Rep. Ann Wagner, U.S. Representative for Missouri's 2nd District | Official U.S. House headshot
Rep. Ann Wagner, U.S. Representative for Missouri's 2nd District | Official U.S. House headshot
A group of bipartisan House members, led by Congresswoman Ann Wagner, have penned a letter urging House and Senate Leadership and Appropriators to include the reauthorization of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) in the upcoming appropriations package. The letter, signed by a diverse group of representatives, emphasizes the importance of addressing the impending sunset of RECA and ensuring proper compensation for individuals affected by nuclear testing fallout.
In the letter, the Members express the critical need for the reauthorization of RECA, stating: “We write with the utmost urgency regarding the impending sunset of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA)... As you know, the United States conducted scores of above-ground nuclear tests blanketing the American West in nuclear fallout as we perfected our nuclear arsenal. It is due to the sacrifice of the uranium workers and downwinders that the U.S. was able to win World War II and Cold War. However, we as a country have never adequately repaid that debt to all of the deserving victims."
The Members highlight the bipartisan and bicameral support for compensating American citizens affected by radiation exposure, underscoring the necessity of including the reauthorization of RECA in the upcoming fiscal year 2024 appropriations package. Without Congressional action, RECA is set to sunset on June 7, 2024, potentially leaving affected individuals without the necessary support and compensation.
Congresswoman Ann Wagner's leadership in spearheading this effort, along with the support of her colleagues, reflects a concerted push to address the longstanding issue of compensating victims of radiation exposure due to government actions. The letter serves as a unified call to action for Congress to prioritize the reauthorization of RECA and ensure that those impacted receive the support they deserve.
The full letter, signed by a coalition of House members, underscores the urgency and necessity of including the reauthorization of RECA in the upcoming appropriations legislation.
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