Vice President Pence postpones Israel trip in case he needs to break tie on tax bill

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Vice President Pence broke yet another Senate tie, this time killing a rule that allows class-action lawsuits against banks and credit card companies. USA TODAY

WASHINGTON – Vice President Pence is delaying a trip to Israel so he will be available — if needed — to cast the deciding vote on the GOP tax bill next week.

"We are so close to passing pro-growth, pro-jobs tax reform for hard working families," Alyssa Farah, Pence's spokeswoman, said in a statement Thursday.

Republicans hope to send their tax package to President Trump by early next week, but face a razor-thin margin in the Senate where they control 52 seats. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., opposed an earlier version but has not said whether he will vote for the final package. Some other senators have expressed concerns, and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., is in the hospital.

Pence, who is president of the Senate, will preside over the final vote instead of leaving for Israel this weekend.

Pence has already broken more ties in the Senate than seven of his last nine predecessors, putting him in position to set a modern record.

Pence most recently provided the final vote needed to block new regulations allowing consumers to sue their banks. That measure passed in October.

Pence previously cast deciding votes to:

• Start debate on a bill to roll back parts of the Affordable Care Act.

• Overturn a rule blocking states from denying family planning funds from Planned Parenthood.

• Start debate on the rule blocking states from denying family planning funds from Planned Parenthood.

• Confirm Betsy DeVos as Education secretary, the first time a vice president’s vote was needed for a Cabinet nomination.

Because Republicans hold just 52 of the Senate’s 100 seats, they can lose only two of their own if all Democrats side against them.

The vice president, breaks any ties.

Joe Biden never got that opportunity. Neither did Dan Quayle, Nelson Rockefeller or Gerald Ford.

Walter Mondale broke one tie. Spiro Agnew broke two. Al Gore broke four.

Pence needs only a few more opportunities until catching up to the seven deciding votes cast by George H.W. Bush, or the eight cast by Dick Cheney.

But opportunities can come in spurts. Cheney, for example, broke three ties in early 2003 and then wasn’t needed again until the end of 2005.

“Historically, there have been a number of periods where vice presidents have cast a number of tie-breaking votes over a relatively short period of time,” said Katherine Scott, associate historian of the U.S. Senate Historical Office.

John Adams, the first vice president, cast 12 tie-breaking votes over three months in 1790.

John C. Calhoun, the all-time record holder at 31 tie-breaking votes, cast nine of them in a four-month period in 1828.

Some tie-breaking votes are more noteworthy than others.

George Dallas of Pennsylvania had to vote against the coal and iron industries in his home state when he backed a tariff reduction bill. Knowing how unpopular that would be, Dallas dashed off a note to his wife, telling her to bring the family to Washington if she feared riots in Philadelphia would break out, according to Scott.

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Pence and Virginia gubernatorial candidate Ed Gillespie wave during a campaign rally at the Washington County Fairgrounds on Oct. 14, 2017, in Abingdon, Va.  Sara D. Davis, Getty Images

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Emma Perez, 9, left, and Summer Munoz, 7, hand Pence a case of bottled water as he helps load a container bound for Puerto Rico during his visit with volunteers working on the relief effort for victims of Hurricane Maria at the Iglesia de Dios church in Kissimmee, Fla., on Oct. 5, 2017.  Joe Burbank, AP

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U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley whispers to Pence during a Security Council meeting on United Nations peacekeeping operations on Sept. 20, 2017, at U.N. headquarters.  Mary Altaffer, AP

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Pence and his wife, Karen, tour the Flight 93 National Memorial on Sept. 11, 2017, in Shanksville, Pa.  Jeff Swensen, Getty Images

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Trump speaks with Pence as they walk through the colonnade at the White House before Trump departs for North Dakota on Sept. 6, 2017.  Nicholas Kamm, AFP/Getty Images

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Betty Clark, left, talks with Pence in Rockport, Texas, on Aug. 31, 2017, as he visited the area to reaffirm the federal government's promise of help for victims of Hurricane Harvey.  Rachel Denny Clow, Corpus Christi Caller-Times

