Bill > HR379

This bill, the Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act of 2023, aims to provide compensation to certain residents of the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, for the use of the island by the U.S. military for training and readiness purposes over the past 60 years. The bill establishes a Special Master to consider and award compensation to eligible individuals who have developed chronic, life-threatening, or physical/mental diseases, such as cancer, hypertension, and heavy metal poisoning, due to exposure to environmental contamination from the military's activities on the island. The bill also provides for the construction and operation of a Level 3 trauma center with a cancer center and renal dialysis unit on the island, to address the critical healthcare needs of Vieques residents. Additionally, the bill mandates funding for interim healthcare services, environmental research, and compensation to the Municipality of Vieques for expenses incurred as a result of the bill's provisions.