Rep. Comer Leads Criticism of Biden Administration’s Response to East Palestine Train Derailment

The Biden administration is facing criticism from congressional Republicans and residents of East Palestine, Ohio, over its response to a train derailment three weeks ago that led to a toxic chemical spill. House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer of Kentucky is leading the charge, asking Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for all documents and communications about his response to the incident.

Buttigieg told CBS News Tuesday that he should have publicly addressed the crisis sooner, and that it was a “lesson learned” for him, but said he was focused on making sure his Transportation Department employees had what they needed. Republicans have blasted Buttigieg, who took 10 days to publicly address the crisis, for not visiting the town sooner, among other things.

President Joe Biden said Friday he doesn’t have plans to visit East Palestine, despite the criticism. When asked whether he planned to visit the town near the border with Pennsylvania, Biden said, “At this moment [I’m] not.”

The derailment has endangered residents and wildlife for miles, and the Biden administration has been under pressure to respond more quickly and effectively. It remains to be seen how the administration will address the situation going forward.