Defying the Republican-run Congress, President Barack Obama rejected a bill Tuesday to approve construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, wielding his veto power for only the third time in his presidency. Obama offered no indication of whether his State Department will eventually issue a permit for the pipeline, whose construction has become a flashpoint in the U.S. debate about environmental policy and climate change. Instead, Obama sought to reassert his authority to make the decision himself, rebuffing GOP lawmakers who will control both the House and Senate for the remainder of the president's term. Scroll down for video President Barack Obama, seen here during a meeting with Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Oval Office of the White House on Tuesday, formally vetoed legislation approving construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline this afternoon
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It is only the third veto of Obama's presidency; with Republicans now in control of both chambers of Congress it's unlikely to be his last
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The White House had said many times that the president would not sign the legislation - he believes the State Department should make the decision
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The veto was not the president taking 'a specific position on the pipeline itself,' Obama's spokesman told reporters today
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Keystone backers do not make up a large enough majority of the House or Senate to overturn a veto but Republicans plan to try
GOP lawmakers are lining up legislation rolling back @placeholder's actions on health care, immigration and financial regulation that Obama has promised to similarly reject.
GOP lawmakers are lining up legislation rolling back Obama's actions on health care, immigration and financial regulation that @placeholder has promised to similarly reject.