The White House has announced that President Joseph Biden plans to visit East Palestine.

A media release from Washington says more information will be released Wednesday afternoon about the visit planned for some time in February.

The President plans to meet with residents impacted by the Norfolk Southern train derailment and assess the progress made to protect the community.

Although the community has been visited by Biden cabinet members since the fiery derailment and chemical spill on February 3 of last year, the President has come under criticism from political opponents for not going to East Palestine in person.

Just weeks after the derailment, former President Donald Trump stopped by East Palestine.

In September, President Biden issued an Executive Order directing that Norfolk Southern be held accountable for the derailment and address any long-term effects on the community. The White House says the order also ensured Federal assistance for affected communities should needs develop that are not met by Norfolk Southern.

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