U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC) on May 23 sponsored a bipartisan bill that aims to remove barriers in the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 prohibiting United States military veterans from securing their benefits.
“The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was established to rectify the injustices our veterans faced and streamline their access to rightful claims,” Rep. Murphy said. “However, many still struggle to benefit due to unforeseen obstacles.”
The congressman introduced the Camp Lejeune Justice Corrections Act, H.R. 8545, alongside 10 original cosponsors, including lead cosponsor U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross (D-NC), to make technical corrections to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which was enacted in 2022 as part of the PACT Act — a law that expands VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.
Specifically, 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 Aug. 1, 1953 to Dec. 31, 1987, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Murphy’s staff.
If enacted, H.R. 8545 would address the unforeseen consequences of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act by clarifying the right to jury trials, capping attorneys’ fees, and expanding jurisdiction to alleviate the backlog of cases, the summary says.
“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,” said Rep. Murphy. “These updates will help alleviate the backlog of cases, ensuring timely resolution and closure for all that have been affected.”
H.R. 8545 has been endorsed by the Special Operations Association of America and the Fleet Reserve Association.
“I am honored to join Congressman Greg Murphy in introducing this urgently needed legislation to bring justice to Camp Lejeune veterans across the country,” Rep. Ross said. “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.”