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JANUARY 9, 2015

ROKITA HELPS SECURE PASSAGE OF STRONG, PRO-ENERGY KEYSTONE XL PIPELINE BILL

Congressman Rokita: “The Keystone XL project is a priority of mine because it would create jobs and increase economic growth in Indiana.  But it is also a priority for the nation, which is why it was considered as one of the first items of business in this new Congress.  Instead of continuing to obstruct progress, the President should listen to the people, do what is right, and approve Keystone XL. 

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Todd Rokita, as a new member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, helped secure passage of the committee’s flagship, bi-partisan legislation to approve construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. As the priority bill for the first week of the 114th Congress, Rep. Rokita stood for job creation, energy independence, and putting an end to President Obama’s politically-motivated delays and dodges to this important project.

“For six years, instead of saying yes to thousands of jobs and energy independence, the President has blocked the promise of the Keystone XL pipeline.  We must put an end to the games and gimmicks and move forward with this critical project.  Hoosier businesses stand to directly benefit from the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, including equipment suppliers like Caterpillar in Lafayette.  According to the State Department, the project will support more than 40,000 jobs and contribute $3.4 billion to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).  We simply cannot let this opportunity pass us by” said Rokita.

H.R. 3, legislation to approve the Keystone XL pipeline, passed with bi-partisan support (266-153).  The bill authorizes construction of the Keystone XL pipeline and declares that all legal and environmental requirements for the project are satisfied.  The bill now moves to the Senate for further review.

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