Bell Introduces St. Louis RECA Readjustment Act to Expand Radiation Compensation to Overlooked Communities

Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representative Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) introduced the St. Louis RECA Readjustment Act, legislation that expands the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) to include two additional St. Louis ZIP codes—63106 and 63107—long impacted by the lasting consequences of radioactive contamination from the Manhattan Project.

“While I was glad to see recent RECA legislation passed into law, people in ZIP codes 63106 and 63107 also deserve equal recognition and justice,” said Rep. Bell. “These families have endured decades of health crises, economic struggles, and profound neglect stemming from radioactive contamination. This bill ensures that their voices won't be ignored any longer and that they, too, receive the relief and acknowledgment they rightfully deserve.”

Currently, compensation is only offered to limited zip codes in the St. Louis region, but Rep. Bell’s new bill extends relief to residents of ZIP codes 63106 and 63107—areas deeply impacted yet persistently overlooked by federal assistance programs.

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act was established to provide restitution to those harmed by radiation exposure from U.S. nuclear programs, including the historic Manhattan Project. Bell’s bill ensures no ZIP codes are left behind, especially those that have been traditionally underserved by the Federal government. 

Read the full bill text here.