Congressional Roll Call Votes on the Keystone XL Pipeline

Congressional Roll Call Votes on the Keystone XL Pipeline

Congressional Roll Call Votes on the Keystone XL Pipeline

Updated June 7, 2019 (R43870)
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Contents

Introduction

House Roll Call Votes: 112th Congress-Present

Senate Roll Call Votes: 112th Congress-Present

Tables

Table 1. House Roll Call Votes on Keystone XL Pipeline-112th Congress

Table 2. Procedural House Roll Call Votes on Keystone XL Pipeline-112th Congress

Table 3. House Roll Call Votes on Keystone XL Pipeline-113th Congress

Table 4. Procedural House Roll Call Votes on Keystone XL Pipeline-113th Congress

Table 5. House Roll Call Votes on Keystone XL Pipeline-114th Congress

Table 6. Procedural House Roll Call Votes on Keystone XL Pipeline-114th Congress

Table 7. Senate Record Votes on Keystone XL Pipeline-112th Congress

Table 8. Senate Record Votes on Keystone XL Pipeline-113th Congress

Table 9. Senate Record Votes on Keystone XL Pipeline-114th Congress

Table 10. Procedural Senate Record Votes on Keystone XL Pipeline-114th Congress

Summary

TransCanada's proposed Keystone XL Pipeline would transport oil sands crude from Canada and shale oil produced in North Dakota and Montana to a market hub in Nebraska for further delivery to Gulf Coast refineries. The pipeline would consist of 880 miles of 36-inch pipe with the capacity to transport 830,000 barrels per day.

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) receives frequent requests for congressional votes taken on Keystone XL Pipeline legislation. This report provides roll call vote data on Keystone XL Pipeline legislation identified by CRS using CQ.com's Roll Call Vote Report database as well as the Congress.gov legislative database.

Roll call votes listed in the tables are broken down by chamber, Congress, and type of legislation—substantive votes (i.e., votes on amendments or passage of bills) versus procedural votes (e.g., votes to recommit the bill to a committee or to provide for the consideration of a bill). Votes are also listed in chronological order for each Congress.

This report is current through April 2019 (116th Congress) and will be updated as events warrant.

Introduction

TransCanada's proposed Keystone XL Pipeline would transport oil sands crude from Canada and shale oil produced in North Dakota and Montana to a market hub in Nebraska for further delivery to Gulf Coast refineries. The pipeline would consist of 880 miles¹ of 36-inch pipe with the capacity to transport 830,000 barrels per day.²

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) receives frequent requests for congressional votes taken on Keystone XL Pipeline legislation. This report provides roll call vote data on Keystone XL Pipeline legislation identified by CRS using CQ.com's Roll Call Vote Report database as well as the Congress.gov legislative database.

Roll call votes listed in the following tables are broken down by chamber, Congress, and type of legislation—substantive votes (i.e., votes on amendments or passage of bills) versus procedural votes (e.g., votes to recommit the bill to a committee or to provide for the consideration of a bill). Votes are also listed in chronological order for each Congress. No Keystone XL roll call votes have been recorded in the House or Senate since March 2015.

House Roll Call Votes: 112th Congress-Present

According to both CQ.com and Congress.gov, the House of Representatives first introduced Keystone XL Pipeline legislation in the 112th Congress. The first recorded votes in the House also took place in that Congress.

Table 1. House Roll Call Votes on Keystone XL Pipeline-112th Congress

Bill/Amendment No.

Vote Summary

House Roll Call Vote No.

Vote Results/Date
(yeas-nays)

H.Amdt. 720 to H.R. 1938

Amendment sought to add language describing an environmental finding, which states that the Keystone XL Pipeline would run through the Ogallala Aquifer and which would explain the risks involved with the proposed route.

Roll no. 640

Failed (164-260)

7/26/2011

H.Amdt. 721 to H.R. 1938

Amendment sought to strike paragraph 15 of the findings section, which says that analysis using EPA models shows that the Keystone XL Pipeline will result in no significant change in total U.S. or global greenhouse gas emissions.

Roll no. 641

Failed (164-261)

7/26/2011

H.Amdt. 722 to H.R. 1938

Amendment sought to include a finding stating that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Administrator testified at a congressional hearing and said that PHMSA had not done a study analyzing the risks associated with transporting diluted bitumen. The amendment also sought to require PHMSA to complete a review of the risks associated with transporting diluted bitumen, and whether current pipeline regulations are sufficient.

Roll no. 642

Failed (163-264)

7/26/2011

H.Amdt. 724 to H.R. 1938

Amendment sought to strike language in the findings section of the bill describing the pipeline's safety standards and replace it with language declaring that another pipeline operated by the applicant has leaked more than a dozen times in the United States and 21 times in Canada in less than one year of operation.

