The Senate is about to vote on the Hoeven (R. N.D.)amendment to the Transportation Bill S1813 which approves the lans to proceed to construct the Keystone XL pipeline from Canada through North Dakota to the Gulf of Mexico. The amendment needs 60 votes to pass.
The Hoeven amendment is one of 30 attached to the Transportation Bill.
Republicans are misrepresenting the facts regarding where the oil will go and attempting to make this a National Security issue.
At long last, Democratic Senators are addressing the fact that the oil is for EXPORT and not for use in the US! And does not mean lower costs for American consumers.
While early reporting indicated the vote would be close, with Republicans expected to vote as a block, Senator Reid recently reported he has the votes to block passage of the amendment.
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The White House lobbying effort, including phone calls from the president to Democrats, signals that the vote could be close when it heads to the floor Thursday. The president is trying to defeat an amendment that would give election-year fodder to his Republican critics who have accused him of blocking a job-creating energy project at a time of high gas prices.
The amendment, proposed by Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.), states that Obama would have no role in such cross-border permitting decisions since, in this case, the pipeline would originate in Canada. The measure would need 60 votes to pass, and Obama has already lost two Democrats who back the proposal - Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Mary Landrieu - and is at risk of losing more moderates and vulnerable Democrats.
Read more: http://www.politico.com/...
Earlier today, Press Secretary this morning addresses Republicans attacks on President Obama lobbying Democrats to stand firm against Keystone.
Preaching to the Choir: NWF Keystone XL Factsheet
Tar Sands Action @TarSandsAction Today's vote is a turning point in a long fight. Last summer was another. Here's us on Aug. 20th, 2011: flic.kr/p/aeLVvu #noKXL
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11:40 AM PT: Reid: Democrats will kill Keystone amendment - The Hill's E2-Wire: http://bit.ly/... via @AddThis Keeping my fingers crossed. #NoKXL
11:48 AM PT: vote on collins amendment . we are getting closer...
11:49 AM PT: from lefty coastser in comments:
Wyden's Keystone amendment blocks any exports (2+ / 0-)
Keystone pipeline faces vote in Senate in highway bill
Senators will also vote on a proposal from Democratic Senator Ron Wyden that would block exports of oil from the pipeline, as well as refined products made from the oil.
Wyden said his amendment "puts teeth" into claims the pipeline would boost U.S. energy supplies.
"You see all over television, commercials and enormous sums of money spent by the advocates who constantly keep talking about how this is going to strengthen domestic energy security," Wyden said. "This amendment guarantees that.
Republicans take care of big money, for big money tak
12:10 PM PT: running late from expected 2:50 est
12:28 PM PT: Jamie Henn @Agent350
Good sign for #NoKXL: Senate rejects attempts to expand offshore drilling and delay/weaken EPA boiler regulations.
12:42 PM PT: Nelson amendment to Keystone discussion and vote
12:45 PM PT: BS from republicans misinformation on oil being for AMERICANS!
1:04 PM PT: HERE WE GO!
1:15 PM PT: Lieberman no! Snowe yes!