WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. House of Representatives will vote this Friday on legislation authored by incoming Energy and Commerce Committee member Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) to authorize construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, marking the 10th House vote to advance the job-creating project. Cramer will officially introduce the bill when the 114th Congress convenes on Tuesday. The Senate is also expected to expedite consideration of Keystone.
“By passing this bill in the House and Senate with bipartisan votes, we can help provide the political muscle the president needs to finally approve this piece of critical transportation infrastructure, which will contribute thousands of jobs to the national economy and further our push toward national energy security," said Cramer.
“Jobs are job one - and we will soon find out if the president agrees. For years, the House has vigorously worked to get Keystone across the finish line - the project has been thoroughly debated and vetted by Congress and the administration. The American people expect us to govern, and this expedited bill to help kick off the new Congress will show that we mean business. After six years of foot-dragging, it’s time to finally say yes to jobs and yes to energy. It’s time to build," said Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI).
“It’s time to listen to the majority of Americans and approve construction of the Keystone XL pipeline," said Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA). “Pipelines are the safe, cost-effective energy lifelines that fuel our economy, and Keystone will provide a critical addition to our energy supply network. Without costing taxpayers a dime, this project will lead to thousands of new jobs and greater economic security."
“I am glad to be a part of this effort that will, hopefully, finally approve the Keystone XL pipeline. Only the most unreasonable among us continue to oppose this project. It is amazing that it has taken longer to get Keystone XL approved than it took to complete the Transcontinental Railroad, a project that was built by hand," said incoming Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee Rob Bishop (R-UT).