Roll no. 643

Failed (155-272)

7/26/2011

H.Amdt. 725 to H.R. 1938

Amendment sought to strike language in the findings section of the bill declaring that increased Canadian exports of oil to China would increase U.S. reliance on oil from other foreign sources, especially the Middle East. The amendment would replace it with language that would highlight conclusions by Canadian oil consultants saying the pipeline would allow crude oil from the Canadian tar-sands to be exported to other countries, particularly China.

Roll no. 644

Failed (152-275)

7/26/2011

H.Amdt. 726 to H.R. 1938

Amendment sought to allow for 120 days after the final environmental impact statement or no later than January 1, 2012, for the President to issue a final decision on the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Roll no. 645

Failed (161-265)

7/26/2011

H.Amdt. 727 to H.R. 1938

Amendment sought to allow a presidential permit approving the pipeline to be issued only if the applicant has received a certification from the Energy Secretary and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration stating that the applicant is prepared to respond to a "worst-case oil spill scenario."

Roll no. 646

Failed (168-260)

7/26/2011

H.Amdt. 728 to H.R. 1938

Amendment sought to require a study on the health impacts of increased air pollution in communities surrounding the refineries that will process oil transported through the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline before any approval of the pipeline could be granted.

Roll no. 647

Failed (163-263)

7/26/2011

H.Amdt. 730 to H.R. 1938

Amendment sought to block the President from issuing or denying a permit for the pipeline until the Energy Secretary, in consultation with the Federal Trade Commission, certified that permitting of the pipeline would not lead to manipulation of the U.S. oil market.

Roll. no. 648

Failed (164-261)

7/26/2011

H.R. 1938

Passage of the bill that would require the Administration to make a permitting decision on the Keystone XL Pipeline within 30 days after the final environmental impact statement is issued or by November 1, whichever is earlier. It would direct the President, working through the Energy Secretary, to coordinate with federal agencies to make sure necessary review stages are expedited.

Roll no. 650

Passed (279-147)

7/26/2011

H.R. 3630

In part, the bill would require the President to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline permit application within 60 days of the bill's enactment unless it is determined that the pipeline is not in the national interest.

Roll no. 923

Passed (234-193)

12/13/2011

H.Res. 501

In part, the resolution expresses the sense of the House that any final measure to extend the payroll tax holiday, extend federally funded unemployment insurance benefits, or prevent decreases in reimbursement for physicians who provide care to Medicare beneficiaries should include final approval of the Keystone XL oil pipeline.

Roll no. 949

Passed (226-185)

12/20/2011

H.Amdt. 932 to H.R. 3408

Amendment sought to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to review the results of the PHMSA study, as required by the bipartisan pipeline safety bill (P.L. 112-90), before issuing a permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Roll no. 55

Failed (173-249)

2/15/2012

H.Amdt. 933 to H.R. 3408

Amendment sought to ensure that if the Keystone XL Pipeline is built, the oil that it transports to the Gulf of Mexico and the fuels made from that oil remain in this country for use in domestic commerce. The amendment allows the President to waive this requirement if it can be shown that an export of the oil or fuels will not increase U.S. dependence on oil or fuels the United States buys from hostile nations; and that prices for refiners and consumers will not go up if the export occurs; or if an export is needed to comply with any international treaties or other U.S. agreements to export oil or fuels.

Roll no. 56

Failed (173-254)

2/15/2012

H.Amdt. 934 to H.R. 3408

Amendment sought to prohibit the issuance of a permit absent conditions that restrict the ability of the permit recipient from initiating or threatening to initiate proceedings to invoke the power of eminent domain against the will of a property's owner for the purposes of constructing or operating the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Roll no. 57

Failed (149-276)

2/15/2012

H.Amdt. 935 to H.R. 3408

Amendment sought to require that a permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline is not to be issued or deemed issued unless the permit applicant can certify and provide adequate documentation to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) that at least 75% of the iron and steel to be used in domestic portion of the pipeline is produced in North America.

Roll no. 58

Failed (193-234)

2/15/2012)

H.R. 3408

Passage of the bill would, in part, provide for approval of the 1,700-mile Keystone XL Pipeline and shift permitting authority for the project from the State Department to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Roll no. 71

Passed (237-187)

2/16/2012

H.R. 4348

Passage of the bill to extend the authorization for surface transportation programs would, in part, transfer authority to approve the Keystone XL pipeline project from the State Department to the FERC, which would be required to issue the permit within 30 days of receiving an application.

Roll no. 170

Passed (293-127)

4/18/2012

Source: Congress.gov; CQ.com's Roll Call Vote Report database.

Table 2. Procedural House Roll Call Votes on Keystone XL Pipeline-112th Congress

Bill/Amendment No.

Vote Summary

House Roll Call Vote No.

Vote Results/Date
(yeas-nays)

H.Res. 370

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1938) to direct the President to expedite the consideration and approval of the construction and operation of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, and for other purposes.

