Nearly eight decades since the U.S. Government’s nuclear testing in the Pacific, many still suffer from illnesses linked to radiation exposure, like cancers and lung diseases. 

Guam is still fighting to correct the injustice to this day. 

Congress is proposing to reauthorize the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, which expired last June. 

The provision, introduced by Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley, is now in the Senate’s version of the GOP’s massive reconciliation bill, significantly expanding compensation for some states, but excludes Guam once again.

Congressman James Moylan says Guam won't be sidelined.

“We were surprised when we received the information, but also, we know this is an opportunity for the House, as the measure comes down to the House, where we can introduce our amendment to include Guam. So we will be fighting for this,” said Moylan. 

The National Academy of Sciences recognizes the people of Guam as downwinders, a term for communities affected by nuclear fallout. But the territory is not recognized under RECA.  

Now a renewed push for justice as the Pacific Association for Radiation Survivors (PARS) and island leaders continue to advocate for its inclusion. 

“We all are concerned with this. We already have had our meeting with the PARS organization, with Mr. Celestial and his group came over to our office to discuss the situation regarding the Senate’s bill that they introduced. In addition to that, we had Senator Therese Terlaje and her office too to see what we’re going to do next,” added Moylan. 

The delegate said though the reauthorization was introduced in the senate, it will come back to the house and that’s where the fight begins. 

“We will include Guam. There will probably be other states that may want to be included too. But we’re prepared with support from the Guam Legislature, with the support we have from PARS, and leadership with their organization too. So I’m looking forward to going back to DC and making sure this happens as the measure comes on down back to the House,” said Moylan.