8 News Now: Nevada’s Lee calls for extension of Radiation Exposure Compensation Act

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (KOLO) - Nevada Representative Susie Lee is calling for an extension of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.

Known as RECA, the act recently expired. Now, Lee is calling on House Speaker Mike Johnson to let the House vote to extend the program and expand coverage for the thousands of Nevadans who were downwind from nuclear radiation released by nuclear testing in the Nevada desert.

Data from the National Cancer Institute says that between 11,000 and 212,000 cases of thyroid cancer nationwide are linked to exposure from the fallout of nuclear testing in Nevada.

RECA expired on June 7, but today, June 10, is the last day to submit new claims for compensation for those who qualify for coverage.

The Senate passed legislation to extend the program and expand compensation for more radiation victims. The Senate’s version of RECA would:

The Senate-passed version of RECA would:

• Expand eligibility to those downwind of the New Mexico Trinity Site and the Nevada Test Site.
• Expand eligibility to Nevadans in Clark County and double compensation for downwinders to $100,000.
• Expand compensation to an estimated 600,000 additional people who need treatment for radiation exposure.

“Nevada has a long nuclear history that still lingers with thousands of ‘downwinders.’ Sadly, many Washington lawmakers have forgotten that there are still families here suffering from radiation exposure. I have not forgotten,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act was a much-needed program to get radiation victims the help they need. Speaker Johnson must allow the House to vote on bipartisan Senate-passed legislation to extend this program and expand eligibility for thousands of downwinders in Nevada and across the country who are sick and dying before our eyes.”