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HR 1645 112th Congress House

Vieques Recovery and Development Act of 2011

Official title: To construct a specialty hospital and toxins research center on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, and for other purposes.

Introduced: June 16, 2011 See on congress.gov
Government Operations and Politics Administrative remediesAir qualityBuilding constructionCaribbean area
More subjectsShow fewer subjects
Department of JusticeEnvironmental assessment, monitoring, researchEnvironmental healthExecutive agency funding and structureFood supply, safety, and labelingGovernment buildings, facilities, and propertyGovernment liabilityHazardous wastes and toxic substancesHealth facilities and institutionsHealth programs administration and fundingLand transfersMedical researchMetalsMilitary education and trainingPuerto Rico
This bill died when the 112th Congress ended
It never became law before the 112th Congress (2011–2012) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 5 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jul 11, 2011
Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement.
Apr 27, 2011
Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans, and Insular Affairs.
Apr 25, 2011
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Apr 15, 2011
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Apr 15, 2011
Introduced in House
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 Latest action July 11, 2011

Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Vieques Recovery and Development Act of 2011 - Directs the President to acquire or convert real property located within the Municipality of Vieques, Puerto Rico, for the purpose of constructing: (1) a specialty hospital that provides treatment for the sick and injured; and (2) a toxins research center that studies the existence, prevalence, and impact of toxins in Vieques, provides recommendations regarding the prevention of exposure to harmful levels of such toxins, and shares findings with medical personnel at such hospital.

Requires the President to: (1) operate and maintain the quality of the hospital and research center; (2) develop an interagency plan to ensure that such residents benefit from improved access to federal programs, federal discretionary funding sources, and federal agency technical assistance; and (3) appoint a federal ombudsman for Vieques, who shall monitor the development and implementation of such plan.

Prohibits the President from carrying out this Act until the administrative claims filed on May 18, 2009, by the Mayor of Vieques for money damages against the Department of the Navy have been settled or compromised.

Authorizes a $10,000 award for settlement of any personal injury claim filed before enactment of this Act by an individual who was a resident of Vieques during or after the Navy's use of chemical weapons, toxic chemicals, and heavy metals for military training operations on the island, including for illness or death arising from such use. Increases awards for individuals who submit medical documentation of contracting a disease that is life-threatening, chronic, or related to heavy metals toxicity. Deems any award payment to be full settlement of the claim and a complete release by the individual of such claim against the United States or its employees.

 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 6
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 1645: Vieques Recovery and Development Act of 2011. 112th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/112-HR-1645/
MLA
"H.R. 1645: Vieques Recovery and Development Act of 2011." 112th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/112-HR-1645/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 1645, 112th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/112-HR-1645/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 1645: Vieques Recovery and Development Act of 2011](https://openamerica.io/bill/112-HR-1645/)
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