Mike Pence actually said...

"Mike Pence, the vice president has put himself out here on this. He has made clear he wants to try and close this deal."

"I talked to General Flynn yesterday and the conversations that took place at that time were not in any way related to new U.S. sanctions against Russia."

"They did not discuss anything having to do with the United States decision to expel diplomats or impose a censure against Russia."

"We will defend that order upon which the region's progress, past, and future depends."