Senate fails to pass Keystone oil pipeline construction bill by 1 vote

The U.S. Senate narrowly defeated a bill to begin construction of the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline with a vote of 59-41 on Tuesday, falling one vote shy of the threshold needed to break a filibuster.

The pipeline would carry petroleum from Canada to Gulf Coast refineries.

The House approved the measure, 252-161, last Friday. President Obama indicated that he likely would have vetoed the bill, had it reached his desk. Expect another vote next year, when Republicans take control of the Senate and strengthen their majority in the House.

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