Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 124.djvu/4208

 124 STAT. 4182 PUBLIC LAW 111–383—JAN. 7, 2011 (3) While many of these possible exposures have been studied and evaluated, the extent to which those exposures caused or contributed to the short- and long-term health condi- tions of current and former members of the Armed Forces, their dependents, and civilian employees remains largely unknown. (4) As for these possible exposures and the link between the exposure and subsequent health conditions, there may be better ways for the Federal Government to evaluate, address and, as warranted, provide health benefits or possible com- pensation as a remedy to these potential exposures. (b) COMPTROLLER GENERAL ASSESSMENT REQUIRED.—The Comptroller General of the United States shall carry out an assess- ment of possible exposures to environmental hazards on military installations that includes the following: (1) An identification of the policies and processes by which the Department of Defense and the military departments respond to environmental hazards on military installations and possible exposures and determine if there is a standard frame- work. (2) An identification of the existing processes available to current and former members of the Armed Forces, their dependents, and civilian employees to seek compensation and health benefits for exposures to environmental hazards on mili- tary installations. (3) A comparison of the processes identified under para- graph (2) with other potential options or methods for providing health benefits or compensation to individuals for injuries that may have resulted from environmental hazards on military installations. (4) An examination of what is known about the advantages and disadvantages of other potential options or methods as well as any shortfalls in the current processes. (5) Recommendations for any administrative or legislative action that the Comptroller General deems appropriate in the context of the assessment. (c) REPORT.—Not later than January 1, 2012, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the findings and recommendations, as appropriate, of the Comptroller General with respect to the assessment conducted under subsection (b). (d) COORDINATION.—In carrying out subsection (b), the Comp- troller General shall receive comments from the Secretary of Defense and others, as appropriate. (e) CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to impede, encroach, or delay— (1) any studies, reviews, or assessments of any actual or potential environmental exposures at any military installation, including the studies included in the Agency for Toxic Sub- stances and Disease Registry’s Annual Plan of Work regarding the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; (2) the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry’s statutory obligations, including its obligations under the Com- prehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.) regarding Super- fund sites; or Comments.