CNN’s Tapper questions Buttigieg on East Palestine train tragedy
CNN’s Jake Tapper Grills Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Biden Administration’s Response to Ohio Train Derailment
In a recent exchange that aired on CNN, Jake Tapper questioned Pete Buttigieg about the Biden administration’s handling of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Tapper pressed Buttigieg on why calls for a major disaster declaration, supported by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Senator Sherrod Brown, have been ignored by the federal government.
CNN: Why won’t Biden approve the Ohio governor’s disaster declaration for East Palestine, Ohio?
PETE BUTTIGIEG: “I don’t know all the legalities of the emergency management process” pic.twitter.com/5Dj6m6Em0q
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) January 22, 2024
Buttigieg responded by acknowledging his limited knowledge of the emergency management process but emphasized the actions his department has taken to improve railroad safety. He mentioned focused inspections, better hazardous material regulations, and investments in infrastructure as steps being taken to address the issue.
Although President Biden issued an executive order in September to designate a federal disaster recovery coordinator for East Palestine, no disaster declaration has been made. Tapper also questioned why Biden has not visited the affected area since the derailment occurred in early 2023.
JAKE TAPPER: “[Biden] still has not visited East Palestine, Ohio. I don’t know why that is — that doesn’t seem to make much sense to me … why wouldn’t he just go to East Palestine?”
BUTTIGIEG: “I don’t have any updates” pic.twitter.com/s7OWEghsI7
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) January 22, 2024
Tapper expressed confusion over Biden’s absence and questioned why the president wouldn’t use his influence to push for bipartisan legislation on railroad safety. Buttigieg admitted he had no updates on the scheduling front but emphasized that Congress should act without needing further persuasion, as both parties claim to care about making railroads safer.
What criteria does the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) use to determine whether to issue a major disaster declaration for incidents like the Ohio train derailment?
As a major disaster declaration not issued for the Ohio train derailment despite support from Governor DeWine and Senator Brown?
Buttigieg: We are actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities to provide the necessary assistance. At this time, we believe that the current response efforts are adequate to address the needs of the affected community. We will continue to assess the situation and provide support as needed.
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