Jeff Denham: “The American people have had 5 years of studies, the longest studies that have happened on any pipeline in our Nation's…”

“The American people have had 5 years of studies, the longest studies that have happened on any pipeline in our Nation's history. What the American public are waiting for are the jobs that go with this. U.S. pipeline operators have safely transported oil sands crude for over 40 years. This is not a new concept. The 2011 Pipeline Safety Act further strengthens safety by increasing penalties for violations, authorizing additional safety inspectors, and granting new authorities to enforce the oil spill response plan. That was a bipartisan bill that we passed out of here just last session. TransCanada has agreed to 57 PHMSA conditions on the pipeline's construction and operation, which is expected to make it one of the safest ever constructed. I urge a ``no'' vote. I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Chu). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes appeared to have it.”