Issa and Bost Introduce Bill Capping Attorney Fees for Camp Lejeune Victims
“Time to put Marines and their families first,” says Issa.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Darrell Issa, Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet, and Congressman Mike Bost, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statements after introducing the Camp Lejeune Veterans and Families Protection Act. The legislation would limit the fees attorneys can charge veterans and families seeking awards under the Camp Lejeune Federal Cause of Action:
“While the PACT Act was a step forward for veterans affected by the water crisis at Camp Lejeune, it also opened the door for unscrupulous attorneys to prey on desperate victims and engage in lawsuit abuse,” said Rep. Issa. “As a result, millions of dollars could go to predatory law firms, rather than deserving Marines and their families. I’m thankful for Rep. Bost’s leadership on this issue and I’m proud to join my colleagues by authoring H.R. 9430.”
The previously passed Honoring Our PACT Act established the ability for any individuals affected by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 to sue the United States for health damages. The legislation introduced by Reps. Issa and Bost would prohibit attorneys from charging more than 25 percent of a settlement amount in these suits to protect veterans from predatory legal firms and fees.
“Our Camp Lejeune veterans and their families have tolerated enough. The last thing they should have to endure is high legal fees to have their day in court,” said Ranking Member Bost. “As a Marine Corps veteran, I am proud to lead this bill with my friend Rep. Issa on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of families who were affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination crisis. I hope to get it through the House and signed into law as soon as possible.”
Veterans and their families with questions or who want to report fraud can contact the Department of Justice through the devoted CLJA hotline (202-353-4426) and email box (CampLejeune.PACTAct@usdoj.gov).
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Darrell Issa is the Representative of California’s 50th Congressional District. The District encompasses the central and northeastern parts of San Diego County and a portion of Riverside County, including the communities of Fallbrook, San Marcos, Valley Center, Ramona, Escondido, Santee, Lakeside, El Cajon, Temecula, and the mountain and desert areas of the San Diego-Imperial County line. Issa served as the Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform from 2011-2015.