DELEGATE JAMES MOYLAN SET TO INTRODUCE RADIATION EXPOSURE COMPENSATION ACT AMENDMENT TO NDAA

JUNE 5, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DELEGATE JAMES MOYLAN SET TO INTRODUCE RADIATION EXPOSURE COMPENSATION ACT AMENDMENT TO NDAA

(Washington D.C.) The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) is set to expire on June 7, 2024. Our efforts have been focused on passing S. 3853, Senator Josh Hawley’s Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act (RECRA), which would extend and expand the existing RECA program to include Guam.  This would be unprecedented, as downwinders from Guam, who were affected by the Castle Bravo nuclear tests on Bikini Atoll and have never been considered or compensated for radiation exposure, and this legislation would finally fix a long-standing injustice and include them. 

Also included in the expansion legislation are compensation for those impacted by the dumping of Manhattan Project waste in Missouri, Tennessee, Alaska, and Kentucky.  The fallout from these tests infected many people in these jurisdictions, including Guam, who now have leukemia and other forms of cancers as a result.  They are faced with rising medical bills, as a result of careless actions of the federal government.  Sadly, many continue to suffer through the pain of chemotherapy and other complications, while others have also passed away over the years.  As of now, there is still uncertainty surrounding S. 3853. While there have been discussions and debates, no concrete decision has been made regarding a vote on the bill.  The reluctance revolves around the identification in funding, which is estimated to be in the billions.   

Due to RECA's expiration just days away, House leadership needs to move quickly to extend and expand RECA and provide critical relief to individuals and families affected by toxic air pollution.  However, if the efforts are not successful by June 7, 2024, the fight for downwinders will continue regardless, as Delegate James Moylan (Guam) introduced a bipartisan RECA expansion amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  This will be addressed next week in session. The amendment is co-sponsored by Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Ann Wagner (MO-02), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Ruben Gallego (AZ-03), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Cori Bush (MO-01), and Dina Titus (NV-01).

“Delaying compensation for radiation exposure has severe consequences for those affected. It not only prolongs the suffering and financial burden of individuals and their families, but it also perpetuates the injustice and neglect towards the victims. Furthermore, the delay undermines trust in the government's commitment to righting past wrongs and providing justice for all citizens. Ensuring that those who have been affected by radiation exposure are properly compensated is of the utmost importance and I'm working with various offices across the aisle to request that leadership prioritize the vote on the expansion bill for the RECA and push for its passage.  If not, at least support the efforts through the amendment in the NDAA.  We will continue this fight until the job gets done” said Delegate James Moylan.