Washington, D.C – Today, U.S. Representative Steve Pearce (N.M.-02) issued a formal response to the President’s veto of the Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act. Approved by both the House and Senate with bipartisan support, the legislation would put an end to the lengthy and unnecessary delay of the Keystone project that has spanned over six years. Congressman Pearce issued the following reaction to the veto:
“The President was wrong to veto the bipartisan Keystone XL pipeline bill. His actions go against the desires of the American people for new jobs and increased energy security,” stated Pearce.
“Is the President opposed to putting Americans back to work? And he wants to continue importing oil from Venezuela?
“A recent report revealed that over 70% of the refined products derived from the crude oil transported through the pipeline would be consumed in the United States. We must not deny Americans the ability to access an increased supply of these products. I hope that the President will join with Congress in future attempts to create jobs and help hardworking American families,” concluded Pearce.
The House, on final passage, approved the Keystone Approval Act (S. 1) with a decisive, bipartisan vote of 270-152. In the Senate, the measure also received bipartisan support – passing 62 to 36.