Cape News

Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ), urging them to prioritize the implementation of the expanded Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). This act was signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025. The expansion aims to revive RECA for survivors and allows tens of thousands of new claimants, including those in Missouri, to receive assistance.

Senator Hawley emphasized the importance of prompt implementation: “I write to ensure prompt implementation of the reauthorized and expanded Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (‘RECA’), as passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025. The Department of Justice plays a central role in administering RECA, and with the enactment of the expanded law, the Department is now responsible for receiving, evaluating, and processing a broader universe of claims. I urge you to devote sufficient manpower and departmental resources for this important work.”

He further stated: “It is critical that the Department promptly renews its claims process and application, given that prospective claimants have until December 31, 2027, to submit their paperwork. Timely processing of new claims is both feasible and imperative under the law, especially given the age and health of many claimants. The current RECA statute also explicitly allows the Department to use existing funds and resources to process RECA claims. Congress included this provision to ensure that the Department has sufficient resources to implement RECA fully and without delay.”

Senator Hawley expressed his commitment to support: “I will closely monitor the Department’s implementation of the law in the months ahead and respectfully request an update on the Department’s implementation progress by August 1, 2025. I stand ready to work with you and the Department to ensure a fair, efficient, and accessible claims process for new RECA claimants.”

The letter was addressed to Brett Shumate at DOJ's Civil Division.

RECA compensates victims exposed to radiation from federal nuclear programs since its inception in 1990. It provides benefits for those who developed cancer or other diseases due to exposure from atomic weapons testing or uranium activities.