Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-02) voted Wednesday for a bill to approve the northern section of the Keystone XL Pipeline. The legislation passed the House by a vote of 270 to 152, setting the stage for a showdown with the president, who has threatened to veto the bill. The second-term lawmaker issued the following statement after the vote:

“This symbolizes a unified effort by the House and Senate to put the priorities of the American people first. While it has taken far too long for this bill to pass Congress, I am thrilled that we have finally moved it forward.

“The approval of the final leg of this project means jobs, a reduced dependency on foreign oil, and real economic growth. Oklahoma has greatly benefited from the southern leg. And I know that the northern leg will only add to these effects.

Rep. Markwayne Mullin

“This project is a major part of updating our nation’s energy infrastructure. By doing so, we can maintain low and reliable energy costs—giving our economy the boost it needs.

“Now that this bill heads the president’s desk, I encourage the White House to put excuses and politics aside and reconsider their premature veto threat. It is time for this administration to join a united Congress on good government, bipartisan ideas like this.”