Obama vetos Keystone oil pipe line

US commander-in-chief Barack Obama has exercised his presidential veto for only the third time in his presidency.

Mr Obama defied the Republican-controlled US Congress and Senate, rejecting a bill approving the construction of the Keystone XL oil pipe line.

The veto by the Democratic president was widely expected, as Mr Obama had indicated his intentions earlier this year.     

In a message to the US Senate, he wrote that although he takes his presidential power to veto seriously, he also takes seriously his responsibilities to the American people.  

"Through this bill, the United States Congress attempts to circumvent longstanding and proven processes for determining whether or not building and operating a cross-border pipeline serves the national interest," he said.

The Keystone bill had passed by 270-152 votes in the House, and cleared the Senate earlier in the year.  

US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell hit back at Mr Obama by promising the Senate would overturn the President’s veto.

The Senate need a two-thirds majority to do this and, although controlled by Republicans, the GOP still don’t have the numbers.

Keystone has been the source of political controversy since its proposal more than six years ago.

As it crosses international boundaries – connecting Canada’s tar sands with refineries in Texas – it requires a permit by the federal government.

Republicans say the project is worth $8 billion, would create numerous jobs and decrease America’s dependence on Middle Eastern oil.

Rumoured Republican 2016 presidential nominee Jeb Bush tweeted that “Keystone is a no brainer. Moves us toward energy independence and creates jobs. President Obama must stop playing politics and sign the bill.”

More to come 
The last time Mr Obama wielded his veto power was almost half a decade ago when he dug his heals in over the Interstate Recognition of Notarizations Act of 2010.

To put that in perspective, Mr Obama’s predecessor George W Bush used his presidential veto 12 times, and Mr Clinton used his 27 times.

But with Republicans controlling both Congress and the Senate, commentators are predicting more vetos to come.