The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) is a historic, bipartisan program that supports certain atomic veterans, uranium miners, and downwinders with radiation-related illnesses. The Senate recently passed an amendment to a defense budget bill that would significantly improve and strengthen RECA. This is a big victory for victims of US nuclear weapons testing and production, but the fight isn't over yet: we need the House to support this amendment.

From 1945 to 1962, the United States government conducted hundreds of above-ground nuclear weapons tests on American soil. Uranium mining also increased during the 1940s-70s to develop America’s nuclear arsenal. As a result, countless individuals living near nuclear test sites, working in the uranium industry, and serving in the military were exposed to deadly radiation. Despite numerous studies linking radiation exposure to illness, the U.S. government did not communicate these risks to uranium workers, downwind civilians, and service members.