Senator Rosen Helped Introduce Legislation To Ensure All Nevadans Impacted By Nuclear Weapons Testing Are Eligible For Federal Compensation
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) helped pass the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) Amendments Act of 2023 as part of this year’s national defense bill, the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (S.2226). The legislation would increase support for individuals exposed to radiation from above-ground nuclear weapons tests by expanding eligibility to any part of Nevada, increasing benefits, and extending the RECA program for 19 years before it expires in May 2024. The RECA program has helped over 45,000 victims, including thousands of Nevadans.
“Nuclear testing in our state during the Cold War exposed thousands of Nevadans to harmful radiation, and it’s time we provide more robust compensation that these men and women deserve,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to have helped pass this important legislation to better ensure that all Nevadans impacted by Cold War radiation have access to benefits, and I will keep working to make sure this bill becomes law.”
Senator Rosen has been fighting to ensure Nevadans who have been exposed to radiation and harmed as a result of nuclear weapons testing receive the compensation they deserve. Earlier this year, Senator Rosen helped introduce the Downwinders Parity Act to extend eligibility for compensation due to illnesses caused by radiation exposure at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS), previously the Nevada Test Site.
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