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Compensation and New Healthcare for Vieques Residents Affected by Military Use.

This law establishes a compensation fund for residents of Vieques, Puerto Rico, who developed specific chronic diseases (like cancer or heavy metal poisoning) due to decades of US military training and environmental contamination. It also mandates and funds the construction of a new, advanced trauma and cancer center on the island, alongside comprehensive environmental cleanup efforts. The payments are considered damages for suffering and do not affect eligibility for other federal benefits.
Key points
Financial compensation (ranging from $50,000 to $110,000) for residents suffering from specific illnesses linked to military contamination, provided they meet residency and medical documentation requirements.
Mandates the construction of a Level Three Trauma Center and Cancer Center on Vieques, including funding for operations and off-island medical transport.
Funds research and cleanup efforts to reduce toxic contamination (heavy metals) in the soil, water, and food sources to average US levels.
Acceptance of the award constitutes a full and final settlement of all related claims against the US Government.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_1386
Sponsor: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ]
Process start date: 2023-05-01
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_S_1386.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-05-01.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Financial compensation (ranging from $50,000 to $110,000) for residents suffering from specific illnesses linked to military contamination, provided they meet residency and medical documentation requirements.
  • Mandates the construction of a Level Three Trauma Center and Cancer Center on Vieques, including funding for operations and off-island medical transport.
  • Funds research and cleanup efforts to reduce toxic contamination (heavy metals) in the soil, water, and food sources to average US levels.
  • Acceptance of the award constitutes a full and final settlement of all related claims against the US Government.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-26.

CATEGORIES

Health Environment Courts and Law