Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, in the mid-20th century, the United States Government conducted nuclear weapons development tests in the Southwest, exposing thousands of Arizonans downwind of the test site to ionized radiation from the fallout. Women, men, and children were diagnosed with terrible cancers from the radiation exposure, and many tragically lost their lives. Nearly 25 years ago, Congress attempted to make amends by passing the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, but without congressional action, RECA is set to expire next month, denying Arizona families the compensation they need to pay for healthcare treatments. The House has an opportunity to act right now to correct this injustice. More than 2 months ago, the Senate overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan RECA Reauthorization Act, a 5-year extension of the program. It mirrors my Downwinders Parity Act by expanding the scope of the RECA's coverage to Arizonans in lower Mohave County who were previously denied compensation. For too long, these downwinders have been left behind and overlooked. I urge my colleagues to give these people the justice they deserve and put this bill to a vote. ____________________”