Vice President Biden Speaks at a Reception for Late Senator Warren Rudman

November 29, 2012 | 11:28 | Public Domain

Vice President Joe Biden delivers remarks at a memorial service for Senator Warren Rudman in the Russell Senate Office Building.

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The Vice President goes to Costco

November 29, 2012 | 1:28 | Public Domain

Vice President Joe Biden visits the grand opening of a Costco store in Washington D.C., where he was able to shop for some gifts, talk to shoppers and speak on the need for congress to extend tax cuts for middle-class Americans.

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Vice President Biden Goes to Costco

Megan Slack
Megan Slack
November 29, 2012
03:31 PM EST

Today, Vice President Joe Biden visited a newly opened Costco in Washington, DC. After picking out a few Christmas gifts and other items, he talked about the importance of extending tax cuts for middle-class families.

Vice President Joe Biden picks out children's books at the newly opened Costco store

Vice President Joe Biden picks out children's books at the newly opened Costco store in Washington, D.C., Nov. 29, 2012. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

“All the people you meet in here today and you see, these are hardworking folks who don't need to see their taxes go up,” he said.

But, if Congress doesn’t take action before the end of the year, the typical middle-class family will pay about $2,200 more in taxes starting in 2013.

“And so I think it’s important Congress acts now -- I mean right now,” Vice President Biden said. “All it has to do is take a single vote to extend the middle-class tax cut.”

Related Topics: Middle-Class Tax Cuts, Economy, Taxes

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
November 28, 2012

Readout of Vice President Biden’s Meeting with European Parliament President Martin Schulz

Vice President Biden welcomed the President of the European Parliament, the Honorable Martin Schulz, to the White House today.  The Vice President emphasized the importance the United States places on continued close engagement and cooperation with the European Parliament.  The Vice President and President Schulz discussed the economic challenges and opportunities facing the United States and the European Union, stressed the importance of the Transatlantic partnership, and highlighted their mutual desire to strengthen job-supporting Transatlantic trade and investment ties.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
November 26, 2012

Vice President Biden to Lead Presidential Delegation to Mexico to Attend the Inauguration of His Excellency Enrique Peña Nieto as President of the United Mexican States

President Barack Obama today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to Mexico City, Mexico, to attend the inauguration of His Excellency Enrique Peña Nieto as President of the United Mexican States on December 1, 2012.

The Honorable Joseph R. Biden Jr., Vice President of the United States, will lead the delegation. 

Members of the Presidential Delegation:

The Honorable E. Anthony Wayne, United States Ambassador to Mexico

The Honorable Hilda L. Solis, United States Secretary of Labor

The Honorable John O. Brennan, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism and Deputy National Security Advisor

The Honorable Roberta S. Jacobson, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
November 25, 2012

Statement by Vice President Biden on the Anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

 

Millions of women and girls around the globe face violence in their homes and neighborhoods, their schools and workplaces, refugee camps and conflict zones.  We have made progress in addressing this violence, and our Administration has taken unprecedented steps to advance the status of women and girls worldwide.  But for far too many women the daily threat of violence persists.  Ending this problem requires the concerted effort of the international community, civil society, and the many unsung heroes who work tirelessly to stop violence against women in their own communities.  On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we reaffirm our commitment to women and girls who suffer from violence.  We believe that no country can move forward unless women and girls have the opportunity to achieve their full potential, and we pledge to stand together in building a world where everyone can pursue their dreams without living in fear.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
November 20, 2012

Statement by Vice President Biden on the Passing of Warren Rudman

Warren Rudman’s passion for public service was clear to anyone who met him. He was a tenacious prosecutor, a courageous combat infantry commander, and a devoted Senator. He knew as much about the federal budget as anyone who ever served in this town – and it was always a privilege to work with him, and learn from him. I was proud to call him a close personal friend and confidant. He never let politics stand in the way of doing what was right, and that’s why he had the absolute respect of Republicans and Democrats alike. Today, our thoughts and prayers are with all of Warren’s family and friends.

Photo Gallery: Vice President Joe Biden Tours Hurricane Sandy Damage in New Jersey

Patty Hill
November 20, 2012
12:15 PM EST
  • The view from aerial tour of Hurricane Sandy damage of New Jersey's barrier beaches

    The view from aerial tour of Hurricane Sandy damage of New Jersey's barrier beaches (All official White House photos by Sonya N. Herbert)

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  • Vice President Joe Biden receives a briefing by Bob Fenton, Assistant Administrator for Disaster Response, FEMA

    Vice President Joe Biden receives a briefing by Bob Fenton, Assistant Administrator for Disaster Response, FEMA on the impact of Hurricane Sandy.

