Senate unanimously advances legislation to support “Havana Syndrome” victims

The Senate unanimously advanced Monday legislation designed to support American public servants who have incurred brain injuries from likely directed energy attacks.

Intelligence Committee Chairman Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) joined Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME), Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) in introducing the Helping American Victims Afflicted by Neurological Attacks (HAVANA) Act. Havana Syndrome is the term given to an illness that originally surfaced among more than 40 U.S. Embassy staff in Havana, Cuba, five years ago.

“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,” Warner said. “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.”

Illness symptoms include severe headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, visual and hearing problems, vertigo, and cognitive difficulties. The legislation would empower the CIA Director, the Secretary of State, and other agency leaders to provide financial and medical support to those impacted.