01 — The Text
What.
- Reauthorizes the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, which pays claims from people exposed to radiation during nuclear weapons testing and uranium mining.
- Extends eligibility periods and/or funding for victims to file and receive compensation.
- Referred to Judiciary and Energy/Commerce committees for review of legal and energy policy implications.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- Benefits veterans, nuclear workers, and civilians exposed to radiation in the 1940s-1970s who developed cancer or other illnesses.
- Without reauthorization, the program expires and new claimants lose access to federal compensation.
- Affects a shrinking population of aging victims racing against time limits to document exposure and file claims.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- Bill introduced August 17, 2026. Committees will review in coming weeks; detailed text and fiscal impact not yet published.
- Track progress at Congress.gov. Contact your House representative if you support extending benefits to exposed workers and their families.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Aug 17, 2026 — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Aug 17, 2026 — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Aug 17, 2026 — Introduced in House
- Aug 17, 2026 — Introduced in House