Young, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Ensure Justice for Camp Lejeune Service Members

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), a Marine veteran, joined a group of his colleagues in introducing the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act, legislation that makes technical corrections to the original Camp Lejeune Justice Act by clarifying the right to jury trials and the appropriate causation standard, capping attorneys’ fees, and expanding jurisdiction to alleviate the backlog of toxic water claims.

“Those who served our country at Camp Lejeune—and their families—deserve full and fair access to justice. This legislation reinforces Congress’s original intent to ensure victims can have their day in court and receive the compensation they deserve,” said Senator Young. “We owe it to these veterans and their loved ones to deliver this long-overdue relief.”

“Currently, veterans and other victims exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune are running into roadblocks that are denying them their day in court before a jury for the often-crippling and deadly medical conditions they have suffered,” said Senator Tillis. “Since my time as Speaker of the North Carolina House, 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 for justice after decades of delay.”

Camp Lejeune is a Marine Base and military training facility located in Onslow County, North Carolina. Between the 1950s and 1980s, drinking water at the base was contaminated, leading to serious health complications for many American military service members.

The Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act is supported by: Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Marine Corp League, Marine Corps Reserve Association, Special Operations Association of America, National Military Family Association, Vietnam Veterans of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart Moral Compass Federation, Association of the US Navy, AMVETS, Rolling Thunder, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Association (IAVA), Blinded Veterans Association, Military Chaplains Association, and the Non Commissioned Officers Association.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.