOTTEN) Veterans Act. This bill would require the Department of Defense (DOD) to join the Department of Energy (DOE) in classifying the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR), and all other locations where radiation and toxic exposure occurred, as contaminated; identify everyone who served within the NTTR since the date of the first nuclear test on the range in 1951; establish a process for servicemembers and veterans to provide proof of their service within the NTTR and at DOE covered facilities; and require the DOD to share this collected documentation with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), as well as any injuries, exposures, or illnesses related to their service, so that veterans will finally be able to claim and access their VA benefits.

From the 1950s through the 1990s, the NTTR - and the then-Nevada Test Site contained within it - conducted over 900 explosive nuclear weapons tests and other dangerous, toxic activities. Currently, because DOD does not consider the NTTR to be a location where contamination and exposure occurred, as DOE does for their civilian personnel who served in the same locations, NTTR veterans are not granted the same service-connected presumption of exposure to receive the care and benefits they would otherwise be owed under the PACT Act. And because their location of service in their personnel records is classified, these veterans are unable to verify where they served to the VA when attempting to file a claim for benefits. This undermines the very intent of the PACT Act and continues to force aging veterans to navigate impossible evidentiary burdens.

"The veterans who served at the Nevada Test and Training Range were unwittingly exposed to radiation and other toxins and for far too long have been forsaken by our government. We owe it to them to make sure that they receive the VA care and benefits they deserve" said Senator Jacky Rosen. "This is why I'm proud to introduce the Sergeant Dave Crete FORGOTTEN Veterans Act with Congresswoman Susie Lee. As the daughter of a veteran, it is my mission to work with both sides of the aisle to deliver for the men and women who served our nation."

"It's embarrassing that we ask men and women to serve our country and then make it so damn difficult for them to access the care they need for conditions they develop as a result of that service. These veterans need our help, and they need us to continue fighting for them," said Congresswoman Susie Lee. "This bill is another meaningful step in that fight, and I'm grateful for the continued partnership of Senator Rosen as we continue helping victims of toxic radiation exposure who served at NTTR."

"Taking care of the men and women who served our country is a responsibility we all share and a promise we owe them. Unfortunately, Mr. Crete and countless veterans who served alongside him have spent years fighting for benefits that should never have been in question," said Congressman Mark Amodei. "This legislation builds off the work I've been leading to help right that wrong by recognizing their service and providing access to the care and support they earned through their sacrifices. Our delegation remains united to see this effort through to the finish line."

"The men and women who served at the Nevada Test and Training Range helped protect our nation during some of the most critical moments in our history. For far too long, their service, their sacrifices, and their illnesses have been FORGOTTEN. This legislation represents hope, not only for the veterans still fighting for care and recognition, but for the families who have spent decades seeking answers. No American who answered the call to serve should ever be FORGOTTEN, and today we take another important step toward honoring that promise. We are grateful to Senator Jacky Rosen and Congresswoman Susie Lee for their leadership and unwavering commitment to the veterans and families who have waited far too long to be acknowledged," said Dave Crete, Chairman of the Board, The Invisible Enemy.

Senator Rosen has been leading the push in Congress to ensure veterans who served within the NTTR receive the presumption of exposure, benefits, and care they deserve. Last year, she introduced the first version of the FORGOTTEN Veterans Act, which advanced out of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. Senator Rosen also included much of her FORGOTTEN Veterans Act in the Senate's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. However, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson blocked its inclusion in the final FY2026 NDAA. Last week, Senator Rosen held a press event in Las Vegas, Nevada to announce the introduction of the new Sergeant Dave Crete FORGOTTEN Veterans Act.

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