Pence to delay trip to Middle East as Congress nears tax overhaul completion – report

US Vice President Mike Pence is delaying his weekend departure for the Middle East as Congress nears the completion of a tax overhaul, AP reports. White House officials say Pence now plans to leave for Egypt on Tuesday, so he can preside over the Senate during a vote on the tax package. Pence had planned to leave for Israel on Saturday. The trip follows President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Officials say Pence will travel first to Egypt and then to Israel. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had said he would not meet with Pence later this month due to the controversial US decision on Jerusalem.