Biden calls caring for burn pit illnesses a ‘sacred obligation’ – By Leo Shane III (Military Times) / March 8, 2022
President Joe Biden on Tuesday continued his push for improved benefits for veterans suffering the ill-effects of toxic exposure from burn pit smoke, calling it part of the country’s “sacred obligation” to care for individuals who served in the military.
In a speech before veterans and Veterans Affairs staffers in Fort Worth, Texas, the commander-in-chief said for too long the serious health effects of military toxic exposure have been either partially addressed or ignored.
He acknowledged that research on the health effects of the waste pit smoke is still unsettled, but said that was no excuse for inaction.
“When the scientific evidence doesn’t give a clear answer one way or another, we should favor caring for our veterans while we continue to learn more, not waiting,” he said.
