Justice for Guam’s radiation survivors: Our fight is far from over

By James Moylan

I carry Guam in my heart every day. I hear  your pain, your hopes, and your call for fairness. Recently, there’s been discussion about the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act and whether Guam will finally be included.

Some claim I haven’t done enough; that we missed our opportunity with H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill. Let me be clear: this fight is personal. It’s about our resilient

people who endured the fallout of nuclear testing in the Pacific. And I will not stop until Guam is recognized.

My commitment to Guam isn’t just part of the job—it’s part of who I am. Serving our island is embedded in me and fighting for our people is in my DNA.

I’ve worn the uniform as an Army Officer and stood up for Guam in multiple capacities. I know what it means to protect, to serve, and to lead when it matters most.

This isn’t just policy—it’s a mission grounded in accountability. I testified before the Rules Committee because Guam’s victims deserve the same dignity and recognition as others. I’ve fought this battle since the 118th Congress, and I will not back down.

In 2023, I joined Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández in introducing H.R. 4426, the RECA Amendments of 2023, alongside 26 other members. Our goal: to designate Guam as a downwinder state and acknowledge the devastating legacy of nuclear testing. Though the bill did not pass, it laid the foundation for future efforts.

In 2024, the Senate introduced S.3853—the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act or RECRA. This bill retooled our original RECA 

amendments to be more palatable in the Senate, with modest adjustments to compensation levels and cost projections. But make no mistake: RECRA and the RECA amendments are substantively identical in their intent and coverage. Guam’s inclusion remained central.

Despite bipartisan support and a supermajority vote in the Senate, RECRA faced political hurdles in the House. Leadership concerns over cost and competing proposals blocked its path. To keep Guam’s fight alive amid fiscal concerns, this 119th Congress, I pushed a streamlined version that significantly reduced the Congressional Budget Office estimate— from $600 million to $50–70 million—without compromising the core intent: securing recognition and 

relief for our radiation survivors. 

While the amendment was not adopted, it reflected a tactical effort to meet leadership halfway and keep Guam at the table.

These setbacks do not reflect a lack of effort; they reflect the complexity of the fight. I’ve engaged with the Pacific Association of Radiation Survivors and  Robert Celestial directly, providing updates and listening to concerns. While we may differ on strategy, we share the same goal: justice for Guam’s radiation survivors.

Some have suggested that Guam should receive the same benefits as Missouri under Section 5A. However, this comparison is misleading. Missouri residents are eligible for either $50,000 or medical reimbursement—not both. Applying this model to Guam could reduce lump-sum payments for our survivors. I will not support any proposal that diminishes the value of our people’s pain.

As part of our continued push, I’m advancing legislation to ensure Guam is

covered under RECA’s downwind provisions—across all nuclear testing dates. This bill will secure fair compensation for our radiation survivors and affirm that accountability knows no geographic boundaries.

This is about truth. About healing. About honoring the sacrifices of our people. I remain committed to working with experts, lawmakers, and most importantly

—you. Because when we fight together, we win together.

Si Yu’os Ma’åse’ for standing with me. United as one people, we will achieve what

 is right.

Del. James C. Moylan is Guam's representative to the U.S. Congress.

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