The Minority Report Blog » CNBC

Common Cents: The $85 Billion Question

Steve Foley — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:20:09 +0000

Common Cents: The $85 Billion Question

With the sequester set to go into effect in just two days, Americans are trying to piece together how Washington failed to come up with anything better than their best, worst idea. Ultimately, the inability to prioritize and trim back just three percent of the federal government’s annual budget is why we’re still in this situation. Is cutting three cents on the dollar really as difficult as Washington says it is? It shouldn’t be. But with all the mixed messages coming out of Washington, it’s hard to keep track of who can do it … and who can’t.

CAN WASHINGTON FIND A SMART WAY TO CUT $85 BILLION?

CNBC’s Joe Kernan: “… If you were a surgeon, you could find $85 billion in the discretionary side that is duplicative or waste or whatever. I mean, you’re not saying that we couldn’t find a way to do that, are you?” (Joe Kernan, CNBC’s Squawk Box, 2/26/13)

Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer: “I think that’s correct, Joe …” (Steny Hoyer, CNBC’s Squawk Box, 2/26/13)

President Obama: “When you’re cutting $85 billion in seven months, which represents over a ten percent cut to the defense budget in seven months, there’s no smart way to do that. There’s no smart way to do that.” (President Obama, Remarks at Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, VA, 2/26/13)

FLASHBACK: EVEN INSIDE THE WHITE HOUSE, IT ISN’T CLEAR

Debt Watch III: I Know What You Spent Last Summer

Steve Foley — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 18:38:11 +0000

Debt Watch III: I Know What You Spent Last Summer

Exactly one week out from Election Day, Hurricane Sandy has dominated news headlines…along with talks of spending and the debt. While Hurricane Sandy may have made her way on out of Washington, the fiscal mess we’re in hasn’t gone anywhere.

Here’s what they’re saying…

CNBC Closing Bell: Letters Urge Action from Washington on Fiscal Cliff

In the third presidential debate, President Obama asserted that the sequester portion of the fiscal cliff “will not happen,” yet, according to Politico, he and Speaker Boehner have not spoken about the impending spending cuts in nearly four months. In response, Public Notice Executive Director Gretchen Hamel wrote letters to President Obama and Speaker Boehner asking them to initiate the negotiations necessary to turn that rhetoric into a reality and agree on responsible cuts to replace the sequester.

Click here to watch Gretchen Hamel on CNBC’s Closing Bell with Maria Bartiromo.

Politico Playbook/”Morning Joe”: What Would be Different the Next Four Years?

“I truly believe that if we can get the deficit and debt issues solved, which I believe we can get done in the lame-duck or in the immediate aftermath of the lame-duck, then that clears away a lot of the ideological underbrush. And then now we can start looking at a whole bunch of other issues that … historically have not been that ideological. …” –President Obama (Mike Allen, 10/29/12)

Dayton Daily News: Debt fight key to presidential vote

The race for the presidency may also be a contest over which candidate is stingiest with the nation’s pocketbook. (Jessica Wehrman, 10/27/12)

Chicago Tribune: Crushing debt is our children’s biggest threat

The coming settlement of our government debt often is referred to as “a ticking time bomb.” Actually, it’s not. The consequences won’t explode all at once. The crisis is coming at us like “The Blob,” a 1958 horror film about a giant amoebalike alien that creeps along, growing larger and larger as it consumes everyone in its path. (Dennis Byrne, 10/30/12)

Time: Romney Says Massive Debt Among Top Challenges

“This is critical time for the country. We face enormous challenges, massive debt. We face an economy that is not putting our people to work in the jobs that they need.” —Mitt Romney (Mark Halperin, 10/29/12)

Fox News: Romney to focus on approach to fixing economy in final push of campaign

Mitt Romney will begin his closing argument of the 2012 presidential campaign Tuesday by focusing on his approach to fixing the economy, senior aides tell Fox News. [Over the final eight days of the campaign, the former governor will return to an early and recurring theme of his presidential run, in which he referred to his “Day One, Job One” plan. (Carl Cameron, 10/29/12)

