Democratic and Republican lawmakers from Missouri have joined forces to condemn Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-La.) recent decision to schedule a House vote on an extension of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) that would exclude their state from eligibility. This move has sparked outrage and frustration among the lawmakers, who are determined to fight for the rights of their constituents.
RECA, which was first passed 30 years ago and is set to expire this summer, provides compensation to Americans who were exposed to radiation during the World War II era. This includes individuals who worked in uranium mines, as well as those who lived downwind from nuclear testing sites. The act also covers those who were involved in the cleanup of nuclear weapons testing sites.
The decision to exclude Missouri from the eligibility list has been met with strong opposition from both sides of the political spectrum. Democratic lawmakers have called it a blatant disregard for the health and well-being of their constituents, while Republican lawmakers have labeled it as a betrayal of their state’s contribution to the country’s nuclear weapons program.
Representative Cori Bush (D-Mo.) has been a vocal critic of the exclusion, stating, “It is unacceptable that the Speaker would even consider excluding Missouri from this vital act. Our state has a long history of being at the forefront of nuclear weapons development, and our citizens have paid the price with their health. To deny them the compensation they deserve is a grave injustice.”
Similarly, Republican Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) has expressed his disappointment with Speaker Johnson’s decision, stating, “Missouri has played a significant role in the nation’s nuclear weapons program, and our citizens have been exposed to high levels of radiation. It is only fair that they receive the same compensation as others who were affected by this program.”
The exclusion of Missouri from the RECA eligibility list is not only a matter of fairness but also a matter of public health. The state has a long history of uranium mining, with many of the workers being exposed to high levels of radiation without proper protective measures in place. This has resulted in a higher incidence of cancer and other health issues among these workers.
Furthermore, the state also has a significant number of residents who were exposed to radiation through nuclear testing. Many of these individuals have suffered from serious health problems, including cancer, as a result. By excluding Missouri from the RECA eligibility list, the federal government is turning a blind eye to the suffering of these individuals and their families.
Congressman Jason Smith (R-Mo.) has vowed to fight for the inclusion of Missouri in the RECA extension, stating, “It is our responsibility as lawmakers to ensure that our constituents are not forgotten or ignored. We will not rest until Missouri is included in the RECA extension and our citizens receive the compensation they deserve.”
The exclusion of Missouri from the RECA eligibility list is not only a slap in the face to the state’s lawmakers but also to its citizens. It sends a message that their suffering and contributions to the nation’s nuclear weapons program are not valued or acknowledged. This is not only unjust but also demoralizing for the people of Missouri.
In light of the strong opposition from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, it is clear that Speaker Johnson’s decision is not in the best interest of the country. It is time for the federal government to recognize the sacrifices made by the people of Missouri and include them in the RECA extension. It is a matter of fairness, justice, and public health, and it is the responsibility of our lawmakers to ensure that all Americans are treated equally and receive the support they deserve.
