President Obama visits Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

President Obama, shown here addressing U.S. troops and their families at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in December, has threatened to veto legislation approving the Keystone XL pipeline. (Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

WASHINGTON

— One of the first items on the agenda of the Congress is approval of the Keystone XL pipeline to bring tar sands oil from Canada to Gulf Coast ports in the U.S.

The U.S. Senate on Monday is scheduled to vote on whether to consder legislation to approve the pipeline. Currently, that power rests with the White House because the pipeline crosses an international boundary.

In November, the Senate failed by one vote to get the 60 votes needed to approve the pipeline. New Jersey's two senators, Cory Booker and Robert Menendez, both Democrats, voted against the bill.

This time around, with Republicans in control of both houses of Congress, the pipeline is a top priority. The House approved the pipeline on Friday, with Reps. Donald Norcross (D-1st Dist.) and Albio Sires (D-8th Dist.) joining all six New Jersey Republicans in voting yes.

“Boosting American-made energy results in more American jobs and improved international relations," said Rep. Leonard Lance (R-7th Dist.) "This is a winning combination for our Nation’s economy, our national security and a centerpiece in our relationship with our ally, Canada.”

The State Department said that developing the oil sands would increase global warming, but that Canada will move ahead with the project whether or not the pipeline is built. Its report said construction would mean about 1,950 jobs a year for two years, with a $3.4 billion impact on the U.S. economy. followed by 50 permanent jobs once the pipeline is in operation.

Environmentalists oppose the pipeline, saying that developing the oil will increase the emissions contributing to global warming. The League of Conservation Voters calls oil made from tar sands "the dirtiest, most dangerous oil on the planet."

And the White House Office of Management and Budget said it will recommend a veto because the bill "seeks to circumvent longstanding and proven processes for determining whether cross-border pipelines serve the national interest."

Gov. Chris Christie endorsed construction of the pipeline on trade missions to both Mexico and Canada last year.

"We are missing an enormous opportunity when we delay development of the Keystone XL pipeline," Christie said in Mexico City in September. "It should be done today."

What do you think? Should the Keystone pipeline be built? Vote in our informal, unscientific poll.

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Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.