WASHINGTON – On Friday, Congressman Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) offered an amendment in the House Energy and Commerce Committee during the markup of Democrats’ COVID-19 relief package. This amendment authorizes the construction and operation of the Keystone XL Pipeline.

“Thousands have lost their jobs during the pandemic and Congress should support efforts to get Americans back to work,” said Armstrong. “My amendment to build the Keystone XL Pipeline will help rebuild our communities that have been devastated by shutdowns. This amendment will restore revenue certainty to countless local governments, all without more federal spending, and provide thousands of American jobs. We need to put aside partisan politics and support commonsense projects like the Keystone XL Pipeline and bring prosperity to rural America.”

Earlier this year, Congressman Armstrong introduced the Keystone XL Pipeline Construction and Jobs Preservation Act, which authorizes the construction and operation of the Keystone XL Pipeline and declares that a Presidential permit is not required. The legislation has yet to be acted upon.

All Democrats on the committee voted against the amendment and it failed 24-31.