Arizona Politics

Gosar Demands Expansion of Compensation for Radiation Exposure Victims in Arizona

As a desert with plenty of space, the American Southwest, primarily Nevada, has been a preferential site for nuclear testing. However, many have been exposed to radiation as downwinders or uranium miners in Arizona, afflicted with cancer and other illnesses. The Federal government authorized compensation to victims in 1990, though only in select areas. Representative Paul Gosar (R-AZ) recently demanded Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) include compensation for all of Arizona as the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) is up for reauthorization.

In January, the Arizona Mirror noted President Biden extended RECA before its expiration in July 2022. The following July, the Senate approved RECA's expansion by including it in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2024. However, it was removed from the final version signed by the White House for unknown reasons.

Rep. Gosar did not mince words in his letter to Speaker Johnson demanding the expansion, saying, "It is a tragic fact that in an effort to protect us from our enemies, the United States government poisoned its own people. The federal government has a responsibility to take care of the survivors of nuclear weapons testing, known as downwinders, who unknowingly were exposed to deadly levels of radiation and toxic waste."

As a result, the extension of RECA championed by Rep. Gosar includes several new provisions on top of the expansion to all residents of Arizona, such as those in Mohave County, whom he said "have been wrongfully excluded for years and should be first in line for compensation."

Additionally, RECA would be extended by six years and increase the lump-sum compensation to $100,000, initially reserved for uranium miners under the original act (downwinders would receive $50,000).

"There is broad, bipartisan agreement that the United States must compensate all downwinders who have been stricken with cancer and other diseases because of reckless government actions. Now would be the correct time to strengthen RECA and cover these communities in Arizona by expanding the program, already authorized by Congress, that has been life-changing for so many people," Gosar concluded.

In August, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) acknowledged the signing of the similar Honoring Our PACT Act, which provided compensation to military veterans exposed to toxic burn pits in the line of duty.

Grayson Bakich

Florida born and raised, Grayson Bakich is a recent recipient of a Master’s Degree in Political Science at the University of Central Florida. His thesis examined recent trends in political polarization and how this leads into justification of violence.

Recent Posts

Nguyen Announces Joint Study Hearing on Prison Safety Measures

State Representative Quang Nguyen (R-1) has announced that the Joint Ad Hoc Study Committee on…

3 days ago

Kelly, Gallego Demand Answers from DHS for Slow Response to AZ Cyberattack

Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) jointly wrote to Secretary of Homeland Security…

3 days ago

Arizona Votes to End Green Energy Rules for Power Companies

Arizona's utility regulators have decided to eliminate rules that require power companies to buy renewable…

3 days ago

Governor Hobbs Wants Federal Investigation of Grand Canyon Fire After Revealed Mismanagement

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs is demanding answers after a massive wildfire at the Grand Canyon…

3 days ago

AG Mayes Warns of Deadly Fentanyl Crisis On National Fentanyl Awareness Day

As new data shows the devastating severity of the opioid crisis, Arizona Attorney General Kris…

3 days ago

The Arizona Free Enterprise Club Is Demanding An Investigation Of The 2022 Gubernatorial Campaign

The Arizona Free Enterprise Club has filed a formal complaint against Arizona State University, claiming…

3 days ago