9-30-2024 12:46am

REP. GABE VASQUEZ CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE PASSAGE OF RADIATION EXPOSURE COMPENSATION ACT

Chris Edwards Editor

AlamogordoTownNews.org reports that on September 24, 2024, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez, alongside a bipartisan group of Senators, Representatives and advocates,urged the immediate passage of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). Vasquez called for the inclusion of New Mexicans who were affected by radiation exposure due to uranium mining and the world’s first atomic bomb test in the bill.

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act is bipartisan legislation with Democrats and Republicans coming together. But let’s be clear—Speaker Mike Johnson has been absent in leadership and has failed the people of New Mexico. He has left radiation victims neglected and forced to bear the burden of generational illness without a speck of aid or recognition,” said Vasquez. “We must reauthorize and expand RECA to deliver justice and compensation to our southern New Mexico communities, rural areas, Tribal nations and all those impacted by the development and testing of nuclear weapons.”

This month, Vasquez will be sending a letter to leadership on the House and Senate Armed Services Committee’s outlining his priorities for the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). At the top of his list of priorities will be including RECA reauthorization and expansion for New Mexican Downwinders and post-1971 uranium miners as a part of the must-pass legislation.

In May, Vasquez led an amendment with Delegate James Moylan (R-Guam) during the markup of the NDAA to include RECA in the defense bill for FY25. He also called on Speaker Johnson to correct the injustice caused by the federal government.

In April, Vasquez demanded an apology to New Mexico’s victims and confirmed Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s support for expanding RECA during a House Armed Services Committee Hearing. He also called on House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers and Ranking Member Adam Smith to work with him on including RECA reauthorization and expansion in the FY25 NDAA.

In March, Vasquez called on Speaker Johnson, urging him to include the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act in the final FY24 appropriations package.

Vasquez is also an original cosponsor of H.R. 4426, the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2023 to include New Mexican downwinder communities in RECA coverage.

Vasquez remains dedicated to his commitment to securing compensation for all those affected by the events that have adversely impacted the health of his community. He actively collaborates across the aisle to ensure his colleagues understand the gravity of this and the need to advance RECA expansion for a vote on the House floor.