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GOP Vows Pipeline Will Top Next Year's Agenda

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Senate Democrats killed the controversial Keystone XL Oil Pipeline bill Tuesday by one vote.

"On this vote the yeas are 59, the nays are 41, the 60-vote threshold having not been achieved, the bill is not passed," Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., announced.

The one-vote deficit to clear the House-passed measure was a big blow to Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., who needed to prove she can bring the oil to her home state before a runoff next month.

Landrieu is up against Republican Bill Cassidy, who sponsored a similar bill that passed the House last week.

"The main reason is it would signal a great sign that America understands that energy independence is possible for our nation -- is possible for the first time ever," Landrieu said. "It's a shame that this Congress has not delivered more in the last 6 years for the middle class. We say we try, but I don't think we try hard enough."

The project would move oil from Canada to the United States and eventually to the Gulf Coast. Supporters say it would create jobs and ease American dependence on oil from the Middle East.

But critics argue the drilling would be harmful to the environment and that much of the Canadian crude would be exported with little or no benefit for America.

Incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is promising the legislation will be at the top of the agenda next year.

"Keystone XL is just common sense," McConnell said. "It's a shovel-ready jobs project that would help thousands of Americans find work. It would increase our supply of North American energy, and it would do all that with minimal net climate impact."

All 45 Republican senators supported the legislation, while only 14 of 55 Democrats joined them.

The Obama administration and Senate Democrats have blocked a vote on the $5.4 billion pipeline for years.

Last week, the president strongly opposed the project.

"It is providing the ability of Canada to pump their oil, send it through our land, down to the Gulf, where it will be sold everywhere else. It doesn't have an impact on U.S. gas prices," Obama said.

In political terms, Republicans have the upper hand and will likely force a vote on the measure next year.

Meanwhile, the delays have caused friction between the U.S. and Canada, which needs infrastructure in place to export its growing oil sands production.

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About The Author

Charlene Aaron
Charlene
Aaron

Charlene Aaron serves as a general assignment reporter, news anchor, co-host of The 700 Club, co-host of 700 Club Interactive, and co-host of The Prayerlink on the CBN News Channel. She covers various social issues, such as abortion, gender identity, race relations, and more. Before joining CBN News in 2003, she was a personal letter writer for Dr. Pat Robertson. Charlene attended Old Dominion University and Elizabeth City State University. She is an ordained minister and pastor’s wife. She lives in Smithfield, VA, with her husband.