RECA advocates converge on Capitol Hill May 23, 2024

In the struggle to expand and extend the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act within this session of Congress, we have now reached the 11^th hour. If Congress fails to act by June 7, the original program will sunset. 

Multiple organizations, including PSR, are working in concert to reauthorize an improved RECA, coordinated through the RECA Working Group. Momentum is building upon a March vote in the Senate which approved legislation to expand and extend RECA with a wide bipartisan majority. On May 13, the American Public Health Association publicly declared support for expanding and extending RECA.

From May 13 to 16, Downwinders from over 200 above-ground U.S. nuclear tests, uranium miners, atomic veterans, and other radiation victims who were left out of the original RECA Act, converged on Capitol Hill for over 40 lobby meetings and a candlelight vigil. In a 90 minute meeting with staff for Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House, these RECA advocates implored the Speaker to take action before the deadline.

At a well-attended May 16 press event on the Capitol lawn, the Downwinders and miners joined with Congressional champions Senators Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) and Josh Hawley (R-MO), and Representatives Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM), James Moylan (R-Guam), and Cori Bush (D-MO) to publicly demand that the House vote to deliver justice for impacted communities. “Nuclear testing did not prevent nuclear war. It was a nuclear war,” said Utah Downwinder Mary Dickson. Media coverage of the event was far-reaching. Doctors Terry Fitzgerald, Gwen DuBois, John Reuwer and Art Milholland (pictured) showed PSR’s support at the press event. 

There are only a few days left in this Congressional session. Please use this number to talk to staff for Speaker Mike Johnson or leave a voicemail: (202) 225-4000. Tell Speaker Johnson: “Please schedule a vote to expand and extend RECA for radiation victims.”