HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO ENACT TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO THE CAMP LEJEUNE JUSTICE ACT OF 2022

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marvin Abney and 6 co-sponsors

Urges Congress to pass technical amendments to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act to clarify standards and speed, fair relief for those harmed by 1953–1987 water contamination.

05/14/2026 House read and passed

Purpose and Intent

The Rhode Island House expresses support for the U.S. Congress to pass technical amendments to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.

The goal of these amendments is to clarify evidentiary standards, improve efficiency in adjudication, and ensure fair and timely relief for individuals harmed by exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune (Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune) from 1953 through 1987.

The resolution emphasizes that addressing these issues promptly aligns with the original intent of providing meaningful relief to victims of toxic exposure.

Background Context

Between 1953 and 1987, individuals stationed at or residing on Camp Lejeune were exposed to drinking water contaminated with hazardous chemicals, leading to various health problems (cancers, neurological disorders, and other serious illnesses).

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 was enacted as part of the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022 to create a legal pathway for affected individuals to seek relief for injuries and wrongful death.

Since enactment, a high volume of claims has revealed administrative and judicial challenges, including processing delays and uncertainties in applicable standards.

Key Provisions and Provisions Acknowledged in the Resolution

This is a formal urging to Congress, not a bill that directly changes law within Rhode Island. It requests Congress to enact technical amendments to:

Clarify evidentiary standards for Camp Lejeune claims.
Improve efficiency and timeliness in adjudicating claims.
Ensure fair consideration of claimants’ cases.

Specific legislative details are not enumerated in the resolution itself; it supports adopting amendments such as those proposed by measures like the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act (referenced as an example of the type of technical changes desired).

who Would Be Affected

Primary beneficiaries: Individuals who allege injuries or wrongful death resulting from exposure to contaminated Camp Lejeune drinking water during 1953–1987.

Indirect beneficiaries: Claimants seeking relief, the U.S. federal judiciary system handling Camp Lejeune-related claims, and federal agencies involved in the processing and adjudication of these claims.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

The resolution is a formal request to the federal legislative branch, not a binding federal action.

It directs the Rhode Island Secretary of State to transmit certified copies of the resolution to:

The President of the United States
The Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
The Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate
Each member of Rhode Island’s congressional delegation

Introduced: April 29, 2026

Referred to: House Veterans' Affairs

Sponsorship: Multiple representatives with several co-sponsors

Co-sponsors include Rep. Tom Noret, Deb Fellela, Pat Serpa, Brian Kennedy, Earl Read, and others

Overall Assessment

The bill is a declarative resolution to urge federal action rather than direct state-level changes.

It reflects a policy push toward ensuring timely, fair, and efficient relief for Camp Lejeune exposure victims by supporting technical amendments to the federal Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.

If enacted by Congress, the amendments could reduce delays, provide clearer standards, and facilitate quicker resolution of claims.

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