US Vice President Mike Pence will still head to the Middle East late Friday, despite the threat of a federal government shutdown looming over Washington, his spokeswoman said.

"The vice president's meetings with the leaders of Egypt, Jordan, and Israel are integral to America's national security and diplomatic objectives," his press secretary Alyssa Farah said.

"The vice president will travel to the Middle East as scheduled."

Pence's high-stakes visit was already delayed amid anger over President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Source: Alarabiya