On the recordApril 18, 2012
I thank the chairman for yielding. I rise in support of the provision in this legislation to get the construction of the Keystone pipeline under way. For months, Members on both sides of the aisle have worked to impress upon the administration the urgent need for the Keystone XL pipeline project to proceed. Justification for Keystone as a safe and critical boon to private sector job creation and American energy security has not changed. This project, as we all know, carries with it thousands of jobs. It will still increase the Nation's capacity to transport crude oil by 830,000 barrels a day; and the State Department is still on record saying that the Keystone ``poses little environmental risk'' and will lead to ``no significant impacts to most resources.'' But, unfortunately, the administration's reluctance to proceed with Keystone has left some that question things on Keystone and some debate to begin. The unemployment rate is still above 8 percent. The U.S. still relies on the same sources of foreign energy, and a lot of Americans are asking why, why in the world can't we get this approved. I would urge adoption of this provision. The CHAIR. The time of the gentleman has expired.
