Representatives Bell and Moylan Introduce Legislation Expanding Radiation Exposure Benefits

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act of 2026 (RECRA) would amend the original RECA legislation to expand eligibility to St. Louis ZIP codes 63106 and 63107 

RECRA also increases compensation amounts and coverage of medical expenses. 

Many St. Louis communities have had their health impacted due to poor storage of radioactive material in the region. RECRA will expand the ability of those impacted to receive compensation  

Congressman Bell: “While no legislation can truly rectify that harm, this expansion of compensable diseases and increase in RECA benefits from $50,000 to $150,000, in addition to covering medical expenses, is a huge step in the right direction” 

Washington, D.C. – Recently, Representatives Wesley Bell (D-MO-01) and James Moylan (R-Guam-at-large) introduced the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act of 2026 (RECRA), legislation that would expand benefits for those who have suffered from radiation exposure.  

Specifically, the reauthorization would expand eligibility and covered communities, with two additional St. Louis ZIP codes included in that expansion, remove barriers to claims, increase compensation from $50,000 to $150,000, expand covered health conditions, and it would expand radiation screening and education services.  

"Long before I got to Congress, I heard from St. Louisans who endured decades of health crises, economic struggles, and neglect after radioactive contamination from the Manhattan Project upended their lives. Families from across my district have suffered from terrible cancers, thyroid issues, and even death because of the improper storage of this deadly waste,” said Congressman Wesley Bell. "While no legislation can truly rectify that harm, this expansion of compensable diseases and increase in RECA benefits from $50,000 to $150,000, in addition to covering medical expenses, is a huge step in the right direction. Nothing can fully right this wrong, but this effort tips the scales toward justice — for everyone from St. Louis to Guam.”  

"This legislation brings together a strong bipartisan coalition of Members of Congress, survivors, advocates, and communities who have refused to give up this fight,” said Congressman Moylan. “Together, our voices are stronger, and together, we will keep fighting until every American harmed by radiation exposure receives the justice they have been denied. I’m not backing down until we get this across the finish line for the people of Guam who were impacted and all those still left behind.”

“Communities in my district have lived with the devastating legacy of radioactive contamination for far too long,” said Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-Illinois). “Since my first term in Congress, I’ve fought to ensure these families receive the compensation and support they deserve. They shouldn’t have to wait a second longer. This legislation is about righting that wrong by not only expanding access to compensation to the Metro East but also increasing the support available to those who were harmed. I am proud to lead this bill with Congressman Moylan to ensure impacted families and communities finally receive the relief and resources they deserve.”

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act was established decades ago to provide restitution to those harmed by radiation exposure from U.S. nuclear programs, including the historic Manhattan Project. During World War II, the Mallinckrodt Chemical Works plant in downtown St. Louis processed uranium for the Manhattan Project. The radioactive waste from that work was improperly stored at sites near the St. Louis airport and elsewhere, and over the decades it leached into Coldwater Creek, a 19-mile tributary that runs through neighborhoods, schools, and parks across North St. Louis County.