Biden on Vacation at Camp David Despite Shutdown Talks

Vice President Joe Biden and his family are spending the long Columbus Day weekend at Camp David in Maryland, which may explain his absence from the budget talks over the weekend, according to The Weekly Standard.

Sen. John McCain was asked Sunday morning during an appearance on CBS' "Face the Nation" why the vice president hasn't been engaged in the negotiations over ending the two-week-long government shutdown and raising the debt limit.

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He replied that Biden, a former senator respected for his willingness to work across the aisle, might be someone who could help bridge the differences between the Republicans and President Barack Obama.

"Maybe we need to get Joe Biden out of the Witness Protection Program," the Arizona Republican said tongue-in-cheek on the program. "Because he has good relationships with [Republicans]."

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Biden, his wife Jill, and other family members were scheduled to be at Camp David through Monday, despite the government shutdown. The vice president and his family were accompanied by a Secret Service detail and a support staff.

None are being paid as a result of the government shutdown, but are working because they are considered to be essential employees, The Weekly Standard reported.