Vasquez, Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium Call for RECA Expansion, Fraud Prevention

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On August 20, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) met with the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium to discuss the recent expansion of RECA benefits to New Mexico claimants, best practices for preventing bad actors’ attempts to defraud RECA claimants, and the Congressman’s commitment to helping New Mexico’s Downwinder community achieve its ongoing advocacy goals.

For 80 years, generations of Downwinders suffered from the long term effects of the Trinity Test without help or recognition from the government. The recent expansion of RECA to Downwinders and post-1971 uranium miners in New Mexico is an important step towards delivering justice and support for New Mexican families harmed by the Trinity Test, but work remains to be done. 

“For too long, New Mexico’s Downwinders and uranium miners were ignored by their own government, left without justice or recognition. Finally, after decades of advocacy on the part of those in this room today, New Mexican communities harmed by the Trinity Test are finally getting the financial support they deserve,” said Vasquez, “But the fight isn’t over. I’ll keep working to ensure all beneficiaries receive their due, and we won’t stop advocating until all victims of nuclear testing, research, and development can access the support and health care they deserve, no matter where they call home.”

Rep. Vasquez’s recent actions to support RECA and Downwinders include:

• Fighting for commemorative plaques to acknowledge the impacts of the Trinity Test and Downwinders in the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 
• Sending a letter to the Department of Justice calling on the department to provide assistance to newly eligible RECA claimants and to do more to protect claimants from scams and fraud

Tina Cordova, co-founder of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium, praised Rep. Vasquez and the other members of New Mexico’s congressional delegation for their tireless efforts to expand RECA benefits to New Mexico’s claimants, noting these benefits “would have never passed without our five members of Congress from New Mexico.” She added, “I trust Gabe. I know he’s looking out for us.” 

During the meeting, advocates and community leaders also called for an extension of the deadline for New Mexico Downwinders to claim their RECA benefits, which is currently set at two years, and RECA to be expanded to Guam, Colorado, Montana, Arizona, and Nevada. Advocates also noted the need for health care coverage for New Mexico’s Downwinders. Tina Cordova said this need for health care coverage is compounded by the Medicaid cuts recently passed as part of the Republican tax law, adding “Without Medicaid, a lot of people in New Mexico who are Downwinders will just die in the streets.” 

Rep. Vasquez has played an integral role in advancing legislation to strengthen and expand RECA during his time in Congress, and he will continue to fight for justice for Downwinders, Uranium miners, and others who have suffered from radiation exposure. 

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