HAVANA Act funding included in appropriations bill

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) announced the inclusion of HAVANA Act funding in the draft Department of Defense Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2022.

The bill authored by Collins authorizes the CIA Director and Secretary of State to provide additional financial support for American public servants who have sustained brain injuries from directed energy attacks.

“U.S. diplomats and members of the intelligence community who work both at home and abroad make many personal sacrifices to represent and protect America’s interests,” Collins said. “They deserve our strong support when they are harmed in the line of duty just as we care for our soldiers when they are injured on the battlefield. As the government investigates the source of previous attacks and seeks to prevent future ones, the HAVANA Act I authored will provide critical relief to Americans who are experiencing debilitating symptoms likely caused by a directed energy weapon.”

The full Senate and House must vote on the bills. Collins also included committee report language in the appropriations bill directing the Department to adequately fund assistance for State Department personnel and families impacted by Havana Syndrome.

Per authorities, Havana Syndrome is the term associated with an illness that has impacted more than 40 Embassy staff in Havana, Cuba since 2016 – producing symptoms a National Academy of Sciences study determined to be consistent with directed, pulsed, radiofrequency energy. Symptoms have included severe headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, visual and hearing problems, vertigo, and cognitive difficulties.