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Pence meets with Venezuelan exiles and immigrants on the continuing unrest in the South American nation on Aug. 23, 2017, in Doral, Fla.  Jose Caruci, AFP/Getty Images

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Pence waves as he departs after speaking at the Young America's Foundation's 39th annual National Conservative Student Conference on Aug. 4, 2017, in Washington.  Alex Brandon, AP

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Pence and Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili attend a welcoming ceremony at the airport in Tbilisi, Georgia, on July 31, 2017.  Vano Shlamov, AFP/Getty Images

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Pence speaks at the the Ohio Republican Party State Dinner on July 22, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio.  Jay LaPrete, AP

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Pence accompanies Trump as the president sits in the cabin of a firetruck during a "Made in America" product showcase featuring items created in each of the 50 states on July 17, 2017, on the South Lawn of the White House.  Pablo Martinez Monsivais, AP

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Pence visits the Kennedy Space Center on July 6, 2016, and speaks to hundreds of NASA workers inside the Vehicle Assembly Building.  Malcolm Denemark, Florida Today-USA TODAY NETWORK

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Pence and South Korean President Moon Jae-in stand during the playing of the countries' national anthems during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington on June 30, 2017.  Saul Loeb, AFP/Getty Images

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Pence waves as he arrives in Miami on June 16, 2017, where President Trump announced a new Cuba policy.  Evan Vucci, AP

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Pence greets visitors in the Capitol Rotunda on June 6, 2017.  Jim Lo Scalzo, European Pressphoto Agency

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Pence speaks during an annual fundraiser for Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, on June 3, 2017, in Boone, Iowa.  Charlie Neibergall, AP

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Pence delivers the commencement address at the U.S. Naval Academy on May 26, 2017, in Annapolis, Md.  Win McNamee, Getty Images

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Pence speaks during the Notre Dame commencement ceremony on May 21, 2017, in South Bend, Ind.  Robert Franklin, AP

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Vice President Pence high-fives a boy as he speaks in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on May 9, 2017, during an event recognizing National Military Appreciation Month and National Military Spouse Appreciation Day.  Carolyn Kaster, AP

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Pence and his family arrive at Sydney International Airport on April 21, 2017.  Wendell Teodoro, European Pressphoto Agency

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Vice President Mike Pence is briefed near the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea, on April 17, 2017.  Lee Jin-man, AP

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Pence arrives on the steps of the U.S. Senate to preside over the confirmation vote for Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch on April 7, 2017.  Win McNamee

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Pence departs after a meeting with House Republicans on health care legislation on Capitol Hill on April 4, 2017.  Aaron P. Bernstein, Getty Images

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Vice President Pence delivers remarks at the American Israel Political Action Committee policy conference in Washington on March 26, 2017.  Pete Marovich, European Pressphoto Agency

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Pence speaks to an audience after a private listening session with small-businesses owners and local government officials at an envelope supply company in Jacksonville, Fla., on March 18, 2017.  Bruce Lipsky, AP

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Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin and Pence greet supporters at the Trane Parts and Distribution Center in Louisville on March 11, 2017.  Sam Upshaw Jr., The Courier-Journal

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Vice President Pence speaks to reporters during a news conference on Capitol Hill following a policy lunch on March 7, 2017.  Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

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House Speaker Paul Ryan gestures toward Pence on on Feb. 28, 2017, prior to President Trump's address to a joint session of Congress.  Pablo Martinez Monsivais, AP

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Former vice president Dick Cheney introduces Pence and his wife, Karen, at the Republican Jewish Coalition's annual leadership meeting at The Venetian Las Vegas on Feb. 24, 2017.  Ethan Miller, Getty Images

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Pence speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Md., on Feb. 23, 2017.  Susan Walsh, AP

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Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens and Pence view some of the damage done at the Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in University City, Mo., on Feb. 22, 2017. Over 150 headstones had been overturned by vandals.  J.B. Forbes, AP

