Washburn says GOP surge could get legislation passed to build Keystone XL pipeline
Some of the first items on the Republicans’ congressional agenda are likely to involve energy, corporate tax cuts and trade policy — all long-held priorities for some of Texas’ top members of Congress.
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In some cases, the GOP will probably adopt a hybrid approach. Republicans can work to get small or medium changes into law, while paving the way for more ambitious overhauls later. Eric Washburn, a former top Senate aide now with public affairs law firm Bracewell & Giuliani, said one example of that could be tied to efforts to build the Keystone XL Pipeline.
With strong majorities in favor of the Keystone now in both chambers, the president will face pressure to allow it to be built. “There is a decent chance that legislation would pass,” he added.