Sen. Tom Udall
One vote among the
11 Senate Democrats who voted for cloture on the Republican Keystone XL pipeline was Sen. Tom Udall of New Mexico. The vote was made even stranger four days after the vote when Udall made a
strong floor statement opposing the bill.
"We are being asked to do something that I believe is unprecedented," he said in his remarks, "for Congress to step in and promote a bill for one private sector energy project, and to wave ahead a private pipeline for a private, foreign corporation, so that Canadian oil can be piped to Texas for export to other nations."
Udall called on Congress to set priorities for developing a clean energy economy, with a broader energy policy that includes oil and gas, but also emphasizes renewable energy and new technology. "We are at a crossroads in our energy policy. We still can lead the world in clean energy production-with wind, solar, advanced biofuels-to reduce global warming pollution, to become energy independent, and create permanent American jobs."
Why then, when Udall feels so strongly and indeed has been consistent in his opposition to the project, did he cast a vote that will help Republicans ultimately pass this bill? In response to that question, Udall's staff characterized the vote as a way to put more pressure on Leader Mitch McConnell to keep his promise of having an open amendment process on this bill, and on all legislation that comes to the floor on his watch.
Process is also part of Udall's vote, according to his staff. They explain that he's been fighting since coming to the Senate for rules reform, and his proposal includes eliminating the filibuster on the motion to proceed to a vote—which was what this vote was—because he believes the majority leader should be able to get a bill on the floor for full debate, no matter who's the majority leader. After that debate, there will be another opportunity to vote against cloture before the bill goes to final passage.
What does that really get Democrats, though? Just how likely is McConnell to give a damn when, after he moves to block amendments, Democrats call hypocrisy? Is he going to be moved to do something right on procedure? If there's anything McConnell is immune to, or for that matter takes pride in, it's his unlimited hypocrisy resources. There's not a lot of danger in this legislation happening—President Obama has already promised a veto. But it might not have been the most strategic vote for an ardent foe of Keystone XL to take.