Greenville Reporter

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., along with Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02), introduced legislation today aimed at removing barriers within the Camp Lejeune Justice Act that hinder veterans from securing their entitled benefits.

“The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was established to rectify the injustices our veterans faced and streamline their access to rightful claims,” said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. “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.”

“I am honored to join Congressman Greg Murphy in introducing this urgently needed legislation to bring justice to Camp Lejeune veterans across the country,” said Congresswoman Deborah Ross. “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.”

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 new bill addresses unforeseen consequences of the original act by clarifying rights related to jury trials, capping attorneys' fees, and expanding jurisdiction in order to alleviate case backlogs.

The bill is cosponsored by Patrick McHenry (NC-10), Richard Hudson (NC-09), 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). It is supported by organizations such as Special Operations Association of America and Fleet Reserve Association.