Skip to main content
Representative Tom Cole logo

Cole Statement on President’s Veto of Keystone

February 24, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after President Barack Obama vetoed legislation sent by Congress to approve construction of the Keystone XL pipeline.

"After more than six years of needless delays and a shameful refusal to make a decision either way, the president was finally forced to make a decision on Keystone," said Cole. "Despite his prior promises to veto the valuable legislation passed with strong bipartisan, bicameral support in Congress, I had hoped that the president would change his mind and side with the vast majority of the American people who support this common sense project. Unfortunately, he chose to veto legislation that would approve construction of the Keystone XL pipeline and consequently create tens of thousands of jobs for hardworking Americans.

"In addition to preventing the creation of American jobs, the president's veto signals that he has turned his back on Canada—one of America's best friends and a country that already allows the United States to run a pipeline across the length of its country to transport American oil from Alaska to the lower 48 states. It makes sense for Canada to be able to transport oil to America in the same manner. Not only is it cheaper, but studies have shown that pipeline transport is also more efficient and environmentally more responsible.

"The president's decision to side with radical environmental extremists shows just how out of touch he is with the country he was elected to lead. It is apparent that in his final two years as president, he is uninterested in leaving a legacy that benefits the working people of the United States. Opposing Keystone is economically, diplomatically and environmentally irresponsible. The president's decision to veto this vital legislation willfully ignores the facts and defies common sense," concluded Cole.

###