Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act

The Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act would establish a dedicated process to compensate certain Vieques, Puerto Rico residents (and their heirs) who lived on the island while it was used for U.S. military readiness. A Special Master appointed by the Attorney General would review claims, determine eligibility, and award monetary compensation based on the number of related diseases tied to military activities. The bill also creates a substantial on-island health and environmental remediation program funded through the Judgment Fund, including a new level-three trauma center with cancer and dialysis capabilities, interim health services, medical screening, and an academic partner to study and reduce environmental toxins. In addition, the act directs funding to establish an independent, hurricane-resilient power source on Vieques and sets a 15-year claims window, with a total funding cap of $1 billion. The payments would finalize and release the United States from further claims, and attorney fees are capped at 20% of any payment.