Senate blocks efforts to ban exports from Keystone XL pipeline, use American-made steel

The Republican-controlled Senate has rejected Democrats' efforts to ban exports from the Keystone XL oil pipeline and to require building the project with American-made steel.

The Senate voted Tuesday to sidetrack two additions to a bill seeking to approve construction of the 1,179-mile pipeline. A third measure, boosting energy efficiency, was adopted.

The Keystone XL oil pipeline is the top priority on the Republican agenda this Congress. Democrats hope to use the legislation to score political points on key issues associated with the project, including its contribution to global warming. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island pushed Tuesday an eight-word measure that says, "Climate change is real and not a hoax."

As of last week, 50 amendments had been filed. The White House has threatened to veto the bill.