PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Oct 8, 2021
Helping American Victims Afflicted by Neurological Attacks Act of 2021 or the HAVANA Act of 2021
This bill specifically authorizes the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of State, and other agencies to provide payments to agency personnel who incur brain injuries from hostilities while on assignment.
Specifically, the bill allows agency personnel and their families to receive payments for brain injuries that are incurred (1) during a period of assignment to a foreign or domestic duty station; (2) in connection with war, insurgency, hostile acts, terrorist activity, or other agency-designated incidents; and (3) not as the result of willful misconduct.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
The bill's authority applies to injuries incurred before, on, or after the date of the bill's enactment. Agencies must submit classified reports on the bill's implementation, including the number of payments made and the amount of each payment.
Since 2016, some intelligence, diplomatic, and other governmental personnel have reported experiencing unusual cognitive and neurological impairments while on assignment (particularly abroad), the source of which is currently under investigation. Symptoms were first reported by personnel stationed in Cuba and have since been collectively referred to as Havana Syndrome.
People & committees
Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME] · R–ME
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 117-46.
Became Public Law No: 117-46.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 427 - 0 (Roll no. 265). (text: 07/26/2021 CR H3854-3855)
House roll call 265 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 427 - 0 (Roll no. 265).(text: 07/26/2021 CR H3854-3855)
House roll call 265 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4576-4577)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1828.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3854-3857)
Mr. Castro (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S3963-3965)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.(text: CR S3963-3965)
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3963-3965)
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S3963-3965)
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: May 28, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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