CONGRESSMAN MOYLAN & SENATOR TERLAJE DEMAND GUAM’S INCLUSION IN RADIATION COMPENSATION BILL
(Hagåtña, Guam) On June 16th, 2025 Congressman Moylan met with Senator Therese Terlaje and members of the Pacific Association for Radiation Survivors (PARS) to discuss the Senate Judiciary Committee’s latest reconciliation proposal, which reauthorizes the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) but once again excludes Guam.
In the 118th Congress, Delegate Moylan co-led the RECRA (Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act) of 2023, a bipartisan, bicameral effort to expand coverage to Guam and other historically overlooked communities impacted by U.S. nuclear testing. Although the Senate passed its version of the bill in 2024, progress in the House has faced procedural roadblocks, despite strong support for Guam’s inclusion. The exclusion of Guam in the recent proposal introduced by Senator Hawley undermines the bipartisan progress achieved in the 118th Congress.
Members of PARS expressed disappointment over Guam’s exclusion in Senator Hawley’s proposal. Congressman Moylan echoed their frustration: “I am deeply disappointed that Guam was excluded in this provision. Our people have carried this burden far too long, and I will be reaching out to Speaker Mike Johnson personally to ensure their voices are not only heard but truly respected.”
Building on Congressman Moylan’s call for equity, Senator Terlaje urged a united front, stating: “I am urging united efforts from all branches of our government to help PARS in their efforts to persuade Congress to include Guam in the bill before it leaves the Senate. Even if all of the 43,000 civilians in Guam in 1962 are still alive, diagnosed with cancer, and compensated under the current draft provisions, that would be a drop in the bucket for Congress after decades of injustice—but it would greatly increase access to needed healthcare for cancer patients and maybe offer some relief from their suffering.”
Congressman Moylan thanked Senator Terlaje and PARS for their long-standing advocacy adding: “I thank Senator Terlaje and PARS for their commitment to justice, and I look forward to working alongside them to fight for equity and ensure that Guam is finally included in RECA.”
With the reconciliation process still underway, Congressman Moylan reaffirmed that the fight is far from over. “This presents a chance to correct a long-standing injustice,” said Congressman Moylan. “I will be pushing hard for amendments so that Guam is included. We will not be silenced. We will not be sidelined. I will continue working with our friends and allies to make certain that Guam is not left behind.”
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