New Mexico senators Ben Ray Lujan and Martin Heinrich, along with other senators, reintroduced a bill to expand compensation for Americans exposed to radiation by government nuclear programs. The bill, called the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act, aims to provide compensation to downwinders of nuclear testing in New Mexico and workers in uranium mines from 1971-1990. The previous bill had bipartisan support in the Senate but was not voted on in the House, causing the RECA program to expire. The proposed legislation would not only reauthorize the program but also expand its scope. Sen. Ben Ray Luján emphasized the need to provide justice to those who have been affected by radiation exposure. The bill also includes a study on ongoing medical costs for downwinders. This reintroduction comes just days before a national day of remembrance for downwinders. It is crucial for Congress to pass this bill to provide compensation and support to those who have suffered due to exposure to radiation from government nuclear programs.
Source
Photo credit www.kob.com