Roll no. 637

Passed (246-171)

7/26/2011

H.R. 1938

Motion to recommit the bill to the Energy and Commerce Committee with instructions that it be reported back immediately with an amendment that would direct the President to ensure federal agencies take any feasible step to prevent an increase in gas prices and limit seizures of American farm and ranch land. It also would add language to the findings section of the bill declaring that the applicant has threatened to condemn the land of farmers and ranchers along the pipeline route and has projected that the pipeline will increase oil prices.

Roll no. 649

Failed (181-248)

7/26/2011

H.R. 3630

Motion to disagree with the Senate amendments and request a conference on a bill (H.R. 3630) that would, in part, require the President to approve the Keystone XL oil pipeline within 60 days of the bill's enactment unless he certifies that doing so is not in the national interest.

Roll no. 946

Passed (229-193)

12/20/2011

H.R. 4348

Motion to instruct House conferees to insist on House-passed provisions that would transfer authority to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline project from the State Department to FERC, and provide that if FERC does not approve the pipeline within 30 days that it be deemed approved.

Roll no. 292

Passed (261-152)

5/18/2012

Source: Congress.gov; CQ.com's Roll Call Vote Report database.

Table 3. House Roll Call Votes on Keystone XL Pipeline-113th Congress

Bill/Amendment No.

Vote Summary

House Roll Call Vote No.

Vote Results/Date
(yeas-nays)

H.Amdt. 66 to H.R. 3

Amendment sought to add language to the findings section of the bill regarding the impact of the Keystone XL Pipeline on the development of crude oil, the projected increase in greenhouse gases, the impact to land and water resources, an assessment of the spill risk, and the projected safety of the pipeline.

Roll no. 169

Passed (246-168)

5/22/2013

H.Amdt. 67 to H.R. 3

Amendment sought to add a finding that the reliance on oil sands crudes for transportation fuels would likely result in an increase in incremental greenhouse gas emissions in the United States equivalent to approximately that of 4.3 million passenger vehicles. The amendment also sought to provide that the bill would not go into effect unless the President found that TransCanada or oil sands producers could fully offset the additional greenhouse gas emissions produced annually.

Roll no. 170

Failed (146-269)

5/22/2013

H.Amdt. 68 to H.R. 3

Amendment sought to prohibit final approval and construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline until a study of the health impacts of increased air pollution in communities surrounding the refineries has been completed.

Roll no. 171

Failed (177-239)

5/22/2013

H.Amdt. 69 to H.R. 3

Amendment sought to require that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, conduct a study of the vulnerabilities of the Keystone XL Pipeline to a terrorist attack and certify that necessary protections have been put in place.

Roll no. 172

Failed (176-239)

5/22/2013

H.Amdt. 70 to H.R. 3

Amendment sought to strike Section 3 of the bill (Keystone XL Permit Approval), which states that the Keystone XL Pipeline does not require a permit to cross the international border between Canada and the United States.

Roll no. 173

Failed (177-238)

5/22/2013

H.Amdt. 71 to H.R. 3

Amendment sought to remove the mandate to allow one specifically named company [TransCanada] "to never receive appropriate oversight through the permit process for operation and/or maintenance—in perpetuity, while allowing construction permit fast-track."

Roll no. 174

Failed (182-234)

5/22/2013

H.Amdt. 72 to H.R. 3

Amendment sought to lengthen the time period for a person to file a claim against pipeline operators from 60 days to one year.

Roll no. 175

Failed (182-234)

5/22/2013

H.Amdt. 73 to H.R. 3

Amendment sought to require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study and prepare a report of the Keystone XL Pipeline to determine the total projected costs of pipeline spill cleanup, including the potential impacts of a petroleum spill on public health and the environment and the quantity and quality of water available for agricultural and municipal purposes.

Roll. no. 176

Failed (185-231)

5/22/2103

H.Amdt. 75 to H.R. 3

Amendment sought to require that all oil and refined fuels transported through the Keystone XL Pipeline be used in the United States and not exported, unless the President finds that an exception is required by law or in the national interest.

Roll no. 177

Failed (162-255)

5/22/2013

H.R. 3

Passage of the bill sought to declare that a Presidential permit is not required for approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline's northern route from the Canadian border through Nebraska. Under the bill, environmental impact statements issued to date would be considered sufficient to satisfy all requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act, and the Interior Department and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would be deemed to have granted all the necessary permits. It would grant the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia exclusive jurisdiction regarding pipeline legal disputes. Claims would have to be brought within 60 days of the action that gives rise to the claim. As amended it would require TransCanada to submit its oil spill response plan and any updates to the governors of each state where the pipeline operates.

Roll no. 179

Passed (241-175)

5/22/2013

H.R. 2

Passage of the bill that would allow for construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline and require that more federal lands and offshore areas be made available each year for oil and gas leasing. It also would streamline the process for approving drilling permits and limit the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from fossil-fueled power plants under the Clean Air Act. It would prohibit the EPA from finalizing energy-related regulations estimated to cost more than $1 billion if the Energy Department determines that the regulations will cause significant adverse effects to the economy. It would block federal rules related to hydraulic fracturing for natural gas and set statutory deadlines for FERC and other federal agencies to act when considering certification or permits for the construction or expansion of natural gas pipelines. It also would require the Energy Department to expedite decisions on applications to export liquefied natural gas and establish a new system for the approval and permitting of oil and gas pipelines and electrical transmission lines that cross the U.S. border into Canada and Mexico.

