Blumenthal & Tillis Introduce Legislation to Eliminate Barriers to Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims

[HARTFORD, CT] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act, bipartisan 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.

“Veterans and their families have suffered debilitating health effects from exposure to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water, and unnecessary roadblocks are preventing them from accessing justice,” said Blumenthal. “This legislation removes legal barriers so that victims of Camp Lejeune can have their overdue day in court - taking necessary steps towards achieving accountability and providing relief for our veterans.”

“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 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.”

“We are grateful for the Senator’s persistent efforts to assist the Camp Lejeune veterans and their families in our pursuit for justice,” said Jerry Ensminger, father of Janey Ensminger, a Camp Lejeune water contamination victim and Mike Partain, a cancer survivor exposed to water contamination at Camp Lejeune.

“It is paramount to uphold Veterans’ rights to pursue justice and have their day in court,” said David Cook, Executive Director, Special Operations Association of America. “The Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act reinforces and guarantees this constitutional right to veterans and their families, providing fair pathways to judicial relief and healing of moral injuries incurred alongside devastating toxic exposure.”

“Too many veterans and military family members continue to suffer long-term health issues due to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune,” said Besa Pinchotti, CEO, National Military Family Association. “While nothing fixes the irreparable harm they’ve suffered, they deserve the opportunity to seek justice. We applaud Senator Tillis for his continuing efforts to ensure that those affected receive the care, support, and compensation they deserve.”

“VVA has a long-standing tradition of dealing with toxic exposure and fighting the bureaucracy to secure transparency, treatment, and accountability, and we maintain that same mindset concerning this issue,” said Jack McManus, President, Vietnam Veterans of America.

“The Military Order of the Purple Heart stands firmly behind all veterans and their families, additionally, we are proud to join VVA in this much-needed effort,” said Robert Olivarez, National Commander, Military Order of the Purple Heart.

“It is our moral imperative to uphold the constitutional rights of those who have selflessly served our nation,” said Timothy “Tito” Torres, CEO, Moral Compass Federation. “By supporting the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act, this administration is demonstrating its unwavering commitment to veterans and their families. Granting them fair pathways to seek judicial relief not only addresses the physical harms of toxic exposure but also helps heal the deep moral injuries they have endured. We stand firmly behind this effort and applaud the administration’s dedication to honoring our veterans’ service and sacrifice.”

“AMVETS believes in the original intent of Congress when members advocated for this legislation: protecting veterans and seeing them receive recognition for the losses they have suffered,” said Joe Chenelly, Executive Director, AMVETS. “These changes must be made so veterans and family members impacted by the toxic water at Camp Lejeune are finally cared for in the way they deserve.”

“The Marines and their families who were stationed at Camp Lejeune and exposed to contaminated water deserve justice,” said Allison Jaslow, CEO, IAVA, and Iraq War Veteran. “Congress sought to do so with the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, but veterans and their families have subsequently encountered unnecessary barriers to achieving that justice. IAVA applauds the bipartisan leadership in the Senate to swiftly address the implementation issues that have occurred with the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, and looks forward to seeing Congress’ passage of the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act in short order.” 

“The Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) proudly supports the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, ensuring that our service members, veterans, and their families receive the care and compensation they rightfully deserve,” said Levi Sadr, Director of Government Affairs, Non Commissioned Officers Association. “For too long, those exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune have suffered without proper acknowledgment or support. This legislation is a vital step in holding the government accountable and providing long-overdue justice to those who have sacrificed for our nation. NCOA remains committed to advocating for the well-being of all enlisted personnel, past and present.”

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.

With passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, Congress intended to create a jury trial right with a lower causation standard to ensure a compensation process that would be fair and proportionate to the level of harm and injuries caused by exposure. However, the Department of Justice has fought the law and successfully challenged both the jury trial and causation standards intended by Congress.

Specifically, the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act:

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

Blumenthal has fought for the victims of Camp Lejeune toxic contamination for over a decade, working to successfully advance bipartisan legislation. In 2015, Blumenthal introduced the Toxic Exposure Research Act which would increase support for research into the health conditions facing descendants of veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their time of service. In 2021, Blumenthal and Tillis reintroduced the bipartisan Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which was codified into law in 2022.  The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, passed into law in 2022, includes legislation championed by Blumenthal to expand benefits, healthcare, and compensation to veteran populations that are not currently able to access services including veterans and families exposed to toxins in the water supply at Camp Lejeune.

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