S.Amdt. 6395

This amendment, submitted by Mr. Wicker and Mrs. Gillibrand, seeks to add the Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act to bill S. 4784. Its purpose is to provide a remedy for the residents of Vieques, Puerto Rico, who have suffered health impacts and a humanitarian crisis due to long-term environmental contamination from 62 years of U.S. military operations and the destruction caused by Hurricane Maria.

The amendment aims to add the following to the bill:

• Appointment of a Special Master: The Attorney General would appoint a Special Master to handle claims from the Municipality of Vieques.

• Medical Facilities and Care: It directs the construction of a level three trauma center featuring a cancer center and renal dialysis unit. It also provides for:

  • Medical screening for heavy metal contamination, diabetes, cirrhosis, and cancer at no cost to patients.
  • Interim services like air transport to mainland hospitals, telemedicine, and case managers until the new facility is open.
  • Coverage for transportation and medical costs for patients traveling off-island.

• Environmental and Infrastructure Support:

  • The appointment of an academic partner to research toxins in the soil, sea, and food sources and implement ways to reduce those toxins.
  • The oversight of a hurricane-resilient independent power source for the island.

• Financial Compensation: It authorizes payments from the Judgment Fund, capped at $350,000,000, to settle claims. Acceptance of these payments would serve as a final release of claims against the United States and its employees.