The XL Pipeline Should be Approved

Statement

President Obama, like all previous Presidents, faces many options and decisions on a daily basis. Often the choices he is given do not lend themselves to quick or easy resolutions. Occasionally, when faced with the need to make a tough decision President Obama has unfortunately chosen what is politically convenient over what is right for the American people. Recently, we have seen just such an example.

The proposed XL pipeline project would link oil sand fields in central Canada with refineries in Texas. If approved by the Administration, it would produce tens of thousands of permanent, private sector jobs right here in America. XL has bipartisan support in Congress, as well as the support of labor unions. An increase in oil production from Canada -- our largest trading partner -- will lower fuel prices for Americans. It would also lessen our dependence on oil from countries who don't like us very much. If built here, the XL pipeline will be constructed using the most advanced environmental technology available anywhere in the world.

President Obama is the only person who can approve the project at this point and so far he has opted not to move forward with it, initially pushing off a decision on it until after the 2012 elections. However, bipartisan legislation passed by both the House and Senate requires the President to decide whether he is going to allow the project to move forward. The ball is in the President's court and he needs to put the American people ahead of radical environmentalists and special interest groups. He should say yes to more jobs and lower energy prices for Americans by approving the pipeline.

Although I often disagree with the President on matters of policy, I have chosen to direct my energy in Congress to seeking bipartisan, business-based solutions to the problems we face -- rather than engaging in the overheated political rhetoric and name calling that too often paralyzes Washington. However, the President's recent inaction regarding the XL pipeline has been harmful to the American people and our economy. He must be called to account for it. This isn't about politics. It is about standing in the way of American job growth and further eroding the public trust in our government.

As always, I am ready and willing to assist President Obama where we can find areas of common ground. Those areas do exist. First, however, the President needs to back away from the over-heated rhetoric and political gamesmanship and do what is best for the American people.

The House will be back in session next week. Have a nice weekend.

Jim

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