Dear Friend,

          After decades of suffering, loss, and struggle, New Mexicans who were not included in the original Radiation Exposure Compensation Act are now eligible to receive compensation. 

          RECA provides a one-time payment of $100,000 to individuals who developed cancer or other specified diseases due to their exposure to radiation from the Trinity and other nuclear tests. Historically, compensation was available to only a select group of New Mexicans who worked in uranium mines before 1972.

          I introduced the RECA Amendments Act in 2021 and led the effort in the U.S. House of Representatives effort to expand RECA to cover New Mexico downwinders post ’71 uranium miners alongside Senator Ben Ray Lujan, the New Mexico congressional delegation, and New Mexico advocates. RECA compensation is now available to New Mexico downwinders and post ’71 uranium workers.

          You can still apply for RECA benefits during the Republican government shutdown. Go to https://fernandez.house.gov/services/reca.htm to learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply. Learn more about eligibility requirements below: