Following weeks of back and forth, the Honoring Our PACT Act was finally approved by the United States Senate on August 2.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was part of this critical piece of legislation. As a result, service members and their loved ones who came into contact with hazardous contaminants in the water in base wells can now pursue legal action to get justice.
But what’s next for the legislation? The latest news on Camp Lejeune is promising.
The PACT Act, also known as Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021, passed the Senate by an astonishing vote of 86-11 in early August.
Although the part of the Act regarding veterans getting sick and being able to claim disability caused by burn pits during military service likely got the lion’s share of attention in the media, it also included the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, introduced by North Carolina Senators Thom Tillis and Richard Burr.
Now, marines and their family members who spent time at the Camp Lejeune North Carolina base from 1953 to 1987 can now sue the government for injuries after being exposed to extremely harmful chemicals in area drinking water.
The PACT Act still needs to be signed by President Joe Biden. However, there is little reason to believe he wouldn’t sign the legislation, which will begin the work of restoring justice for these brave men and women who dedicated their lives to serving our country.
According to local NBC outlet WITN-TV, President Biden has said the bill “makes good on our sacred obligation” to take care of veterans and their families. He is expected to sign the legislation soon.
At Phillips Law Group, we are horrified that military veterans and their loved ones stationed at the North Carolina base between 1953 and 1987 were exposed to very harmful chemicals that may have caused serious health problems.
If you or a loved one were stationed at Camp Lejeune before 1988, contact Phillips Law Group to learn about all of your legal options. And keep an eye on our blog for more on the latest news on Camp Lejeune and related legislation.
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