Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act of 2023

House Bill

H.R. 379

119th Congress

Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act of 2023

In Committee

Introduced:Oct 28, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Earl L. Carter

Representative

Republican

GA-1

Cosponsors

1

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Government Operations and Politics

Summary

The Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act of 2023 would provide monetary compensation to certain residents of the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico who have developed chronic, life-threatening, or physical or mental illnesses due to the U.S. government's use of the island for military readiness activities.

Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs .

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

The Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act of 2023 would provide monetary compensation to certain residents of the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico who have developed chronic, life-threatening, or physical or mental illnesses due to the U.S. government's use of the island for military readiness activities.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act of 2023 This bill provides a framework to compensate certain residents of the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, for the use of such island for military readiness. The bill sets forth provisions regarding award amounts for individuals and for claims by the municipality of Vieques. An individual claimant shall be awarded monetary compensation if the claimant contracted a chronic, life threatening, or physical or mental disease or illness, during or after the government used the island for military readiness.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

The bill would establish a framework to compensate individuals who contracted illnesses due to the military's use of Vieques for training and readiness purposes.
Eligible individuals could receive monetary awards as compensation for their health issues.
The bill would also allow the municipality of Vieques to submit claims for compensation related to the island's use by the military.

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

If passed, this bill would directly benefit residents of Vieques, Puerto Rico who have suffered health consequences from the U.S. military's historical use of the island. It could provide financial relief and redress for those dealing with serious illnesses linked to environmental contamination or other impacts of the military presence. The bill could also aid the local government in addressing lingering issues from the island's military history.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Government Operations and Politics

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+9 more

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

379, 119th Congress (2025). "Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act of 2023". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-379