Downwinders Parity Act of 2025
The Downwinders Parity Act of 2025 (H.R. 1362) seeks to expand who can qualify for compensation under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) by broadening the geographic eligibility framework. Specifically, it changes how the “downwind” area is defined, effectively allowing entire counties to be treated as eligible if any portion of the county lies within the previously defined downwind area. In addition, the bill extends the RECA trust fund deadline, moving it to December 31, 2030, and requires the Attorney General to prepare a report within 180 days detailing outreach to the newly eligible population. The overall purpose is to provide parity and broader relief to communities that were exposed to radiation from nuclear testing by making more residents eligible for RECA benefits and ensuring continued funding and outreach.
Key Points
- 1Geographic expansion for eligibility: The bill broadens the RECA downwind/eligible area by removing a narrow township-based boundary and instead covering all acreage in any county that has any portion located in the designated downwind area. This effectively means more counties (and their residents) could qualify for RECA benefits.
- 2County-wide eligibility trigger: If any part of a county intersects the downwind area, the entire county’s acreage falls under the eligible category, expanding potential beneficiaries beyond the previously defined portion of land.
- 3Trust fund extension: The date for funding/benefit administration under RECA is pushed to December 31, 2030, extending the period during which compensation payments can be made.
- 4Outreach and education requirement: Within 180 days of enactment, the Attorney General must report to Congress on efforts to educate and outreach to people who become newly eligible because of the amendments.
- 5Sponsor and status: Introduced in the House in February 2025 by Rep. Gosar and colleagues from multiple states; status is “Introduced” and referred to the Judiciary Committee.