Hensarling Calls on Senate, White House to Put Americans First, Approve Keystone

WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), a leading conservative and chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, released the following statement on H.R. 5682, a bill approving the Keystone XL Pipeline.

“Our nation stands at a point where energy independence is within our reach, and North American energy independence is even closer.  The Keystone XL pipeline is an important part of our energy future and independence.  For the ninth time in four years, the House of Representatives has passed legislation that would approve the Keystone XL pipeline. Unfortunately, each of our previous eight attempts to provide relief to struggling American families through lower energy costs were blocked by Harry Reid and President Obama, who have put the agenda of their radical environmentalist allies ahead of the majority of Americans who support the pipeline and the thousands of jobs it would create.

“While I am encouraged by the change of heart some Senate Democrats seem to have had on this issue – regardless of the reason – it seems the White House is doubling down on their tone deaf response to the message voters sent on Election Day. I am hopeful President Obama will listen to the American people and his own State Department, rescind his veto threat, and join the people’s representatives in finally approving the Keystone XL Pipeline.”

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