Cramer Outlines Next Steps for Keystone XL, Says President Should Welcome Amendments

Press Release

Today Congressman Kevin Cramer outlined the next steps for legislation to approve the Keystone XL pipeline. Cramer, who introduced the Keystone XL Pipeline Act which passed the U.S. House on January 9, said he hopes the Senate amendments provide President Obama the final language he needs to join the people's representatives in approving this important piece of transportation infrastructure.

"While the president is out of excuses to not sign the presidential permit, this enhanced version of my bill provides additional cover for him," said Cramer. "In fact, there is some real political currency that should be attractive to him."

Cramer highlighted the provision encouraging inclusion of the spill tax on oil sands bitumen and the Portman and Collins amendments aimed at energy efficiency as "enticements the president should welcome." In addition he said, "The statement that climate change is real and not a hoax is something the president should appreciate in anticipation of the Paris talks scheduled for later this year. I doubt he can get such a definitive statement from Congress in another context."

Cramer argues the construction of Keystone XL is good for job creation, national and energy security, public safety and the environment. In addition to creating 42,000 jobs and further establishing the North American continent as a price setter for oil, it would increase traffic safety, rail safety, and reduce emissions by removing 300 to 500 long-haul trucks from North Dakota roads. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources estimates greenhouse gas emissions are 1.8 times higher than pipelines for rail transportation, and 2.9 times higher for truck transportation.

On Tuesday evening, Cramer will testify in the House Rules Committee during debate on the rule to vote on the amended Keystone XL bill. Cramer expects the full House of Representatives to vote for final passage on Wednesday. After this point, the President will have ten days -- excluding Sundays -- to either sign or veto the bill before it automatically becomes law.

"The president says he wants to work with Congress on bipartisan legislation. This week we are giving him his chance to put his words into practice," Cramer added.

Timeline of recent events on the Keystone XL Pipeline Act:

January 6, 2015: Congressman Kevin Cramer introduces the Keystone XL Pipeline Act in the U.S. House
January 6, 2015: President Barack Obama threatens to veto Cramer's bill
January 9, 2015: Cramer's bill passes the U.S. House of Representatives on a bipartisan majority with 238 Republicans and 28 Democrats voting in favor
January 29, 2015: Senator John Hoeven's Keystone XL legislation passes the U.S. Senate. The legislation is identical to Cramer's bill, but the Senate adds several amendments

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