Senate Panel Takes Up Pipeline Bill Despite Veto Threat

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Senate committee has taken up a bill approving the Keystone XL pipeline with plans to move it toward the full Senate, despite a veto threat from the White House.

Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Lisa Murkowski says lawmakers shouldn't be deterred by President Barack Obama's threat. She notes the bill has Democratic supporters and came within one vote of passing last year.

The Keystone pipeline would bring oil from Canada to Gulf Coast refineries. Murkowski, an Alaska Republican, says the U.S. is becoming an energy superpower and needs to demonstrate respect for its neighbors and for trade with allies.

But Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington says for Congress to intervene in the administration's review of the pipeline amounts to a "sweetheart deal" for a foreign company.