President Vetos The Keystone XL

True to his word, President Barack Obama vetoed the Keystone XL Pipeline bill that passed both the House and the Senate in the last month. Those votes were not enough to overcome a veto. He released a veto message to Americans.

“The presidential power to veto legislation is one I take seriously,” he said. “But I also take seriously my responsibility to the American people. And because this act of Congress conflicts with established executive branch procedures and cuts short through consideration of issues that could bear on our national interest, including our security, safety and environment, it has earned my veto.”

This was the third veto in his presidency. Shortly after his statement was released several press releases came in from Congressman Ryan Zinke, Senator Steve Daines and Senator Jon Tester on their disapproval of the veto. Daines stated that he was perpetuating war on energy. Zinke stated that the president has chosen Middle Eastern oil over Montana jobs and North American energy.

One press release came to The Courier from the Northern Plains Resource Council that approved of President Obama's veto and quoted a Circle rancher, Chuck Nerud, who said that Congress tried to circumvent the State Department's review process, including the Environmental Impact Statement and National Interest Determination.

An override of the veto is thought to be unlikely, as the Senate passed the bill 62-36 and the House passed the bill 270-152. Those margins are short of the two-thirds majority needed to overcome a veto. The override vote is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3.