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In 2023, Congress successfully passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act to guarantee a compensation process for veterans and other victims exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Despite this law successfully passing,  concerns about its implementation continue to be raised.

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and colleagues introduced the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act to rectify the original Camp Lejeune Justice Act by clarifying a victim’s right to jury trials, capping attorneys’ fees, and expanding jurisdiction to alleviate the backlog of toxic water claims.

• “It’s unacceptable that individuals impacted by the Camp Lejeune water contamination continue to experience bureaucratic roadblocks. Compensation for veterans and other victims impacted, including thousands of individuals in Florida, is long overdue. Senator Tillis and I are eternally grateful for their service and are working to rectify this situation.” – Senator Rubio

• “Currently, veterans and other victims exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune are running into roadblocks that are denying them their day in court for the often-crippling and deadly medical conditions they have suffered. Since coming to office, I have worked alongside those who lived and worked at Camp Lejeune that were unknowingly exposed to harmful chemicals to finally give them the health care and benefits they deserve. I am proud to introduce this legislation with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to bring justice for victims and provide a path forward so they have timely access to courts and the judicial system like they would in any other state or territory.” – Senator Tillis

This legislation would: 

• Permit cases to be heard in any district court in the 4^th Circuit.
• Explicitly provide for jury trials.
• Expressly state that victims must only show general causation, including for latent or potential harm.
• Cap attorney fees at 20% for settlements and 25% for trials.
• Ensure there is no room for misinterpreting Congress’ intent to provide complete and swift relief to victims of contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

Click here for a full list of the cosponsors.

Flashback … In May 2023, Rubio sent a letter to the Secretary of the Navy regarding the 60,000 Camp Lejeune claims filed by veterans, their families, and civilian personnel that the Navy has failed to review.

Want more information?

• May 2022: ICYMI: Rubio Calls for Passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act