Mohave Today

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-09), has called on Speaker Mike Johnson and House and Senate Appropriations leaders to include the reauthorization and expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) in the upcoming FY2024 appropriations package.

In a statement, Gosar emphasized his dedication to advocating for the inclusion of Mohave County, Arizona, in the RECA, stating, “Since first elected to Congress, I have been tirelessly fighting for the federal government to recognize the communities of Mohave County, Arizona that have been illogically excluded from the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act."

Highlighting the unfortunate impact of past government actions, Gosar remarked, "It is a tragic fact that in an effort to protect us from our enemies, the United States government poisoned its own people." He emphasized the government's responsibility to support the survivors of nuclear weapons testing, known as downwinders, who were unknowingly exposed to harmful levels of radiation and toxic waste.

Gosar stressed the importance of expanding the RECA to cover all affected individuals, including those in Mohave County, Arizona. He expressed his support for a bipartisan effort to push for the inclusion of recent Senate-passed legislation in the upcoming budget package, which would reauthorize RECA for six years, increase compensation amounts, and extend coverage to previously excluded areas.

The Congressman underlined the significance of rectifying past injustices, stating, "Residents of Mohave County, Arizona have been wrongfully excluded for years and should be first in line for compensation." He emphasized the bipartisan consensus on the need to provide compensation to all downwinders affected by government actions.

Gosar concluded by urging for immediate action, stating, "Now would be the correct time to strengthen RECA and cover these communities in Arizona by expanding the program, already authorized by Congress, that has been life-changing for so many people.”