GOP Bill Would Force Action On Oil Pipeline

WASHINGTON, DC - Angered by President Barack Obama's delay of a proposed oil pipeline from Canada, Senate Republicans are moving to force him to act.

A bill introduced by 37 GOP senators, including Nebraska Sen. Mike Johanns, would require the administration to approve the Keystone XL pipeline within 60 days, unless the president declares the project is not in the national interest.

The bill has little chance of approval in the Democratic-controlled Senate, but the measure illustrates Republicans' frustration over the pipeline delay and their belief that Obama is vulnerable on the issue. GOP senators called the $7 billion pipeline the ultimate "shovel-ready" project and said it could create as many as 20,000 jobs.

The 1,700 mile pipeline would carry oil from Alberta, Canada to refineries in Texas.