Senator Lamar Alexander released the following statement on President Obama’s veto of legislation passed by Congress to approve the Keystone XL pipeline:
“There is simply no reason whatsoever for the president not to approve this project that will create thousands of jobs for American workers and put our country one step closer to energy independence. Our Republican majority allowed nearly double the number of roll call votes on amendments to this bipartisan Keystone XL pipeline legislation than Democrats did on all legislation in 2014, which is proof that Republicans are working to get things done.
And yet, the president decided to veto this legislation before he even saw it in its final form, instead of working with Congress.”
The legislation, introduced by Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and cosponsored by Senator Alexander, all other members of the Republican majority, and six Democrats, would allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the Keystone XL pipeline.
Representative Scott DesJarlais said, “President Obama’s veto of this bipartisan legislation makes it clear the White House is more concerned about partisan politics than American jobs. Not only would building the pipeline create more than 42,000 good-paying jobs, it would provide energy security by reducing our reliance on oil from unstable Middle Eastern countries. After conducting five safety and environmental reviews, the president’s own State Department determined the pipeline's construction is environmentally safe. I hope Congress will find another way to move this vital jobs project forward.”
Representative Tom Graves said, “The president’s veto of 42,000 jobs is appalling. After five safety and environmental reviews by the president’s own State Department, he decided to put partisan politics in front of all the families who would benefit from the good-paying jobs the Keystone XL pipeline would create. It is my hope that we can find another way to move this important jobs project forward.”