Cheney's ME visit cut short
2005-12-20 19:32
Washington - United States vice-president Dick Cheney has cut short his swing through the Middle East to return to Washington in case he needs to cast the tie-breaking vote on key legislation, the White House said on Tuesday.
"He's returning early to be on hand in the senate to fulfil his constitutional duties as president of the senate, where he can cast a tie-breaking vote if necessary," said spokesperson Dana Perino.
Cheney's decision means he will not make scheduled stops in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. He has already been to Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Oman.
As president of the senate, the vice-president can cast the tie-breaking vote in the 100-seat chamber, though he is only rarely called upon to do so.
Lawmakers have been trying to wrap up work on key legislation and have set the stage for a senate fight over budget cuts, defence spending and the controversial package of anti-terrorism laws known as the Patriot Act.
- AFP