[CPEO-MEF] HEALTH, VOCs: Senator Burr propose presumptive health care for Camp Lejeune (NC)victims

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@cpeo.org>]

Press Release
Office of Senator Richard Burr (R-N.C.)
July 28, 2009

Burr Bill Would Provide Care for Lejeune Vets Exposed to Water Contaminants
Bill gives VA health care to servicemembers, veterans, and family 
adversely affected by contamination


Today, Senator Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Ranking Member of the Senate 
Veterans' Affairs Committee, introduced the Caring for Camp Lejeune 
Veterans Act of 2009, legislation that would require the Department of 
Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide health care to servicemembers, 
veterans, and their family members who have experienced adverse health 
effects as a result of exposure to well water contaminated by human 
carcinogens at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

"Thousands of Navy and Marine veterans and their families who lived on 
Camp Lejeune have fallen ill with a variety of cancers and diseases 
believed to be attributable to their service at the base before it was 
designated a Superfund site in 1988," Senator Burr said.  "We owe those 
who are sick the benefit of the doubt and the health care they need."

A recent National Research Council report on the contaminated water at 
Camp Lejeune assessed that there are numerous adverse health effects 
associated with human exposure to the chemicals known to have been in 
water at Lejeune.  The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 
is conducting scientific studies to further understand the extent of 
human exposure on Camp Lejeune and planning human health surveys to 
determine the frequency of certain illnesses among former Camp Lejeune 
residents.

Senator Burr's bill would allow a veteran or military family member who 
was stationed at Camp Lejeune during the time the water was contaminated 
to receive needed health care at a VA facility.

"Camp Lejeune veterans and their families deserve closure on this tragic 
situation," Senator Burr added.  "While we continue to seek more 
answers, this bill is a step towards providing the Lejeune veterans and 
their families the respect and care they deserve."



For the original press release, go to
http://burr.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressOffice.PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=c33c1c3d-e6b9-a772-bd45-14591af39f5d

--


Lenny Siegel
Executive Director, Center for Public Environmental Oversight
a project of the Pacific Studies Center
278-A Hope St., Mountain View, CA 94041
Voice: 650/961-8918 or 650/969-1545
Fax: 650/961-8918
<lsiegel@cpeo.org>
http://www.cpeo.org




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