Senator Marco Rubio | Official U.S. House headshot
Senator Marco Rubio | Official U.S. House headshot
In 2023, Congress passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act to ensure compensation for veterans and other victims exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Despite its passage, concerns about its implementation persist.
U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and colleagues have introduced the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act. This bill aims to address issues in the original act by clarifying a victim’s right to jury trials, capping attorneys’ fees, and expanding jurisdiction to reduce 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,” said 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,” stated Senator Tillis.
The proposed legislation includes several key provisions:
- Permitting cases to be heard in any district court in the 4th Circuit.
- Explicitly providing for jury trials.
- Stating that victims must only show general causation, including latent or potential harm.
- Capping attorney fees at 20% for settlements and 25% for trials.
- Ensuring no misinterpretation of Congress’ intent to provide complete and swift relief.
In May 2023, Rubio sent a letter to the Secretary of the Navy regarding 60,000 Camp Lejeune claims filed by veterans, their families, and civilian personnel that remain unreviewed.
For more information:
May 2022: ICYMI: Rubio Calls for Passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act
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