After Lobbying From White House, Nelson Gives Obama Key Vote To Help Kill Keystone Pipeline Construction

Further burnishing his record as one of President Obama’s most loyal supporters, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson today helped the President continue to block construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline which even top labor unions say would create thousands of new American jobs.

“If there was ever an example of Senator Nelson’s willingness to put his loyalty to President Obama, and his failed energy agenda, ahead of what’s best for Florida and American jobs, it was this vote,” National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Brian Walsh said today.  “The Keystone pipeline would not only create thousands of new jobs, but it would help reduce our country’s dependence on Middle East oil.  Unfortunately, given the choice between President Obama and jobs, Bill Nelson again stood with President Obama.”

Notably, even 11 Democratic Senators joined with Senate Republicans in support of an amendment offered by GOP Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND) that would have bypassed the Obama Administration’s blockade of the pipeline.  However, Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid set a 60-vote threshold for the amendment to pass so even with the 11 Democratic votes, Nelson’s decision to side with Obama – who the White House acknowledged was personally lobbying and calling Democratic Senators today – helped to ensure its defeat.

BACKGROUND…..

‘Phone Calls From The President To Democrats’ 

“President Barack Obama is intervening in a Senate fight over the Keystone XL oil pipeline and personally lobbying Democrats to reject an amendment calling for its construction, according to several sources familiar with the talks.” (“Obama Lobbying Dems Over Pipeline,” Politico, 3/7/12) 

• “The White House lobbying effort, including phone calls from the president to Democrats, signals that the vote could be close when it heads to the floor Thursday.” (“Obama Lobbying Dems Over Pipeline,” Politico, 3/7/12) 

• “The measure would need 60 votes to pass, and Obama has already lost two Democrats who back the proposal – Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Mary Landrieu – and is at risk of losing more moderates and vulnerable Democrats.” (“Obama Lobbying Dems Over Pipeline,” Politico, 3/7/12) 

White House Last Month 

JAY CARNEY: “…the President didn’t turn down the Keystone pipeline.” (Jay Carney, Press Briefing, 2/21/12) 

‘The Keystone XL Project Begins And Ends With One Word: JOBS’

INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS: “‘The Keystone Pipeline project will offer working men and women a real chance to earn a good wage and support their families in this difficult economic climate,’ said… James P. Hoffa.” (TransCanada, “U.S. Pipeline Contractors Association And Unions Pledge Their Support For Keystone XL Project,” 9/14/10) 

AFL-CIO: “For America’s skilled craft construction professionals, any discussion of the Keystone XL project begins and ends with one word: JOBS… Throughout America’s Heartland, the Keystone Pipeline represents the prospect for 20,000 immediate jobs, and as many as 500,000 indirect jobs via a strong economic multiplier effect… without one single dollar of government assistance.” (Mark H. Ayers, President, Building And Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO,  “For The 99% Of Americans, Keystone = JOBS,” Huffington Post, 11/3/11) 

• AFL-CIO: “Enactment of S.1932 will mean a significant portion of the projected 20,000 direct jobs and the 118,000 spin-off jobs will be created immediately.” (AFL-CIO Building And Construction Trades Department President Mark Ayers, Letter To Sen. Lugar, 12/6/11) 

What Even Fellow Democrats Have Said About Obama And Nelson’s Opposition To Keystone Jobs

SEN. JOE MANCHIN (D-WV): “President Obama’s decision on the Keystone XL pipeline is a major setback for the American economy, American workers and America’s energy independence.” (Sen. Manchin, Statement on Administration’s Decision to Halt Keystone XL Pipeline, 1/18/12) 

SEN. MARK BEGICH (D-AK): “disappointing and frustrating” “Begich — Democrat from Alaska — calls Obama’s rejection of Keystone ‘disappointing and frustrating’” (Sen. Begich Statement, Manu Raju Twitter, 1/18/12) 

SEN. MARK PRYOR (D-AR): “I strongly disagree with President Obama’s decision to postpone the Keystone pipeline project, which will sustain and create jobs.” (Sen. Pryor Statement, Twitter, 1/18/12) 

SEN. MAX BAUCUS (D-MT): “There is absolutely no reason we cannot start putting Montanans to work on the Keystone XL pipeline right away…” (“Keystone Decision Hands GOP Ammo,” Roll Call, 1/19/12) 

SEN. KENT CONRAD (D-ND): “I personally think the pipeline is absolutely in the national interest. It’ll help us reduce our dependence on foreign energy, at least foreign sources that are hostile to our interests.” (Sen. Conrad, Floor Remarks, 12/14/11)

MARY LANDRIEU (D-LA): “…we write today in support of the Keystone XL Gulf Coast Expansion Pipeline, a project that the Department of State has been considering under a Presidential Permit application since 2008. Now more than ever, it is critical that this country move forward with this project.” (“Media Advisory – Fourteen U.S. Senators Urge Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to Approve Keystone XL Pipeline,” TransCanada, 3/16/11)