Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), along with Representatives Greg Murphy (R-NC) and Richard Hudson (R-NC), has urged Congress to pass the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act. In an op-ed published in the Jacksonville Daily News, the lawmakers highlighted ongoing challenges faced by veterans and families affected by contaminated water at Marine Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
The op-ed points out that for decades, those stationed at Camp Lejeune were exposed to toxic chemicals through their water supply, leading to serious illnesses and deaths. The lawmakers noted that while Congress passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) in 2022 to address these issues, many victims are still waiting for compensation due to legal delays.
They stated: “This week as we reflect on Veterans Day and the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, we are called to honor the Corps’ legacy of service and sacrifice. There is perhaps no higher form of honor than action, and when it comes to the veterans who served at Marine Base Camp Lejeune, our country has tragically failed in its most fundamental duty: to protect those who served.”
The CLJA was described as a significant step forward but has been hindered by procedural obstacles. “The CLJA was a crucial milestone, but its implementation has been mired in red tape, legal bottlenecks, and procedural hurdles that have slowed justice to a crawl. The result is an overwhelmed system and protracted legal battles, leaving veterans and other victims in limbo,” they wrote.
To address these problems, Tillis, Murphy, and Hudson introduced new legislation intended to speed up claims processing by increasing the number of courts able to hear cases. The bill also seeks to guarantee jury trials for claimants and set caps on attorney fees so that more compensation reaches victims rather than lawyers.
“Our bill increases the number of courts where Camp Lejeune cases can be heard, breaking the logjam and allowing claims to move forward more efficiently,” they explained. “It also reaffirms a foundational American principle: the right to a jury trial… Finally, this bill addresses an issue that has quietly burdened too many families — the lack of clear guidance on attorney’s fees.”
The lawmakers emphasized bipartisan support from veteran organizations such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
“As we honor our veterans this week, let us remember that true gratitude demands action. We cannot call ourselves champions of our military if we turn away when they need us most. The time for delay is over. Congress must come together and pass the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act,” they concluded.
Senator Thom Tillis previously won elections against Cal Cunningham in 2020 with 48.7% of votes compared to Cunningham’s 46.9%, as well as against Kay Hagan in 2014 with 48.8% over Hagan’s 47.3%.
