GOP rep: ‘Do Nothing Senate’ should vote on Keystone

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.) called on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to allow votes on job-creating measures, such as constructing the Keystone XL oil pipeline.

“Opportunity is knocking at the door,” Hartzler said Monday. “It is time for the ‘Do Nothing Senate’ to stop its obstructionism and allow this country to get back on the road to prosperity.”

{mosads}Hartzler said the House has sent “scores” of bills to the Senate only to have them languish.

“There are scores of bills ‘stuck in the Senate,’ sitting on Senate Leader Harry Reid’s desk, having been denied up or down votes,” Hartzler said. “Senator Reid has refused to bring up so many common-sense measures that would most likely be easily passed with bipartisan support.

“They include legislation approving construction of the Keystone XL pipeline and other bills supporting efforts to secure more energy for America.”

Reid agreed to hold an up-or-down vote on a bipartisan bill that would force the administration to allow the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline — which would transport oil from Canadian tar sands to U.S. refineries along the Gulf Coast — but Republicans reneged on the deal and demanded dozen of amendment votes as well.