Bill

HR 10115

Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Wesley Bell and 9 co-sponsors

Expands RECA to broaden eligibility, increase payments, extend funding, allow more claimants and affidavits, add medical expense support, and require health studies.

Introduced in House

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · HR 10115

Overview

Bill: HR 10115 (Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act of 2026)
Purpose: Amend the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) to expand and extend compensation for individuals exposed to radiation, particularly related to atmospheric testing, Manhattan Project waste, and related activities. It also broadens who can file claims, increases compensation amounts, extends the fund, adds new eligible groups, and directs related studies and health research.
Introduced: August 17, 2026
Status: Referred to House Committees (Judiciary; Energy and Commerce)

Key Provisions and Changes

Claims Related to Atmospheric Testing
- Expands eligibility to include individuals physically present in affected areas during specified periods (primarily July 1, 1946 – November 6, 1992; and a sub-period in 1962).
- Adds specific atmospheric testing-related scenarios (e.g., onsite tests, cleanup at Enewetak Atoll, Palomares, Thule) as qualifying circumstances.
- Aligns eligibility windows with a broader “petitioner cohort” definition, and clarifies geographic scope to include Guam in the eligible areas (with Guam-specific limitations for certain claim types).
Adjustments in Compensation
- Increases certain downwind and Manhattan Project-related payment amounts:
- Downwind adjustments: $100,000 increases to $150,000 (plus other compensation as applicable).
- Manhattan Project Waste claims: $150,000 addition to the amount eligible under paragraph (2) (and related adjustments for other related payments).
- Adds a new Medical Benefits provision: allows claimants to receive additional compensation for documented out-of-pocket medical expenses incurred due to the specified disease, to be reimbursed when supported by contemporaneous medical records from licensed professionals. This is in addition to existing compensation.
Manhattan Project Waste (MOP) and Related Claims
- Expands MOP-related ZIP-code eligibility to include several ZIPs in Missouri, Illinois, Washington, Colorado, Ohio, and additional defined areas.
- Allows an authorized agent to file claims on behalf of deceased individuals for Manhattan Project Waste-related claims.
Affidavits and Evidence
- Adds Authority for affidavits/declarations as supplementary evidence for:
- Employment history (miner, miller, core driller, ore transporter)
- Physical presence in affected areas
- Participation at testing sites
- Participation in cleanup or response efforts (e.g., Palomares, Thule)
- Compensable diseases
- Affidavits must be corroborated by other materials and subject to perjury penalties; must be provided by a person other than the claimant filing the claim.
Authorized Agent and Filing Procedures
- Expands eligible filers to include survivors, representatives, and authorized agents (executors, guardians, personal representatives, etc.) for Manhattan Project Waste and other RECA claims.
- Establishes filing procedures that consider tribal laws and customs where applicable.
- Defines “authorized agent” to include certain persons acting in representative capacities.
Compensable Cancers and Diseases
- Redefines “specified diseases” to include leukemia (including chronic lymphocytic leukemia) and a defined list of cancers (e.g., multiple myeloma, various lymphomas, renal, thyroid, breast, esophageal, stomach, pancreas, and several other sites) with onset thresholds (e.g., at least 2 years after first exposure for many listed diseases).
- Adds renal and thyroid diseases and expands certain listing details.
Extension of RECA Fund and Claims Deadlines
- Extends authorization of the RECA fund to 2043 (from 2028) and extends the overall claims limitations to 2042.
- Allows previously successful RECA claimants to seek additional compensation under the amended Act and provides a mechanism to reconcile past awards with new benefits.
Designation of Additional Classes of Individuals
- Requires the Attorney General to advise the President on potential additional classes of individuals exposed to radiation but not currently eligible.
- Sets a process for petitioning designation and timelines for responses to Congress.
- Provides an expedited path for creating new claimant categories if certain criteria are met.
Studies and Health Research
- Requires the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study health outcomes for qualified descendants (cancers) and qualified thyroid illnesses, with timely reports to Congress.
- Calls for a study on radiological fallout impacts in the Northern Mariana Islands, including dose/relevant health risk assessments.
- Directs collaboration with DoD, DOE, HHS, and the National Academies; includes a plan for an international radiation exposure database and a public, unclassified final report.
Health Services Outreach and Grants
- Establishes a national radiation exposure screening and education program enhancing outreach geographically across the western U.S. and specific territories, with a specified grant distribution framework.
- Creates geographic distribution requirements and a mandate to fund mobile clinics to reach rural areas.
- Provides appropriations for the program (phased annual funding from FY 2027 through FY 2041).
Effective Date
- Amendments take effect as if included in the enactment of Public Law 119–21.

Who Would Be Affected

Individuals and descendants who were exposed to radiation through atmospheric testing, uranium mining/milling, Manhattan Project waste disposal, or related activities.
Claimants and survivors who previously filed under RECA, as well as those seeking new or expanded compensation.
Authorized agents, executors, guardians, and other representatives acting on behalf of deceased or incapacitated claimants.
Health researchers and medical providers contributing documentation for medical expense reimbursements and disease claims.
Regions and populations identified for expanded eligibility, including specific ZIP codes and areas in Guam, Missouri, Illinois, Washington, Colorado, Ohio, and other states listed in the bill.

Procedural and Timeline Highlights

Extends RECA program funding through 2043; extends claim windows to 2042.
Requires NIH and other agencies to complete studies within specified timeframes (e.g., NIH studies within 90 days for health outcomes, with timely Congress reports; Northern Mariana Islands study within 18 months of enactment).
Establishes 180-day procedural timelines for President-recipient petitions to designate new eligible cohorts.
Requires unclassified public release of study findings; may include classified annexes.
Introduces new filing procedures and affidavits, with perjury penalties for statements.

This bill represents a broad expansion and modernization of RECA, increasing benefits, broadening eligibility, improving evidence options (affidavits), extending program duration, and commissioning related health impact research.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.