WASHINGTON — Vice President-elect Mike Pence returned to his old stomping grounds on Capitol Hill Thursday and met with political allies and foes.
Pence first gave remarks during a meeting of the House Republican Conference. The Indiana Republican, who chaired the conference himself while a member of the House, “shared greetings and expressed a desire for unity between the Trump Administration and both chambers of Congress to move America forward during the first 100 days of the Administration and beyond,” the Trump Transition team stated in a release.
Pence discussed an update on the Presidential Transition, which he currently chairs, saying lots of progress is being made on considerations to key appointments. Additionally, he asked for feedback and help from members of the Conference on more appointments in the weeks ahead, the transition team said.
Pence also reiterated that the incoming Trump administration will be dedicated to tax reform, tax relief, repealing and replacing Obamacare, securing the border, creation of jobs, national security and rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure.
Pence reaffirmed that the Trump administration will evaluate and repeal “unconstitutional Obama administration executive orders.”
“We’re going to move an agenda” focused on improving the military and bettering the nation’s economy, Pence told reporters following the meeting.
Pence later went on to meet with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and incoming Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. His final stop of the day was Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s office.
Calling her a “worthy opponent,” Pence said of Pelosi to reporters after their meeting, “I have great respect for you and for your service to your country and am pleased to be able to convey the respect of President-elect Donald Trump to you personally.”
Pelosi later told reporters that she and Pence discussed infrastructure and childcare issues. Pelosi also asked Pence to reconsider the appointment of Steve Bannon to the Trump administration.
After almost one hour with McConnell, Pence was taken on a tour by the Majority Leader of the Vice President’s ceremonial office behind the Senate chamber.
“They’ve known each other for a long time,” McConnell spokesman Don Stewart told reporters. “It was a good and productive meeting looking forward with things that need to get done. They’re ready to hit the ground running.”
