Should the Gov’t Provide Payments to People Suffering From ‘Havana Syndrome’? (S. 1828)

What is S. 1828?

(Updated December 5, 2021)

This bill was enacted on October 8, 2021

This bill, known as the HAVANA Act of 2021, would specifically authorize the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Dept. of State, and other agencies to provide payments to agency personnel who incur brain injuries from hostilities while on assignment (such brain injuries associated with acoustic or neurological symptoms have become commonly known as “Havana syndrome”). Specifically, it would allow agency personnel and their families to receive payments for brain injuries that are not willfully incurred 1) during an assignment to a foreign or domestic duty station or 2) in connection with war, insurgency, hostile acts, terrorist activity, or other agency-designated incidents.

If enacted, this bill’s authority would apply to injuries incurred before, on, and after this bill’s enactment. Agencies would be required to submit classified reports on this bill’s implementation, including the number of payments made and the amount of each payment.

This bill’s full title is the Helping American Victims Afflicted by Neurological Attacks Act of 2021.

Argument in favor

American diplomats, intelligence personnel, and others who have been affected by Havana syndrome and related health problems in the aftermath of still-unexplained incidents believed to be connected to their work should receive financial support from the federal government.

Argument opposed

It’s still unclear what Havana syndrome is, or what it’s caused by. The U.S. government should thoroughly understand Havana syndrome and potentially publicly disclose the nature of what caused the syndrome before committing to support those who have been affected by it.

Impact

Havana syndrome sufferers; the CIA; and the Dept. of State.

Cost of S. 1828

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced this legislation to authorize additional financial support for American public servants who have incurred brain injuries from likely directed energy attacks:

“Far too many ‘Havana Syndrome’ victims have had to battle the bureaucracy to receive care for their debilitating injuries. American personnel who have undergone these attacks while serving our country should be treated the same way we would treat a soldier who suffered a traumatic injury on the battlefield. I am pleased that there has been widespread, bipartisan support for my bill, which will provide additional support to these government employees who were harmed while representing our interests. We also need a whole-of-government approach to determine what this weapon is and who is wielding it in order to prevent future attacks and protect Americans.”

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA) expressed support for this legislation, saying:

“As the Intelligence Committee continues to push for more answers on these mysterious and debilitating attacks, I’m proud that the Senate overwhelmingly approved this bipartisan bill to ensure our U.S. personnel receive the compensation and care they rightfully deserve. We continue to be indebted to these brave men and women who proudly serve our country while putting their own safety on the line, and this bill will make sure that we can provide financial relief as they seek medical treatment for the injuries they’ve endured.”

This legislation unanimously passed the Senate and has 19 bipartisan cosponsors, including 10 Democrats, eight Republicans, and one Independent. Its companion House legislation, sponsored by Intelligence Committee Chair Adam Schiff (D-CA), has 22 bipartisan House cosponsors, including 11 Democrats and 11 Republicans, and has not yet received a House vote. 

Of Note: “Havana syndrome” is a mysterious illness that first emerged in Cuba in 2016. The first cases were among CIA officers so they were kept secret, but more recent cases have included diplomatic personnel from the State Dept. at outposts around the world. The personnel and family members reported a wide range of symptoms, including hearing noises ranging from a low hum or buzzing to “piercing squeals” along with intense pressure in the skull, a feeling of heat or pressure, or dizziness and fatigue for months. It’s unclear what caused the symptoms, although officials from CIA and State Dept. officials believe they may have been the result of an attack that used pulses of high-powered microwaves.

Reports of Havana syndrome number in the hundreds across every continent. To date, Havana syndrome has been reported in Cuba, China, Vietnam, Germany, Colombia, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Austria. Domestically, it has also been reported in Washington, D.C.

Media:

• Sponsoring Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) Press Release

• BBC (Context)