Press Releases

Washington, D.C. (May 23, 2013) – Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives voted for H.R. 3, the Northern Route Approval Act.  The legislation approves the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Keystone XL Pipeline, providing lower gas prices, reduced reliance on Middle-Eastern oil, valuable energy jobs, and investment in the U.S. Economy. 

Members of the Congressional Western Caucus released the following statements in response to the passage of this bill:

“For nearly half a decade, the American economy has suffered under slow growth, sky-high unemployment, and unending news of people without work and businesses closing down. For almost that whole time, a truly shovel-ready project has been available that would mean 20,000 new American jobs and 7 billion dollars in new investment for our economy.  This project alone will lower gas prices and reduce our dependence on unstable countries by providing 34.9 million gallons of oil per day—half the amount we import from the Middle East.  We can’t afford to delay one single day longer—let’s approve the Keystone XL Pipeline and give Americans jobs, economic growth, and a secure energy future.”

-          U.S. Representative Steve Pearce (NM-02), Congressional Western Caucus Co-Chairman

“The full House has recognized the job creating potential of this project. This is the opportunity to create thousands of jobs, to give a shot in the arm to communities in the West and Midwest, and to advance the cause of energy security.  Now it’s up to the Senate and this Administration to acknowledge what the rest of this country already knows: Keystone is the job creating economic boost our country needs. I call on the Senate and the President to make the right decision and finally put the Keystone pipeline in motion.”

-          U.S. Representative Cynthia Lummis (WY), Congressional Western Caucus Co-Chairman

“It’s been over 1,700 days since the initial permits for the Keystone XL pipeline were filed. That’s longer than it took the Greatest Generation to win WWII and longer than it took Lewis and Clark to walk the Louisiana Purchase and back. If signed into law, it’s estimated that my legislation will create up to 20,000 new jobs directly related to the construction of the Keystone Pipeline and another 120,000 indirect jobs will be created for companies like the one the President visited last week. Our nation of builders needs these jobs. I thank my colleagues for their support today because it’s time to build the Keystone XL Pipeline.”

-          U.S. Representative Lee Terry (NE-02)

“It took Canada just seven months to approve the Keystone XL pipeline. Meanwhile, Americans have been waiting four and a half years for President Obama to act.  If the President is unwilling to listen to the voice of the people, then the House will. It’s time to build the Keystone XL pipeline.”

-          U.S. Representative Steve Daines (MT- At Large)