Senate Pipeline Bill Advances Despite Veto Threat

The Republican-controlled Senate is moving forward with the Keystone XL oil pipeline bill, despite a veto threat from President Barack Obama.

The measure cleared the Energy and Natural Resources Committee Thursday, moving it closer to a vote by the full Senate.

The Senate bill has the backing of 60 members, enough to pass the full chamber.

Opponents say it could cause devastating damage in the states it runs through. But supporters say it will boost U.S. energy independence and the economy.

Republicans say Obama is derailing a bipartisan bill to improve the nation's energy infrastructure that the majority of Americans want.

"We have an opportunity to build on our reputation as an energy superpower that respects its neighbors, trades with its allies, and builds necessary infrastructure," Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, chairman of the Senate Energy Committee, said.

The $5.4 billion project, which would move tar sands oil from Canada to Gulf Coast refineries, was first proposed in 2008.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is calling on the president to rescind his veto threat.

"We're asking the president again today to do that by working with us to end the gridlock and get this job-creating infrastructure project moving," McConnell said.

The House is also poised to vote on its version of the bill, where it's expected to pass easily.