SE North Carolina News

Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has introduced the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act with Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mike Braun (R-IN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI).

The bipartisan legislation aims to make technical corrections to the original Camp Lejeune Justice Act. It clarifies the right to jury trials, caps attorneys’ fees, and expands jurisdiction to address the backlog of toxic water claims.

Senator Budd stated: “Victims of the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune deserve justice. But instead, DOJ bureaucrats are throwing up roadblocks and making it harder for veterans to get their day in court. That’s why I’m proud to join Senator Tillis to introduce a bipartisan bill to remove regulatory hurdles and see that Camp Lejeune victims get the compensation, care, and benefits they deserve.”

Senator Tillis added: “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.”

The Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act permits cases to be heard in any district court in the 4th Circuit. It explicitly provides for jury trials, states that victims must only show general causation including latent or potential harm, caps attorney fees at 20% for settlements and 25% for trials, and ensures there is no room for interpreting Congress’ intent regarding relief for victims of contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

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