North Indy News

U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), a Marine veteran, has joined fellow lawmakers in introducing the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act. This legislation aims to make technical corrections to the original Camp Lejeune Justice Act by clarifying the right to jury trials and appropriate causation standards, capping attorneys’ fees, and expanding jurisdiction to address the backlog of toxic water claims.

Senator Young emphasized the importance of this bill, stating: “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.”

Senator Tillis highlighted the challenges faced by veterans exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, saying: “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.” He expressed pride in introducing this bipartisan legislation.

Camp Lejeune is a Marine Base located in Onslow County, North Carolina. From the 1950s through the 1980s, its drinking water was contaminated, resulting in severe health issues for many service members.

The bill has garnered support from numerous organizations including 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 Non Commissioned Officers Association.

Full text of the legislation is available online.