House passes Keystone XL bill

As expected, the House easily passed a bill to approve the Keystone XL pipeline on Friday — setting the stage for drama next week in the Senate, where supporters are inching close to the filibuster-proof majority needed to send the measure to President Barack Obama’s desk.

The White House hasn’t issued an official statement on the bill but has given every indication that Obama would probably veto it.


Friday’s House vote was 252-161. Supporters included 31 House Democrats — but not Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), who publicly backs the pipeline. Michigan Republican Rep. Justin Amash voted “present.”

( Also on POLITICO: GOP rules change may hit Ryan)

The Senate on Tuesday will take up identical Keystone legislation, which is being promoted heavily by Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) in advance of her Dec. 6 runoff election. But under a deal with Republicans, the bill that clears the Senate would be the House version sponsored by her runoff opponent, Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-La.).

As of Friday afternoon, Keystone supporters could count on backing from 59 senators, including every Republican senator and 14 Democrats. The latest was Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), whom Landrieu listed as a supporter during a conference call with reporters Friday afternoon.

The pro-Keystone side is still waiting for word on whether Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) or Angus King (I-Maine) will come down on their side. Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.), an avowed “no” on the bill as recently as Thursday, is also facing pressure to switch sides.

( Also on POLITICO: Bennet brings Senate's pro-Keystone count to 59)

One senator previously seen as on the fence, Minnesota Democrat Amy Klobuchar, said Friday that she’s voting no.

During a news conference in Myanmar earlier Friday, Obama scoffed at Keystone supporters’ arguments that the Alberta-to-Texas oil pipeline would be a major economic boon.

“I have to constantly push back against the idea that Keystone is either a massive jobs bill for the U.S. or is somehow lowering gas prices,” Obama said during his joint appearance with dissident leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The president also seemed to endorse the argument — pushed by Keystone opponents like billionaire Tom Steyer — that the oil moving through the pipeline would end up being exported abroad. “Understand what the project is, it will provide the ability for Canada to pump their oil and send it through their land down to the Gulf where it will be sold everywhere else,” he said.

This article tagged under: Environment

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