Bill > HR1317

This bill, the Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act of 2021, aims to provide compensation to certain residents of the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, for the U.S. military's use of the island for training and exercises over the past 60 years. The bill establishes a Special Master to administer a claims process, under which eligible individuals who have resided on Vieques for at least 5 years and have certain chronic, life-threatening diseases or illnesses can receive monetary compensation ranging from $50,000 to $110,000. The bill also directs the Special Master to provide the Municipality of Vieques with resources to build and operate a level three trauma center with a cancer center and renal dialysis unit, as well as to fund interim health services and environmental research and remediation efforts on the island. Funding for the claims and awards is to come from the Judgment Fund, with a total cap of $1 billion.