What Does Biden Know?

What Biden Knows

BIDEN

The Biden administration has taken a more structured approach to Havana Syndrome, prioritizing investigations and care for victims, compared to previous administrations. In October 2021, President Biden signed the HAVANA Act, which provides financial compensation and medical support for U.S. personnel affected by these incidents, also referred to as Anomalous Health Incidents (AHIs). This law marks a commitment by the administration to address the health concerns raised by diplomats, intelligence officers, and military personnel who have experienced symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and cognitive impairments across the globe .

In response to ongoing incidents, the Biden administration has encouraged personnel to report symptoms immediately and not to ignore them. The government has emphasized that those affected will be taken seriously and treated with respect. Guidance has been issued to U.S. officials, urging them to leave the area immediately if they feel the onset of symptoms .

While the administration has not publicly attributed the cause to a specific actor, senior officials, including CIA Director Bill Burns and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, have visited affected victims and underscored the seriousness of the situation. Investigations continue, with the Biden administration employing a multi-agency effort to determine the cause and identify any potential foreign involvement .

Additionally, there have been discussions between President Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with speculation that Russia might be behind these incidents, continuing from suspicions raised during the Trump administration. However, no definitive public conclusions have been reached .

SOURCES:

1. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General – Evaluation of the DoD’s Response to Anomalous Health Incidents:

https://www.dodig.mil/reports.html/Article/3321369/evaluation-of-the-dods-response-to-anomalous-health-incidents-or-havana-syndrome/

2. U.S. Representative Pfluger – Press release on Biden’s handling of Havana Syndrome:

https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=315

3. CNN – Coverage of the Biden administration’s compensation plan for victims:

https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/08/politics/havana-syndrome-cia-director-payout/index.html

4. NBC News – Congress passing bills to aid Havana Syndrome victims:

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/congress-passes-bill-help-diplomats-hit-havana-syndrome-n1279757

5. Washington Post – Details on ongoing investigations and the Biden administration’s stance:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2021/12/05/havana-syndrome-investigation-russia/

6. CBS News – Analysis of Biden’s actions in support of Havana Syndrome victims:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/havana-syndrome-biden-administration-victims-compensation/

7. U.S. Department of Commerce – Implementation of the HAVANA Act:

https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2021/12/commerce-department-implementing-havana-act-ensure-support-us-government

8. Courthouse News – Discussion on a DoD official experiencing Havana Syndrome symptoms:

https://www.courthousenews.com/havana-syndrome-linked-to-dod-official-experiencing-symptoms/

9. Salon – Reports on U.S. government internal disagreements regarding Havana Syndrome:

https://www.salon.com/2021/09/25/why-the-us-hasnt-solved-the-havana-syndrome-mystery/

10. GAO – Review of key DoD policies on monitoring and communication with affected personnel:

https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-22-105275

https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2146

https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2021-10-05/havana-syndrome-pentagon-guidance-us-personnel-3139537.html

https://www.dodig.mil/reports.html/article/3326777/evaluation-of-the-dods-response-to-anomalous-health-incidents-or-havana-syndrom/