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An Oklahoma representative has stated he hopes for bi-partisan support for the Keystone XL Pipeline.
Rep. Dan Boren, a Democrat who represents the Second District, said in a statement Monday he would be supporting legislation drafted by Republican House Speaker John Boehner.
The legislation is a compromise that would place the issue of approval for the Keystone Pipeline in legislation on the payroll tax cut extension.
Boren said in the statement:
At a time when many are without work, it is time that we come together in a bi-partisan way to pass this legislation which will create tens of thousands of new jobs.
I commend the Speaker for including the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline that is supported by business and labor.
I also believe that this bill should attract votes from both political parties, because it takes initiatives supported by President Obama including the payroll tax cut extension and the extension of unemployment benefits, while also including initiatives supported by congressional Republicans like freezing federal worker pay.
Obama has said he will not support such legislation.
He told Canada's prime minister last week that all questions regarding the pipeline must be answered before it can be approved.
The line promises thousands of jobs, many of those in the Sooner State and a secure source of oil from Alberta to the Gulf Coast via the refinery in Cushing.
Nebraska Governor Dave Heinmen, a long-time opponent of the planned line, said Monday that he'd like to see the project move forward as soon as state officials agree to a new, acceptable route in Nebraska.
Pipeline developer TransCanada agreed to divert the 1,700-mile project away from the sensitive Nebraska Sandhills.
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