ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Missouri U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell (D) has just served a little over two months as the representative for Missouri's 1st congressional district and he already has been a busy man.
Bell was a guest on 'The Chris and Amy Show' Friday and the former St. Louis County Prosecutor was able to take time to discuss his transition from County Prosecutor to becoming a congressman.
"We've kind of just jumped right in and swim," said Bell on 'The Chris And Amy Show.' "But we've got a great team and so that always helps makes a transition easier."
Bell says when he recently gave a speech on the House floor, his 'trial lawyer hat' went back on.
"When you are passionate about what you are saying, it makes it a lot easier," said Bell. "Now, that said, you got a lot of esteemed colleagues and you know that not only the world, but home is watching, and for me, it's always about 'how do I serve the folks at home?'"
"I'm just excited to be in the position to do so, although we got some challenges."
During the interview, Bell discussed his main priorities in office, including a emphasis on regional growth of St. Louis.
"This region is a sleeping giant," said Bell. "We've been losing population in the city and recently in the county as well."
"We are located in the center of the country and I think the sky is the limit, but we have to start thinking more regionally. We have to start figuring out how to attract industries back to this region and support the jobs and organizations that we have here now."
Bell also highlighted one of his biggest priorities in Congress in national security as he serve on the House Armed Services Committee and the Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
"I think Americans have to understand how important it is, not just to our own national security, but also international security and peace, that America continues to have a military and a strategic edge," said Bell. "That is probably one of the most important components to maintaining the world and our livelihoods as we know it."
"We do have actors like China and Russia who are undermining our global agendas, which are about spreading democracy and making certain that we do try to see peace, particularly in some of the regions we are seeing challenges."
Bell also highlights an 'absolute' priority in reauthorizing and expanding the RECA bill, something Missouri U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R) have long been pushing for and cleaning up West Lake landfill.
"Before I was even sworn in, I've been working with local activists on the ground with respect to not only the cleanup, but hopefully expanding the definition of the RECA Act," said Bell. "I've met with the Army corps, I've been briefed on it. This is a priority because it is something that is impacting people at home."
"It is something the alarm and red flags should be up for."
Click the player above to hear Bell's full conversation with Chris Rongey and Amy Marxkors on 'The Chris and Amy Show' Friday.
