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Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Assistance for Idaho Downwinders

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 the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (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.

After years of efforts, my legislation to expand the RECA program to provide assistance to Idaho Downwinders was included in the Working Families Tax Cuts President Trump signed into law in July 2025. 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.”
  • “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.