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Pence meets with European Council President Donald Tusk at the European Council in Brussels on Feb. 20, 2017.  Emmanuel Dunand, AFP/Getty Images

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Pence and his wife, Karen, look at exhibit during a visit to the former Nazi concentration camp of Dachau in southwestern Germany on Feb. 19, 2017.  Thomas Kienzle, AFP/Getty Images

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Pence conducts the ceremonial swearing-in of new Alabama Republican Sen. Luther Strange, who replaces Attorney General Jeff Sessions, on Feb. 9, 2017.  Michael Reynolds, European Pressphoto Agency

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Pence presides over the Senate on Feb. 7, 2017, during the vote on Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. The Senate confirmed DeVos with Pence breaking a 50-50 tie.  Senate Television via AP

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Pence speaks at Congress Hall in Philadelphia on Feb. 4, 2017, on the Constitution, role of the judiciary and the Supreme Court nomination of Neil Gorsuch.  David Swanson, AP

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Trump and Pence stop to admire a Harley Davidson motorcycle parked on the South Lawn of the White House on Feb. 2, 2017, as they welcomed Harley Davidson executives and union representatives.  Pablo Martinez Monsivais, AP

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Pence speaks at the March for Life rally on the National Mall on Jan. 27, 2017.  Manuel Balce Ceneta, AP

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Pence speaks at the Republican congressional retreat in Philadelphia on Jan. 26, 2017.  Matt Rourke, AP

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The Pences arrive at the Liberty Ball at the Washington Convention Center on Jan. 20, 2017.  Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

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Pence signs confirmation paperwork for Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis after swearing him in as Defense secretary in the vice presidential ceremonial office on Jan. 20, 2017.  Kevin Dietsch, Pool, Getty Images

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The Trumps and Pences stand on the east front steps of the Capitol after the inauguration ceremony on Jan. 20, 2017.  John Angelillo, Pool/European Pressphoto Agency

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Pence talks with Trump at a news conference at Trump Tower on Jan. 11, 2017, in New York City.  Spencer Platt, Getty Images

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Trump stands with Pence during the presidential inaugural Chairman's Global Dinner on Jan. 17, 2017, in Washington.  Evan Vucci, AP

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Pence steps off an Air Force plane similar to the one he will use after being sworn in, as he, his wife, Karen Pence, center, holding cat "Oreo," and daughter Charlotte Pence holding "Pickle," arrive at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Jan. 9, 2017.  Alex Brandon, AP

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Pence leaves a press availability after speaking about Republican attempts to repeal Obamacare at the Capitol on Jan. 4, 2017.  Jim Lo Scalzo, European Pressphoto Agency

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Pence arrives to speak at a rally at the Orlando Amphitheater at the Central Florida Fairgrounds on Dec. 16, 2016, in Orlando, Fla.  Evan Vucci, AP

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Pence arrives at Trump Tower in Manhattan on Dec. 13, 2016.  John Taggart, Pool/European Pressphoto Agency

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Pence arrives with his wife, Karen, at Trump Tower in New York on Dec. 5, 2016.  DOMINICK REUTER, AFP/Getty Images

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Pence meets with Speaker Paul Ryan and incoming White House chief of staff Reince Priebus on Capitol Hill on Nov. 30, 2016.  Michael Reynolds, European Pressphoto Agency

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Trump and Pence arrive for a day of meetings at the clubhouse of Trump National Golf Club on Nov. 20, 2016, in Bedminster, N.J.  Don Emmert, AFP/Getty Images

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Pence and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi speak to reporters on Capitol Hill on Nov. 17, 2016, after meeting privately.  Andrew Harnik, AP

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Pence and his wife, Karen, arrive at the New York Hilton Midtown on Nov. 8, 2016, for Trump's victory speech.  Mandel Ngan, AFP/Getty Images

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Pence and Speaker Paul Ryan attend a get-out-the-vote rally at Field Park in Mukwonago, Wis., on Nov. 5, 2016  Pat A. Robinson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