Roll no. 515

Passed (226-191)

9/18/2014

H.R. 5682

Passage of the bill sought to immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline, including any revision to the pipeline route within Nebraska as required or authorized by the state. It also would consider the January 2014 environmental impact statement issued by the State Department sufficient to satisfy all requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act. It also would grant the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia exclusive jurisdiction regarding legal disputes over the pipeline or the constitutionality of the bill.

Roll No. 519

Passed (252-161)

11/14/2014

Source: Congress.gov; CQ.com's Roll Call Vote Report database.

Table 4. Procedural House Roll Call Votes on Keystone XL Pipeline-113th Congress

Bill/Amendment No.

Vote Summary

House Roll Call Vote No.

Vote Results/Date
(yeas-nays)

H.Res. 228

Motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and the possibility of amendment) on the rule (H.Res. 228) that would provide for House floor consideration of the bill (H.R. 3) that would declare a Presidential permit is not required for approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline's northern route from the Canadian border through Nebraska.

Roll no. 167

Passed (223-194)

5/22/2013

H.Res. 228

Adoption of the rule (H.Res. 228) that would provide for House floor consideration of the bill (H.R. 3) that would declare a Presidential permit is not required for approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline's northern route from the Canadian border through Nebraska.

Roll no. 168

Passed (228-185)

5/22/2013

H.R. 3

Motion to recommit the bill to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and report it back immediately with an amendment that would require TransCanada to pay for cleanup of oil spills on U.S. soil.

Roll no.178

Failed (194-223)

5/22/2013

H.Res. 748

Adoption of the rule (H.Res. 748) that sought to provide for House floor consideration of a bill (H.R. 5682) to immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline, including any revision to the pipeline route within Nebraska as required or authorized by the state. It also would consider sufficient the January 2014 environmental impact statement issued by the State Department to satisfy all requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act. It also would grant the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia exclusive jurisdiction regarding legal disputes over the pipeline or the constitutionality of this bill.

Roll no. 517

Passed (233-185)

11/13/2014

H.R. 5682

Motion to recommit the bill to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and report it back immediately with an amendment that would require that oil transported by the TransCanada Keystone Pipeline be considered crude oil for the purposes of determining its contributions to the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.

Roll no. 518

Failed (192-224)

11/14/2014

Source: Congress.gov; CQ.com's Roll Call Vote Report database.

Table 5. House Roll Call Votes on Keystone XL Pipeline-114th Congress

Bill/Amendment No.

Vote Summary

House Roll Call Vote No.

Vote Results/Date
(yeas-nays)

H.R. 3

Passage of the bill sought to immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline, including any revision to the pipeline route within Nebraska as required or authorized by the state. It also would consider the January 2014 environmental impact statement issued by the State Department sufficient to satisfy all requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act. It also would grant the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia exclusive jurisdiction regarding legal disputes over the pipeline or the constitutionality of the bill.

Roll no. 16

Passed (266-153)

1/9/2015

S. 1

Passage of the bill that would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline, including any revision to the pipeline route within Nebraska as required or authorized by the state. It also would consider the January 2014 environmental impact statement issued by the State Department sufficient to satisfy all requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act. It would grant the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia exclusive jurisdiction regarding legal disputes over the pipeline or the constitutionality of the bill. It would express the sense of the Congress that climate change is real.

Roll no. 75

Passed (270-152)

2/11/2015

Source: Congress.gov; CQ.com's Roll Call Vote Report database.

Table 6. Procedural House Roll Call Votes on Keystone XL Pipeline-114th Congress

Bill/Amendment No.

Vote Summary

House Roll Call Vote No.

Vote Results/Date
(yeas-nays)

H.Res. 19

Motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on the rule (H.Res. 19) that would provide for House floor consideration on the bill (H.R. 3) that would allow for the construction of the cross-border Keystone XL Pipeline.

Roll no. 11

Passed (240-180)

1/8/2015

H.Res. 19

Adoption of the rule (H.Res. 19) that would provide for House floor consideration of the bill (H.R. 3) that would allow for the construction of the cross-border Keystone XL Pipeline.

Roll no. 12

Passed (244-181)

1/8/2015

H.R. 3

Motion to recommit the bill to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and report it back immediately with an amendment that would require TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, L.P., to certify to the President that diluted bitumen and other materials derived from oil sands transported through the Keystone XL Pipeline will be treated as crude oil for the purposes of determining contributions for the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.

