WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 4th, President Donald Trump signed his “big beautiful bill” which promises tax breaks and spending cuts. Tucked inside this massive bill, it reauthorizes the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). This version of RECA expands access to new claimants in order to get life saving help after exposure from nuclear testing and uranium mining during the Cold War. However, Guam was not included in the latest version.
Even right up to the final hours before the bill passed congress, Guam’s Delegate Jim Moylan (R- GUAM) pushed to include Guam in the reauthorization.
“Guam has become the forgotten casualty of the nuclear era,” said Moylan during a House Rules Committee hearing. “Federal agencies have confirmed that our island received measurable radiation exposure as a result of US nuclear testing in the Pacific. And yet, despite this clear evidence, Guam remains excluded from RECA. Guam is not asking for special treatment. We are asking to be treated with dignity, equal, for the same recognition afforded to other downwind communities across our nation.”
Congressman Moylan said Guam’s downwinders have suffered severe illnesses due to the nuclear testing. Including Guam in RECA could make all the difference for many on the island.
“This would be helpful money to get their treatment that they need,” said Moylan.
The latest RECA version will continue the program for several years but Moylan and other members said the fight continues to include everyone who has been impacted.
“For these communities, it represents decades of advocacy,” said Sen. Josh Hawley (R- MO) who has advocated to expand RECA for other parts of the US. “It represents decades of work. It represents decades of standing tall and fighting strong for their families, for their communities, for their states. And while we are not done, the fight continues. There are other communities that should be included. There are other regions that need to be covered.”
