WASHINGTON, DC - The House of Representatives today approved S.1, the Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act, by a bipartisan vote of 270 to 152. The legislation now heads to the president’s desk. Today marks the 11th time the House has voted to advance construction of the jobs and infrastructure project in an effort to overcome the administration’s endless excuses and delays.
S.1 would immediately authorize the construction and operation of the Keystone XL pipeline, mirroring the legislation passed by the House last month authored by Energy and Commerce Committee member Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-ND). S.1 also includes language to promote energy and cost savings in households, businesses, and the federal government, reflecting the committee’s bipartisan energy efficiency legislation that passed the House in the 113th Congress. Ahead of the vote, groups representing American workers and consumers lent their support to legislation that would finally get the Keystone XL pipeline over the finish line.
“The facts are in; the case is closed. Keystone is good for jobs. It’s good for the environment. It is safe. It makes us more energy secure. We should say yes to Canada. The only reason we are still having this debate after six years of review is because the president won’t simply make a decision," said House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI). “It shouldn’t be so hard to say yes to jobs, yes to safety, and yes to affordable energy. I urge the president to take a hard look at the facts and reconsider his veto threat. There is no good reason for him not to join with the Republicans and Democrats in Congress saying it’s finally time to build."