Roll no. 15

Failed (180-237)

1/9/2015

H.Res. 100

Motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on the rule (H.Res. 100) that would provide for House floor consideration of the bill that would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Roll no. 71

Passed (242-183)

2/11/2015

H.Res. 100

Adoption of the rule (H.Res. 100) that would provide for House floor consideration of the bill to immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Roll no. 72

Passed (248-177)

2/11/2015

S. 1

Motion to commit the bill to the House Energy and Commerce Committee with instructions to report it back immediately with an amendment that would require TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, L.P., to certify to the President that diluted bitumen and other materials derived from tar sands transported through the Keystone XL Pipeline will be treated as crude oil for the purposes of determining contributions for the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.

Roll no. 74

Failed (181-241)

2/11/2015

Source: Congress.gov; CQ.com's Roll Call Vote Report database.

Senate Roll Call Votes: 112th Congress-Present

Similar to the House of Representatives, both CQ.com and Congress.gov indicate that the Senate first introduced Keystone XL Pipeline legislation during the 112th Congress. The chamber's first recorded votes on Keystone XL took place in that Congress as well.

Table 7. Senate Record Votes on Keystone XL Pipeline-112th Congress

Bill/Amendment No.

Vote Summary

Senate Record Vote No.

Vote Results/Date
(yeas-nays)

S.Amdt. 1537 to S. 1813

Amendment sought to provide for approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline between Canada and the United States. It would require that the route for the pipeline in Nebraska be submitted by the state of Nebraska. It also would provide for certain environmental protections.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no. 34

Failed (56-42)

3/8/2012

S.Amdt. 1817 to S. 1813

Amendment sought to prohibit the export of crude oil transported by the Keystone XL Pipeline and related facilities unless the prohibition is waived by the President, and require the use of U.S. iron, steel and manufactured goods in the construction of the pipeline, with certain exceptions.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no. 33

Failed (33-65)

3/8/2012

S.Amdt. 1826 to S. 1813

Amendment sought to extend energy tax credit programs, excluding the production credit and the stimulus grant program that expired in 2011. It also would approve the Keystone XL Pipeline and expand oil and gas drilling in new areas, including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. Provisions would be partially offset by extending the federal employee pay freeze through 2013.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes

Vote no. 38

Failed (41-57)

3/13/2012

Source: Congress.gov; CQ.com's Roll Call Vote Report database.

Table 8. Senate Record Votes on Keystone XL Pipeline-113th Congress

Bill/Amendment No.

Vote Summary

Senate Record Vote No.

Vote Results/Date
(yeas-nays)

S.Amdt. 622 to S.Con.Res. 8

Amendment sought to create a deficit-neutral reserve fund to allow for legislation to provide for an analysis of the impact of approving the Keystone XL Pipeline, including whether it would raise oil prices, harm domestic energy security, use material not manufactured in the United States or adversely affect individual property rights, job creation or national security.

Vote no. 60

Failed (33-66)

3/22/21013

S.Amdt. 494 to S.Con.Res. 8

Amendment sought to create a deficit-neutral reserve fund to allow for legislation that would provide for the approval and construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline as long as the legislation's costs are offset without raising revenue.

Vote no. 61

Passed (62-37)

3/22/2013

S. 2280

Passage of the bill would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline, including any revision to the pipeline route within Nebraska as required or authorized by the state. The 2014 environmental impact statement issued by the State Department would be declared sufficient to satisfy all requirements for review under the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act. It would grant the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia exclusive jurisdiction regarding legal disputes over the pipeline or the constitutionality of the bill.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for passage of the bill to 60 votes.

Vote no. 280

Failed (59-41)

11/18/2014

Source: Congress.gov; CQ.com's Roll Call Vote Report database.

Table 9. Senate Record Votes on Keystone XL Pipeline-114th Congress

Bill/Amendment No.

Vote Summary

Senate Record Vote No.

Vote Results/Date
(yeas-nays)

S.Amdt.3 to S.1

Amendment no. 3 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 3 would direct the General Services Administration to establish best practices regarding energy-efficiency in commercial real estate buildings, including those that house federal agencies. It would require the GSA to incorporate energy-efficiency standards into its building leasing program for federal agencies. It also would establish a Tenant Star program to recognize energy-efficient tenants in commercial spaces. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Vote no. 6

Passed (94-5)

1/20/2015

S.Amdt.33 to S.1

Amendment no. 33 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 33 would cap legal fees on Endangered Species Act lawsuits. It would apply existing federal judicial standards in awarding costs to prevailing parties. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no. 7

Failed (54-45)

1/21/2015

S. Amdt.69 to S.1

Amendment no. 69 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 69 would bar the underlying measure from taking effect until the EPA, in consultation with the Transportation Department, establishes guidelines on the storage and transportation of petroleum coke relating to the protection of the public health and environment. It also would remove exemptions for petroleum coke, a byproduct of the oil refining process, under the 1980 Superfund law. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no. 8

Failed (41-58)

1/21/2015

S.Amdt.41 to S.1

Amendment no. 41 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 41 would exempt power plants that burn coal waste from an EPA rule on general emission limitations issued in August, 2011 or any subsequent rule on the matter. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no. 9

