Saturday, April 6, 2013

SHOCKER: Vice President Joe Biden Holds Off on Donating Salary

April 6, 2013

By Arlette Saenz


(ABC NEWS) - Vice President Joe Biden is not planning on donating a portion of his salary, eschewing the lead of President Obama and other Cabinet members who are giving up part of their salary as some federal workers face furloughs because of the sequester.

While he is not donating his salary right now, the vice president could forgo a portion of his salary in the future should his staff face furloughs down the road.

“The vice president is committed to sharing the burden of the sequester with his staff,” an aide to the vice president said.

Biden earns a salary of $230,700 a year as vice president, but his net worth is much lower than the president and some Cabinet members who have decided to donate a portion of their salary. The vice president and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, reported an adjusted gross income of $379,035 in 2011, and a 2011 Center for Responsive Politics analysis estimated the vice president’s net worth at approximately $337,000.

Asked by ABC News’ Jonathan Karl whether the vice president should follow the example set by the president and other Cabinet members, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said Friday, “We’re not setting expectations. But I think everyone, including members of Congress, can make a decision as they see fit.”


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