Show-Me State Times

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has called on the Department of Justice to prioritize the implementation of the expanded Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), which was signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025. The recent changes to RECA include provisions authored by Hawley that reopen and broaden the program for radiation survivors, allowing many more claimants—including those in Missouri—to apply for assistance.

“I write to ensure prompt implementation of the reauthorized and expanded Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (‘RECA’), as passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025. The Department of Justice plays a central role in administering RECA, and with the enactment of the expanded law, the Department is now responsible for receiving, evaluating, and processing a broader universe of claims. I urge you to devote sufficient manpower and departmental resources for this important work,” wrote Senator Hawley.

He added, “It is critical that the Department promptly renews its claims process and application, given that prospective claimants have until December 31, 2027, to submit their paperwork. Timely processing of new claims is both feasible and imperative under the law, especially given the age and health of many claimants. The current RECA statute also explicitly allows the Department to use existing funds and resources to process RECA claims. Congress included this provision to ensure that the Department has sufficient resources to implement RECA fully and without delay.”

Senator Hawley stated his intention to monitor how quickly DOJ implements these changes: “I will closely monitor the Department’s implementation of the law in the months ahead and respectfully request an update on the Department’s implementation progress by August 1, 2025. I stand ready to work with you and the Department to ensure a fair, efficient, and accessible claims process for new RECA claimants.”

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act was first enacted in 1990 as a way for victims exposed during federal nuclear programs or uranium mining operations—and their families—to receive compensation after developing cancer or other diseases related to radiation exposure.

The expansion signed earlier this month extends benefits coverage both geographically and demographically.