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Sen. John Hoeven, (R-N.D.), on the bill he introduced to approve the Keystone Pipeline project.
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My next guest introduced legislation today in the senate that would have congress approved the keystone XL pipeline.
Instead of waiting for the president to -- to further study -- about you -- and ultimately perhaps.
Grant a permit.
Joining me now from Washington DC senator John Hogan Republican and North Dakota member of the -- Senate Committees appropriation energy natural resources.
Agriculture and Indian affairs senator you're a busy man -- we appreciate your being here.
Good good to be with you let let's start with you're legislation to record period so cruel to give life to the pipeline.
Senator Joseph Manchin is the only Democrat to sign on with you is I at least as I've heard as we went to air.
Does that concern about the chances of passage.
Well we have 45 sponsors on the bill just introduced it today and we're working to get more but.
Yeah this is a project that is vitally important for our country not only in terms of creating tens of thousands of jobs but reducing our dependence on oil from the Middle East so.
We're continuing to work to it to build support and I think we well.
How is it that we've gotten to this -- -- and by the and just broadly a political statement because the State Department says that the authority for this pipeline -- to stay within the administration.
The State Department itself has only.
The power over an international review because it is TransCanada -- project.
I mean what the world is going on it it's taken you know is congressman Joseph Barton said the other day.
We fought one World War II in less time -- it's taken this quote unquote study this pipeline.
Well that's it -- projects been under review for three over three years over three years.
And the president said solemnly passed last Billy said he didn't have enough time to make a decision even though it's been reviewed for three years.
So under article one section of the castration congress has the authority under the commerce clause to approve the project and essentially that's what our legislation does is time to move forward.
Approve the project we need disarm and if we don't know if we don't this oil's going to turn.
You know I haven't heard the presidential.
Candidates for the Republican -- presidential nomination I haven't heard them.
Talking a lot about the pipeline.
The the issue of exporting producing and the this this country's the world's richest energy reserves.
Seems like it should be on the forefront of every discussion every debate it hasn't been why is that.
Well as in a number of the debates the Republican candidates have talked about it -- I don't know I don't talk about it but just quarterly report should have been.
Right at the -- Right and I think they should be talking about it more look this is about creating jobs and doing it with private investment not more government spending.
Private investment in fact it'll generate.
Millions in revenues at the local state and federal level to help with the with the deficit problem it puts people back to work.
It reduces our dependence on oil from the Middle East you got recent polls senator.
But -- got what it got -- so I agree -- they should be talking about it you're absolutely right and I think that should be part of our strategy.
To continue to push that message.
And they should be part of let's talk about a few of those candidates let's -- -- -- for you're not supporting Ron Paul you're not supporting Rick Santorum you're not supporting.
-- Gingrich.
-- that was that you chose Mitt Romney to support.
Well I I think he brings that.
Pro business attitude that we need in this country that idea that private investment is what's gonna get small business going across the country get people back to work.
And that we need to create the right kind of environment I served as a governor at the same time that he did.
And I believe he understands that we've got to create that legal tax and regulatory environment that stimulates private investment.
That's how we get thirteen plus million people back to work get our economy growing and get a grip on our spending.
But let me ask your question because -- -- -- start from a -- pro business sense that the singer from scratching my head I mean this government has bailout.
The automobile industry by bailed out.
The banking industry the brokerage industry the financial.
System of this country.
I mean how much -- I mean do we -- can we afford -- more pro business.
-- that's now what I'm talking about I'm not talking about bailouts I'm not talking about bigger government more taxes more spending more regulation I'm talking about government creating that environment.
That stimulates -- go right and investment and entrepreneurship that's what -- small business across this country don't.
Senator Jon Robin good good to have you here good to talk -- thank you that thank you Lou.
