July 3, 2025
The "Big Beautiful Bill" passed and House today and was forwarded to the President for signature. The Department of Justice is currently reviewing the amendments to RECA and will provide additional guidance as it becomes available.
July 1, 2025
The Senate passed the "Big Beautiful Bill" today. The language to reauthorize the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) remained in the bill with the only amendment being the State of Idaho being added as a "downwind" area. Now it is up to the House of Representatives to vote and get this bill to the President desk for signature. Once the President signs the bill, RECA will start back up immediately.
It will be imperative to file a claim as soon as possible as processing times may be slow at the beginning.
If you think you are eligible to file a RECA claim or want additional information regarding the program, please call my office at (520) 244-3600.
June 24, 2025
Recently, the Senate Judiciary Committee included expansion and inclusion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act as part of the "Big Beautiful Bill." If passed, the legislation would:
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Fully cover existing RECA-eligible "downwind" areas and on-site participants, such as military personnel.
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Reduce the presence requirements on "downwind" claims from 2-years to 1-year.
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Add new "downwind" areas for claimants, such as: the State of New Mexico, Mohave County in Arizona, and the remaining counties in Utah not previously covered.
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Increase the downwind and on-site participation award to $100,000.
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Add eligibility for uranium mine workers who worked in mines from 1971 - 1990, add core drillers as an eligible worker, and expand eligible diseases.
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Add eligibility for RECA compensation for certain affected areas in Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alaska who were exposed to contamination and developed cancers.
It is important to note that if RECA is reauthorized, the time to file a claim is limited. All claims must be received by the Department of Justice by December 31, 2027.
If you would like more information regarding the possible reauthorization of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Program, please call my office at (520) 244-3600.