Last week, Representative Richard Hudson introduced the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act. This bipartisan bill aims to amend the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 by removing barriers to ensure veterans’ claims receive fair judicial review. Hudson collaborated with Congressman Greg Murphy, Congresswoman Deborah Ross, and Congressman Don Davis, along with nineteen other original cosponsors.
“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 this act: “The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was established to rectify the injustices our veterans faced and streamline their access to rightful claims.” He added that many still struggle due to unforeseen obstacles and stressed his commitment to ensuring justice for those affected by contaminated water exposure.
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 highlighted that these reforms aim to remove financial or logistical barriers faced by veterans seeking remedies.
The original Camp Lejeune Justice Act, part of the PACT Act enacted in 2022, allows claims against the U.S. government for harm caused by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. Currently, there are 408,000 pending claims with no case yet going to trial as litigation continues.
The new act proposes several changes including allowing jury trials instead of bench trials, requiring victims only show general causation, permitting cases in any federal court in North and South Carolina, and capping attorney fees at specific rates.
