Pence postpones Mideast trip to mid-January, citing tax bill

WASHINGTON – Vice President Mike Pence on Monday postponed his trip to Egypt and Israel until mid-January, citing the need to preside over the Senate on a sweeping tax overhaul. His decision came amid an uproar in the Middle East over the Trump administration's decision to designate Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Pence will instead travel to the Middle East during the week of Jan. 14 so he can be in the Senate for Tuesday's expected tax vote.

Senior White House officials said the uncertainty of the timing of the Senate vote could have pushed back Pence's schedule in Egypt and Israel, and the vice president felt it was important to be in the Senate in case he was needed to break a tie vote.