Washington, D.C. (WOWO):  U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued the following statement Friday afternoon, shortly after the House passed H.R. 5682, approving the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline:

“Today, I proudly voted to begin the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline, a project with bipartisan support that will strengthen our energy security by lowering oil imports from the Middle East, and bolster our economy by creating thousands of new jobs. 

“The American people deserve to have leaders in Washington who are focused on passing common sense legislation that will promote economic growth and strengthen our national security. With a firm understanding that the building of this pipeline achieves both, the House has supported legislation to begin its construction nine times.  With the passage of this bill, I am hopeful President Obama will finally realize its benefits and sign it into law. After six years of waiting, it’s long past due.”