Recognizing 75 Years Since Hanford's B Reactor Went Critical

Floor Speech

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Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an important anniversary in our Nation's nuclear and military history.

At the start of the atomic age, thousands of men and women, our Cold War patriots, moved to central Washington State to work on a top-secret government project, building the world's first full-scale nuclear reactor.

During World War II, Hanford, Washington, was selected as one of the three sites for the Manhattan Project, and September 26 marks the 75th year since the B Reactor went critical at the Hanford site.

Since then, the Tri-Cities has grown as a hub for innovation, with an appreciation of the past and an excitement for the future, transforming into the fastest growing economy in Washington State.

The B Reactor has been converted into the centerpiece of the Manhattan National Historical Park, where all are welcome to experience its history.

But the work at the Hanford site must continue as the Federal Government has a moral and legal obligation to clean up the country's largest nuclear waste site.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in thanking the Cold War patriots at Hanford for their important contributions to our country.

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