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Thune, Rounds Support Failed Veto Override Of Keystone XL Pipeline

The United States Senate has failed to override the President’s veto of Keystone XL oil pipeline legislation. Wednesday afternoon, the number of lawmakers who voted to override the decision was 62. That’s not the two-thirds majority necessary for the measure to pass.

Last month President Barack Obama vetoed legislation authorizing construction on the Keystone XL pipeline, but the administration is still reviewing the pipeline proposal. Six years into consideration, United States Senators tried and failed to override the president’s veto of the nearly 1,200 miles of line.

The system would transport crude oil from Canada to Texas refineries. It’s slated to run through Western South Dakota.

US Senator John Thune voted to override the veto. He says the pipeline is a safe way to move oil that right now has to travel on railcars. Thune says Keystone XL construction would also create jobs.

"Because the benefits are so clear, we’re going to continue to push it. And what are the options for that? It might be an appropriations bill, where we could attach it as a rider to something the president really wants. It might be on an infrastructure bill. Who knows?" Thune says. "We’ve got some infrastructure bills coming up, a highway bill coming up either late spring/early summer, perhaps on an energy bill. I can’t predict at this point what it might be. All I know is that we’re going to be looking for opportunities to continue to push this issue forward and to put it in front of the president."

People opposed to the oil pipeline question its environmental safety and whether it would provide long-term economic benefits.

US Senator Mike Rounds also supported the failed attempt to override the president’s decision.

Kealey Bultena grew up in South Dakota, where her grandparents took advantage of the state’s agriculture at nap time, tricking her into car rides to “go see cows.” Rarely did she stay awake long enough to see the livestock, but now she writes stories about the animals – and the legislature and education and much more. Kealey worked in television for four years while attending the University of South Dakota. She started interning with South Dakota Public Broadcasting in September 2010 and accepted a position with television in 2011. Now Kealey is the radio news producer stationed in Sioux Falls. As a multi-media journalist, Kealey prides herself on the diversity of the stories she tells and the impact her work has on people across the state. Kealey is always searching for new ideas. Let her know of a great story! Find her on Facebook and twitter (@KealeySDPB).
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