Senate Tax Bill Revives Compensation Program for Uranium-Sickened Families

Over a year ago, Congress allowed the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) to expire, leaving numerous families affected by the U.S. nuclear expansion without vital support.

Recently, a ray of hope emerged as provisions to reauthorize and expand RECA passed the Senate on July 1, as part of a broader tax and spending bill.

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act compensates individuals who suffer illnesses linked to radiation exposure during U.S. nuclear weapon development and testing.

Due to congressional inaction, the program expired last summer, halting new claims and allowing only those postmarked before June 10, 2024, to be considered.

The provisions to renew RECA were introduced by Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley.

“RECA is generational legislation for Missouri and will finally deliver justice for survivors in the St. Louis region,” he stated in a press release. “I urge the House to move quickly and send this to President Trump’s desk.”

If the House passes the bill, many more Arizonans could receive compensation, as the coverage will extend to include Coconino, Yavapai, Navajo, Apache, Gila, and Mohave counties, which were previously excluded.

Additional significant changes in the RECA program include making uranium miners who worked until December 31, 1990, eligible for compensation, raising the compensation amount from $50,000 to $100,000, and extending the program until 2028.

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren has expressed support for the Senate’s push to reauthorize and expand RECA.

In June, Nygren acknowledged the bill as a notable development but emphasized that more work remains. “Far too many family members continue to suffer from cancers and major diseases linked to radioactive contaminants,” Nygren stated.

From 1944 to 1986, nearly 30 million tons of uranium ore were mined from Navajo lands, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with many Navajo individuals working in the mines and living near the extraction sites.

Nygren expressed gratitude toward Diné advocates, grassroots allies, and congressional leaders for their efforts in lobbying for the revival of RECA.