Boehner says GOP will add Keystone provision to infrastructure bill

WASHINGTON - Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) said on Jan. 29 that legislation advancing the Keystone pipeline would be part of a major House Republican infrastructure and energy bill if it is not enacted before that bill comes to a vote.

The Obama administration has rejected approval of the oil sands pipeline over GOP objections, and Republican leaders have identified it as a top job-creating priority.

House GOP leaders are preparing to release a top Boehner priority: Legislation that would generate revenue for improving the nation’s aging infrastructure through expanding domestic energy production.

"If it’s not enacted before we take up the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act, it'll be part of it," Boehner said of the Keystone pipeline bill on ABC's "This Week."

Some Republicans also want the Keystone pipeline to be part of a final deal to extend the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits. Democratic leaders oppose its inclusion, and a Boehner spokesman said that would be decided by members of the House-Senate conference committee.