Victims and advocates share emotional stories alongside lawmakers, urging Speaker Johnson to bring RECA to House floor [Video]

“Speaker Johnson is the only reason people are suffering right now, and he can fix it.” 

Dawn Chapman was one of many advocates emotionally expressing the need for the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act at a press conference inside the U.S. Capitol Tuesday. The federal compensation program for nuclear waste victims expired in June. 

At Tuesday’s press conference, many of the victims from across the country shared how they have been treated for severe illnesses after being exposed to radiation. With tears in their eyes and photos of victims in their hands, some people described how painful the experience is.

“In February, my cancer came back, and I had to go through four more surgeries” said Kathleen Tsosie. “I was hoping that with the bill would have helped me with home care while I …