"WASHINGTON — The Senate passed a bill on Thursday to force approval of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, which President Obama is certain to veto in his first official clash with the new Republican-majority Congress.

The five-year fight over the Keystone pipeline has become a proxy for far broader fights over climate change, energy and the economy, and for the conflict between Mr. Obama and congressional Republicans.

When Republicans won control of the Senate late last year, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, chose the Keystone bill as the first measure Republicans would send to Mr. Obama."

Coral Davenport reports for the New York Times January 29, 2015. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Senate Passes Keystone XL Pipeline Bill Despite Obama Promise To Veto" (Washington Post) [3]

"Republicans Push Through Keystone Bill To Set Up Showdown With Obama" (Guardian) [4]

"Senate Approves Keystone XL Bill; White House Reaffirms Veto Threat" (Huffington Post) [5]