Failed (54-45)

1/21/2015

S.Amdt.29 to S.1

Amendment no. 29 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 29 would express the sense of the Senate that climate change is real. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no. 10

Passed (98-1)

1/21/2015

S.Amdt.87 to S.1

Amendment no. 87 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 87, as modified, would express the sense of the Senate that climate change is real and insert findings that the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline would not have a significant impact on the environment. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no.11

Failed (59-40)

1/21/2015

S.Amdt.58 to S.1

Amendment no. 58 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 58 would express the sense of the Senate that climate change is real and that human activity significantly contributes to it. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no. 12

Failed (50-49)

1/21/2015

S.Amdt.113 to S.1

Amendment no. 113 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 113 would express the sense of Congress that public land designations economically benefit local and regional communities. It would also express that designations of federally protected land should continue where appropriate and with consultation by local communities, elected leaders and stakeholders. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no. 13

Failed (55-44)

1/22/2015

S.Amdt.18 to S.1

Amendment no. 18, as modified, to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 18 would limit the designation of new federally protected land. It would require the Interior Secretary to consider whether the new protected land would have a negative impact on the administration of existing protected lands and that sufficient management resources are available. The amendment would not apply to congressionally-designated protected land or land acquisitions authorized by Congress. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no.14

Failed (54-45)

1/22/2015

S.Amdt.71 to S.1

Amendment no. 71 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 71 would overhaul the process for issuing drilling permits. It would require the Interior Secretary to provide a decision on whether to issue permits within 30 days after receiving applications, unless the applicant is given specific written notice of an extension. Applications would be considered approved if a decision or extension has not been made within 60 days, unless existing environmental reviews are incomplete. After 180 days, the application would be considered to have no significant impact on the environment and not likely to jeopardize endangered or threatened species. If a permit is denied, the amendment would require the Interior Department to provide specific reasons for denial and allow applicants to resubmit applications within 10 days. Permit denials would not be subject to judicial review. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote No. 17

Failed (51-47)

1/22/2015

S.Amdt.123 to S.1

Amendment no. 123 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 123 would express the sense of the Senate that Congress should approve a bill to ensure that all forms of bitumen or synthetic crude oil, also known as oil sands, are subject to the excise tax associated with the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund. It would also express that it is necessary for Congress to approve a bill because in 2011 the IRS determined that certain petroleum is not subject to the excise tax. It would urge the House of Representatives to consider and refer legislation to the Senate clarifying that all forms of bitumen or synthetic crude oil are subject to the excise tax. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no. 18

Passed (75-23)

1/22/2015

S.Amdt.27 to S.1

Amendment no. 27 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 27 would classify oil sands as crude oil for excise tax purposes. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no. 19

Failed (50-47)

1/22/2015

S.Amdt.78 to S.1

Amendment no. 78, as modified, to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 78 would express the sense of the Senate that the November 2014 U.S.-China greenhouse gas emissions agreement is economically unfair and environmentally irresponsible and has no force and effect. The amendment would note that such international agreements require the advice and consent of the Senate and urge that the United States not sign any agreement that would result in serious economic harm or impose disparate greenhouse gas commitments for the United States and other countries. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no. 20

Failed (51-46)

1/22/2015

S.Amdt.126 to S.1

Amendment no. 126, as modified, to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 126 would clarify that private land or an interest in private land for the Keystone XL Pipeline and facilities may only be acquired consistent with the U.S. Constitution. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Vote no. 21

Passed (64-33)

1/22/2015

S.Amdt.72 to S.1

Amendment no. 72, as modified, to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 72 would prohibit the use of eminent domain for Trans-Canada to acquire private land for the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline and facilities. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Vote no. 22

Failed (43-54)

1/22/2015

S.Amdt.75 to S.1

Amendment no. 75 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 75 would require the President to provide an analysis of potential health risks to communities that rely on drinking water from a source that may be affected by an oil sands spill from the Keystone XL Pipeline. A governor of the affected state could petition the President that the pipeline not be located in the affected locality. Property owners of water wells tapped into an aquifer above the pipeline could also sue for damages if their wells were contaminated by the pipeline. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no.31

Failed (36-62)

1/28/2015

S.Amdt.70 to S.1

Amendment no. 70 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 70 would prohibit construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline until PHMSA certifies that the agency has sufficient resources to carry out duties for pipelines in the Great Lakes. The amendment would also require PHMSA to conduct a study and submit to Congress recommendations for any special conditions for pipelines in the Great Lakes. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no.32

Failed (40-58)

1/28/2015

S.Amdt.23 to S.1

Amendment no. 23 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 23 would direct the Energy Department to establish a program that would provide rebates to individuals and entities for the purchase and installation of solar panels for residential and commercial properties. The amendment would reimburse eligible recipients 15% of initial capital costs or $10,000, whichever is less. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no. 33

Failed (40-58)

1/28/2015

S.Amdt.15 to S.1

Amendment no. 15 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 15 would provide for an expedited application and approval process for the export of liquid natural gas to World Trade Organization member countries. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no. 34

