President Biden arrives in Seattle

SEATTLE — President Joe Biden arrived in Seattle on Thursday evening in his first visit to the Pacific Northwest since his election.

The president arrived at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Air Force One shortly after 5:12 p.m. He will attend a Democratic fundraiser in downtown Seattle, where preparations for his arrival are underway.

On Friday, which is Earth Day, the president will talk about the need to rapidly deploy clean energy.

Biden will also speak about bringing down costs for American families, bolstering the nation’s resilience in the face of threats like wildfire and call on Congress to pass his plan to lower prescription drug prices and energy costs, according to a news release from the White House.

The location where the president will be speaking has not been released.

The Washington State Patrol is advising drivers to be prepared for heavy traffic and temporary freeway closures both Thursday night and Friday as the president’s motorcade moves to and from the airport and within the city.

Biden visited Portland on Thursday, where he visited Portland International Airport to talk about investing in a runway that can withstand earthquakes to ensure emergency support aircraft can get in and out of the region.

This trip is part of an expanded travel schedule ahead of the November elections as Biden tries to demonstrate he has made progress on his agenda while also prodding Congress to do more.

The video below shows the president’s arrival on Air Force One at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

VIDEO: President Biden Arrives in Seattle

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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