Hatch: Obama 'scaredy cat' about pipeline

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WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch attacked President Obama's delay in approving the Keystone XL oil pipeline, calling him a "scaredy cat" in an interview Friday.

The House approved a bill this week that extends the payroll tax cut and expedites approval of the pipeline from Canada, but the measure is unlikely to pass in the Senate where Democrats have a majority. Hatch argued pipeline construction would create jobs, The Hill reported.

"All we need is a president who will step up and start to lead and quit acting like some scaredy cat hiding in some closet in the White House," Hatch told Fox News.

Hatch called Obama "charming and bright" but no leader, saying he is "pushed around" by factions in the Democratic Party. Environmental groups oppose the pipeline while some unions favor it.

Speaker John Boehner said Friday the House will not approve a payroll tax bill without the pipeline, Politico reported. He said if one passes the Senate his caucus will amend it and return it.