Red state Dems defect on Keystone pipeline
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Two red state Democratic senators signaled support Thursday for legislation authorizing the Keystone XL pipeline opposed by President Barack Obama, Democratic Party leaders, and influential Democratic donors.
Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D- N.D., told the Washington Free Beacon in a statement that she will support legislation passed by the House on Wednesday to approve construction of the pipeline if it comes to the Senate floor.
"Yesterday's vote on H.R. 3 in the House is another clear indication the majority of those in Congress believe it is time to move forward with the Keystone XL Pipeline," Heitkamp said.
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The legislation, authored by Rep. Lee Terry, R-Neb., would circumvent presidential approval of the project, which would carry crude oil from Canada through a 1,700-mile pipeline to refineries on the Gulf coast.
Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., also said she will support the bill, telling the Free Beacon, "our national and economic security will be bolstered with the construction of this pipeline."