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“NORTHERN ROUTE APPROVAL ACT” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E753 on May 23, 2013.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
NORTHERN ROUTE APPROVAL ACT
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speech of
HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN
of maryland
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
The House in Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 3) to approve the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Keystone XL pipeline, and for other purposes:
Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this legislation, which is a transparent attempt to skirt federal law so that the majority can impose its own preferred outcome on the State Department's ongoing regulatory review of the Keystone XL pipeline.
Although my colleagues on the other side of the aisle make much of their professed commitment to regular order and distaste for earmarks, recent developments--including today's legislation--make clear that commitment is only as deep as it is convenient.
Regular order? We are now 37 days past due on delivering an FY 2014 Budget, and the majority still refuses to go to conference.
Earmarks? This legislation--which carves out numerous special exceptions for a single pipeline project benefitting one company--is clearly an earmark.
Mr. Chair, the decision as to whether to build the northern route of the Keystone XL pipeline should be made based on a complete and thorough evaluation of its impacts on our climate, energy security, water supply, job creation, air quality, balance of trade, human health and other relevant factors--not some hastily thrown together, ill-
considered and politically driven exercise.
I urge a no vote.
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