House Republicans say a fresh push for a 1,700-mile Canada-to-Texas pipeline could be part of a new round of congressional negotiations over extending the payroll tax cutand benefits for the long-term unemployed.
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton told reporters the House leadership is looking at every option after President Barack Obama decided this week to block the $7 billion Keystone XL pipeline, at least temporarily.
The Michigan Republican and other House GOP lawmakers argue the decision was politically driven and will deny the nation both jobs and a new energy source.
Upton and the lawmakers spoke at the GOP's annual retreat in Baltimore.
A two-month extension of the Social Securitytax cut and benefits expires Feb. 29, and negotiators hope to produce a new plan.