The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), a program that offers funds to residents of areas contaminated by fallout and workers mining radioactive materials, is set to expire on June 10. Lawmakers are urging House Speaker Mike Johnson to introduce legislation that would renew and expand the compensation program for victims of radiation poisoning from atomic weapons testing.
Initially passed in 1990, RECA provides compensation for those affected by fallout from atomic bomb tests between 1945 and 1962, as well as workers involved in mining radioactive materials for atomic weapons production. The program, extended in 2022, offers up to $75,000 for residents in the immediate testing area and up to $50,000 for “downwinders.” Former uranium mining workers can receive up to $100,000 in compensation.
Representative Cori Bush is advocating for the extension of benefits to her constituents and highlighted bipartisan support for the cause. A bill sponsored by Senator Josh Hawley passed the Senate with 69 votes in March.
The proposed expansion of RECA would cover states like Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Guam, along with regions in Missouri and Alaska. The bill also extends the coverage period for uranium workers to 1990 and broadens the list of eligible diseases.
The legislation faces delays in the House, with Representative Melanie Stansbury suggesting that concerns over costs may be a factor. The program is estimated to cost around $60 billion. An alternative bill introduced by Senator Mike Lee seeks to extend the program for two more years.
At a press conference outside the Capitol, lawmakers and survivors emphasized the importance of providing compensation and healthcare to those affected by U.S. activities involving radiation. The stories of individuals like John Greenwood, who faced multiple cancers linked to radiation exposure, underscore the urgent need for support and financial assistance.
The ongoing efforts to renew and expand RECA demonstrate a commitment to addressing the long-term health impacts of radiation exposure and providing much-needed assistance to affected individuals and communities. Please rewrite this sentence for me.
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