[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 89 (Wednesday, May 22, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H3414]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            ARIZONANS ARE SUFFERING FROM RADIATION EXPOSURE

  (Mr. STANTON asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, in the mid-20th century, the United States 
Government conducted nuclear weapons development tests in the 
Southwest, exposing thousands of Arizonans downwind of the test site to 
ionized radiation from the fallout.
  Women, men, and children were diagnosed with terrible cancers from 
the radiation exposure, and many tragically lost their lives.
  Nearly 25 years ago, Congress attempted to make amends by passing the 
Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, but without congressional action, 
RECA is set to expire next month, denying Arizona families the 
compensation they need to pay for healthcare treatments.
  The House has an opportunity to act right now to correct this 
injustice. More than 2 months ago, the Senate overwhelmingly passed the 
bipartisan RECA Reauthorization Act, a 5-year extension of the program.
  It mirrors my Downwinders Parity Act by expanding the scope of the 
RECA's coverage to Arizonans in lower Mohave County who were previously 
denied compensation.
  For too long, these downwinders have been left behind and overlooked. 
I urge my colleagues to give these people the justice they deserve and 
put this bill to a vote.

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