RECA ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR IDAHO DOWNWINDERS
Guest column submitted by U.S. Senator Mike Crapo
This National Day of Remembrance for Downwinders is a fitting time to raise awareness about the
new eligibility of Idaho Downwinders for Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) assistance
for cancer-related deaths from radiation exposure due to above-ground nuclear weapons testing. If
you think you or your family member may be eligible for RECA compensation, now is a good time to
inquire and submit applications.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), charged with reviewing and adjudicating RECA applications,
has information about eligibility and applications on its website: https://www.justice.gov/civil/reca.
Some key highlights from the DOJ’s information include:
“New claims may be filed until December 31, 2027.”
“Downwinder must have been physically present in an affected area for one of the following
durations:
In the State of New Mexico for 1 year between September 24, 1944, and November 6,
1962;
In any affected area for 1 year between January 21, 1951, and November 6, 1962; or
In any affected area for the entire period from June 30, 1962, to July 31, 1962.
The affected areas under RECA’s downwind provisions include the states of Idaho . . .”
“Following this presence, a qualifying Downwinder must show that they were diagnosed with a
specified compensable disease.” [A list of compensable diseases is available at
https://www.justice.gov/civil/reca.%5D
“RECA provides qualifying Downwinders a one-time, lump sum payment of $100,000. If the
individual has died, their survivors may apply for equal shares of the single payment.”
“If you have questions about RECA or your application, please contact the RECA Program:
Phone: 1-800-729-7327
Email: Civil.RECA@usdoj.gov
Mail:
U.S. Department of Justice
Radiation Exposure Compensation Program
P.O. Box 146
Ben Franklin Station
Washington, DC 20044-0146”
It is free to apply. If you need assistance with accessing information and resources about the
application process, you may also contact my regional offices. Contact information for them can be
found at https://www.crapo.senate.gov/contact/office-locations, and phone numbers for my regional
offices are as follows: Boise (208) 334-1776; Coeur d' Alene (208) 664-5490; Idaho Falls (208) 522-
9779; Lewiston (208) 743-1492; Pocatello (208) 236-6775; and Twin Falls (208) 734-2515.
In 1990, Congress recognized the need for the federal government to make amends for the harm
caused to innocent citizens by nuclear testing, and passed RECA, which provides a one-time
payment for individuals suffering from leukemia, thyroid cancer and other radiation-related illnesses
connected to the tests. Unfortunately, the science at the time failed to recognize radioactive fallout is
not restricted by state lines, and RECA only provided coverage for victims living in certain counties of
Utah, Nevada and Arizona. Idaho, Montana, New Mexico and other nearby states were left out.
For the past several Congresses, I have introduced legislation to correct the geographic mistake and
expand RECA coverage to affected states. We steadily made progress and successfully expanded
the RECA program to provide assistance to Idaho Downwinders in the Working Families Tax Cuts
President Trump signed into law in July. The Working Families Tax Cuts included legislation I
negotiated that:
Extended/reauthorized RECA compensation through December 31, 2027;
Included Idaho in the list of affected states;
Extended downwind eligibility states through November 1962; and
Expanded coverage for uranium miners.
Past National Days of Remembrance for Downwinders have provided opportunities to renew efforts
to push for RECA reauthorization and expansion as we honored radiation victims. But now, we are
fortunate to have the opportunity to help get the word out about the successful expansion of RECA
eligibility to Idaho Downwinders. I am grateful to my colleagues in Congress and President Trump for
acting with me to ensure Idaho Downwinders’ eligibility to receive the compensation they deserve.
