Pence Delays Mideast Trip Until January to Stay for Tax Vote

Vice President Mike Pence will not be traveling to Israel and Egypt this week, instead staying in Washington in case he is needed to break a tie on the GOP tax bill, Politico reported Monday.

It is the second delay of Pence's trip. He originally had been set to depart over the weekend, but put off departure until Tuesday when it appeared he might be needed as Republicans hammered out compromise legislation between the the House and Senate versions.

The Senate is set to begin debate on the compromise bill Tuesday.

"The largest tax cut in American history is a landmark accomplishment for President Trump and a relief to millions of hardworking Americans," Pence's office said in a prepared statement. "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."

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