Pinehurst Today

May 23, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) joined Representatives Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03), Deborah Ross (NC-02), and other colleagues today to introduce bipartisan legislation aimed at removing barriers within the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. These obstacles currently hinder veterans from securing entitled benefits. The bill is supported by Representatives Patrick McHenry (NC-10), Kathy Manning (NC-06), Don Davis (NC-01), Jeff Jackson (NC-14), David Rouzer (NC-07), Chuck Edwards (NC-11), and Laurel Lee (FL-15).

"The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was created to address the wrongs endured by our veterans and to make it easier for them to access their rightful claims," said Representative Hudson. "Unfortunately, veterans are getting a lot of runaround that prevents them from getting justice. This legislation will fix that."

Representative Murphy emphasized the need for updates: “The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was established to rectify the injustices our veterans faced and streamline their access to rightful claims. However, many still struggle to benefit due to unforeseen obstacles. I am committed to ensuring that the brave men and women who served our nation, along with their families and civilian workers, receive the justice they deserve after enduring exposure to contaminated water. These updates will help alleviate the backlog of cases, ensuring timely resolution and closure for all that have been affected.”

Representative Ross expressed her support: “I am honored to join Congressman Greg Murphy in introducing this urgently needed legislation to bring justice to Camp Lejeune veterans across the country,” she said. “Our brave veterans put their lives on the line to defend our country and should never face barriers to accessing the justice they deserve after exposure to toxic water during their time stationed at Camp Lejeune. Included in the historic PACT Act, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act has enabled these veterans to finally seek damages in court. The legislation we are introducing today will make needed reforms to ensure that veterans nationwide do not face financial or logistical barriers to pursuing the long-overdue remedies they are owed.”

Background

Enacted in 2022 as part of the PACT Act, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows veterans and civilians to file tort claims against the U.S. government for damages related to harm caused by exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.

The newly introduced Camp Lejeune Justice Corrections Act seeks to address unforeseen consequences of its predecessor by clarifying rights concerning jury trials, capping attorneys' fees, and expanding jurisdiction with an aim of alleviating case backlogs.