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S. 2280: A bill to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline.

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S. 2280: A bill to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline.

113th Congress · introduced 2014-05-01 · Energy · Latest: Under the order of 11/12/14, not having achieved 60 votes in the affirmative, failed of passage in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 59 - 41. Record Vote Number: 280.

federal

Follow this bill, step by step

  1. Where it came from: introduced 2014-05-01 · official record
  2. Who proposed it: Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND] · what a sponsor is
  3. What happened next: 1 recorded vote in our records. Latest: Senate vote 280 (2014): On Passage of the Bill, S2280 (2014-11-18), Bill Defeated. See all
  4. Where it stands now: Under the order of 11/12/14, not having achieved 60 votes in the affirmative, failed of passage in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 59 - 41. Record Vote Number: 280. (final step reached)
  5. If it becomes law and spends money: follow the money to money laws, then agencies and contracts and grants.

What does this mean?

Official title

A bill to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Plain summary

Authorizes TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, L.P. to construct, connect, operate, and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities specified in an application filed by TransCanada Corporation to the Department of State on May 4, 2012. Deems the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement regarding the pipeline issued by the Secretary of State in January 2014 to fully satisfy the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and any law that requires federal agency consultation or review, including the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Declares any applicable federal permit or authorization issued before enactment of this Act to remain in effect. Restricts any legal challenges regarding a federal agency action and such facilities to judicial review on direct appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Declares that this Act does not alter any federal, state, or local process or condition in effect on the date of enactment of this Act that is necessary to secure access from an owner of private property to construct the pipeline and cross-border facilities.

Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in Senate), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

What a vote does

A “Yea” vote

If it passes both chambers and is signed, it becomes law.

A “Nay” vote

If it is not passed, current law stays as it is.

PSI Sci description of the legislative step (not an opinion).

What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

A bill to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in Senate)

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The strongest published arguments

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Alternatives

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How did my representative vote? · This bill's floor votes

Officials and money

Sponsor: Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND] · 55 cosponsors

Cost estimate: No cost estimate published yet.

Cosponsors on this site

Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Roger F. Wicker (R-MS), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Mike Crapo (R-ID), John Thune (R-SD), Mike Lee (R-UT), Tim Scott (R-SC), John Cornyn (R-TX), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Barrasso (R-WY), James E. Risch (R-ID), John Boozman (R-AR), Rand Paul (R-KY), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Susan M. Collins (R-ME), Mark R. Warner (D-VA)

Sponsor's campaign money: Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND] reported raising $523,195 (2025–2026). Details. Shown for context only; it does not mean any donor supported this bill.

Recorded votes

Words on this page, explained (2)
Authorization
A law that creates or continues a government program and says what it may do, often with a suggested spending ceiling. An authorization alone does not provide money; a separate appropriation does.
Bill
A proposed law. It becomes law only if it passes the legislature and is signed by the president or governor (or a veto is overridden).

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Record fed-us-cong113-s2280 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong113 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong113