Urgent Support Needed for the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act (RECA)
As the executive director of the Peace Economy Project, I support the call to reauthorize the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) before its coming expiration on June 7, 2024. Since its initial passage in 1990, RECA has served as a critical lifeline, providing lump sum compensation to individuals who have suffered due to exposure to radioactive materials linked to the Manhattan Project.
Despite its significant impact, compensating over 41,492 people across the United States, there remains a pressing need to update and expand its provisions. Current gaps in the legislation have left many victims, particularly in communities such as Texas, Wyoming, the Navajo Nation, parts of Idaho, Utah, Tennessee, Alaska, Kentucky, Missouri, and more, without the compensation they rightfully deserve. Decades of contamination from nuclear waste discarded in the 1960s have left a lasting mark, affecting countless lives in both St. Louis County and St. Charles County.
The reauthorization of RECA is legislative prioriity and moral imperative. The health impacts of radiation exposure have devastated communities, with generations suffering from increased cancer risks and other severe health issues. The extended coverage proposed in S.3853 would bring justice and much-needed relief to thousands of additional victims across the nation, embodying a crucial step towards rectifying the long-standing injustices these communities have faced.
As advocates for a peaceful and just economy, we at the Peace Economy Project recognize the importance of supporting policies that address historical wrongs and promote health and well-being in our communities. We urge everyone to reach out to their representatives and lend their voices in support of this vital legislation. The swift passage of RECA’s reauthorization is essential—not just for those directly affected by radioactive contamination but as a testament to our commitment as a nation to uphold the rights and dignity of every citizen.
We need to stand together in this crucial moment. Contact your representatives, educate your community about the importance of this issue, and support the efforts of those pushing for justice. The reauthorization of RECA is not only a matter of compensation; it is a matter of life and death for many.
Together, we can ensure that no more time is wasted and that justice is finally served for all affected by radioactive exposure.
Support the RECA reauthorization. Your voice matters. Act now for justice and healing.
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Regards,
Katerina Canyon, Executive Director
