Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I appreciate the comments that have been offered by my colleagues from South Dakota and North Dakota. They absolutely have it right in terms of the importance of constructing this pipeline. There is no question that we are in a dire situation in this Nation. We need the jobs, we need the oil, and this pipeline can take a significant step forward in both regards. I think the pipeline will be a huge help in those areas. But let me start by noting that I was a cosponsor of the first Keystone bill. I am also a cosponsor of the bill that Senators Hoeven, Lugar, and Vitter introduced just this past Monday, the bill we are talking about today. Here is a very important point for my State. In both cases, and specifically in reference to this bill, the effort was specifically crafted to safeguard the route selection process that is occurring in Nebraska. I thank my colleagues for recognizing that work and recognizing that Nebraska has a process that will near completion this August or September. They have worked very hard to take into account our issues, and their bill recognizes that the Nebraska effort will continue. They decided in our State--the Governor, the legislature, and TransCanada--to work on an alternative to the proposed route. Recognition occurred that the route through Nebraska involved some very sensitive land--the Sand Hills--and a very sensitive water supply--the Ogallala aquifer.…”