House passes bill to compensate victims of “Havana syndrome”

The House on Tuesday approved bipartisan legislation that would allow payments to government employees injured by abnormal health incidents – known as “Havana Syndrome” – while serving overseas.

The bill, which lawmakers approved by 427 votes to 0, now heads towards President BidenJoe BidenHouse Endorses Bill to Provide Veterans with Cost of Living Adjustment‘s for his signature after the Senate unanimously passed it in June.

It specifically authorizes the CIA and the State Department to provide financial support to employees who have suffered brain damage from the Mysterious Syndrome. The intelligence community still has no official explanation for the symptoms, which can include headaches, memory loss and dizziness – more than four years after the first cases were reported in Havana, Cuba .

At least 200 diplomats, spies and other U.S. government employees have reported symptoms of the mysterious disease, which some officials say could be the result of directed energy attacks, according to NBC News.

CNN reported this week that a member of the CIA Director Bill BurnsWilliam Burns, Chief CIA Team Member, Reported Symptoms of ‘Havana Syndrome’ During Trip to IndiaThe Havana team reported symptoms consistent with Havana Syndrome during a trip to India earlier this month and required medical treatment.

And last month, Vice President Harris’ planned trip to Vietnam was delayed when several U.S. personnel in Hanoi reported symptoms shortly before his visit.

“Put simply, it’s a bit scary stuff,” the rep said. Michael mccaulMichael Thomas McCaulBiden Threatens New Sanctions Against Ethiopia, Eritrea Over Tigray Conflict More Republicans Call on Biden to Name Taliban Terrorist Group How Lawmakers Helped Afghan Evacuation MORE (Texas), the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said during the House debate. “The people who serve our country abroad are generally worried about themselves and their families. And they need to know that we are supporting them.”

Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee Adam schiffAdam Bennett SchiffOvernight Hillicon Valley – Hack Goes Global Schiff calls on Amazon and Facebook to fight spread of vaccine misinformation Spotlight turns to GOP’s McCarthy on January 6. (D-Calif.) Said all benefits paid to affected government employees should be treated as payments received as compensation for workers’ compensation laws for tax purposes.

“We will continue to prioritize this issue and put our people first,” said Schiff.

CNN also reported in May that the attacks hit near our home in addition to overseas. Two National Security Council officials were hit in November, including one walking through a White House door.

Lawmakers debated the bill in the House in late July, but a vote on its passage was postponed until Tuesday because members of the House Freedom Caucus demanded roll-call votes in recent months on dozens of bills. uncontroversial which are generally adopted by voice vote. .