Lejeune Water-Contamination Bill Passed

A deal brokered in the U.S. Senate allowed passage of a new bill that will help thousands of Marine veterans and their families who were sickened after exposure to contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

Last month, Congressional veterans committees agreed on a bill that would provide health care to sick military personnel and their families who lived or worked at least 30 days on the base from 1957 to 1987 and suffer from a condition listed in the bill that is linked to certain chemical exposures, according to McClatchy Newspapers. But the bill was at an impasse in the Senate after a South Carolina senator sought changes to add language that would prevent fraudulent use of veterans’ benefits.

The bill is expected to help as many as 750,000 veterans and their families who were exposed to drinking water that was poisoned with the toxic chemicals trichloroethylene, benzene, and vinyl chloride, according to McClatchy. It now goes to the House of Representatives for passage.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by contaminated water, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if you may be able to pursue legal action. For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.

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