Biden and Holder Weigh On The Pirates

Vice President Biden and Attorney General Holder have both weighed in on the seizing of the US Maersk Alabama by pirates off the Somali coast.

"The FBI is assisting the Navy with a crisis team. The FBI is in touch with the people in the Navy to try and assist in that situation," Holder told reporters.

In reference to whether the pirates may face criminal charges in the United States, the attorney general said, "it is a little early tell, at this point. There has not been an act of piracy I think against a United States vessel in hundreds of years. So ah...I'm not sure exactly what would happen."

"What we'd have to do is make sure the maritime life of this nation is is protected. Is what we have to do," he elaborated.

Biden was also asked about the pirate situation during an event to promote stimulus spending.

"We're not going to settle that here. I think what you should do is contact Jim Jones and the White House," he said referring journalists to the national security advisor.

"This is being worked on 'round the clock since this happened. I'm not in a position right now to comment," he added.