Congressman Scott DesJarlais, M.D. (TN-04) issued the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 5682, a bill to approve the Keystone XL pipeline:

“Although 59 percent of Americans support building the Keystone XL Pipeline, partisan politics in Washington have prevented this job creating proposal from moving forward. Despite bipartisan support in Congress, the Obama administration and his far left allies have actively worked time and time again to prevent its construction. The Keystone Pipeline represents new jobs for countless Americans and a reliable energy source from a trusted ally. Republicans in the House have sent bill after bill approving the Pipeline over to the Senate, where Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has consistently blocked them. With the election season over, it is beyond time for Senate Democrats and President Obama to do the right thing and allow us to move forward with this project.”

The Keystone pipeline would create over 42,000 jobs nationwide and reduce American dependency of foreign oil by 40%.