Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) blasted the Biden administration for being “a day late and a dollar short” in its response to the Ohio train derailment.

The senator said President Joe Biden and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg need to prove themselves to the people of East Palestine, Ohio, especially in light of former President Donald Trump’s visit to the area on Wednesday.

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“People mistrust experts — rightfully so when they screwed up the COVID situation,” Vance said, noting that residents of East Palestine are concerned about the safety of their water and soil. “They have every right to be concerned about this. And unfortunately, they don’t think the government’s listening to them — the Biden administration. They don’t feel like Norfolk Southern is listening to them. We’ve got to stay on top of people to make sure that the folks of East Palestine are not forgotten. That, to me, is the no. one job.”

Vance called upon the Biden administration to commit to caring for the people of East Palestine “over the next couple of years.”

“I think they’re certainly a day late and a dollar short, but there is a lot that they can do to make up for this and ensure that East Palestine isn’t forgotten into the future,” Vance said, suggesting safety and economic recovery measures be taken.

“We’re going to have to take care of this community,” he added. “We’re going to have to ensure that what happened at the train crash almost three weeks ago doesn’t destroy this town, and, like the major said, we’re going to have to stay on top of federal officials and Norfolk Southern to make sure people are safe. Those are the things that we have to do.”

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Vance promised he would “stay on top” of the situation and committed to helping ensure federal attention remains.

Buttigieg is scheduled to visit East Palestine for the first time on Thursday.