Advocates for reauthorizing the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) are calling on western Republican lawmakers to press Speaker Mike Johnson for a vote on expanding the expired program.
Zack Budryk reports for The Hill.
In short:
- A coalition, including the Navajo Nation and atomic veterans groups, wants Speaker Mike Johnson to bring RECA's expansion to a House vote.
- RECA expired this summer, and the Senate passed a bipartisan expansion, covering areas from the Trinity test and other U.S. nuclear sites.
- Speaker Johnson has expressed concerns about the bill’s cost and whether it can pass in the GOP-controlled House.
Key quote:
“We are dying. It is vital that this life-saving program is revived and improved for those of us who were unwittingly injured by government negligence. It is the right thing to do.”
— Advocates’ letter to Republican lawmakers
Why this matters:
Communities affected by nuclear testing are seeking justice and financial support for the harm caused by radiation exposure. Without renewed compensation, victims may be left without crucial assistance.
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