Failed (53-45)

1/28/2015

S.Amdt.73 to S.1

Amendment no. 73 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 73 would remove the lesser prairie-chicken from the threatened species list under the Endangered Species Act. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no. 35

Failed (55-44)

1/28/2015

S.Amdt.148 to S.1

Amendment no. 148 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 148 would require campaign finance disclosures for individuals or entities that make more than $1 million in revenues from oil sands production. The amendment would require the identification of individuals making disbursements and candidates or businesses receiving transfers. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no. 36

Failed (44-52)

1/28/2015

S.Amdt.132 to S.1

Amendment no. 132 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 132 would express the sense of Congress that national monuments should be subject to consultation with local governments within the boundaries of the proposed location and approval by the state where the monument is to be located. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no. 37

Failed (50-47)

1/28/2015

S.Amdt.115 to S.1

Amendment no. 115 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 115 would express the sense of Congress that climate change is impacting the safety and reliability of infrastructure systems in the United States and it is necessary for the federal government to mitigate the effects of climate change by offering insurance programs and coordinating with states to develop climate resilient projects. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no. 38

Failed (47-51)

1/28/2015

S.Amdt.166 to S.1

Amendment no. 166 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 166 would require the release of wilderness study areas if Congress has not designated the land as wilderness within one calendar year of receiving the recommendation from the Interior Department. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no. 39

Failed (50-48)

1/28/2015

S.Amdt.133 to S.1

Amendment no. 133 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 133 would express the sense of Congress that the production tax credit should be extended until January 1, 2020, for facilities that use wind energy technology for electricity. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no. 40

Failed (47-51)

1/28/2015

S.Amdt.48 to S.1

Amendment no. 48 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 48 would remove exemptions of fracking and natural gas storage from regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The amendment would clarify that the definition of underground injections includes the underground storage of natural gas and hydraulic fracking fluids. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no. 41

Failed (35-63)

1/28/2015

S.Amdt.246 to S.1

Amendment no. 246 would express the sense of Congress that the Land and Water Conservation Fund plays a vital role in improving wildlife habitat and increasing recreational opportunities on public land. The amendment also would state that reauthorizing the Land and Water Conservation Fund should be a top priority and should include improvements to effectively manage federal lands.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no. 42

Failed (47-51)

1/29/2015

S.Amdt.92 to S.1

Amendment no. 92, as modified, would permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund. It would also require that at least 1.5% of funds be made available each fiscal year for projects that secure public access to federal land for fishing, hunting and other recreational purposes.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no. 43

Failed (59-39)

1/29/2015

S.Amdt.77 to S.1

Amendment no. 77 would establish a national renewable electricity standard. The amendment would set a goal for 25% of U.S. electricity generation to come from renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, ocean, tidal, geothermal energy, biomass, landfill gas, incremental hydropower or hydrokinetic energy by 2025.

Note: By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for adoption of the amendment to 60 votes.

Vote no. 44

Failed (45-53)

1/29/2015

S.Amdt.155 to S.1

Amendment no. 155 would allow permitting agencies to consider new circumstances and information that may impact the environment from the construction and operation of the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Vote no. 46

Failed (41-56)

1/29/2015

S.Amdt.141 to S.1

Amendment no. 141 would prohibit the underlying measure from taking effect until reviews are conducted to determine whether greenhouse gas emissions derived from oil sands transported by the Keystone XL Pipeline are likely to contribute to an increase of extreme weather events.

Vote no. 47

Failed (36-62)

1/29/2015

S.Amdt.178 to S.1

Amendment no. 178 would clarify that products derived from oil sands are treated as crude oil for purposes of the federal excise tax on petroleum.

Vote no. 48

Failed (44-54)

1/29/2015

S.1

Passage of the bill would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline, including any revision to the pipeline route within Nebraska as required or authorized by the state. It also would consider the January 2014 environmental impact statement issued by the State Department sufficient to satisfy all requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act. It would grant the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia exclusive jurisdiction regarding legal disputes over the pipeline or the constitutionality of the bill. As amended, it would express the sense of the Senate that climate change is real.

Vote no. 49

Passed (62-36)

1/29/2015

S. 1

A vote on passage, to override President Obama's February 24, 2015, vetoa of the bill that would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL pipeline, including any revision to the pipeline route within Nebraska as required or authorized by the state. It also would consider the January 2014 environmental impact statement issued by the State Department sufficient to satisfy all requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act. It would grant the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia exclusive jurisdiction regarding legal disputes over the pipeline or the constitutionality of the bill. It would express the sense of the Senate that climate change is real.

