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 the long-term use of the island by the U.S. military. Additionally, it mandates the construction and funding of a modern medical facility and environmental/health research programs to improve the quality of life on the island.
Key points
Vieques residents who contracted specific diseases (e.g., cancer, diabetes, heavy metal poisoning) due to military activities can claim compensation ranging from $50,000 to $110,000, depending on the number of diseases.
The act mandates the construction and funding of a modern medical center on Vieques, equipped with an oncology and dialysis unit, to provide residents with essential on-island healthcare.
Environmental and health research programs will be launched to identify and remove toxins from soil, water, and food sources, and to monitor residents' health.
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: 118_HR_379
Sponsor: Rescom. González-Colón, Jenniffer [R-PR-At Large]
Process start date: 2023-01-17