What is the Radiation Exposure and Compensation Act?

 

Friend:

For over 30 years, one key bipartisan bill, the Radiation Exposure and Compensation Act (RECA), has provided healthcare and compensation to people in the U.S. exposed to radiation from U.S. nuclear testing and uranium mining.

But here’s the problem: That critical support will end in just two years. That means that the tens of thousands of people who are suffering from radiation exposure right now will soon be shut out from receiving care and compensation.

This week, our partners at the Union for Concerned Scientists (UCS) are mobilizing activists around the country to meet face-to-face with their members of Congress to extend the benefits provided by this crucial legislation, and they need your help. Luckily, you don’t have to go all the way to D.C. to join their call for RECA expansion — you can do it right now, from wherever you are.

Can you join us and add your name to the petition we’re sending to Congress calling to extend and expand RECA?

RECA is a critical lifeline for communities all around the country, and especially Native communities who suffer disproportionately. What we want to achieve is simple: extend and expand it. That looks like:

• Extending RECA by 19 years; 
• Expanding the eligibility area because radiation spreads far and wide; 
• Widening the coverage to more uranium workers; 
• Increasing the list of illnesses covered by the bill; and 
• Providing $150,000 in compensation for each successful claimant.

 
The truth is that the real cost of nuclear weapons testing and development that these exposed communities have had to bear can never fully be repaid. The land they lived on was poisoned, and they’ve been wrecked by lifelong illnesses ever since. But the healthcare and compensation supplied by this legislation can be a start towards addressing the harm that impacted people have endured. We’re seeking justice for them and their loved ones.

The RECA extension bills in Congress already have 74 co-sponsors in the House and 22 co-sponsors in the Senate. You can help to push them across the finish line right now.

So please, take 30 seconds and add your name to join with allies meeting with members of Congress this week. Let them and the world know that Win Without War activists are with them in their righteous fight for healthcare and compensation!

Thank you for working for peace,

Stephen and the Win Without War team