President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have highlighted the passage of the PACT Act as a significant achievement of their administration, providing benefits to military veterans affected by toxic chemicals. Embedded within this legislation is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, aimed at compensating victims of severe drinking water contamination at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
Between 1953 and 1987, the base's water was polluted with cancer-causing industrial solvents, impacting an estimated 1 million individuals. The Act allowed a two-year window for filing claims against the government, which is set to close soon.
Despite over 385,000 claims filed, only 114 have received settlement offers, with just 72 accepted. Critics argue that these offers are often inadequate compared to the health costs incurred by victims.
Many claimants have passed away while awaiting responses, leaving their families in legal limbo. The government's delays in processing claims have been attributed to a lack of resources and an overwhelming volume of cases.
Efforts are being made to expedite the process, with a proposed amendment to the Act aiming to streamline claim requirements and transfer cases outside the Eastern District of North Carolina for handling.
Over 1,800 lawsuits have been filed, with trials tentatively scheduled for 2025. However, for many victims like Denise McClure, timely compensation is crucial to accessing necessary medical care and ensuring financial security.
Denise's late husband, Terry McClure, a former Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune, suffered from Parkinson's disease linked to the contamination. She emphasizes the urgent need for support for affected individuals during their lifetime, not just posthumously.
