“The law just gives a very basic framework,” Murray said. "There's a lot of questions that we still have that need answers before we're 100% comfortable giving someone the recommendation to sign your name on the dotted line that may require money.”

WKYT Investigates first reported in March 2021 on the efforts of Brian Amburgey of Winchester, who made it his mission to help his fellow veterans who, like him, served at the base and were exposed to the toxic water. He took part in protests, held signs to raise awareness and gathered signatures for a petition for a health registry. He made several trips to Washington, D.C. with other veterans to urge lawmakers to pass legislation to help.

“As a veteran who experienced toxic exposure at Camp Lejeune, I appreciate Congressman Barr for his work to deliver VA benefits to all veterans dealing with toxic exposure. I am hopeful that the U.S. Senate will pass this bill quickly and it will be enacted into law soon,” said Brian Amburgey, who serves on the Sixth District Veterans Coalition advising Congressman Barr on veterans’ affairs issues.

“The blue slip is basically the House, when they were reviewing the law, as it was sent back down to the House from the Senate, I think it was three sentences where the Senate had created an appropriation, which is something that should originate out of the House,” said Partain.

“The blue slip is basically the House, when they were reviewing the law, as it was sent back down to the House from the Senate, I think it was three sentences where the Senate had created an appropriation, which is something that should originate out of the House,” said Partain.