WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats have temporarily stalled progress on a bill to approve the Keystone XL oil pipeline, the top priority of the Republican-controlled Congress.
The Senate voted 53-39 Monday to cut off debate on the bill, in a procedural vote. That’s short of the 60 votes needed.
The vote caps a partisan dispute over the time granted to consider amendments to the bill.
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wants to move to pass the legislation, which has enough support. Democrats argued they needed more time to debate additions.
Some Democrats who had supported previous bills approving the pipeline, including one of the bill’s current sponsors, helped filibuster the move to limit debate.
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Wow I have to admit I’m really surprised by this and glad to see it. I figured many Democrats would cave. And they will probably vote in favor of Keystone. But I’m glad to see them taking a stand against McConnell’s phony and dishonest claims to an “open amendment process.”
Praise the Lord!
We have absolutely no need to this new pipeline. With oil prices so low, t will be bankrupt (with we taxpayers left holding the debt) before the pipeline could even be completed.
With a vote of 53-39 it appears a few Republicans also stalled progress on the vote.
This isn’t payback to the do-nothing obstructionist Republicans, this is the blocking of a bad bill and terrible idea by any means necessary.
Its only the future of our planet that’s at stake.
If there is a market, the oil will flow. If a pipeline isn’t built through your city, will it go on a train through mine? It’s worth asking, and these are the questions the state department and administration are considering, by actually studying the problem.
When congress ask the president to take action without thought, and without real review, then they must be stopped.
In short, I will support the president if he decides to allow the pipeline, after careful thought and review. I will not support anyone who does this without thought.