Pence further delays trip to Middle East
Vice President Mike Pence will postpone his trip to the Middle East, which was scheduled for this week, until mid-January. Pence is delaying his travels because his vote could be crucial in the Senate's upcoming vote on a tax overhaul bill.
Republicans will only need a simple majority to pass their tax legislation, which looks likely, but in the event that the Senate reaches a tie, Pence would cast the tie-breaking vote. Acting out of caution for the vote, Pence has pushed back his trip.
"The largest tax cut in American history is a landmark accomplishment for President Trump and a relief to millions of hardworking Americans," Pence's press secretary Alyssa Farah said. "The Vice President is committed to seeing the tax cut through to the finish line. The Vice President looks forward to traveling to Egypt and Israel in January."
The tax bill is expected to come to a vote in the House Tuesday.