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Article snippet: WASHINGTON — Vice President Mike Pence is pushing back his long-planned trip to the Middle East, his office confirmed Monday, citing the vote on the tax overhaul legislation this week. “The largest tax cut in American history is a landmark accomplishment for President Trump and a relief to millions of hardworking Americans,” said Alyssa Farah, Mr. Pence’s press secretary. “The vice president is committed to seeing the tax cut through to the finish line.” She added that Mr. Pence “looks forward to traveling to Egypt and Israel in January.” The decision also came amid mounting tension in the region over President Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. On Monday, the United States, using its veto power as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, blocked a Council resolution demanding that the Trump administration rescind its decision. Mr. Trump said that he had decided to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital to keep a campaign promise, noting that several of his predecessors had vowed to do so, but never did. The move outraged Palestinians, and Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, canceled a meeting scheduled with Mr. Pence in protest. The one-page resolution, drafted by Egypt, reiterated the longstanding position of the Security Council, in several resolutions dating back 50 years, rejecting Israel’s sovereignty over Jerusalem, a holy city revered by Christians, Jews and Muslims. The draft resolution also reiterated t... Link to the full article to read more