Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) introduced the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act, alongside Congressman Greg Murphy (NC-03), Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Congressman Don Davis (NC-01), and Congressman Brad Knott (NC-13). This bipartisan legislation makes technical changes that remove barriers in the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, which will ensure veterans’ claims are given fair and reasonable judicial review. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).

"Our nation’s veterans put their lives on the line to defend our country and should never have faced barriers to accessing the justice they deserve after exposure to toxic water during their time stationed at Camp Lejeune," said Congresswoman Deborah Ross. "Included in the historic PACT Act, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act has enabled these veterans to finally seek damages in court. However, reforms are necessary to fulfill the promise of this life-changing legislation. I’m proud to join my bipartisan North Carolina colleagues in introducing urgently needed legislation to ensure that veterans nationwide do not face financial or logistical barriers to pursuing the long-overdue remedies they deserve."

"The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was enacted to address the injustices our veterans, their dependents, civil servants, and contractors faced by drinking contaminated water and simplify the process to be justly compensated," said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. "Unfortunately, unforeseen obstacles still prevent many from accessing the support they need. This bill provides important reforms to reduce the case backlog and provide timely resolutions and long-awaited closure for those affected."

"The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was established to help right the wrongs our veterans endured, but many still face obstacles that prevent them from pursuing justice," said Congressman Richard Hudson. "This legislation will ensure the brave men and women who were lied to about the toxins they were exposed to, as well as their families, can secure the benefits they deserve."

“Our veterans exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune deserve their day in court,” said Congressman Don Davis. “Congress must address the backlog of toxic water claims in a timely manner to provide those who have served our nation the relief and justice they deserve.”

Background

Enacted in 2022 as part of the PACT Act, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows veterans and civilians to file tort claims against the U.S. government for damages related to harm caused by exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.

Currently, there are 408,000 pending claims with the Department of the Navy. Despite the overwhelming number of claims received, not a single case has gone to trial while the Department of Justice litigates against victims.

To correct the record and ensure victims have access to appropriate justice, the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act of 2025 would make technical corrections to the law and effectuate more swift relief for victims by:

• Clearly providing for jury trials, not just bench trials.
• Permitting cases to be heard in any federal court in North and South Carolina.
• Capping attorney fees at 20% for settlements and 25% for trials.