The forgotten man of the Midwest has been struck by grave tragedies this past month. While he’s still discovering how the train derailment in Ohio is affecting his health and environment, it has become clear the extent of the catastrophe could have been prevented if our country’s leadership had prioritized Americans first.

On Feb. 3, a train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio and caught on fire, prompting Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine to order an evacuation of the area. Officials allowed the train company to release the chemicals into the environment, causing a worse fire. Local residents have reported suffering various health problems, animals including an estimated 3,500 fish have perished, and the impact of water pollution on the Ohio River that supplies water to more than 5 million people is still unknown.

In the wake of a crisis vitally affecting so many Americans across the Midwest, their health and safety should be top of mind for anyone in leadership who stands to help. The response from the powers that be, however, was initially nonexistent. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg refused to acknowledge the event in any capacity for 10 full days.