Senate Approves XL Pipeline in Face of Veto Threat

The Senate has passed a bill approving the construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline.

Nine Democrats joined with 53 Republicans in green-lighting the measure, but Thursday’s 62-36 vote still falls short of the threshold needed to override a presidential veto.

The measure authorizes construction of the nearly 1,200-mile pipeline to carry oil from Canada to Gulf Coast refineries.

Critics say the project would contribute to global warming and also point to the recent Yellow Stone spill in Montana as an example of an overall increase in spills.

Supporters say the bill would create more jobs and boost energy security.

The House passed a similar bill earlier this month, but the president has threatened to veto the project.