Biden says he's 'pushing' to help veterans suffering from toxic exposure to burn pits

President Joe Biden said on Veterans Day that he's "pushing" to help war veterans suffering from illness related to toxins from burn pits.

The White House has laid out a series of actions it plans to take to help veterans exposed to burn pits while formal legislation remains held up in Congress. According to a fact sheet the White House released, the Biden Administration is seeking to “provide a timelier access to health services and benefits for individuals who were exposed" to burn pits.

"We’re going to work with Congress — Republicans and Democrats together — to make sure our veterans receive the world-class benefits that they’ve earned, and meet the sacred — the specific care — specific needs that they each individually need," Biden said during a speech at Arlington National Cemetery. 

"That means expanding presumptive conditions for toxic exposure and particulate matter, including Agent Orange and burn pits. "We’re going to keep pushing on this front to be more nimble and responsive. We’re reviewing all the data and evidence to determine additional presumptive conditions that make sure our veterans don’t have to wait to get the care they need," he added.

In the past, Biden has connected burn pits to the cancer that his late son Beau was diagnosed with after serving in Iraq.

Comedian Jon Stewart has been advocating for Congress to pass the Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act to help veterans exposed to toxins from burn pits.