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Keystone XL Hits and Misses In A Week

And Valley County Just Keeps On Waiting And Waiting And...

The highly charged debate surrounding the Keystone XL Pipeline, which could heavily impact Valley County, found approval and rejection in a week's time.

Last week on Friday, Nov. 14, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill of approval for the pipeline, 252 to 161. Rep. Steve Daines stated in a release that it took Canada seven months to pass the pipeline and it has taken the U.S. Senate and President Barrack Obama six years to move forward.

Incoming Rep. Ryan Zinke stated that the president has been putting politics before the needs of the American people.

The passing of the bill gave the U.S. Senate an opportunity to pass the bill on to the president, where many people believed he could have possibly vetoed the bill.

For those pushing toward the hopes of helping grow the economy and creating new jobs, they found themselves disappointed again on Tuesday, Nov. 18, as the vote failed in the Senate by just one vote, 59 votes in favor and 41 against. For a super majority to pass the bill, 60 votes were needed.

Environmentalists may be celebrating the decision by the Senate, but possible changes await as Republicans get ready to take control of the Senate in 2015. The number of votes needed to override a presidential veto is 67.

Sen. John Walsh released a statement shortly after the vote that the Senate failed and that he would continue to push for approval. Senator Jon Tester also released a statement in his disapproval of the failed legislation.

 

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