CAMP LEJEUNE — A bill requiring the federal government to provide treatment for veterans and their family members who developed health problems from being exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has passed a U.S. Senate committee.

U.S. Sens. Kay Hagan and Richard Burr said the Caring for Camp Lejeune Veterans Act was approved by the Veterans Affairs Committee on Wednesday. The two senators co-sponsored the bill requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide health care to those affected.

Burr said the measure gives the country another chance to do the right thing. Hagan said those exposed deserve health care through the VA system.

Health officials think as many as 1 million people may have been exposed to tainted water before the wells were closed more than 20 years ago.