Smith Applauds Keystone Pipeline Passage

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) made the following statement today after voting in favor of S. 1 to authorize construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. S. 1 passed the Senate prior to today’s vote in the House of Representatives and will now go to the President’s desk.

“With today’s vote to approve construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, President Obama will now be forced to make a decision on this important infrastructure project after more than six years of stalling,” Congressman Smith said. “Nebraskans overwhelmingly support building the pipeline, and even the President’s own State Department concluded it would not have a significant environmental impact.

“Congress has finished its work on Keystone to encourage investment in American energy and infrastructure. President Obama continues to bypass Congress through unconstitutional executive action, but for six years he has refused to exercise the lawful authority given to him by Congress to approve this pipeline. I hope the President will finally choose to stand with the majority of Americans who want to see this project completed.”

S. 1 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 270-152.