Compensation and Medical Aid for Vieques Residents After Military Activities
This act aims to provide financial compensation to residents of Vieques, Puerto Rico, who suffered health issues due to long-term U.S. military activities. It also mandates the construction and funding of a modern medical center on the island and support for medical transport to improve healthcare access for affected individuals.
Key points
Vieques residents who lived on the island for at least 5 years and suffer from specific diseases (e.g., cancer, diabetes, kidney disease) linked to military activities can claim compensation ranging from $50,000 to $110,000.
The act provides for the construction and equipping of a modern medical center on Vieques, including an oncology and dialysis unit, and covers medical transport costs off the island.
A Special Master will be appointed to process compensation claims, oversee the construction and operation of the medical facility, and conduct research on environmental contamination.
Compensation is treated as damages for suffering and will not be counted as income or resources for determining eligibility for other benefits.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 117_S_405
Sponsor: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ]
Process start date: 2021-02-24