WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Dan Coats, R-Ind., and Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., spoke Tuesday following a vote on the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline.
The legislation failed to pass the Senate by a 59 to 41 vote, with 60 votes needed for passage. Last week, the House of Representatives approved an identical bill authorizing construction of the pipeline in a 252-161 vote.
Both Hoosier lawmakers were in support of the failed bill.
Sen. Coats said, “I’m disappointed but not surprised that this bill failed to pass the Senate,” said Coats.
“Once again, Senate Democrats blocked passage of this important legislation that would have resulted in new American jobs and increased our energy independence. Passing a Keystone XL pipeline bill will be a top priority of a Republican Senate in 2015.”
Donnelly said following his vote, “A strong energy economy is critical to both Indiana’s and our country’s economic success, and crucial to our national security.”
“As a longtime supporter of the effort to authorize the Keystone XL pipeline, I am disappointed the Senate failed to pass this bipartisan legislation. The Keystone XL pipeline would promote economic competitiveness and energy security for our country, so I will continue working Democrats and Republicans to push for approval of this commonsense project.”
