Vasquez Denounces House Republicans for Removing the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act from the National Defense Authorization Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, December 1, 2023, U.S.Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) voiced his disappointment in House Republicans for stripping the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) out of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). 

“House Republicans chose to willfully ignore Americans who deserve compensation from radiation exposure and have been waiting for justice from the federal government for decades. It’s truly a shame that RECA reform, despite being a strong, bipartisan effort, was stripped from the NDAA by Republican leadership. This is the closest RECA has ever come to becoming law with bipartisan support, and we l will continue to work for New Mexico’s downwinders and their families,” said Rep. Vasquez. “I'm all in on this fight, and I'm going to continue to work with my colleagues to get New Mexico's downwinders the compensation they've been owed for far too long.” 

RECA provides a one-time benefit payment to individuals who may have developed cancer or other diseases after being exposed to radiation from atomic weapons testing or uranium mining, milling, or transporting. The program was originally created in 1990 but is scheduled to end in 2024. However, the program failed to include New Mexican uranium miners and those who were affected by the nuclear bomb test at the Trinity site. 

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