King: Keystone Must be Built or Oil Will be Sent to China

Washington, DC- Congressman Steve King released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 3, the Northern Route Approval Act. This bill will circumvent the need for President Obama to issue a permit in order for the Keystone XL pipeline to be constructed. The legislation also contains several important provisions that will ensure that construction on the pipeline will not continue to be delayed.

"The Keystone XL pipeline will positively change the structure of American energy as we know it," said King. "The pipeline will further North American energy independence while allowing our country access to a critical energy source. I have said before and it remains true today that this very same oil will likely be sent to China if the Keystone XL pipeline is not built. The President has made a politically motivated decision to refuse Americans jobs and to deny the vitality of our economy. The State Department found that over 40,000 jobs would be created during construction. My constituents and Americans across the nation understand the benefits of this project, which is why I was pleased to support the Northern Route Approval Act and the building of the Keystone XL pipeline."