Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act
The legislation creates a framework for residents to file claims for compensation, with amounts awarded based on the number of diseases linked to military activities. For example, claimants can receive $50,000 for one disease, $80,000 for two, and up to $110,000 for three or more. This financial support is seen as a means to alleviate the historical injustices faced by the island’s residents while promoting much-needed healthcare improvements. Additionally, the Act mitigates barriers for claimants arising from previous legal rulings against the residents of Vieques, enabling them to seek damages effectively.
Senate Bill 1386, known as the 'Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act', aims to provide compensation to residents of Vieques, Puerto Rico, for health damages suffered due to military operations conducted by the United States on the island. The bill acknowledges the toxic exposure caused by over six decades of military training and hazardous waste on the island, leading to increased rates of serious illnesses among residents, including cancer and heavy metal poisoning. Furthermore, the bill addresses the existing health crisis intensified by Hurricane Maria, which devastated Vieques's medical facilities.
Key points of contention focus on the valuation of health impacts and compensation levels. While supporters argue that the bill is a necessary step in addressing the long-standing grievances of Vieques residents, opponents raise concerns about the adequacy of compensation relative to the scale of suffering experienced by the community. There is also a debate surrounding the operational capacities of medical facilities to be funded under this Act, as well as the effectiveness of the claims administration process, which relies on the appointment of a Special Master to evaluate and determine claims. Critics are particularly attentive to ensuring that the bill's implementation does not fall into bureaucratic delays that would hinder timely assistance to those in need.