I am excited to share that a three-year extension to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (“RECA”) program has been included in the Senate’s version of the reconciliation megabill.
If passed by Congress, the bill will enact many of the matters we have long advocated for, including:
• extension of eligibility for miners through December 31, 1990
• inclusion of core drillers as eligible mine workers, expansion of compensation from $50,000 to $100,000
• coverage of new kidney diseases, and
• allowing for combined work histories for those who worked at multiple mines/mills or in multiple capacities at mines.
While this is a significant development and momentous moment, there is still work to be done. Far too many family members continue to suffer from cancers and major diseases as a result of the radioactive contaminants brought home on the belongings of miners, from contaminated water sources, and from contaminated material extracted from mines and used to construct homes. We continue to call on the government to address their knowing and willful reckless negligence in the mid and late twentieth century by conducting studies to help guide their responses.
I extend my sincerest gratitude to our Diné advocates, grassroots allies, and congressional leaders like Senators Hawley and Luján, Congresswoman Leger Fernandez, and many others. I am grateful for the continued support of our Speaker Curley and the 25th Navajo Nation Council Delegates for their steadfast support of the RECA program, and especially to former Navajo Nation Washington Office Director Justin Ahasteen, a staunch advocate with the Nygren Administration.
– Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren
