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SENATOR McCAIN TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION REGARDING THE MOHAVE COUNTY DOWNWINDERS

April 28, 2010

Washington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) introduced legislation to add Mohave County, Arizona, to the list of counties eligible for downwinder compensation under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA).  A similar proposal was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Trent Franks in February.

In 1990, Congress enacted the RECA to compensate victims or their survivors who suffered certain illnesses caused by fallout exposure “down wind” of atmospheric nuclear weapons testing in the 1940’s-1960’s.  Among other requirements, eligibility is limited to certain affected counties which are specifically listed in the law.  Astonishingly, despite its close proximity to the Nevada Test Site, the Act does not list Mohave County proper as an affected area. 

“The people of Mohave County deserve to see righted this unjust policy which has obstructed their ability to qualify for compensation,” Senator McCain said.  “I’m hopeful this bill will help close a painful chapter for those Arizonans who were arguably the most affected by nuclear weapons testing during the Cold War,” said Senator John McCain.

 

 






April 2010 Press Releases