Nuclear Waste Compensation: Trump Bill Expansion
- Josh Hawley, R-Mo., has announced a critically important breakthrough in the effort to reauthorize and expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA).
- The proposed RECA expansion marks the largest since the programme's inception in 1990.
- Hawley has been working on reauthorizing RECA for years, particularly for constituents affected by nuclear waste stored at the West Lake Landfill in Bridgeton, Mo.Dawn Chapman, a constituent...
Sen. Josh Hawley champions a crucial win for victims of nuclear exposure. His newly announced bill dramatically expands the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), marking the moast important expansion since it’s inception. This pivotal move will provide compensation for residents in Missouri, tennessee, Kentucky, and Alaska, along with uranium mine workers—a major stride in helping those affected by toxic waste. News Directory 3 will continue to provide updates on this crucial legislation.The bill includes a focus on the West Lake Landfill in Bridgeton, Mo.Discover what’s next as the Senate further navigates procedural rules.
Hawley Announces Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Expansion
Updated June 13, 2025
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., has announced a critically important breakthrough in the effort to reauthorize and expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). The Senate’s version of a major bill now includes the expansion, a move Hawley calls a “huge step forward” in securing compensation for those affected by nuclear exposure and toxic waste.
The proposed RECA expansion marks the largest since the programme’s inception in 1990. It would allow individuals in Missouri,Tennessee,Kentucky,and Alaska,along with existing “downwinders,” to receive compensation. The bill also makes uranium mine workers employed between 1971 and 1990 eligible for benefits.
Hawley has been working on reauthorizing RECA for years, particularly for constituents affected by nuclear waste stored at the West Lake Landfill in Bridgeton, Mo.Dawn Chapman, a constituent living near the landfill, has advocated for families impacted by toxic waste exposure.
Chapman said, “Tonight, we know we are not alone. With the help of Sen. Hawley and our community members and also our other bipartisan REA family, we have been able to turn the lights back on, and make RECA bigger to cover more communities.”
The Senate has previously passed RECA expansion with bipartisan support, but it faced hurdles in the House due to cost concerns. Hawley believes the revised bill’s price tag aligns with the Judiciary Committee’s allocated funds.
Hawley acknowledged the importance of Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s support in including the RECA language. He also noted that House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed a desire to pass the RECA bill. Hawley has also discussed the legislation with former President Donald trump.
“This will be, if we can get the Big Stunning Bill passed, this will be a huge huge victory,” the Missouri Republican said during the phone call.
“I think it really is an incredible sign that the country is with them,” Hawley said. “I think now this is a measure of vindication. It is indeed a measure of recognition.”
“It would not be in this mark were it not for him and his commitment to putting it into reconciliation. He has been a terrific partner,” Hawley said.
“He’s been very involved in everything, and he and I have talked about the RECA program before on many occasions, we are glad for his involvement in all of this,” Hawley said of his conversations with Trump.
what’s next
The Senate must navigate procedural rules and the Senate GOP conference to finalize the provisions. The Congressional Budget office has yet to score this portion of the package. If passed, this RECA expansion will provide much-needed compensation and recognition for those affected by nuclear radiation exposure.