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Pipeline May End Up in Final Tax Deal

Republicans adamant about keeping Keystone in play

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 16, 2011 12:30 PM CST

(Newser) – Republican lawmakers are determined to push through a measure speeding a White House decision on the Keystone XL pipeline—and they're ready to link it to the payroll tax cut extension. If the Senate sends the House legislation that extends the tax break, as well as jobless benefits and the Medicare reimbursement rate, by two months, "we’ll amend it and send something back," John Boehner said at a GOP meeting. “And what we send back will include Keystone."

Senate Democrats, however, now want a proposed two-month extension to last a year. In order to achieve that, they may be willing to accept the Keystone measure, Politico reports. Leaders of both parties say negotiations are going smoothly in the Senate, though they haven't provided the specifics of a deal. Still, "I think we’re going to get to that place," said Mitch McConnell, even if it requires staying in session tomorrow. The Saturday session could also see a vote on a deal to fund the government through the autumn.

House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio pauses during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011.
House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio pauses during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 16 comments
trailmix
Dec 18, 2011 9:50 PM CST
I vote for running the pipeline right up Boehners ass.
trailmix
Dec 16, 2011 9:49 PM CST
20,000 jobs that the Republicans want for big oil, big deal, If they really  gave a damn about jobs they would have passed the jobs bill that President Obama introduced.  Boehner, Cantner and McConnell are Sellouts. They Sold-out the lower and Middle Class  Conservatives. 
DieselDawg
Dec 16, 2011 6:30 PM CST
Here is a truly "shovel ready" project that has had 3 years of a comprehensive government review process and is  funded with 6 billion dollars of private money.  This clown in chief would rather waste federal loan guarantees with boondoggles like Solyndra and a myriad of other green failures that never deliver any economic impact. Good Job Food Stamp Prez.. "We will not rest until we are succeeding in generating the jobs that this economy needs." (November 2, 2009)

 
Harry Reid • Medicare • Mitch McConnell • John Boehner • unemployment benefits • payroll taxes • TransCanada Keystone XL pipeline

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