House GOP to push for pipeline despite Obama move

BALTIMORE (AP) — House Republicans say a fresh push for a 1,700-mile Canada-to-Texas pipeline could be part of a new round of negotiations over extending the payroll tax cut and benefits for the long-term unemployed.

House Energy and Commerce Committee chairman Fred Upton tells 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 that 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 Security tax cut and benefits expires Feb. 29, and negotiators hope to produce a new plan.