St. Louis RECA Readjustment Act

# St. Louis RECA Readjustment Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would expand federal compensation for people harmed by radiation exposure from the St. Louis Airport Site, which contaminated the area during the Cold War era. The St. Louis site was used to process uranium for nuclear weapons production, leaving radioactive materials in the soil and groundwater. The bill would adjust eligibility requirements and potentially increase benefits under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), a federal program that already provides payments to people sickened by radiation exposure in other locations. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily targets residents and workers who lived or worked near the St.

Louis Airport Site and developed radiation-related illnesses like cancer. It could also benefit their families and descendants. Currently, RECA covers some St. Louis exposure cases, but this bill would likely broaden who qualifies and what they receive in compensation. **Current Status:** The bill is in committee as of the 119th Congress (2025-2026), meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was introduced by Representative Wesley Bell, a Democrat from Missouri.