GOP vows to pass Keystone pipeline -- later if not now

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican leaders today promised to take up and pass a bill approving the Keystone XL pipeline next year if the Senate fails to advance the measure this fall, or President Barack Obama vetoes it.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who will become the majority leader in January, urged Democrats to vote tonight for the bill, which is supported by all 45 Senate Republicans. Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., was still searching for the last vote needed to advance the measure and said on the floor she knew "in her heart" she had the 60 votes.

The House approved a bill last week spearheaded by her rival, Louisiana Republican Rep. Bill Cassidy, the ninth time that chamber has tried to jumpstart the pipeline's construction. Landrieu faces an uphill fight to hold on to her Senate seat in a Dec. 6 runoff against Cassidy.

"I wish the Senate would have followed the lead of Congressman Cassidy and his House colleagues in approving Keystone years ago. It's just common sense," McConnell said. "And if not, a new majority will be taking this matter up and sending it to the president."

The issue has taken center stage in the waning days of this Congress as both parties hope to boost the prospects of their Senate runoff candidates in Louisiana.