Rep. Stansbury Votes to Extend RECA Program
The RECA Extension Act of 2022 will reauthorize the RECA program for 2 years, providing more time for individuals harmed by radiation exposure to apply for the compensation they deserve.
WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) voted to pass key legislation to extend the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) program for another two years, providing more time for individuals to apply for the compensation they deserve. S. 4119, The RECA Extension Act of 2022 was recently passed unanimously by the Senate.
First enacted in 1990, The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) has provided compensation to over 39,000 individuals who developed cancer and other specified serious health conditions as a result of exposure to radiation released during above-ground nuclear weapons tests or as a result of exposure to radiation during their employment in the uranium industry.
“For years, the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act has provided critical compensation to uranium workers and New Mexico downwinders who have faced devastating health consequences as a result of our nation’s nuclear history,” said Rep. Stansbury. “For decades, our workers and communities have been impacted by serious health conditions due to exposure to dangerous levels of radiation. Today, I was proud to vote to pass the RECA Extension Act of 2022 to extend the RECA program to continue to provide vital assistance to our families and communities.”
The RECA Extension Act of 2022 reauthorizes the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act for two years. The legislation extends the RECA program to compensate more individuals who were exposed to radiation from atomic weapons testing or uranium mining or processing and who subsequently developed specified cancers or other medical conditions. Without reauthorization, the RECA program was scheduled to sunset in July.
The full text of the RECA Extension Act can be found here.
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