Bipartisan Group Introduces Bill to Support Victims of ‘Havana Syndrome’
Washington, D.C.—In a bipartisan effort to support American public servants who have incurred brain injuries from probable microwave attacks, a bipartisan group of 10 Senators introduced a bill today that would authorize additional compensation for injured individuals. The legislation was introduced by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Mark Warner (D-VA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME), Ben Sasse (R-NE), John Cornyn (R-TX), Richard Burr (R-NC), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Tom Cotton (R-AR).
Last week, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released a report on the more than 40 U.S. diplomats at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba, and at least a dozen U.S. diplomats at the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou, China, who suffered symptoms “consistent with the effects of directed, pulsed, radiofrequency energy.” Ailments have included dizziness, tinnitus, visual problems, vertigo, and cognitive difficulties. Although the attacks first began in late 2016, many of the affected personnel continue to suffer from health problems.
Under the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA), a federal employee may currently receive a schedule award if the employee suffers the loss or loss of use of a part of the body, but not if the impairment is to the brain, back, or heart. The proposed legislation would provide the CIA Director and the Secretary of State additional authority to compensate their personnel who incur brain injuries in connection with war or a hostile act.
“Public servants who work in our embassies and consulates overseas make many personal sacrifices to represent America’s interests abroad, and they deserve our strong support,” said Senator Collins. “As we investigate the source of previous microwave attacks and seek to prevent them from occurring in the future, this legislation would provide additional financial assistance to Americans who were injured and continue to experience debilitating symptoms.”
“As the Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I understand the lengths that our CIA officers go to in order to obtain critical intelligence and keep our nation safe,” said Senator Warner. “Given the daily risks that these brave men and women endure for the sake of democracy, the least we can do is put financial safeguards in place for those afflicted by these awful attacks.”
“The mysterious injuries afflicting U.S. public servants and their loved ones are serious and for far too long, these Americans have suffered without the health care they need to manage their symptoms and recover. Providing them access to long-term, emergency health benefits has been a top concern for me, which is why I’m glad to partner with Senator Collins and this bipartisan group of lawmakers to build on that important work,” said Senator Shaheen. “This legislation will add an important new benefit that the employees with brain injuries can use toward their long-term care and recovery. It also includes my language to ensure that federal retirees continue to have the option of accessing these benefits even after they have left government service. Federal employees impacted by these incidents should be heard, believed and assisted on their path to recovery. I’m encouraged by the bipartisan progress in Congress to address their needs, but more must be done to determine the causation of these attacks and prevent them from affecting any other employees.”
“The United States has a responsibility to care for any American public servant who sustains serious injuries while working on behalf of our nation,” said Senator King. “This legislation would ensure that we are fulfilling that duty by providing for U.S. government employees who were afflicted by these mysterious ailments while serving overseas, with some still struggling with the effects to this day. It is imperative that Congress pass this law to support those harmed while representing our nation abroad – and that the United States identify and defend against the source of these injuries, so we can protect our public servants from similar threats in the future.”
“The men and women serving our nation abroad often do so at the risk of their own health and safety,” said Senator Burr. “Since 2016, multiple U.S. officials serving in Cuba and in China have been the victims of attacks that cause sudden hearing loss and brain damage. This legislation helps those who have been afflicted with what is now called ‘Havana syndrome’ by making sure any brain injuries are covered. I’m proud to work with Senator Collins on this important bill and I look forward to the Senate’s consideration.”
“It’s common sense that our public servants should have access to care to treat injuries connected with their service protecting our country,” said Senator Bennet. “This bipartisan legislation is an important step toward modernizing our system to keep pace with the evolving threats we face and ensure that government officials serving in posts overseas who sustain traumatic brain injuries receive the care they need.”
“CIA agents and Foreign Service Officers put their lives on the line to keep us safe,” said Senator Cotton. “This bill rightly ensures they’re taken care of as they seek treatment and recover from all types of cowardly attacks by our adversaries.”
The additional compensation for brain injuries would be provided to injured State Department or CIA employees at the discretion of the agency head. This legislation would also require the CIA and State Department to report to Congress on how this authority is being used and if additional legislative or administrative action is required.
Click HERE to read the text of the bill.
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