Brooks Votes "Yes" on Keystone to Protect National Security and Lower Gasoline Prices

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) voted “yes” on H.R. 3, the Keystone XL Pipeline Act, which authorizes construction of the pipeline, creating tens of thousands of jobs while boosting America’s economy and national security.  According to the Department of Energy, the pipeline can deliver 830,000 barrels of oil a day to U.S. refineries, injecting our economy with billions of dollars. The Keystone XL Pipeline Act passed the House on an overwhelming 266 to 153 bipartisan vote.

Congressman Brooks stated, “The benefits to America of the Keystone XL pipeline are profound.  First, and foremost, oil imported from Canada via the Keystone pipeline is a much more strategically defensible and reliable energy source than is oil transported long distances via insecure shipping lanes from the always-volatile Middle East.  The Keystone pipeline decreases America’s reliance on Middle Eastern oil and that is a good thing for all of us.  Second, if the Keystone pipeline is not approved, Canada will sell its oil to America’s #1 economic competitor:  China.  America should take advantage of our friendly and long-time ally Canada’s generosity in a ‘win-win’ relationship.  It is folly to spurn our ally while, at the same time, giving China yet another economic advantage over America’s economy and American jobs.  Third, according to President Obama’s State Department, Keystone pipeline construction creates more than 42,000 badly needed, high-paying jobs across the United States and creates 117,000 new, permanent American energy production jobs once construction is completed.  Fourth, Canadian oil shipped via the Keystone pipeline increases the world’s supply of oil which, in turn, forces gasoline prices down.  As America’s recent economic expansion has proven, lower energy and gasoline prices are a good thing for the American economy and all Americans.”

Brooks continued, “Despite broad bipartisan support in the House, and expected broad bipartisan support in the Senate, President Obama threatens a veto of the Keystone pipeline.  I hope President Obama will reconsider a political position that placates fringe radical environmentalists and, instead, yield to the economic interests of America and the American people.  The Obama Administration’s own scientific evidence proves the Keystone pipeline is safe for the environment.  The Administration’s State Department has found the Keystone pipeline to have negligible environmental impact while generating $3.4 billion in annual economic activity and $55.6 million in annual and badly needed local property taxes.”

Brooks concluded, “Yesterday, the House passed a bill that protects American jobs being harmed by ObamaCare.  Today, the House passed Keystone pipeline legislation that protects America’s national security, lowers gasoline prices, and creates high-paying American jobs for American workers.  The difference between 2013 and 2014 is a November election wherein the American people voted out Senate gridlock and voted in bipartisan cooperation, economic growth, and better jobs for struggling American families.  I pray President Obama will heed American voters and join Congress in a bipartisan effort to make America’s future a better one.  President Obama can do that by approving the Keystone pipeline.”

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