President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit East Palestine on Friday afternoon, marking the one-year anniversary of the Norfolk Southern derailment.
His visit is aimed at discussing how his administration continues to collaborate with state and local authorities to ensure accountability from Norfolk Southern and to provide support to the affected community, according to White House press officials.
Anticipated to arrive in East Palestine on Friday afternoon, Biden will receive a briefing from officials on the ongoing response and recovery efforts. Additionally, he plans to engage with community members to directly hear their concerns and needs.
White House press officials emphasized that Biden’s visit underscores the administration’s dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of communities affected by such incidents.
They highlighted the visit as part of a broader initiative to address challenges faced by communities impacted by industrial accidents and to ensure that responsible parties are held accountable.
The Norfolk Southern derailment incident, which occurred a year ago, had a profound impact on the East Palestine community. Biden’s visit is intended to demonstrate support for the community and reaffirm the administration’s commitment to providing assistance and support for recovery efforts.
The visit is also an opportunity for the president to witness firsthand the progress and challenges faced by the community in its recovery process.