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Wilson Admonishes President Obama’s Veto of the Keystone Jobs Bill

February 24, 2015

(Washington, DC) – Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) today released the following statement on President Obama's veto of S.1, bipartisan legislation approving the Keystone XL Pipeline:

"With his veto of the Keystone jobs bill, the President has chosen to support partisan politics and the whims of liberal extremist fundraisers over American jobs. Despite the fact that a majority of Americans support building the Keystone XL Pipeline to create jobs and strengthen our nation's energy security, President Obama has blocked this critical infrastructure project that has been delayed for over six years. The veto clearly destroys jobs and promotes politics.

"I am disappointed that the President refused to support the priorities of the American people today with his veto. The most environmentally secure means to transport oil is by pipeline, and the Keystone XL Pipeline has overwhelmingly bipartisan support. I will keep fighting to get this project approved to grow our economy, promote energy independence, and create permanent jobs in South Carolina's Second Congressional District and across America."

Since 2010, the House has passed 11 bills to start construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline project. On February 11, 2015, the House passed S.1, the Keystone XL Approval Act, sending the bill to the President's desk.

In the Second Congressional District of South Carolina, nearly 500 employees of Michelin Tire Corporation in Lexington make the tires that are shipped to Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada to be used for oil sand recovery. MTU America in Graniteville produces the engines used for oil sand recovery, representing over 300 jobs in Aiken County.

The application to build the Keystone XL Pipeline was first submitted on September 19, 2008 – 2,349 days ago.

According to the State Department's Environmental Impact Statement, the Keystone XL Pipeline would support approximately 42,100 jobs (direct, indirect, and induced), and approximately $2 billion in earnings throughout the nation.

According to the Department of Energy, the Keystone XL Pipeline would be able to move up to 830,000 barrels of oil per day. This represents about half the amount the U.S. imports from the Middle East.

A recent CBS poll found 6 in 10 Americans support construction of the project.