Vice president delays Mideast trip for possible tax deal vote
Pence also shortens trip, plans to leave for Egypt on Tuesday
WASHINGTON — Vice President Mike Pence will delay and curtail his upcoming trip to the Middle East to be on hand for an coming Senate tax vote and take into account the unwillingness of Palestinians and others to meet with him while in Egypt and Israel.
The White House said Thursday that Pence now plans to leave for Egypt on Tuesday so he can preside over the Senate during a likely vote next week on the Republicans’ sweeping tax package. Pence serves as president of the Senate. Pence also shortened the length of his planned trip to the region after Palestinian officials and leading Muslim and Christian clerics in Egypt said they would refuse to meet with him.
Pence had originally been scheduled to leave Saturday for Israel, following President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Pence spokeswoman Alyssa Farah said the vice president would now travel first to Egypt, then to Israel.
“Yesterday, the White House informed Senate leadership that due to the historic nature of the vote in the Senate on tax cuts for millions of Americans, the VP would stay to preside over the vote,” Farah said in a written statement.
Trump and Republican lawmakers are hoping for a vote early next week on a package of steep tax cuts for corporations and more modest cuts for families, a top Trump legislative priority. Republicans, who hold a narrow 52-48 majority in the Senate, can afford to lose just two votes while counting on Pence to break a tie.
White House officials said they do not expect to need Pence’s vote. But Republican Sens. John McCain of Arizona and Thad Cochran of Mississippi have missed votes recently because of health issues. Pence’s decision to preside over the Senate would ensure he’s available to cast a tie-breaking vote if necessary.
Pence also was forced to adjust his schedule in the Middle East amid protests from leaders over Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.