S.Amdt. 3371

The amendment, titled the Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act, aims to add a new division to bill S. 2296. Its purpose is to provide a remedy for residents of Vieques, Puerto Rico, who suffered health impacts and humanitarian crises resulting from over 60 years of United States military operations and environmental contamination on the island.

The amendment seeks to change the bill by adding the following:

• Monetary Compensation: It establishes a system for individual claimants to receive payments ranging from $50,000 to $110,000 based on the number of specific diseases contracted (such as cancer, diabetes, or heavy metal poisoning) due to military readiness activities.

• Medical Infrastructure: It requires the appointment of a Special Master to provide the Municipality of Vieques with the staff and resources to build and operate a level three trauma center, including a cancer center and renal dialysis unit.

• Immediate Health Support: Until a new facility is operational, the act provides for urgent air transport to mainland hospitals, telemedicine, and free medical screenings for specific diseases.

• Environmental and Power Recovery: It mandates the appointment of an academic partner to research and reduce environmental toxins and requires the Special Master to authorize the construction of a hurricane-resilient independent power source for the island.

• Funding and Administration: It caps total awards at $1,000,000,000, funded through the Judgment Fund, and sets a 15-year limit for filing claims.