Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. WEBER of Texas. I thank the gentleman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Keystone XL Pipeline
Approval Act.

It comes into my district, by the way. It comes into my district on
the gulf coast of Texas. Over 6 years has passed since the permit was
applied for. The iPad was not even introduced at that time. That is how
long it has been. In contrast, this Congress is acting in less than 2
months to approve the most studied pipeline in the Nation's history.
The President is creating jobs all right. It is called studying
pipelines so you can deny the permit.

The State Department has concluded that this pipeline will be safe
and environmentally sound. Indeed, that was the first amendment I got
passed on the floor of this House in Lee Terry's bill--the State
Department's own language.

The pipeline strengthens our relationship with an important ally, and
it creates thousands of jobs for the American people.

The other side is saying some funny things:

They say that drilling and oil production is at a 29-year high.
Great. Let's continue this process. Let's make it better. Let's make it
longer. I didn't even think about that. You are right. Energy
independence is right around the corner. You are onto something here,
so let's continue that;

The other side says there is danger from oil spills. The truth is
that the pipeline industry has a 99 percent safety rating. You cannot
say that about trucking. You cannot say that about rail. You cannot say
that about barge;

They say this is the umpteenth time the Republicans have passed this
bill. On November 4, as I recall, the Americans elected some umpteen
new Republicans. I think they are sending a message that they want
energy independence, that they want a change. They understand that the
Keystone pipeline means energy independence.

Yes, this House will pass this bill. We will send it to the
President. A little over a year ago, the President said, if Congress
wouldn't act, he had a phone and a pen, and he would. Now Congress is
acting, and he is saying: I have got a pen, and I am going to veto.

Which way is it, Mr. President? You can't have it both ways.

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Mr. WEBER of Texas. Maybe, if the people on the other side of the
aisle don't vote for this bill, we will get it passed, and the
President will veto it. Then maybe Americans will elect some umpteen
more Republicans.

It is time to move this bill and get it done.

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