Weekly Column: RECA Assistance Available For Idaho Downwinders

This National Day of Remembrance for Downwinders is a fitting time to raise awareness about the new eligibility of Idaho Downwinders for Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) assistance for cancer-related deaths from radiation exposure due to above-ground nuclear weapons testing. If you think you or your family member may be eligible for RECA compensation, now is a good time to inquire and submit applications.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), charged with reviewing and adjudicating RECA applications, has information about eligibility and applications on its website: https://www.justice.gov/civil/reca. Some key highlights from the DOJ’s information include:

• “New claims may be filed until December 31, 2027.”

• “Downwinder must have been physically present in an affected area for one of the following durations:
  • In the State of New Mexico for 1 year between September 24, 1944, and November 6, 1962;
  • In any affected area for 1 year between January 21, 1951, and November 6, 1962; or
  • In any affected area for the entire period from June 30, 1962, to July 31, 1962.

• The affected areas under RECA’s downwind provisions include the states of Idaho . . .”

• “Following this presence, a qualifying Downwinder must show that they were diagnosed with a specified compensable disease.” [A list of compensable diseases is available at https://www.justice.gov/civil/reca.]

• “RECA provides qualifying Downwinders a one-time, lump sum payment of $100,000. If the individual has died, their survivors may apply for equal shares of the single payment.”

• “If you have questions about RECA or your application, please contact the RECA Program:

• Phone: 1-800-729-7327
• Email: Civil.RECA@usdoj.gov
• Mail:

U.S. Department of Justice

Radiation Exposure Compensation Program

P.O. Box 146

Ben Franklin Station

Washington, DC 20044-0146”

It is free to apply. If you need assistance with accessing information and resources about the application process, you may also contact my regional offices. Contact information for them can be found at https://www.crapo.senate.gov/contact/office-locations, and phone numbers for my regional offices are as follows: Boise (208) 334-1776; Coeur d' Alene (208) 664-5490; Idaho Falls (208) 522-9779; Lewiston (208) 743-1492; Pocatello (208) 236-6775; and Twin Falls (208) 734-2515.

In 1990, Congress recognized the need for the federal government to make amends for the harm caused to innocent citizens by nuclear testing, and passed RECA, which provides a one-time payment for individuals suffering from leukemia, thyroid cancer and other radiation-related illnesses connected to the tests. Unfortunately, the science at the time failed to recognize radioactive fallout is not restricted by state lines, and RECA only provided coverage for victims living in certain counties of Utah, Nevada and Arizona. Idaho, Montana, New Mexico and other nearby states were left out.

For the past several Congresses, I have introduced legislation to correct the geographic mistake and expand RECA coverage to affected states. We steadily made progress and successfully expanded the RECA program to provide assistance to Idaho Downwinders in the Working Families Tax Cuts President Trump signed into law in July. The Working Families Tax Cuts included legislation I negotiated that:

• Extended/reauthorized RECA compensation through December 31, 2027;
• Included Idaho in the list of affected states;
• Extended downwind eligibility states through November 1962; and
• Expanded coverage for uranium miners.

Past National Days of Remembrance for Downwinders have provided opportunities to renew efforts to push for RECA reauthorization and expansion as we honored radiation victims. But now, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to help get the word out about the successful expansion of RECA eligibility to Idaho Downwinders. I am grateful to my colleagues in Congress and President Trump for acting with me to ensure Idaho Downwinders’ eligibility to receive the compensation they deserve.

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