John,

Crowds have gathered to watch the movie “Oppenheimer” about a Manhattan Project leader who designed atomic bombs during the Second World War.

But the film fails to mention the impact that bomb production had on communities around the United States. Government mismanagement led to radioactive contamination that has made generations of families sick, including in St. Louis, which was a center for uranium processing during the Manhattan Project.

In Cori Bush’s district, Coldwater Creek was a dumping ground for radioactive waste, increasing the risk of cancer for generations of people playing in the Creek.

That toxic waste still endangers the community: A recent report found unsafe levels of radioactive waste in and around an elementary school that sits on the Creek. So Cori introduced the Justice for Jana Elementary Act to require clean-up and testing for radioactive contamination. The bill would also create a fund for schools impacted by Manhattan Project waste to request financial assistance for radioactive testing or the construction of new schools.

Please sign now if you agree: No one should have to live with hazardous radiation in our community, let alone elementary school children. Support Rep. Cori Bush’s Justice for Jana Elementary Act of 2023.

For generations, children have been exposed to hazardous waste while learning. After a recent report found dangerous chemicals in Jana Elementary School’s cafeteria and playground, leaders closed the school until it can be cleaned up. Its students -- 80% of whom are Black -- have been transferred to other schools until the school can get cleaned up.

Cori’s advocacy has secured a federal environmental review of Coldwater Creek, which is especially urgent now that communities living near the Creek experience more frequent flooding due to climate change. When Cori used to live near the Creek, her basement would regularly flood with potentially radioactive water.

This is a severe public health threat, and an emergency that requires an urgent response. Our government created this waste and has a responsibility to clean it up.

Please sign to support Rep. Cori Bush’s Justice for Jana Elementary Act to require clean-up and testing for radioactive contamination around St. Louis schools, and to create a fund for schools impacted by Manhattan Project waste to request financial assistance for radioactive testing or the construction of new schools.

Thank you. Cori won't stop fighting until our communities are safe and thriving.

In solidarity,

- Team Cori