Biden uses State of the Union to call for focus on "burn pits," which he believes affected his son Beau

Washington — President Biden on Tuesday used his first State of the Union address to issue a call to action for Congress to do more to assist veterans experiencing enduring health issues after exposure to burn pits while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, elevating a matter that hits close to home for him.

Mr. Biden raised the long-term harms to veterans who were exposed to burn pit smoke while deployed overseas as he laid out his four-pronged so-called "unity agenda," which included enhanced support for veterans.

"Veterans are the backbone and the spine of this country. They're the best of us," the president said. "I've always believed that we have a sacred obligation to equip those we send to war, and care for those and their families when they come home."