Two members of Congress, Rep. Greg Murphy (R-N.C.) and Rep. Deborah Ross (D-N.C.), recently introduced the Camp Lejeune Justice Corrections Act. This crucial bill aims to speed up federal claims for Marines and other service members who were exposed to toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The introduction of this bill marks a significant step in addressing the long-standing injustices faced by military personnel and their families.

Key Updates in the Camp Lejeune Justice Corrections Act

The new bill updates the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which was enacted in 2022 as part of the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. The primary updates include:

Addressing Historical Injustices

The original legislation allows service members affected by toxic water at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, to sue the federal government for compensation. This law came decades after victims reported increased cancers, neurological disorders, and birth defects among the children of troops stationed at the base during that timeframe.

Rep. Ross emphasized the urgency of expediting these cases:

“It would be years and years and years before people would get the relief that they’re owed. And many of them might pass away in the meantime. We want to make it so more courthouses can hear these claims and get this process moving as quickly as possible for people who have been injured.”

Despite over 227,000 claims and 1,700 lawsuits filed, only 63 settlement offers had been extended since 2022, with just 40 of those accepted for payouts by claimants. The new updates aim to alleviate these issues by streamlining the process and ensuring timely resolution.

Rep. Murphy stated:

“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. These updates will help alleviate the backlog of cases, ensuring timely resolution and closure for all that have been affected.”

In September, the Navy unveiled a plan to fast-track financial settlements for victims, offering $100,000 to $150,000 to those with certain conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, kidney cancer, and leukemia. Other victims are still required to file civil claims against the government. Additionally, the Navy announced an updated Camp Lejeune Justice Act Claims portal to streamline the filing process.

Organizations like Lejeune Empowered Advocacy for Widows (LEAWs) play a vital role in supporting widows whose husbands were affected by the toxic water at Camp Lejeune. LEAWs provides advocacy, emotional support, and practical assistance to military widows, ensuring they navigate the complexities of their claims and receive the recognition and care they are entitled to.

Michelle James, founder of LEAWs, embodies the resilience and determination of those fighting for justice:

“In September 2019, I bid farewell to my beloved husband, who bore years of suffering with remarkable strength. A promise was made between us: I would carry on the fight for justice in his honor.”