Senate Passes Sinema-Shaped Bill Ensuring Compensation for Arizonans Exposed to Downwind Radiation

Mar 11, 2024

Sinema worked to secure bipartisan support for legislation ensuring compensation for Arizonans exposed to downwind radiation

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate passed Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema’s Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act – bipartisan legislation Sinema shaped to secure compensation for Arizonans exposed to downwind radiation.

Sinema originally secured the bipartisan bill in the annual bipartisan defense legislation. When it was removed, Sinema worked with colleagues in both parties – including lead sponsors Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) – to ensure its bipartisan passage. The legislation goes hand-in-hand with Sinema’s Downwinders Parity Act to expand compensation to Arizonans exposed to downwind radiation.

“Arizonans have long sought justice from the horrific exposure to downwind radiation. I’m fighting to secure the payments these Arizonans deserve,” said Sinema.

The bipartisan legislation delivers Arizonans who were exposed to downwind radiation the payments they are due by reauthorizing the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA).