January 5, 2009
Posted: January 5th, 2009 06:07 PM ET
The Vice-president-elect will take a fact-finding trip to Southwest Asia for his final overseas trip as an outgoing senator.
The Vice-president-elect will take a fact-finding trip to Southwest Asia for his final overseas trip as an outgoing senator.

(CNN) - Vice president-elect Joe Biden will travel to Southwest Asia later this week on his final overseas trip as a sitting member of Congress.

In a statement released today, Biden's office said he was traveling with the bipartisan group in his capacity as outgoing chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

"The purpose of this trip is fact-finding: in the coming months both the Executive and Legislative branches will carefully review U.S. policy toward this region, and the trip will allow its participants to bring current and first-hand information to these reviews," said Biden spokeswoman Elizabeth Alexander.

Members participating in the trip include incoming Foreign Relations Committee chairman John Kerry, along with Democratic Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island Republicans Susan Collins of Maine and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

Biden's office also said the delegation "will make it clear to foreign leaders that they are not there to speak on behalf of the U.S. government, or convey policy positions for the incoming administration." Details of the journey will be released as the trip progresses, for security reasons.

Filed under: Joe Biden


Dean, Washington State   January 5th, 2009 11:09 pm ET

Joe, you will be in my prayers through this whole administration sir. God Bless you and your loved ones. Also, this is a kijnd of reply to the third guy down from the top who commented on this article...Paul from Ohio, please read the last sentence in the article sir. Here, I'll post it for you.

" Details of the journey will be released as the trip progresses, for security reasons. " <- this is why they stated Southwest Asia. :)

TCM   January 5th, 2009 11:07 pm ET

"...Joe Biden is going to make a great Vice-President. He is bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the new administration..."

YOU'RE KIDDING RIGHT? Perhaps he'll bring some original material along too...no, wait...he'll plagerize that as well....maybe he'll go to the local diner for some coffee, and write a memory or two...you know, the diner he mentioned in his debate...oops..forgot that it's been closed for 30yrs, Joe? He's a loser just like OBama...can't you libs recall the ONLY true thing he's said? "....Senator OBama doesn't have the leadership ability to run this country...."

Now, his "morals," and "self respect," have led him to be an "Uncle Joe..." what a freaking circus you libs have installed!

Roger KC   January 5th, 2009 10:28 pm ET

Maybe he cxan take Bush along and the two can get lost in some rainforest jungle.

JOHN   January 5th, 2009 10:21 pm ET

It will help!

Dan   January 5th, 2009 10:15 pm ET

THIS GUY HAS NO OTHER JOB AND WASTE TAX PAYERS MONEY FOR FOREIGN VISITS.

Mike Payton - New Boston, Ohio   January 5th, 2009 10:13 pm ET

Joe Biden is going to make a great Vice-President. He is bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the new administration.

Jan Illinois   January 5th, 2009 10:08 pm ET

"Hey Joe, Can I call you Joe?' Please give the Bush administration a lift over there Joe. Let's see, there will be Bush, Cheney,Rumsfeld, Rove, Powell, and Rice. Hope that's not any trouble to you Joe, Just make it a one way trip. I hear they have a much different way of dealing with officials who do great harm to their country!! Have a good trip, Joe.

Paul, Ohio   January 5th, 2009 10:06 pm ET

Define "Southwest Asia." Is this Afghanistan? Pakistan? India? Saudi Arabia? Israel/Palestine? Iran?

Maggie SC   January 5th, 2009 10:05 pm ET

Stay safe, Joe!!

John E.   January 5th, 2009 10:00 pm ET

Yes This will comfort the Vice President Elect Biden Since He'll be home (in the United States more cause everyone will want to meet the new President ( Now President Elect Obama ) It will be official wants the Electrol College votes confirms this last election. Yes China controls alot open doors and observing this process Can have many rewards.

Texas Teacher   January 5th, 2009 9:47 pm ET

Meka.... if the US was receiving incoming fire from a terrorist group in Mexico or Canada day after day after day... we would go in there and bomb them out.... Post Haste!

No country has shown more restraint that Israel! We have all got to stop humoring these terrorist groups.... they MUST be routed out or there can be NO peace in the world.

All they know is violence... *sigh* so sadly we have no recourse but to fight fire with fire. I hate that so many innocent people are being killed and mained in the process.... that is the hard part, and I am sure that is why Israel has used so must restraint so far.

Can't these countries in the Middle East see that these groups are NOT helping them, they are only hurting!?

The whole world would be there to help them, if those fanatics were not destroying their chance at peace... and Peace on Earth! I hope I am not being naive... but it is how I feel in my heart!

Texas Teacher   January 5th, 2009 9:39 pm ET

Doing exactly as he stated.... making a trip to observe.. and not dictate policy.... *shrug* Now what is wrong with that? :) I really like Joe Biden... I think he will do a great job as VP!

PhilV   January 5th, 2009 9:36 pm ET

Republicans dislike anyone who needs facts, updated facts, any kind of facts. They get by on GUT Feelings.

Facts,facts, we don't need no stinking facts.

Proud American   January 5th, 2009 9:35 pm ET

Well one thing you can say about democrats they do go to work. To bad the same can't be said about republicans, and the few who go to work screw up whatever their working on. We can't when/

Jon   January 5th, 2009 9:29 pm ET

Can you say junket?

HC4BO   January 5th, 2009 9:24 pm ET

Good looking man ...

voter   January 5th, 2009 9:22 pm ET

makes sense. collect the information which can be helpful in making policies in the new administration. smart move.

DAVE IN CA   January 5th, 2009 9:18 pm ET

perhaps if the muslim population is unhappy here with the u.s.backing Israel they should hop on a plane and head west to iran and join in on the demonstrations.... i wonder what they would say if someone fired hundreds of rockets into the burroughs that muslims live in in the u.s. would they want to roll over and put a stop to it.......

Osiris   January 5th, 2009 9:13 pm ET

What is going on here? That is supposed to be Hilary's job,
or isn't it?

Josiah Philips   January 5th, 2009 9:12 pm ET

Finally, a logic trip with perfect timing,now that we have a major war in the middle east i hope that the United States senator will meet with the both parties involved so as to fine a amicable solution to that.and also thru the vortex of economic instability for our best interest.Senator kerry is courageous as Biden ,and determined to talk down china current announcement to lower rates,which in turn hurts our dollar.I am hoping that US led senator team succed.

Ola Michael   January 5th, 2009 9:11 pm ET

Joe Biden has not made a lot of news recently – that good news. He has a good grasp of international affairs and the power of diplomacy. I hope his knowledge and fortitude is put to good use. Best wishes.

Ridgeway   January 5th, 2009 9:10 pm ET

Please, Lord. Let the birds eat the bread crumbs.

Josiah Philips   January 5th, 2009 9:07 pm ET

Finally, a logic trip with perfect timing,now that we have a major war in the middle east i hope that the United States senator will meet with the both parties involved so as to fine a amicable solution to that.and also thru the vortex of economic instability for our best interest.Senator kerry is courageous as Biden ,and determined to talk china current announcement to lower rates,which in turn hurts our dollar.I am hoping that US led senator team succed.

go   January 5th, 2009 9:07 pm ET

drink some wine with the republicans, find common ground, lord let there be peace and bi-partisanship

it is a small price to pay for an overseas trip

BGDRAKE   January 5th, 2009 8:59 pm ET

WHAT A BUNCH OF CHEEZY POLITICIANS! JUST SOME MORE OF THE ENDLESS WASTE OF MONEY AND WITH WHAT PURPOSE/ WE'VE HAD THOUSANDS OF FACT FINDING MISSIONS AND STILL DON't HAVE A CLUE ON HOW TO MAKE ALL OUR FRIENDS AND ENEMIES STOP HATING US, EXCEPT TO SCRAPE THE BOTTOM OF THE AMERICAN GIVE-AWAY BARREL, WHICH WE DID A LONG TIME AGO, AND WHICH OBAMMA WILL FINALLY TRASH THE BARREL.+

Biden's European Vacation   January 5th, 2009 8:58 pm ET

Why is the Vice President traveling overseas? This is a pleasure trip

Sadie2   January 5th, 2009 8:49 pm ET

Hey #44=Affirmative Action you are an idiot, just like the current village idiot that is running the country. You only wish Barack Hussein Obama was as stupid as your current President. Moron!!!!

Scott L   January 5th, 2009 8:48 pm ET

The scary part is, when BHO is impeached, Biden will become President. Man that is scary. Even scarier is if both of them get wiped out Pelosi becomes President. Holy cow that would be the worst.

Blue balloons   January 5th, 2009 8:07 pm ET

One president at a time, remember that, republican whiners?

Larry   January 5th, 2009 8:04 pm ET

Joe the VP,don't let the "door" hit ya in the A$$ on the way out.Don't bother coming back either,we've got enough problems here with out you.

elvera   January 5th, 2009 7:42 pm ET

Have a safe trip, Mr. Biden. Hurry back, we need you by Mr. Obama's side. You are a great team! I am eagerly waiting for January 20th.

ben, morgantown, wv   January 5th, 2009 7:42 pm ET

earle from florida, he's going to southWEST asia, not east asia.

Willy Brown   January 5th, 2009 7:41 pm ET

Please stay there

JK Ashburn, VA   January 5th, 2009 7:32 pm ET

Wait a minute, didn't he say during the campaign he knew all the facts and was an expert? I'll bet he's really going in order to scope out hotel accommodations for Hillary when she goes over (plus she'll need to know which way to walk when the shelling and sniper fire start, like they did in Bosnia).

Obama clearly has no purpose for him here.

My Friends, let me tell you,   January 5th, 2009 7:26 pm ET

At least Joe knows how to smile.The only time Cheney smiled was when he shot someone in the face.

Proud to be American   January 5th, 2009 7:21 pm ET

Don't forget Gaza.... it is a shame so many innocent people are dying... that Mr. VP Biden..... is simply wrong.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   January 5th, 2009 7:19 pm ET

How about doing so fact finding in Iraq and Afgan which we haven't had since the beginning of Bush's war and while you're at it bring our troops home.

Stay over there Joe----   January 5th, 2009 7:15 pm ET

there's nothing for you to do here-VP's don't count and never have.

Beck   January 5th, 2009 6:48 pm ET

Come on Joe, they need your help in Gaza, we can't just ignore the mess you and Obama are left with and we need to do the right thing for a change.

GiroGeezer, Calif.   January 5th, 2009 6:42 pm ET

Lindsey Graham is going also? To whom in Asia is he delivering a suitcase of money to?

#44 = Affirmative Action   January 5th, 2009 6:41 pm ET

Good, maybe he will stay there.

Steph   January 5th, 2009 6:40 pm ET

Have a safe trip Vice President-Elect!

brenda   January 5th, 2009 6:39 pm ET

whats to find out over there? anyone with college education can tell you from their couch that china rules america, there are abuses of human rights, a diet of rice and raw fish are good for you, you can only have two children per couple and porn is very popular. Duh.

bsmith171   January 5th, 2009 6:34 pm ET

how will he get back.

the man with two brain surgeries has an IQ approaching 75!
ted kennedy chose him for VP. NOT caroline.

Cheney   January 5th, 2009 6:34 pm ET

So!

Juan Grain   January 5th, 2009 6:33 pm ET

You better come back!

Mike Hunt   January 5th, 2009 6:33 pm ET

A transition team loaded with lobbyists...a cabinet already loaded with entrenched Washington politicians...and now Leon Panetta...yep, change you can believe in!

