Biden’s UK digs, the Hyatt Regency London. Photo credit www.dailymail.co.uk
Sequester? What sequester? Vice President Joe Biden’s hotel bill last month for a two-night stay — one in London, the other in Paris — came to a cool million. It’s good to be king, even assistant king.
The expense first came to the public’s attention when The Weekly Standard obtained the State Department’s contracts with the two five-star hotels during a five-day European trip.
ABC’s Arlette Saenz reported:
One contract was awarded to the Hyatt Regency London for a total of $459,338.65 while another went to the Hotel Intercontinental Paris Le Grand for $585,000.50
While the figure may be eye-popping, a State Department official said these costs are par for the course in high-level international trips as they also include accommodations for staff, security details and military personnel.
“These costs are nothing out of the ordinary. They are in line with high-level travel across multiple administrations,” the State Department official told ABC. “The contract costs cover the entire range of support, including accommodations for military, communications, secret service staff, and other support professionals. Security experts are also required to travel in advance of the president or vice president. Safety and security are not negotiable.”
With a national debt approaching $17 trillion, government costs — including travel expenses for politicians and bureaucrats — have become fair game among journalists.
Last year, an Air Force spokesman disclosed to ABC’s news division that Air Force One’s operating expenses average $179,750 an hour.
The president was questioned last year about travel expenses by KMOV of St. Louis.
“The fact of the matter is, I think if you look at my track record, I’m raising a family here,” the president told the station. “When we travel, we got to travel through Secret Service, and Air Force One, that’s not my choice. I think most folks understand how hard I work and how hard this administration is working on behalf of the American people.”
Whether Obama works hard will always be up for debate. One thing is pretty clear, though: The State Department doesn’t use Priceline for hotel reservations.
About Michael Dorstewitz
Loading ...
I guess Biden didn’t receive Obama’s memo about the sequester horrors. According to a report, while the vice president was living high in Europe President Obama told reporters he was forced to move his mother-in-law out of the White House because of sequestration cut-backs. http://www.thedailyrash.com/sequester-cuts-force-obama-to-kick-mother-in-law-out
So, is there ANY reason they can not stay at a 3 or 4 star hotel? Is there any reason Obama can not use social media from his office instead of constant campaigning? Yes every president has had perks, BUT THIS ONE has increased our debt 2 fold.What I really want to know , is this a seperate budget? and is it necessary to travel with this big of an entourage?
So glad the government has so much extra money to spend. Oh, I forgot. They may suspend the Easter Egg Roll due to money restraints.
I guess that was our money well spent. Is there no shame anymore. You could have gone to a travel lodge and Lizard Lick Towing guy stood watch outside for a lot less. Your a disgrace and so is that boss of you, Michaell…
Lost my job in ’08 and was I unemployed for 3 years. Finally found a job making 70 % less and I’m grateful to have found it. Lost my home in the meantime and with current income very hard to keep the kids fed properly.
And these arrogant cocksuckers in office can take numerous vacations and spend 1M on hotel accommodations? Somebody needs to take these mother fuckers out.
It would be worth almost any amount if they went to Europe and just STAYED.
I understand that the expenses are extra because of who this jerk is, but why can’t he pay for half of it? I mean isn’t this the same crowd that says we all need to pay our fair share? I know they use the rich when it suits them but in the end they will come for all of us. C’mon Joe you jerk, spring for half of this bill. After all you need to pay your fair share!