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  • Vice President Joe Biden is led on a tour by Seaside Park Mayor Robert Matthies

    Vice President Joe Biden is led on a tour by Seaside Park Mayor Robert Matthies of sand dunes that protected houses and property.

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  • Vice President Joe Biden is led on a tour by Mayor William Akers

    Vice President Joe Biden is led on a tour by Mayor William Akers of the damaged boardwalk, amusement park and pier in Seaside Heights, N.J.

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  • Vice President Joe Biden is led on a tour by Mayor William Akers of the damaged boardwalk

    Vice President Joe Biden is led on a tour by Mayor William Akers of the damaged boardwalk, amusement park and pier in Seaside Heights, N.J.

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  • Vice President Joe Biden gives remarks after touring the damaged boardwalk

    Vice President Joe Biden gives remarks after touring the damaged boardwalk, amusement park and pier following Hurricane Sandy in Seaside Heights, N.J.

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  • Vice President Joe Biden tours the PATH station of the Hoboken Terminal

    Vice President Joe Biden tours the PATH station of the Hoboken Terminal to view the Hurricane Sandy damage and recovery in Hoboken, N.J.

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  • Vice President Joe Biden tours the historic Hoboken terminal building

    Vice President Joe Biden tours the historic Hoboken terminal building and views photos taken during and after Hurricane Sandy in Hoboken, N.J.,

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See the full-size gallery

On Sunday, Vice President Biden traveled to the New Jersey Shore and the City of Hoboken to personally survey the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy and meet with first responders on post-storm response and recovery efforts. The trip began with a helicopter flight along the shoreline of Monmouth and Ocean Counties to provide the Vice President an overhead view of the destruction Sandy brought to the North Barrier Islands.  He was joined by Senator Bob Menendez, Congressman Jon Runyan, and New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno.

Once he landed, the Vice President received briefings at the Seaside Heights City Hall and Volunteer Fire Department by Seaside Park Mayor Robert Matthies, Seaside Heights Mayor William Akers of Ocean County Freeholder John Bartlett, Jr, Seaside Heights Fire Chief James Samarelli and Police Chief Thomas Boyd. Vice President Biden had the opportunity to meet and thank local first responders, many of whom had also lost their own homes during the storm. 

While the Vice President found the briefings to be very informative, putting boots in the sand was key to getting a full appreciation of the conditions on the island. As Vice President Biden surveyed the beach at Seaside Park, he was able to see first-hand how an “engineered” beach can diffuse the impact of storm surge waves, better protecting homes and businesses close to the shore. Representatives from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) discussed the range of federal programs available to address damage to public beaches. 

Patty Hill is a Special Advisor on Homeland Security
Related Topics: Homeland Security, New Jersey, New York

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
November 15, 2012

Readout of Vice President Biden’s Call with Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Nick Clegg

Vice President Biden spoke to Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Nick Clegg today to thank him for his congratulatory message following last week’s U.S. election.  The Vice President expressed appreciation for Deputy Prime Minister Clegg's friendship and the close and enduring partnership of the United States and the United Kingdom. The two also agreed to continue close cooperation between our two countries to strengthen the global economy and address a range of shared security challenges.

White House Celebrates Diwali

Posted by Danielle Borrin on November 14, 2012 at 04:43 PM EST
Vice President Joe Biden is presented with a shawl

Vice President Joe Biden is presented with a shawl after lighting the candle at the Diwali reception in the South Court Auditorium of the White House, Nov. 13, 2012. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

On Tuesday afternoon, for the fourth year, the White House celebrated Diwali, a holiday observed annually by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhist throughout India and across the world. Known as the “festival of lights,” Diwali offers time for both reflection and celebration. Its stories and rituals focus on the triumph of light over darkness and compassion over hatred. The day signifies the renewal of life and the promise of prosperity for the year to come.

Vice President Joe Biden greets Indian Ambassador to the United States Ambassador Nirupama Rao

Vice President Joe Biden greets Indian Ambassador to the United States Ambassador Nirupama Rao, at the Diwali reception in the South Court Auditorium of the White House, Nov. 13, 2012. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)