Alexander Panetta The Canadian PressThe Keystone XL pipeline passed a major procedural hurdle in the United States Senate, receiving enough votes Monday to override a filibuster for the first time in the years-long dispute.
The chamber agreed to move forward with debate on a bill that would force President Barack Obama to approve the controversial Canadian oil infrastructure.
The vote reflects the power of the new Republican majority following the midterm elections, and is the first piece of legislation advanced in the new congressional session.
Similar legislation had never managed to attain the filibuster-proof 60 votes under Democratic control — and, on Monday, it cleared that hurdle with 63 votes.
The chamber agreed to move forward with debate on a bill that would force President Barack Obama to approve the controversial Canadian oil infrastructure.
The vote reflects the power of the new Republican majority following the midterm elections, and is the first piece of legislation advanced in the new congressional session.
Similar legislation had never managed to attain the filibuster-proof 60 votes under Democratic control — and, on Monday, it cleared that hurdle with 63 votes.