RECA

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (“the Act” or “RECA”) was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on October 15, 1990. This significant legislation established the “Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Program,” which provides compensation to individuals who developed specific cancers, leukemia, and other illnesses due to their exposure to radiation. This exposure occurred as a result of above-ground nuclear weapons tests, occupational activities at certain testing sites, or while working in roles involving uranium milling, mining, or ore transportation during the Cold War period. Under RECA, there are three distinct compensation levels available to eligible individuals based on their circumstances.

The administration of this program falls under the purview of the Department of Justice. Since its inception in April 1992, the RECA program has processed over 54,000 claims. As of December 31, 2022, approximately $2.6 billion has been awarded, marking a remarkable 75 percent approval rate for the 40,258 approved claims. On June 7, 2022, President Biden signed the RECA Extension Act of 2022, extending the RECA Trust Fund and the deadline for filing new claims by two years from the date of enactment.

Notably, on July 27, 2023, the United States Senate passed the National Defense Appropriations Act, which included an amendment to the RECA. This amendment is set to expand coverage areas, increase compensation for both past and future claimants, extend the covered timeframes, and add additional eligible illnesses, among other changes. While a competing bill was passed by the United States House without these amendments, members from both the House and the Senate will collaborate in a committee to merge the two bills into a unified piece of legislation. It’s anticipated that this comprehensive legislation will be presented for a vote in the fall of 2023.