Vote no. 68

Failed (62-37)

3/4/2015

Source: Congress.gov; CQ.com's Roll Call Vote Report database.

a. A bill or joint resolution that has been vetoed by the President can become law if two-thirds of the Members voting in the House and the Senate each agree to pass it over the President's objection. The chambers act sequentially on vetoed measures: The House acts first on House-originated measures (H.R. and H.J. Res.), and the Senate acts first on Senate-originated measures (S. and S.J. Res.). If the first-acting chamber does not override the veto, the other chamber cannot consider it. If either chamber fails to reach the two-thirds vote requirement, the President's veto stands. See CRS Report RS22654, Veto Override Procedure in the House and Senate, by Elizabeth Rybicki.

Table 10. Procedural Senate Record Votes on Keystone XL Pipeline-114th Congress

Bill/Amendment No.

Vote Summary

Senate Record Vote No.

Vote Results/Date
(yeas-nays)

S. 1

Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the motion to proceed to the bill that would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Vote no. 3

Passed (63-32)

1/12/2015

S. 1

Motion to table amendment no. 13 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 13 would ban the export of crude oil, bitumen or refined petroleum fuel products transported in the United States by the operation of the Keystone XL pipeline, unless a presidential waiver is obtained. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Vote no. 4

Passed (57-42)

1/20/2015

S. 1

Motion to table amendment no. 17 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 17 would require that the iron, steel, or manufactured goods used in the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline originate in the United States, unless such products are not sufficiently available with satisfactory quality or the use of such products would increase the cost of construction by more than 25%. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Vote no. 5

Passed (53-46)

1/20/2015

S. 1

Motion to table (kill) amendment no. 99 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 99 would express the sense of Congress that climate change is real and caused by human activities. It would also express that fossil fuels continue to produce a significant portion of U.S. electricity and that it is imperative that the United States invest in fossil fuel technology. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Vote no. 15

Passed (53-46)

1/22/2015

S. 1

Motion to table (kill) amendment no. 24. Amendment no. 24 would express the sense of the Senate that climate change is real and caused by human activities. It also would urge the United States to overhaul its energy system away from fossil fuels and towards sustainable energy. The substitute amendment would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Vote no. 16

Passed (56-42)

1/22/2015

S. 1

Motion to table (kill) amendment no. 25. Amendment no. 25 would condition the measure's effective date to when products derived from oil sands are treated as crude oil for the purpose of the federal excise tax on petroleum.

Vote no. 24

Passed (53-42)

1/22/2015

S. 1

Motion to table (kill) amendment no. 121 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 121 would impose a fee of 8 cents per barrel on oil transported through the Keystone XL Pipeline and direct the revenue to a land and water conservation fund.

Vote no. 25

Passed (57-38)

1/22/2015

S. 1

Motion to table (kill) amendment no. 28 to the bill. Amendment no. 28 would require campaign finance disclosures for individuals who have received revenues in relation to oil sands leases or development in excess of $10,000 during the period between Jan. 1, 2013, and 165 days after the bill's enactment. Subsequent disclosures would be required each time an aggregate revenue of $10,000 is reached.

Vote no. 26

Passed (52-43)

1/22/2015

S. 1

Motion to table (kill) amendment no. 30 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 30 would strike a provision authorizing the U.S. Court of Appeals and the District of Columbia Circuit Court to have original and exclusive judicial review over any civil actions relating to the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Vote no. 27

Passed (53-41)

1/22/2015

S. 1

Motion to table (kill) amendment no. 74 to the substitute amendment no. 2. Amendment no. 74 would express the sense of the Senate that the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program should be funded at no less than $4.7 billion annually.

Vote no. 28

Passed (49-45)

1/22/2015

S. 1

Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on substitute amendment no. 2 that would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Note: Three-fifths of the total Senate (60) is required to invoke cloture. A subsequent motion was offered to reconsider the vote.

Vote no. 29

Failed (53-39)

1/26/2015

S. 1

Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the bill that would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline, including any revision to the pipeline route within Nebraska as required or authorized by the state.

Note: Three-fifths of the total Senate (60) is required to invoke cloture. A subsequent motion was offered to reconsider the vote.

Vote no. 30

Failed (53-39)

1/26/2015

S. 1

Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the bill that would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL Pipeline, including any revision to the pipeline route within Nebraska as required or authorized by the state.

Note: Three-fifths of the total Senate (60) is required to invoke cloture.

Vote no. 45

Passed (62-35)

1/29/2015

Source: Congress.gov; CQ.com's Roll Call Vote Report database.

Author Contact Information

Lynn J. Cunningham, Senior Research Librarian ([email address scrubbed], [phone number scrubbed])

Footnotes

1.

According to TransCanada's 2008 permit application, the original proposal for the Keystone XL Pipeline system consisted of a 1,700-mile pipeline running from Alberta, Canada to refineries on the U.S. Gulf Coast. The Gulf Coast Project was proposed as the southern segment of the Keystone XL Pipeline system, but it was separated from the original proposal because it did not require a presidential permit. The Gulf Coast Pipeline was completed in 2013 and began service in 2014.

2.

For more information about the Keystone XL Pipeline, see CRS Report R43787, Keystone XL Pipeline: Overview and Recent Developments, by Paul W. Parfomak et al.