TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) — Tupelo Mayor Jason Shelton strongly criticized President Trump's performance concerning the coronavirus.

Shelton did that Wednesday during testimony before the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, which is looking into the federal government's response to the disease.

"Our efforts ... are being hamstrung by the lack of rational, stable, science-based leadership in the White House," said Shelton.

The mayor testified from City Hall as the hearing was held virtually by Second District Congressman Bennie Thompson, who chairs the committee.

"In my opinion, many of these deaths could have been prevented by a quicker and a more uniformed response from our nation's commander in chief and his administration," said Shelton.

Shelton told the committee what is needed are national mandatory policies to fight the virus and direct federal funding for local governments to cover financial losses.

The committee also heard testimony from Alabama Emergency Managment Agency Director Brian Hastings.

"Today, the health care supply chain is still struggling to provide medical-grade respirators, some disinfectants and other specific personal protective equipment," said Hastings.

He said the supply-and-demand mismatch is affecting Alabama and other states as they deal with the coronavirus now and prepare for the surge in cases expected later this year.