President Biden speaks on train derailment during visit to East Palestine

President Joe Biden spoke Friday in East Palestine, reiterating his Administration's continued commitment to East Palestine after the toxic train derailment.

During his speech, Biden announced six health researchers are committed to long-term health studies in East Palestine.

The President thanked Mayor Trent Conaway and EPA Administrator Michael Regan for their leadership before his remarks.

Biden called the response to the derailment a Herculean effort.

"That's not a hyperbole - Herculean efforts that were made in the year since this tragedy," Biden said. "What was happening in the morning and evening of and the next day and the weeks following is amazing. It's absolutely amazing what this community's rose to."

"We're not going home no matter what until this job is done. And it's not done yet, there's a lot more to do," Biden said. "We're going to stay until the very end when every need is met. "We are going to continue to hold Norfolk Southern accountable, make sure they make your community whole now and in the future and what they do not make whole or can not make whole, the government will make whole. There is an obligation."

"I can already see this derailment won't define you. It just defined you in another way. You're courage and the resilience of the community and the compassion that you've shown for your fellow citizens."

"Let me be clear, while there are acts of God, this was an act of greed that was 100% preventable," President Biden said. "Let me say it again, an act of greed that was 100% preventable. We were pushing railroads to take more precautions to deal with braking and a whole range of things that were not dealt with and Norfolk Southern failed its responsibility. Multimillion-dollar companies transporting toxic chemicals have a responsibility to do it safely. And again Norfolk Southern failed."

"Today I am announcing the award of six National Institution of Health grants to some of America's best research universities to study the short and long-term impacts of what happened here. That includes just north of here - Case Western University. You'll have top researchers with you for as long as you need and as long as it has to go on."

President Biden also reiterated his support for the bipartisan rail safety bill, calling for more staffing on trains and more safety measures.

Biden also stressed his support for the tax reform bill to help East Palestine residents.

"It's important that the Senate follow the House and pass the Tax Reform Bill. This makes sure that folks don't get hit with a tax or a surprise tax bill for compensation owed to them by the railroad. That's not taxable income to them. We got to make sure that occurs, that no one is taxed for anything that was reimbursed or received from Norfolk Southern. It's not right - I support this tax reform bill and we need to get this done."

"We know the obligation and that's to stay here as long as it takes to get everything done and be sure no one is left behind," the President said. "In moments like this, let's remember who we are. We're the United States of America for God's sake. We have obligations to one another, there's nothing beyond our capacity when we do it together."

EPA Administrator Michael Regan spoke after President Biden, calling East Palestine "a community that embodies strength, resilience, hope and progress."

Regan also touted the Biden Administration's laser focus on East Palestine and Mayor Trent Conaway's leadership and tenacity.

Mayor Conaway was the last to speak, thanking various departments and organizations for their continued support.

"We will not be defined by this single event - rather our response to it and our perseverance," Conaway said. "President Biden, you're long-awaited visit to our village today allows us to focus on the things we agree with - that this disaster should have never happened, address the long-term health concerns and the economic growth of the village and to ensure this never happens to another community."

Biden, Regan and Conaway also toured a presentation, showing statistics of the work done in the village since February 3, 2023.

President Biden also made a stop at the 1820 House Candle Co. on N. Market Street in East Palestine around 5:22 p.m. There he met with the owners and Mayor Conaway's family.

According to the NBC reporter in the press pool, Biden entered the shop and had a cup of coffee while talking to the owners. The President also took a drink from a water glass while inside.

Biden asked the women how things have been going in East Palestine and spoke with a woman in charge of a health clinic in town. She relayed her concerns about keeping the health clinic accessible and Biden said "We have to make sure there are long-term clinics available." He said if the money to keep them going doesn't come from Norfolk Southern, then it will come from the government.

Melissa Smith, owner of 1820 House Candle Co., said they gave a floral candle to President Biden to give to First Lady Jill Biden.