Cape News

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) have collaborated on a bipartisan effort urging Speaker Mike Johnson to take immediate action in reauthorizing and expanding the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act (RECA) before compensation for radiation victims expires on June 7, 2024.

In a letter addressed to Speaker Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies, the Senators emphasized the critical importance of passing the RECA legislation to provide support to communities and individuals affected by the lasting consequences of the U.S.'s nuclear testing program. The Senators highlighted the historical context of the issue, stating, "Between 1945 and 1992, the U.S. conducted 206 above-ground nuclear weapons tests, dispersing radioactive material across vast swathes of the nation."

The lawmakers underscored the urgent need to recognize and compensate individuals who have suffered from radiation exposure due to the country's national security efforts during pivotal periods like World War II and the Cold War. They emphasized, "Their livelihoods, often devastated by the long-term consequences of radiation exposure, depend on your leadership and commitment to rectifying past injustices."

The Senators, along with a coalition of other lawmakers, have been actively advocating for the expansion and strengthening of the RECA program to encompass a broader scope of affected communities. Their efforts have culminated in a Senate-approved amendment to extend the RECA program and enhance compensation for downwinders in Western states and post-1971 uranium workers, among others.

As the deadline for the expiration of the RECA program approaches in June 2024, the Senators urged swift action to ensure that all impacted individuals are not overlooked. They stated, "The United States government exposed these Americans to radiation as part of our national security efforts through World War II and the Cold War. It is long past time that RECA is strengthened to give these Americans their recognition and compensation."

The bipartisan appeal from Senators Hawley and Luján, supported by a coalition of colleagues, signals a united front in the push for justice and support for those affected by radiation exposure from past nuclear activities. It underscores the collective commitment to upholding the government's responsibility to address the long-standing grievances of impacted individuals and communities.

The full text of the letter and additional information on the RECA program can be accessed through the provided links, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to secure the necessary support and recognition for radiation victims in the United States.