Jacksonville, N.C. – Ahead of Tuesday’s midterm elections, U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy convened a roundtable with local veterans and Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins to discuss health‑care access for those affected by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The gathering, held at a community center in Jacksonville, underscored the steady progress of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act settlements.
Murphy pushes back on election‑linked promises
Following the discussion, Murphy addressed remarks made by President Trump at a rally in Greenville last week. President Trump told the crowd he would direct the Department of Justice to pay Camp Lejeune families if he wins the election, adding, “If we don’t win, there’s no money.” Murphy responded firmly, “No, this is one thing that is not a partisan issue. I’ve been working hard on this since the day I stepped into Congress seven years ago to try to get justice for those who were injured.”
The Rep. emphasized that the compensation process is driven by law, not political leverage. “Our veterans deserve timely relief, and the Department of Justice has already paid out more than $879 million,” Murphy said, noting that settlement offers range from $100,000 to $550,000 under the DOJ’s Elective Option framework.
Camp Lejeune Justice Act delivers substantial payouts
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, enacted to address exposure to contaminated water between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, allows eligible individuals to seek financial compensation. According to the U.S. Navy, more than 550,000 claims have been filed since the program opened in August 2022. Settlement offers have now surpassed $1.1 billion, with over $879 million already disbursed to families.
Veterans at the roundtable voiced concerns about the availability of VA health services in Eastern North Carolina, urging both federal and state officials to ensure that medical care keeps pace with the financial settlements.
President Trump’s stance and the broader political context
President Trump’s comments reflect a broader strategy of linking policy outcomes to electoral success. While the administration has not formally altered the DOJ’s settlement process, the President’s statement underscores his willingness to champion veteran issues when they align with his campaign messaging.
Murphy, a Republican representing North Carolina’s 3rd district, reiterated that the Department of Justice’s payouts are already in motion and that any further acceleration will come from continued legislative oversight, not election results.
What voters should know
As voters head to the polls, the Camp Lejeune settlement serves as a reminder that federal programs can deliver tangible benefits regardless of partisan battles. Murphy urged constituents to evaluate candidates on their commitment to veterans, health‑care access, and accountability, rather than on rhetoric that ties aid to election outcomes.
For North Carolina veterans and their families, the focus remains on securing the full benefits authorized by law and ensuring that health‑care providers meet the needs of those who served.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
