[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 2]
[House]
[Page 1990]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         HOUSE VOTE ON KEYSTONE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, the House of 
Representatives is expected to vote on Senate-passed legislation--
something that has already passed out of the House--that would 
immediately authorize the construction and operation of the Keystone XL 
pipeline.
  For the past 6 years, President Obama has hidden behind political 
motives to delay a decision on the pipeline. While this administration 
has continued to engage in partisan politics, the American people have 
missed out on lower energy costs, thousands of new jobs, billions of 
new tax revenue, and a heightened level of energy security that would 
have been created by the pipeline's approval.
  As the father of an Army soldier who was wounded in the Middle East, 
I believe that we should do everything we can to end dependence on 
Middle East energy.
  This isn't about whether President Obama wins or loses. This is about 
doing what is right for the American people. The Keystone project is 
about ensuring a reliable energy source from our allies to the north--
Canada--while creating tens of thousands of American jobs in the 
process. Approving the Keystone XL will also help to substantially 
reduce our imports from overseas.
  Later this week, the President will have an opportunity to put 
politics aside, show real leadership, and sign the Keystone XL pipeline 
into law. Unfortunately, a veto threat still looms.
  Mr. Speaker, this country needs a responsible, affordable, and 
reliable energy supply. The American people deserve as much. The 
approval of the Keystone XL pipeline is a great first step.

                          ____________________