Show-Me State Times

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced that the Senate has passed a reconciliation bill that includes the largest expansion to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) and new Medicaid funding. The legislation, referred to as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” was supported by Hawley after negotiations led to the inclusion of provisions aimed at Missouri.

The RECA provision is expected to provide compensation and health care for survivors of radiation-linked cancers in St. Louis and St. Charles. The bill also includes measures such as no taxes on overtime, no taxes on tips, and an increased child tax credit for families.

Negotiations between Senate GOP Leadership and Senator Hawley resulted in a $50 billion fund for rural hospitals. As a result, Missouri is projected to receive about $1 billion in new funding over five years for providers and Medicaid recipients. The legislation also delays any reductions to Medicaid.

“RECA is generational legislation for Missouri and will finally deliver justice for survivors in the St. Louis region. And when this reconciliation bill is signed into law, Missouri will also see new health care funding and big tax cuts for working families. I call on the House to quickly pass this legislation and send it to President Trump’s desk,” said Senator Hawley. “But let me be clear, I will continue to do everything in my power to reverse future cuts to Medicaid. If Republicans want to be the party of the working class, we cannot cut health insurance for working people.”

Senator Hawley has worked over two years advocating for support for survivors of nuclear contamination both in Missouri and nationally, having previously passed RECA reauthorization bills through the Senate in July 2023 and March 2024.