Lawmakers to discuss NC base water contamination

CAMP LEJEUNE -- North Carolina's two senators plan to meet with military leaders to discuss past water contamination at Camp Lejeune. Republican Sen. Richard Burr and Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan will meet Wednesday afternoon with Navy Secretary Ray Mabus and Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Conway. Burr has proposed a bill that would grant care at a VA facility to any veteran or family member who was based at Camp Lejeune and suffers from adverse health effects. Water was contaminated by dry cleaning solvents and other sources at the base's major family housing areas, and health officials believe as many as 1 million people may have been exposed before the wells were closed 22 years ago. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)