Senate panel considers bill to approve Keystone XL pipeline despite White House veto threat

Despite a veto threat from the White House, a key Senate committee is expected to advance a bill approving the Keystone XL oil pipeline closer to a Senate vote.

The initial meeting on the legislation, the first in the Republican-controlled Senate, had been scheduled for Wednesday but was canceled after Democrats objected.

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will take up the bill at a meeting Thursday. It is widely expected to clear the committee. The bill has 60 sponsors — 54 Republicans and six Democrats. That's enough votes to pass the Senate, but not enough to override a veto.

The House is expected to easily pass a bill approving the $5.4 billion construction project on Friday.