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Jo-Ann Gleifert of Cocoa, Fla., takes a selfie with Pence on Oct. 31, 2016.  Tim Shortt, Florida Today

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Pence and Melania Trump watch the third presidential debate in Las Vegas on Oct. 19, 2016.  Joe Raedle, AFP/Getty Images

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Pence speaks during the vice presidential debate at Longwood University in Farmville, Va., on Oct. 4, 2016.  Saul Loeb, AFP/Getty Images

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Pence waves to the crowd along with former Virginia governor Jim Gilmore during a rally in front of the Colonial Capitol in Williamsburg, Va., on Sept. 20, 2016.  Steve Helber, AP

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Pence, Speaker Paul Ryan and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy speaks to the media in the lobby of the Republican National Committee headquarters in Washington, on Sept. 13, 2016.  Jim Lo Scalzo, European Pressphoto Agency

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Pence speaks to supporters at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota in Sarasota, Fla., on Aug. 31, 2016.  Eve Edelheit, AP

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In this photo provided by KYW Newsradio reporter Jim Melwert, Pence gets his hair trimmed by barber Henry Jones in Norristown, Pa., on August 23, 2016.  Jim Melwert, AP

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Pence addresses a rally in the Crystal Ballroom at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center in Milwaukee.  Cengiz Yar, AFP/Getty Images

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Pence eats a plate of Cincinnati-style chili during a campaign stop at Price Hill Chili on Aug. 6, 2016, in Cincinnati.  John Minchillo, AP

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Pence and Trump stand together on stage following Pence's speech during the GOP convention in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.  Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY

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Trump is greeted by Pence and family members after arriving near the site of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016, in Cleveland.  Evan Vucci, AP

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Donald Trump shakes hands with Pence during a campaign event to announce Pence as his running mate on July 16, 2016, in New York.  Evan Vucci, AP

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Pence and his wife, Karen, leave a meeting with Donald Trump at Trump Tower in New York on July 15, 2016.  Evan Vucci, AP

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Elijah Morgan, 11, shakes hands with Pence at the annual Three Rivers Festival in Fort Wayne, Ind., on July 13, 2016.  Samuel Hoffman, AP

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Donald Trump leaves the Indiana governor's residence Pence in Indianapolis on July 13, 2016.  Michael Conroy, AP

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Donald Trump and Mike Pence take the stage during a campaign rally at Grant Park Event Center in Westfield, Ind., on July 12, 2016.  Tasos Katopodis, AFP/Getty Images

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Pence speaks during a news conference before attending a concert on July 3, 2016, in Fishers, Ind.  Michael Conroy, AP

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Pence speaks during a news conference on March 31, 2015, in Indianapolis about the state's religious-freedom law.  Darron Cummings, AP

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Pence speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Feb. 27, 2015, in National Harbor, Md.  Alex Brandon, AP

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Pence speaks during the Republican Party State Convention at the Grand Wayne Center in Fort Wayne, Ind., on June 7, 2014.  Rachel Von, AP

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Mike Pence will be sworn in as vice president by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and will use Ronald Reagan's Bible.  Rick D'Elia, European Pressphoto Agency

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Pence talks to supporters before voting on Nov. 6, 2012, in Clifford, Ind.  Darron Cummings, AP

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Pence addresses an Americans for Prosperity "Cut Spending Now" rally on Capitol Hill on April 6, 2011.  Alex Brandon, AP

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Pence speaks to people gathered at the Capitol for a "Remember in November" rally to express opposition to government spending on Sept. 12, 2010.  J. Scott Applewhite, AP

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Pence and his wife, Karen, greet guests at the Indiana Society Ball in Washington on Jan. 19, 2009.  Heather Wines, Gannett News Service

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Pence talks on the phone on Nov. 15, 2006, in his office in the Cannon building on Capitol Hill.  Heather Wines, Gannett News Service

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Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, campaign at Parkside Elementary School in Columbus, Ind., on Nov. 2, 2004.  Joe Harpring, AP

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