Substantial Expansion and Extension of RECA Program Passes

July 7, 2025

Developing Story – Check Back for Frequent Updates

For the first time, Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) legislative language was added to the United States Senate version of HR1, the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” now approved by both the Senate and House of Representatives.  

Now that both House and Senate leaders have agreed to the actual language to expand and extend RECA, let’s look at what this new legislation would mean to many Americans throughout the country. 

The law will: 

• Reauthorize RECA to accept new claims until December 31, 2027. 

• Significantly expand those eligible for RECA compensation and medical benefits: 

• Miners, Millers, Transporters and Core Drillers who worked until December 31,1990 (the ‘post ‘71’ community) 

• For the first time, add zip codes in Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky and Alaska for residents or workers exposed to radioactive contamination who developed cancer (see zip codes below) 

• Add new downwind areas for claimants; the entire state of New Mexico, Utah and large portions of Nevada and Arizona 

• Make comprehensive medical expense coverage available to all approved RECA claimants made sick by their exposures.  

Cold War Patriots joined a broad coalition of more than 40 community organizations and advocates seeking justice, compensation and medical care for those made sick by America’s nuclear weapons development programs. While not every region affected has yet been included in this act, this legislation is the most substantial expansion of benefits in the program’s history.  

Cold War Patriots and our thousands of members are excited about expanding RECA. But with its success, the window for new claims is shortened to reduce the costs of expansion. Contact Cold War Patriots for information and help with filing successful claims and providing medical care for those who need it.  

Call Cold War Patriots at (866) 731-5674 or complete the online form here. 

Note: RECA state expansion for contaminated areas in these specific zip codes: 

Missouri 

63031, 63033, 63034, 63042, 63045, 63074, 63114, 63135, 63138, 63044, 63121, 63140, 63145, 63147, 63102, 63304, 63134, 63043, 63341, 63368, 63367 

Tennessee 

37716, 37840, 37719, 37748, 37763, 37828, 37769, 37710, 37845, 37887, 37829, 37854, 37830, 37831 

Alaska 

99546 & 99547 

Kentucky 

42001, 42003 & 42086