Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) criticized President Joe Biden's administration for its lackluster response to a train derailing in East Palestine, Ohio, earlier this month.

The centrist senator, who has been a thorn in Biden's side, said the administration's response was "unacceptable" because it took nearly two weeks for a senior official to visit the town.

"I urge President Biden, Administrator Regan, and Transportation Secretary Buttigieg to provide a complete picture of the damage and a comprehensive plan to ensure the community is supported in the weeks, months, and years to come and this sort of accident never happens again," Manchin said. "The damage done to East Palestine and the surrounding region is awful, and it’s past time for those responsible to step up to the plate."

EPA ADMINISTRATOR AND OHIO SENATORS TO TRAVEL TO EAST PALENSTINE THURSDAY

The train, which crashed on Feb. 3, was carrying at least five hazardous chemicals and forced officials to release the toxic fumes into the air to avoid an explosion. One of the chemicals was linked to liver damage, Environmental Protection Agency officials said.

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Manchin's criticism comes as EPA Administrator Michael Regan visits the state 13 days after the initial derailment. Besides Regan, Ohio Sens. Sherrod Brown and J.D. Vance also visited East Palestine on Thursday.