Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Matt Rosendale (MT-02) sent a letter to General Thomas Bussiere, Commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command, requesting an update on an Air Force study published this week that detected unsafe levels of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), a possible carcinogen, at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana.

“I’m deeply concerned by reports that hazardous materials linked to many types of cancer have been found at Malmstrom Air Force Base,” said Rep. Rosendale. “Our servicemembers should not be afraid to report for duty for fear that they will be exposed to toxic chemicals, carcinogens, or other dangerous substances. I appreciate the Air Force for taking this problem seriously and mitigating exposure to our servicemembers by promising immediate action. I expect the Air Force to keep me and the people of Montana informed of all remediation efforts to eliminate the problem and studies going forward. Additionally, I would also like to see the plan of action by the Air Force to notify, examine, and treat those exposed servicemembers.”

Congressman Rosendale met with General Bussiere in February and received a briefing on the proposed investigation into the unusually high numbers of cancer cases reported by servicemembers stationed at Malmstrom. The results of this investigation confirm concerns raised in late January about a potential connection between nine officers diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma who previously worked as Missileers at the base. According to the EPA, PCBs are an oily or waxy substance that was previously manufactured in the United States and a probable human carcinogen.