Melissa B ~ California   January 5th, 2009 6:32 pm ET

LIP,
You got too much of your own, give us a break. What's your point knocking Biden? Biden is better than most in Washington, and more honest.

Karen - Missouri   January 5th, 2009 6:24 pm ET

I hope his trip is successful. As for the post on Gaza...it's still up to Pres. Bush and Condi Rice to do some good. Right now they're not doing anything...but then no one in the Middle East trusts Bush...so it would be futile. As long as Hamas cares nothing about its people and continues to bomb Israel (and Hamas is at fault here to begin with), there won't be any peace until Hamas is gone. It's also up to the Muslim and Arab world to stand up to Hamas and quit waiting for someone else to solve their problems for them. I'm glad Israel is finally standing up for itself since the rest of the world looked away as Hamas kept bombing Israel.

Biden needs to find out about fair trade and human rights in SW Asia...right now there is NONE.

montag   January 5th, 2009 6:20 pm ET

I care about you, Joe Biden. And I'm willing to say something good about you, too.

You have nice teeth.

Apart from that...well...

Bill   January 5th, 2009 6:19 pm ET

Gee I wonder what capicity he will be traveling as??? US Senator or as the Veep elect???? hmmmmmmmmmm

james sherwood   January 5th, 2009 6:17 pm ET

I hope he goes to NE Sri Lanka as well. There some serious Genocide going on against Tamils there.

Phil of Colorado   January 5th, 2009 6:15 pm ET

Adding a last minute boondoggle is not a way to start the new administration.

Blue balloons   January 5th, 2009 6:10 pm ET

Meka, you go to Gaza. Jeesh. For that matter, Bush is our president right now, in case you forgot. So it would behoove him to send Rice if he wants to get his hands into this mess. We should be pushing for diplomacy and peace in the region, not joining in the fray.

FreeNLovIt   January 5th, 2009 5:57 pm ET

They have been mistreating Christians. Please visit the Human Rights Office first.

Meka   January 5th, 2009 5:36 pm ET

Please go to Gaza. Try to correct the Error's that the US has made.

Why do the People of Gaza still live under the Control of Isreal. On top of that, the People of Gaza are being denied HUMAN RIGHT'S!

The US is responsible for making sure that Human Right's are carried out . . . or STAY COMPLETELY OUT OF THAT SITUATION!

To Joe Biden:   January 5th, 2009 5:36 pm ET

I like your comment about V. P. Cheney

Kurt C.   January 5th, 2009 5:27 pm ET

I wonder how many Asian jokes Biden will tell on his trip?

Tim   January 5th, 2009 5:24 pm ET

His handlers need to make sure they have a big roll of duct tape to cover his mouth.

I'd stand behind him, with the sticky side facing me, so that I could react quickly.

LIP   January 5th, 2009 5:17 pm ET

Somebody leave a comment, please. Doesn't anyone care about me? Surely there is someone out there willing to say something good about me.
Respectfully,
Joe Biden

earle,florida   January 5th, 2009 5:10 pm ET

Finally,a logical trip with perfect timing,thru the vortex of economical instability for our best interest. Senator Biden is courageous,and determined to talk-down China's current annoucement to lower rates,which in turn hurts our dollar. I'm hoping his team suceeds,..

Bob   January 5th, 2009 5:05 pm ET

It's a freaking vacation at taxpayer expense !

carol   January 5th, 2009 4:55 pm ET

Have a safe trip Joe....looking forward to seeing you as our new Vice President a man with integrity, charm and good looks....what a contrast to Cheney now there was an absolute hideous man in every sense of the word. He can't leave quick enough for me!!!

Sue   January 5th, 2009 4:50 pm ET

Biden still wasting our tax money...

travel for our leaders can do nothing but help   January 5th, 2009 4:37 pm ET

every time they go out they will learn a little more about the world, increase communication, maybe drink some bottles of wine with their contemporaries from the opposite party and learn to get along with each other

got to be better than the last 8 years

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