Flores Votes to Approve Keystone XL Pipeline

Statement

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3, the Northern Route Approval Act, which removes roadblocks to allow for the approval and construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. Following passage of H.R. 3, Congressman Bill Flores (R-Texas) issued the following statement:

"With today's approval of the Northern Route Approval Act, the House has once again shown its leadership and dedication toward American energy security. The Keystone XL pipeline will allow the U.S. access to secure, stable oil supplies from a strong North American ally and our largest trading partner. It will also help greatly reduce our reliance on unstable Middle Eastern energy sources. As an original cosponsor of this legislation, I am pleased to see its passage as it is an integral piece in House Republican's plan to advance American energy security and economic opportunity.

"Building the Keystone XL pipeline will foster economic growth and create thousands of jobs for Americans. It has been over 1,700 days since TransCanada first applied for a Presidential Permit to construct this important energy resource. President Obama's inaction on this permit is preventing America from pursuing a real "all-of-the-above' energy solution.

"The president's policies have been unfair to Americans that are desperate to find jobs, for those families whose tight budgets are being hurt by the huge increase in gasoline prices during his presidency and to hard working taxpayers that are being forced to pay for his failed and wasteful programs like Solyndra. The House has taken a stand to enable common-sense solutions starting with the Keystone XL pipeline that will create American jobs and help grow our economy. House Republicans care about American families and opportunities for the future. If the president truely cares for our families, he will follow the leadership example of the House and approve the Keystone XL pipeline immediately."

Congressman Bill Flores represents the 17th District of Texas and is an entrepreneur, former energy executive, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and member of the House Budget, Natural Resources and Veterans' Affairs Committees.

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