President Joe Biden on Oct. 8 signed into law the Helping American Victims Afflicted by Neurological Attacks (HAVANA) Act, bipartisan legislation co-authored by U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME).
“Now that the HAVANA Act has been signed into law, Havana Syndrome victims will finally receive the financial assistance and medical support that they deserve,” Sen. Collins said. “As we continue our efforts to support victims, we must also redouble our whole-of-government approach to identify and stop the heartless adversary who is harming U.S. personnel.”
The HAVANA Act of 2021, S. 1828, which Sen. Collins sponsored on May 25 with 10 original cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. Richard Burr (R-NC) and Mark Warner (D-VA), authorizes the Central Intelligence Agency, the U.S. State Department, and other agencies to provide payments to agency personnel who incur brain injuries from hostilities while on assignment, according to the congressional record bill summary.
Since 2016, some intelligence, diplomatic and other governmental personnel have reported experiencing unusual cognitive and neurological impairments while on assignment, particularly abroad, the summary says, noting that the source of these impairments is currently under investigation.
Symptoms were first reported by personnel stationed in Cuba and have since been collectively referred to as Havana Syndrome, which includes symptoms such as severe headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, visual and hearing problems, vertigo, and cognitive difficulties, with many affected personnel continuing to suffer from health problems years after the attacks, according to information provided by Sen. Collins’ office.
“I have spoken personally with Havana Syndrome victims who were forced to battle the bureaucracy while dealing with their own health challenges,” said Sen. Collins, who attended the bill signing ceremony at the White House. “These Americans who experienced traumatic brain injuries from likely directed energy attacks while serving our country should have been treated the same way we treat a soldier who suffered a traumatic brain injury on the battlefield.”
The HAVANA Act also requires the CIA director and the Secretary of State to create regulations detailing fair and equitable criteria for payment, and they also must report to Congress on how this authority is being used and if additional legislative or administrative action is required, according to the lawmaker’s information.
The bill on June 7 received unanimous approval from the U.S. Senate, and then unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Sept. 21 before being presented to President Biden on Sept. 27 for his signature to make the bill law.