Radiation risksBill Expands Compensation for Victims of Radiation Exposure

Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico) the other day introduced legislation to expand compensation for individuals exposed to radiation while working in and living near uranium mines or downwind from nuclear weapon test sites. 

Tens of thousands of individuals, including miners, transporters, and other employees who worked directly in uranium mines, along with communities located near test sites for nuclear weapons, were exposed during the mid-1900s to dangerous radiation that has left communities struggling from cancer, birth defects, and other illnesses.

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2019 (RECA) provides health and monetary compensations for individuals who were exposed to high levels of radiation that caused sickness, cancer, and deaths in New Mexico and across the country. RECA was first passed in 1990 to ensure the federal government met its responsibilities to Americans who made sacrifices for our national security. The legislation has more than thirty-five co-sponsors.

Without this legislation, the current authorization for RECA will expire in two years – leaving thousands without the ability to pay for their medical care for illnesses directly linked to the exposure.

Native and tribal communities were disproportionally exposed to the dangerous radiation in New Mexico and in other communities throughout the U.S. This legislation will seek to rectify this significant disparity and help bring justice to all the communities exposed.

Specifically, the RECA legislation:

·  Congressional apology: Includes a congressional apology to the individuals in New Mexico, Idaho, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Wyoming, Oregon, Washington, South Dakota, North Dakota, Nevada, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands who were exposed to radiation.

·  Extension of fund: Amends the original Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to extend the Radiation Exposure Compensation Trust Fund until 2045. The original act sunsets in 2022.

·  Claims relating to uranium mining: Extends to December 31, 1990, the period during which an individual employed in a uranium mine or a uranium mill is eligible to receive compensation for a disease claim due to radiation exposure.

·  Claims relating to atmospheric testing: Expands the definition of affected Downwind states to include Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Guam; which have been shown to be impacted by downwind contamination. 

·  Residency requirements: Expands the proof of residency requirements to be consistent with Native American law, custom, and tradition.

“Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve fought to ensure justice for communities impacted by radiation exposure – including miners, workers, and downwinders. Radiation exposure has taken the lives of too many and continues to hurt our communities. I know how important this legislation is for New Mexico families that have been affected. This legislation will extend compensation for those individuals who played a role in our national security and help make those individuals whole,” said Luján. “Radiation exposure disproportionally impacted Tribal communities and Native Americans in New Mexico – a health, justice, and fairness disparity that has lingering impacts to this day. The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2019 will help right past wrongs and I’m proud to champion this effort in the Congress.”