Sponsors
The bill meaningfully expands RECA coverage—adding veterans, Guam residents, new exposure periods, and renal disease to eligible claims—improving access to compensation for many exposed people while raising federal costs and administrative burdens that could slow payments and leave some similarly exposed groups still excluded.
Veterans and service members who served or worked at Enewetak Atoll (May 1, 1977–May 31, 1980) are explicitly eligible for RECA leukemia/cleanup-related claims, giving them access to compensation and benefits.
Guam residents who meet RECA criteria are explicitly made eligible to file compensation claims, clarifying coverage for U.S. territory residents.
People physically present in affected radiation areas are newly recognized for additional exposure periods (including post‑1946 and April–November 1962), expanding who can seek RECA compensation.
Taxpayers may face higher federal compensation costs as expanded eligibility increases the number and value of awards.
Broader eligibility is likely to increase claims volume, risking slower processing times and delayed payments unless administrative resources are increased.
Some similarly exposed groups (non-military residents, certain workers, or residents of other territories) may remain excluded or find certain claim categories limited to Guam, creating unequal treatment.
Based on analysis of 4 sections of legislative text.
Expands RECA eligibility to include Guam, physical presence in affected areas, Enewetak cleanup workers (May 1977–May 1980), added exposure periods, and adds renal disease to compensable conditions.
Introduced February 25, 2026 by James Moylan · Last progress February 25, 2026
Amends the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to expand who can file for compensation and which diseases are covered. It explicitly adds Guam to the list of covered territories, creates new eligibility for people who were physically present in affected areas and for U.S. Armed Forces personnel who cleaned up radiological contamination at Enewetak Atoll between May 1, 1977 and May 31, 1980, extends certain exposure-period rules for Pacific locations, and adds renal disease to the list of compensable conditions.