U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock believes President Obama should sign a bill allowing the Keystone pipeline to be built. (WJBC file photo)

By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – Despite a veto threat from the president, Congress recently passed a bill approving the next phase of the Keystone pipeline.

U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Peoria), who supports the project, said the approval comes with support from every Republican and an "overwhelming" number of Democrats.

"That's why it goes to the president's desk with well over 60 votes in the Senate," said Schock. "That bipartisan coalition supporting the Keystone pipeline is something the president needs to listen to."

Schock is urging President Obama to sign the bill. He said the voices in Congress aren't the only ones Obama needs to listen to.

"You have both President Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush supporting the Keystone pipeline," said Schock. "You have labor workers, unions, from the plumbers and pipe fitters to the laborer's union all supporting the Keystone pipeline.

"He needs to sign it so we can create those jobs immediately in America."

Schock added the pipeline also will allow oil to be transported in a more environmentally friendly way.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].