Just a few days after saying he hadn't had the occasion to go to East Palestine, President Biden's press secretary says he will travel to the area impacted by Norfolk Southern's toxic train derailment.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked: "The President said over the long weekend that he hasn't had the occasion to go to East Palestine. "I just haven't been able to break." The derailment was on February 3rd. President Biden has not had a break since February 3rd?"

Jean-Pierre responded, saying "The President will go to East Palestine. He promised that he would, and he will."

She went on to reiterate that President Biden is going to East Palestine, saying he is committed to making the trip.

"You saw him just this Saturday visit a rural area -- right? -- that was devastated -- some parts were devastated by Hurricane Idalia," Jean-Pierre said. "And he was there with the First Lady. They were able to hear directly from the American people. And he was able to talk about what is it that they need, what is it -- what else do they need from the federal government."

Jean-Pierre said she did not have a time or date to announce for Biden's trip to East Palestine at this time.

On Saturday, Biden was asked about visiting the Columbiana County community while touring parts of Florida impacted by Hurricane Idalia.

President Biden told reporters, "I haven't had the occasion to go to East Palestine. There is a lot going on here and I haven't been able to break. I figured I would go to East Palestine this week, but I was then reminded that I have to go around the world. I'm going from Washington to India to Vietnam and so it is going to be a while. But, we are making sure that East Palestine has what they need materially in order to deal with the problems."

The statement was met with criticism by Republican lawmakers including Ohio Senator J.D. Vance and Congressman Bill Johnson.