On the recordDecember 7, 2011
This is a project that is absolutely ready to go and will not cost the Federal Government one penny. It puts 20,000 workers on the job right away. The hurdle was the route through Nebraska, but we have now worked with the State of Nebraska. They have had a special session. They have set up a process to clear that part of the route. Our legislation says within 60 days after passage of this bill the route is deemed approved. That is after 3 years of process through the EPA. So we are ready to go. We have addressed the issues. We can put these people on the job now if we can get the Presidential approval. Mr. McCONNELL. In fact, I would say to my friend, the Senator from Nebraska is on the Senate floor with us right now. He could further underscore that the people of Nebraska, having now satisfied the concern they had earlier about location, seem to be ready to go.
