Compensation for victims of radioactive contamination in the St. Louis-area is at stake as Congress faces a looming deadline to pass a crucial bill.
The current version of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) is set to expire on June 7 unless Congress reauthorizes it. While the Senate has approved legislation to expand RECA, progress has stalled in the House.
Missouri U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley has introduced a bill for consideration that urges Congress to expand RECA with a focus on compensating victims of radioactive contamination in the St. Louis area. This includes individuals who have suffered from autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders, or cancer as a result of radiation exposure.
With Congress not in session on Friday, failure to pass the bill by Thursday would result in the federal government no longer accepting RECA claims postmarked after June 10, halting payments to individuals across the United States affected by radiation-related illnesses.
Hawley and Missouri’s other U.S. senator, Eric Schmitt, recently discussed the importance of reaching a deal on this issue:
Hawley
“As far as I know, the Speaker of the House isn’t negotiating at all. This program expires on Friday. If the House doesn’t act by Friday, individuals in Missouri who have suffered from nuclear radiation, which includes thousands of people, will receive no compensation. This extends to veterans, minors, and others across the country who have been exposed to radiation. The House must act by Friday and pass my bill. Let’s see what unfolds.”
Schmitt
“I am optimistic that we will get this done. We have strong support and nearly 80 votes in the Senate, including Missouri.”
“However, there is still work to be done. This issue is personal to me as a co-sponsor, and having grown up in north St. Louis County, where people were harmed by their government and deserve compensation. While it may not solve all their problems, it is a significant first step.”
Context
Last year, national attention was drawn to radioactive contamination in St. Louis County, particularly at Jana Elementary School. Other areas of concern include the West Lake landfill in Bridgeton, Coldwater Creek, and a former uranium plant site in Weldon Spring.
A new report revealed that the federal government downplayed the risks of nuclear waste contamination stemming from the Manhattan Project in St. Louis County.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers confirmed the completion of a project to remove contaminated soil from the banks of Coldwater Creek near Jana Elementary School.
