S 243119th CongressIn Committee

Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act

Introduced: Jan 24, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This bill, the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act, would reauthorize and expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). Its core aims are to (1) extend the time to file RECA claims, (2) create new RECA pathways for Manhattan Project waste-related claims, and (3) broaden and improve compensation for uranium mining workers and individuals affected by atmospheric nuclear testing. It also adds new grant and research programs, updates related benefit programs, and requires updated agency regulations and oversight. In practical terms, more people and more kinds of exposure would qualify for compensation, and the program would run longer with higher potential benefit levels in several categories. Key administrative provisions include a cooperative agreement to study the Amchitka Site in Alaska, a new epidemiological grant program for uranium mining impacts, and targeted updates to the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program. The bill also directs a GAO study on unmet medical benefits for atmospheric testing exposures. Overall, the measure tightens eligibility rules in some areas, broadens them in others, increases some benefit amounts, and adds new mechanisms for oversight, research, and tribal considerations.

Key Points

1Manhattan Project waste claims and broader RECA modernization: The bill adds a new Section 5A to RECA to compensate individuals who were physically present in designated affected areas for a period (at least 2 years after Jan 1, 1949) and later contracted a specified disease. It outlines who can file, verification requirements, eligible losses (including medical expense payments), and survivor benefits. It also defines specific geographic "affected areas" (including certain ZIP codes in Missouri, Tennessee, Alaska, and Kentucky) and a list of "specified diseases" (various leukemias and other cancers). It permits affidavits and other documentary evidence to substantiate presence and employment, with physician documentation for disease onset.
2Expanded compensation for atmospheric testing and uranium mining workers: The act expands and extends compensation for downwind populations and uranium mining/milling workers. It raises eligible disease coverage amounts (e.g., up to $100,000 for leukemia or other specified diseases) and broadens the time frames and geographic eligibility for Trinity test-related claims and other atmospheric testing claims. It also strengthens combined-work-history rules to allow more workers to qualify and expands the list of eligible occupations and exposure scenarios (including core drillers and remediation workers).
3New cooperative agreement for Manhattan Project-related site monitoring; Alaska focus: Title I, Sec. 103 requires the Secretary of Energy to award a cooperative agreement by Sept. 30, 2025, to an eligible association to safeguard health and monitor the Amchitka Site in Alaska. The agreement can fund surveillance, workforce development, and related activities, with an emphasis on stakeholder engagement and incorporating Indigenous knowledge and tribal participation.
4Grant program for epidemiological study; funding and oversight: Section 208 establishes a grant program administered by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to study the epidemiological impacts of uranium mining and milling on non-occupationally exposed individuals and families. appropriations of $3 million per year for 2025–2027 are authorized.
5EEOICP and related studies; regulatory updates and extended claim period: The bill makes targeted amendments to the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (EEOICP), broadening cancer coverage for specific cohorts and refining the Special Exposure Cohort rules. It also requires revised regulations within 180 days of enactment to implement these changes, including tribal accommodations (e.g., accepting tribal records or documents as proof of presence). A GAO study is required within one year to assess unmet medical benefits for atmospheric test exposures.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Individuals with exposure to radiation related to Manhattan Project waste who will seek compensation under the new Section 5A.- Downwind and nearby populations affected by atmospheric nuclear testing, including uranium mine and milling workers and their families who may qualify for enhanced RECA benefits.- Uranium mining and milling workers (and certain related occupations) whose eligibility is expanded or clarified, including core drillers and remediation workers.Secondary group/area affected- Indigenous communities and tribal organizations, through required engagement and recognition of Indigenous knowledge in the Amchitka site activities and revised regulations.- Institutions of higher education and nonprofit entities in Alaska that may apply for grants under the new epidemiological program.Additional impacts- Federal agencies (Department of Energy, Office of Legacy Management, Department of Justice) must implement expanded eligibility criteria, update regulations, and manage additional funding streams and reporting requirements.- Potential increase in federal expenditures due to higher benefit amounts, extended filing windows, new grants, and new oversight studies.- Greater emphasis on stakeholder engagement and culturally informed processes (tribal records as proof of presence; inclusion of Indigenous knowledge in research and development).RECA: Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, a federal program providing monetary compensation to people affected by nuclear weapons testing and related uranium industry exposure.Manhattan Project waste: radioactive waste from the World War II–era Manhattan Project, the program seeks compensation for individuals connected to that waste exposure.Downwind: populations located downwind of atmospheric nuclear tests, potentially affected by fallout.Special Exposure Cohort (EEOICP): a group of workers presumed to have been exposed to higher radiation and eligible for streamlined compensation under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program.Affidavits: sworn statements used as evidence; the bill expands acceptability of affidavits to support employment history, physical presence, and onsite testing participation when accompanied by other evidence.

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