S. 1656: Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act
The Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act is designed to provide monetary compensation and resources to residents of the island of Vieques in Puerto Rico, acknowledging the adverse effects they faced due to prolonged military activities by the United States government. The bill seeks to address the following key points:
Findings and Context
- Life on Vieques involves logistical challenges, including limited access to medical facilities, particularly after Hurricane Maria devastated existing resources.
- For over sixty years, the U.S. military used Vieques for military training, which led to environmental contamination and health issues for the local population.
- Residents of Vieques have experienced significantly higher rates of serious health conditions, such as cancer and other diseases, attributed to exposure to toxins from military activities.
- The bill aims to recognize these sacrifices and provide a means for residents to seek justice and support.
Compensation Framework
The bill establishes a compensation framework for individuals living on Vieques who file claims based on their health issues, which can be linked to the military’s activities:
- Individuals must have resided in Vieques for at least five years before the bill's enactment and provide medical documentation linking their illness to military activities.
- Compensation awards will be as follows:
- $50,000 for one diagnosed disease,
- $80,000 for two diseases, and
- $110,000 for three or more diseases.
- If a claimant contracts an additional disease within ten years of the bill's enactment, they can file for increased compensation based on the new diagnosis.
- In cases where a claimant has died, their immediate heirs can receive compensation based on the claimant's age and the circumstances of their death.
Special Master Appointment
The U.S. Attorney General will appoint a Special Master within 90 days after the bill becomes law. The Special Master's role will include:
- Evaluating claims and determining eligibility for compensation.
- Providing oversight to ensure that necessary health services and resources are developed for Vieques residents.
Support for Medical Facilities
The bill allocates resources for establishing a new medical facility on Vieques that will:
- Serve as a trauma center equipped to handle various medical emergencies and chronic diseases.
- Offer urgent care and transport services for residents needing advanced medical care off the island.
- Provide screening for health conditions linked to environmental contamination.
Environmental and Health Studies
There are provisions for academic partnerships to conduct research on environmental conditions on the island, including:
- Testing of soil, sea, and food sources for contaminants.
- Identifying strategies to reduce environmental toxins and health risks to residents.
Funding and Limitations
Compensation under this act will draw from the U.S. Judgment Fund, with a total cap set at $1 billion for the claims. Claims must be filed within 15 years of the bill's enactment, and it limits attorney fees for claim representatives to 20% of any payment received under the act.
Relevant Companies
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Sponsors
2 bill sponsors
Actions
2 actions
Date | Action |
---|---|
May. 07, 2025 | Introduced in Senate |
May. 07, 2025 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. |
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