[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 74 (Thursday, May 23, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E753]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      NORTHERN ROUTE APPROVAL ACT

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                               speech of

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 2013

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the state of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 3) to 
     approve the construction, operation, and maintenance of the 
     Keystone XL pipeline, and for other purposes:

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this 
legislation, which is a transparent attempt to skirt federal law so 
that the majority can impose its own preferred outcome on the State 
Department's ongoing regulatory review of the Keystone XL pipeline.
  Although my colleagues on the other side of the aisle make much of 
their professed commitment to regular order and distaste for earmarks, 
recent developments--including today's legislation--make clear that 
commitment is only as deep as it is convenient.
  Regular order? We are now 37 days past due on delivering an FY 2014 
Budget, and the majority still refuses to go to conference.
  Earmarks? This legislation--which carves out numerous special 
exceptions for a single pipeline project benefitting one company--is 
clearly an earmark.
  Mr. Chair, the decision as to whether to build the northern route of 
the Keystone XL pipeline should be made based on a complete and 
thorough evaluation of its impacts on our climate, energy security, 
water supply, job creation, air quality, balance of trade, human health 
and other relevant factors--not some hastily thrown together, ill-
considered and politically driven exercise.
  I urge a no vote.

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