SUPPORT THE RADIATION EXPOSURE COMPENSATION ACT (RECA)
Representative Cliff Bentz
We’ve created a way for you to help make a difference for those who have been exposed to radiation as a result of living in proximity of the many nuclear tests that have occurred over the past seven decades. An important Act, commonly referred to as RECA–or the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act– provides partial restitution fo people suffering from illnesses and conditions as a result of the US nuclear program.
We hope you will sign this petition, addressed to US Representative Cliff Bentz, to show popular support for the continuation of this Act, which is due to expire in 2024.
The following factsheet about the issue was created by Win Without War, a close Peace House ally in the struggle to rein in the risks associated with war and nuclear technologies.
Sponsored by
To:
Representative Cliff Bentz
From:
[Your Name]
We are constituents deeply concerned about justice for communities impacted by radiation exposure from nuclear weapons testing and production. We ask you to vote for HR.4426, the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). The Senate just passed the companion bill, and included it in the National Defense Authorization Act.
From 1945 to 1962, the US government conducted hundreds of atmospheric nuclear weapons tests on American soil and in the Pacific. Uranium mining and processing also began in the 1940s across the Western United States to develop our nuclear weapons arsenal. As a result, countless individuals living downwind from nuclear test sites, workers in uranium mining and processing, and military service members were exposed to harmful radiation.
Though the bi-partisan RECA was signed into law in 1990 and subsequently expanded in 2000, many exposed communities have never received compensation for the devastating health consequences caused by nuclear weapons development and testing. Without action, the program will expire in June of 2024, and many unaccounted-for victims and their families will lose the opportunity for recognition and restitution forever.
This is urgent. Please support RECA as passed by the Senate in the 118th Congress.