Senator Hawley Opposes Partial Renewal of Radiation Compensation Act
Amid ongoing discussions in Congress, Missouri Senator Josh Hawley has voiced strong opposition against a proposed plan by House Republicans to renew only parts of a compensation law for radiation exposure victims. This controversial proposal would extend benefits solely to residents of southern Utah, leaving out numerous other regions originally covered under the 1990 Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA).
During a speech on the Senate floor, Hawley declared his intent to block any attempt to attach a Utah-exclusive RECA amendment to the government’s continuing resolution. He expressed his disapproval, stating, “Now, at this last minute, for House leadership to be preparing … to shove down the throats of these victims across the country, a back-room deal that excludes almost all of them, is not only unacceptable, Mr. President, it is absolutely offensive.”
The bipartisan Senate bill, which Hawley sponsored, aimed to expand RECA and had previously passed with significant support. However, the House, under Speaker Mike Johnson, has yet to bring it to a vote.
The federal law in question had been in place for 34 years, offering compensation to those affected by Cold War-era radiation exposure. This included individuals known as “downwinders,” who suffered from cancers and other health issues due to nuclear testing and uranium production in regions such as northern Arizona, southern Utah, and Nevada. Despite its expiration in June, there is renewed pressure on lawmakers to revive and broaden the program before the current legislative session concludes.
Notably, several U.S. areas significantly impacted by radiation exposure have never received coverage under RECA. This includes Missouri, where uranium processing occurred during the Manhattan Project in St. Louis, and parts of Arizona and Nevada near the Nevada Test Site, which was the location of numerous nuclear tests conducted between 1951 and 1992.
Advocates are urging Congress to expand RECA to encompass these additional areas by year’s end. For more information on the ongoing efforts to renew and extend the program, visit here.
—
Read More Arizona News
