Legislation to extend and expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) is facing opposition as the current proposal excludes victims in Missouri, New Mexico, the Navajo Nation, and atomic veterans. Representative Cori Bush and Senator Josh Hawley have criticized Speaker Mike Johnson for not including these groups in the bill. Bush emphasized the urgency of passing the legislation with only 10 days left before RECA expires. Hawley vowed to block any bill that does not provide compensation to these affected communities and criticized the House for prioritizing foreign wars over American victims. Representative Ann Wagner also expressed her commitment to ensuring that Missourians receive the justice they deserve.
🚨 Next week, @SpeakerJohnson plans to rip off Missourians & thousands of others who are suffering from radioactive waste dumped in our backyards by the federal government. Failing to expand RECA is not a viable option. I’m a NO on any effort that doesn’t expand RECA NOW.
Hawley Slams Johnson for Plan to Vote on RECA Bill Excluding Missouri, New Mexico, and Hundreds of Thousands of Americans https://t.co/kiJXRkSXcz
RECA without Missouri is dead on arrival. I will continue to fight for the expansion of RECA so Missourians are given the justice they deserve. The House can and must take up the Senate-passed expansion.
Let me be clear: no RECA bill that excludes Missouri will pass the Senate by consent. I will demand every procedural vote. And every vote will be a reminder the House would rather fund foreign wars than compensate Americans poisoned by their government
Mike Johnson’s office tell us he will ask the House to pass a dirty RECA bill that gives NOTHING to Missouri, New Mexico, the Navajo Nation, our atomic vets or anyone else poisoned by their own government. Total dereliction. No member from Missouri can possibly vote for this
🔟 days. There are 10 days until RECA expires. @SpeakerJohnson is currently sitting on legislation that would extend and expand RECA to compensate victims of Manhattan Project waste, including those in Missouri. The time to act is NOW! #ExpandRECANow https://t.co/PVV43a0THU