Senate Republicans Pack XL Pipeline into Highway Bill

“We can’t wait” for an “America built to last,” says the president who keeps shooting down a pipeline project that would ensure a safe flow of fuel from our allies in Canada to American markets for decades to come. Republicans in the Senate have other ideas.

GOP lawmakers backing the controversial oil pipeline plan to file an amendment mandating the project to the Senate transportation package Monday. It is unclear whether the Keystone measure  —one of scores of proposed additions to the highway package — will come up for a vote.

The pipeline is only “controverial” on the far left. Despite The Hill’s writing, a solid majority support the pipeline, and even a majority of Democrats support it. That’s “controversial”?

Sens. Dick Lugar (R-Ind.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and David Vitter (R-La.) plan to file an amendment that mirrors their recent proposal to allow Congress to require a permit for the project, although the legislation would still need Obama’s signature.

In the House, Republicans also plan to attach provisions mandating Keystone’s approval to their chamber’s transportation and infrastructure package that’s on the floor this week.