Keystone bill heads to Obama for likely veto

The Republican-controlled Congress has cleared a bill approving the construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline. That sets up a confrontation with President Obama, who has threatened to veto the measure.

The House voted 270-152 on Wednesday to send the bill to the president. Neither chamber has enough votes to overcome a veto.

The vote caps weeks of debate on a top priority for Congress after the GOP took control last month. Supporters are already planning on using other means to secure the pipeline’s approval.

First proposed in 2008, the Keystone XL pipeline would connect Canada’s oil sands to Gulf Coast refineries.

Republicans argued it was a jobs bill that would boost energy security. Democrats said it was a gift to the oil industry that would worsen global warming.