Local congressmen mostly vote for Keystone XL pipeline, but not Cartwright

Just in case you were wondering, here’s how the local guys who represent Northeast Pennsylvania in Washington voted on closing debate to allow for a separate vote on approving the Keystone XL pipeline.
In the Senate yesterday, U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey was actually a co-sponsor of the bill that would short-circuit the federal approval process and approve the project so obviously he voted yes, but so did his Pennsylvania colleague, Sen. Bob Casey.
“Sen. Casey voted for the Keystone XL because he believes that the project could create jobs and bolster energy security,” his spokesman, John Rizzo, said. “TransCanada has already agreed to purchase hundreds of millions of dollars of finished pipe and other products from United States manufacturers for Keystone XL. This project also has the potential to contribute to lower oil prices looking forward. He believes we must continue to grow the domestic energy supply to fuel the economy and increase our energy independence.”
Not the first time he’s backed hurrying the pipeline along either. In March 2012, when he was seeking re-election, Mr. Casey backed an amendment that would have speeded approval. He believes it would increase North American access to oil and create jobs. Many unions also back its construction, and I’m sure he’s heard from them. They are, after all, among his normal allies.
The House voted 252 to 161 last Friday in favor of approving the pipeline. U.S. Rep. Tom Marino, R-10, Lycoming Twp., voted yes, Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-17, Moosic, voted no.
Rep. Lou Barletta, R-11, Hazleton, still recovering from surgery to remove an artery blockage in his neck, did not get to vote, but his staff had inserted into the House record that he would have voted for it if he were there.
“The Keystone XL pipeline means jobs, specifically in the Pennsylvania manufacturing industry. It’s an important step toward energy independence and lower prices for consumers. The environmental impact of the project has been studied to death. There is really no reason – other than politics – to oppose the construction. At long last, common sense should prevail,”
The resolution to cut off debate in the Senate failed because it had only 59 yes votes, one short of the 60 necessary. The other 41 senators voted against cutting off debate. So there won’t be a vote on the actual bill until at least next year when Republicans take over the Senate. They have vowed to bring it up again.
Passing the bill could potentially end the federal agency approval process already underway, though legislative approval remains uncertain because President Barack Obama has hinted at a veto.
The Senate and House and lack enough votes to override a veto.
The pipeline is already partially built, but needs federal environmental clearance to finish the remaining 1,200 miles between Alberta, Canada, and Steele City, Neb. It is expected to create about 42,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to the State Department, but only 50 permanent jobs.
– BORYS KRAWCZENIUK