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GOP-led Senate fails to override Keystone XL pipeline veto

By Amy R. Connolly
Construction of a pipeline in North Dakota. Photo courtesy TransCanada
Construction of a pipeline in North Dakota. Photo courtesy TransCanada

WASHINGTON, March 5 (UPI) -- The Republican-led Senate failed to override President Barack Obama's veto of legislation that would have allowed construction of the Keystone XL pipeline from Canada to the Texas Gulf Coast.

The 62-37 vote fell short of the required 67 votes needed to construct the 1,179-mile pipeline that was anticipated to move up to 830,000 barrels of petroleum per day. Eight Democrats joined all Republicans in favor of the override.

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The completion of the pipeline has been a contentious issue for six years. Earlier this year, Republicans marked the Keystone pipeline as a top priority.

While the effort to override the veto was expected to fail, Republican leaders said they will push forward for approval. Supporters say the pipeline will create thousands of good-paying jobs, bolstering the U.S. economy.

"The Senate's failure to override President Obama's veto is a defeat for our economy and American workers," Sen. Dan Coats, R-Ind., said after the vote. "Obama and a majority of Senate Democrats have said no to creating new jobs and increasing our energy security. Despite support from the majority of Americans, this important pro-growth project remains in political paralysis."

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Critics have argued the pipeline will contribute the global warming and prolong dependence on fossil fuels.

"Why would we build a pipeline to bring filthy, dirty oil to our great nation, to our communities?" asked Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. "The only thing it helps, frankly, are the special interests in Canada."

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