Harry Reid leaves door open to a vote on Keystone XL pipeline

[IDemo]

Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Tuesday left open the possibility of voting on legislation forcing the approval of the long-delayed Keystone XL pipeline that would link Canada’s oil sands to refineries in Texas.

“I’m open to anything that will move energy efficiency,” Reid said in response to a reporter’s question, referring to a bipartisan bill on promoting energy savings through revised building codes.

The Senate is expected to debate the efficiency bill this week. It is sponsored by Senators Jeanne Shaheen, a New Hampshire Democrat, and Rob Portman, an Ohio Republican.

The bill will likely be the last legislation debated on energy before midterm elections on November 4, and Reid’s comment suggested that a measure addressing Keystone approval could be added.

Read more: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/04/29/harry-reid-leaves-door-open-to-a-vote-on-keystone-xl-pipeline/

[h2ebits]

1. This is awful news

Have the Koch Brothers paid him off too or does he think that he can force Obama's hand to veto it?

[Drunken Irishman]

2. If there's a vote - not only will it pass, it'll pass with a veto proof majority.

[fujiyama]

3. I don't know if it will be quite that high

but it'll easily pass, especially being it's an election year with a lot of Democrats in a vulnerable situation.

[Drunken Irishman]

10. It takes 60, right? I can see 67 senators voting for it in an election year, sadly.

[joshcryer]

9. If not veto proof, damn close.

So for that reason I don't see Obama vetoing and it will pass with a single vote majority. Some liberal Senators need to keep their cred.

[blkmusclmachine]

4. If it happens, it's proof that the DC DEMS will do everything they can to lose to the GOP in Nov.,

by actively pushing away as many voters as they possibly can with their shameless, toxic, and deeply anti-Democratic pandering to Big Oil and the Koch's. I knew Reid couldn't be trusted.

[Nihil]

14. +1 (n/t)

[Samantha]

5. How would that be Constitutional?

The Senate and the House compose the Legislative branch of the government. Since the pipeline crosses an international border, the sole approval rests with the Executive Branch, the President of the United States.

How can the legislative branch usurp a power specifically delegated to the Executive Branch? It does not have the authority to approve or disapprove that pipeline crossing an international border.

Sam

[joshcryer]

7. They can draft a law allowing it.

Which is precisely what they're doing: http://www.chattanoogan.com/2014/4/29/275396/Alexander-Cosponsors-Legislation-To.aspx

Naturally Obama wouldn't veto it, but he could as a statement.

[otherone]

6. Oh no!

win one for the bad guys..

[joshcryer]

8. Trading Keystone for energy efficiency?

This do-nothing Congress wouldn't do it. But I know Reid is sincere since he knows Keystone is going to be connected (it's almost built as it is). This could be the last opportunity to get energy efficiency for 2-4 years (and that's assuming we could win back the House and keep the Senate).

[RandiFan1290]

11. That party really knows how to rally the base in an election year!

[deutsey]

12. Wonderful

[silvershadow]

13. The price of gasoline is at near-record highs right now around here, despite the glut in the market.

So, it would appear Keystone won't help prices at the pump one iota. If we are doing this just so Canada can sell on the open market, what's the point?

[heaven05]

15. It will be passed

no doubt in my mind whatsoever. Corporations and the financial/political power they wield rules every politician in the world.

[swilton]

16. I wonder

if this is a coincidence.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014792777

[Supersedeas]

17. the vote is coming...have you seen any television commercials in your area?