Former uranium workers and advocates arrive in DC to push for RECA legislation

CHRISTIANSBURG, Va.

More than 30 former uranium mine workers, veterans, and downwinders suffering from radiation-related illnesses are nearing the conclusion of an arduous 1,850-mile journey to Washington, D.C., in a bid to urge House Speaker Mike Johnson to prioritize the passage of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.

The determined group, which includes elderly tribal members from the Navajo Nation, Laguna Pueblo, Acoma-Pueblo, and Hopi tribes, left their homes early Sunday morning and has spent more than 36 hours traveling in hopes of securing justice for those affected by U.S. nuclear tests, uranium mining, and nuclear waste storage.

Organizer Lily Adams from the Union of Concerned Scientists has been accompanying the group throughout their journey. As they approached the final stretch, she remarked on the resilience and spirit of the travelers, expressing her admiration for their commitment.

“It’s been such a long bus trip. You all are incredible. You guys are so inspiring to me. Get some rest when you get to your hotel and Airbnb, get some sleep,” she told them Monday evening near Christiansburg, Virginia. “We have a whole new day tomorrow. But it’s gonna be an incredible day. I feel that I have like had chills; it’s gonna be so powerful.”

The urgency of their mission was echoed in statements made by U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) on the Senate floor on Sept. 19. He called on the House of Representatives to quickly pass his legislation aimed at reauthorizing and expanding RECA, which has successfully passed through the Senate twice.

During their journey, the group made stops in Oklahoma City; Memphis, Tenn.; and Bristol, Virginia, to refuel, grab food, and rotate bus drivers.

They begin Tuesday morning by visiting the Nation Washington Office for a brief meeting and breakfast, followed by a march to demonstrate their support for RECA’s passage.

For many in the group, this isn’t just about legislation; it’s about acknowledging decades of suffering and gaining recognition for the health risks they endured while working in hazardous conditions or living downwind from nuclear testing sites. As the advocates march through the nation’s capital, they hope to capture the attention of lawmakers and compel them to act swiftly.

Advocating for family, uranium mine workers

Maggie Billiman said the group was heading to the nation’s capital hoping to see Speaker Johnson.

“To revise the RECA compensation bill. So, we’re hoping he revises (Sen.) Josh Hawley’s bill. So, we’re all traveling on the road,” said Billiman.

Billiman said she is traveling to D.C. to advocate for siblings, all former uranium mine workers who’ve been stricken with cancer. She wasn’t doing well, health-wise,” she said.

Her father, Navajo Code Talker Sam Billiman, who died from stomach cancer from working in the uranium mine, became a RECA recipient but never used the benefits to pay for his treatments.

“It was a horrible thing to see how my father died,” she said, reiterating why she made the journey to support a RECA passage.

The Navajo Nation Washington Office has been at the forefront of advocating for the extension and expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. NNWO was pivotal in organizing the RECA awareness march and press conference in Washington, D.C., drawing attention to the ongoing health crises faced by uranium miners and downwinders. The office also raised over $40,000 to bring impacted Navajo community members to the nation’s capital, ensuring their voices were heard by policymakers.

“We are committed to securing justice for the uranium workers and families who have suffered for decades,” said Justin Ahasteen, the NNWO executive director. “This is not just a legal issue—it’s about restoring dignity and health to our people who were wronged by the very government that was supposed to protect them.”

Compensation depends on claimants’ circumstances

Since its inception in 1990, RECA has seen significant activity, with over 55,000 claims filed by individuals affected by radiation exposure. By the end of 2022, total payouts reached around $2.6 billion, providing support to those suffering from the health impacts of uranium mining activities.

Compensation amounts vary depending on the claimant’s circumstances. Individuals classified as “downwinders” who were exposed to radiation from nuclear testing are eligible for $50,000. In contrast, uranium miners and mill workers involved in the production of materials for nuclear weapons can receive $100,000 for their claims, reflecting the different levels of risk associated with their experiences.

To ensure the continued support of affected individuals, Republican Sen. Josh Hawley from Missouri introduced S. 3853, known as The Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act earlier this year. His proposed legislation will extend funding for RECA, allowing the program to operate for an additional six years.

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren who is scheduled to walk with the group, said it was time for Congress to act.

“Together, we are calling on Congress to do the right thing. Let’s not wait any longer. The amendments to RECA have been introduced; they are ready to be acted upon. Now is the time to pass this legislation, before more lives are lost without justice,” Nygren said.

Speaker Crystalyne Curley said the government must address the mistreatment of miners who sacrificed their health while mining for uranium.

“Uranium mining has left a toxic legacy on the Navajo Nation, affecting our land, air, water, and health. We continue to face issues like abandoned, unsecured mines and high rates of lung cancer and other diseases,” she said. “That’s why it’s important to support those marching for awareness.”

Hawley’s proposed expansion would allow communities adversely affected by radioactive waste from nuclear tests to apply for compensation. The legislation also includes provisions to adjust compensation payments to account for inflation, ensuring that the financial support remains relevant and adequate for those in need.

The group listened to Shi Naashá, a song sung by Navajo people after being released from Hwéeldi in 1868. Their spirits were high despite the discomfort of having to travel for over 36 hours in non-reclining seats.

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