Efforts to secure compensation for victims of U.S. nuclear testing fallout have resurfaced in Congress, as lawmakers on Capitol Hill renew their focus on those affected by radioactive contamination. The push centers on expanding the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), which provides financial relief to individuals who have suffered from cancer and other diseases linked to nuclear testing in the 1940s and 1950s.
Renewed Push for Justice
The U.S. government conducted a series of nuclear tests, particularly in Nevada, between 1945 and 1962. These tests exposed thousands of Americans—especially in surrounding states like Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico—to dangerous levels of radiation. Over the decades, many of those exposed, including residents and workers involved in the testing, developed serious health issues such as leukemia, lung cancer, and other radiation-related illnesses.
RECA was established in 1990 to offer partial compensation to those who could prove they were impacted by nuclear testing. However, the program is set to expire in 2024, and many victims believe the current compensation levels are insufficient. Lawmakers are now working to extend the program and expand eligibility to include more affected individuals, such as “downwinders”—residents who lived near test sites but have been excluded from the original legislation.
Bipartisan Support Grows
Support for the expansion of RECA has gained traction from both sides of the political aisle. Advocates argue that the federal government has a responsibility to fully address the long-term health and environmental consequences of its nuclear weapons testing program. In particular, representatives from states most affected by the fallout are pressing for quicker action before the program’s deadline approaches.
Despite some opposition over cost concerns, the ongoing health challenges faced by those exposed to radiation make the push for expanded compensation more urgent. Lawmakers are hopeful that a revised bill will soon be passed, offering much-needed support to the remaining survivors and their families.
