WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., voted today to approve the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. The measure passed the Senate by a vote of 62-36.

“The new Republican majority has followed through with its commitments to an open amendment process and delivering on the Keystone pipeline,” said Wicker. “This bipartisan bill has cleared a major hurdle. It is time to get this bill to the President’s desk and begin work on this job-creating infrastructure project.”

According to the State Department, the project would support more than 42,000 jobs and have a minimal effect on the environment. The pipeline is projected to increase the supply of North American energy through the shipment of more than 800,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

The Senate version of the bill, S. 1, is likely to be taken up by the House of Representatives for a vote. Alternatively, a House-Senate conference committee could be established to reconcile differences between a measure previously passed by the House and the proposal approved by the Senate today.

Upon final passage by Congress, the bill would go to President Obama for his signature or veto.