Des Moines Register: In Iowa, Rubio says ‘National debt cannot be overstated’

Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and one of Mitt Romney’s sons campaigned for the GOP presidential candidate in Iowa today, vouching for his character and willingness to tackle the national debt. “Our national debt cannot be overstated, It’s the size of our economy. The debt hurts job creation. Every penny that’s going to the government debt is money that’s not available for investment in the private sector.” (Jennifer Jacobs 10/25/12)

Reason.com: 3rd Quarter GDP Growth Due to Government Spending, No Reason to Celebrate

An economy that’s dependent on government spending for increases in growth isn’t a good thing (you gotta pay for thatspending someday, and much of the spending is simply poorly allocated as students of specific stimulus recipients can tell you). (Nick Gillespie 10/29/12)

Quad City Times: Debt concerns drive some to Romney rally

“We don’t want to pass our national debt onto our kids.”—Davenport, Iowa, Romney rally attendant Stacy Petterson (Deidre Cox Baker, 10/30/12)

Zero Hedge – Marc Faber & Jim Rogers On Our “Clueless, Ignorant, Dangerous” Leaders

Candice Lanier — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 11:16:02 +0000

While the discussions between these two legends varied from Phat Phong nightlife to Dow 30,000, and from China bullishness to AAPL bearishness, it was the conversation about the actions of Bernanke, and more importantly our political leaders that summed up perfectly the dreadful reality in which we find ourselves. The punchline: “It is very dangerous to have ignorant people believing that they know something.”

Rogers is bullish China long-term but buying Chinese stocks only selectively…

Faber sees under-the-surface weakness in US equities and while central banks could print us to Dow 30,000; gold and other commodities will be astronomical by then…

Understanding Public Policy — A Primer (Daniel T. Griswold)

Steve Foley — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 17:53:10 +0000

http://www.cato.org/store/books/mad-about-trade-why-main-street-america-shoul…

http://www.cato.org/cato-university/archives/summer12/schedule.html

Daniel Griswold is the former director of the Herbert A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies at the Cato Institute in Washington, D.C, and the author of the new Cato book, Mad about Trade: Why Main Street America Should Embrace Globalization. Since joining Cato in 1997, Mr. Griswold has authored major studies on globalization, trade, and immigration. He’s written articles for major newspapers, appeared on CNBC, C-SPAN, CNN, PBS, and Fox News, and testified before House and Senate committees. Earlier in his career, Mr. Griswold was editorial page editor of a daily newspaper, the Colorado Springs Gazette, and a congressional press secretary. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and a diploma in economics and a master’s degree in the Politics of the World Economy from the London School of Economics. Since 2012 Griswold has been president of the National Association of Foreign Trade Zones.

Breaking: US Credit Rating Cut by Egan-Jones … Again

Steve Foley — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 21:10:49 +0000

From CNBC:

Ratings firm Egan-Jones cut its credit rating on the U.S. government to “AA-” from “AA,” citing its opinion that quantitative easing from the Federal Reserve would hurt the U.S. economy and the country’s credit quality.

Getty Images

The Fed on Thursday said it would pump $40 billion into the U.S. economy each month until it saw a sustained upturn in the weak jobs market. (Read more: Fed’s ‘QE Infinity’ — Four Things That Could Go Wrong)

In its downgrade, the firm said that issuing more currency and depressing interest rates through purchasing mortgage-backed securities does little to raise the U.S.’s real gross domestic product, but reduces the value of the dollar.

#NVSen: Berkley’s Out-Of-Touch Record Crashes Into Reality, Again

Steve Foley — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 18:15:18 +0000

41 Straight Months Of High Unemployment After Berkley Promised Her Stimulus Would ‘Create or Save’ 34,000 Nevada Jobs

WASHINGTON — Over three years ago, embattled U.S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley was a strong supporter of the massive $825 billion stimulus – paid for by borrowing billions of dollars from China – that Berkley and Harry Reid promised would ‘create or save’ 34,000 Nevada jobs. At the same time, Berkley was following Nancy Pelosi’s orders to support the health care law which the Supreme Court confirmed last week represents a massive tax hike on Nevada families and small businesses.

Yet, since President Obama has taken office and the Democrats have run Washington, our country has actually lost over 400,000 jobs, and today marks the 41^st straight month that the national unemployment rate has remained above 8 percent.

In fact, the June unemployment report shows the worst quarter of job creation in two years.

As CNBC reports:

CNBC’s John Harwood: “Not Good News For The American Economy”

“Between last week’s Supreme Court decision and today’s jobs report, it’s a sobering reminder that at a time when embattled Congresswoman Shelley Berkley and the Democrats should have been focused on jobs, they focused instead on a massive middle class tax hike and reckless government spending programs,” National Republican Senatorial Committee spokesman Jahan Wilcox said today.

BACKGROUND….

FLASHBACK …

Berkley Press Release: “The American Recovery And Reinvestment Act . . . Will Create Millions Of New Jobs, deliver tax relief to working families and provide funding to states for healthcare, education, clean energy and new roads and highways.” (Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, “Broad Stimulus Package Will Create New Jobs, Deliver Needed Help For Families,” Press Release, 1/28/09)

Berkley Stimulus Press Release: Broad Stimulus Package Will Create New Jobs, Deliver Needed Help For Families (Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, “Broad Stimulus Package Will Create New Jobs, Deliver Needed Help For Families,” Press Release, 1/28/09)

Berkley Called The Stimulus “An Investment In The Future Of Nevada And The Nation.” “Calling the package an investment in the future of Nevada and the nation, Congresswoman Shelley Berkley voted today in favor of a broad economic stimulus package.” (Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, “Broad Stimulus Package Will Create New Jobs, Deliver Needed Help For Families,” Press Release, 1/28/09)

“‘Putting Nevadans Back To Work Is My Number One Priority and that’s why I’m proud to cosponsor these two bills that aim to create jobs in Nevada and across our nation,’ said Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-NV). ‘While some in Washington work to protect corporations that ship our jobs overseas, I’m working with my colleagues to pass legislation that invests in clean energy jobs and provides small businesses the tools they need to expand and hire employees.’” (Ways And Means Committee Democrats, “Ways And Means Democrats Introduce Bills To Extend Wind Energy Tax Credit, Provide Hiring Tax Credit,” Press Release, 6/27/12)

Obama-Berkley-Reid Economic Record….

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Since President Obama Took Office, The Nation Has Lost 473,000 Jobs And The Unemployment Rate Has Increased From 7.8 Percent To 8.2 Percent. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Accessed 7/6/12)

In June, The Hispanic Unemployment Rate Remained At 11.0 Percent. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Accessed 7/6/12)

The African American Unemployment Rate Increased From 13.6 Percent To 14.4 Percent. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Accessed 7/6/12)

The Unemployment Rate Has Remained Above Eight Percent For A Record 41 Straight Months. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Accessed 7/6/12)

The Real Unemployment Rate, Including Those That Are Working Part-Time Due To Economic Reasons, Increased To 14.9 Percent. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Accessed 7/6/12)

[/li] [/list]

Clinton: Extend All Tax Rates

Steve Foley — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 22:02:31 +0000

President Bill Clinton Says That Extending ‘All The Tax Cuts Due To Expire At The End Of The Year’ Is ‘Probably The Best Thing We Can Do Right Now’

CLINTON: ‘They Will Have To Extend… All Of It Now’

“Former President Bill Clinton broke sharply with President Obama over the Bush-era tax cuts, calling on Congress to renew them temporarily in the face of ongoing economic malaise. “That’s probably the best thing to do right now,” Clinton said Tuesday in an interview with CNBC.” (“Clinton Pleads Ignorance In Campaign Flap,” Politico, 6/5/12)

“…Clinton told CNBC Tuesday that the US economy already is in a recession and urged Congress to extend all the tax cuts due to expire at the end of the year.” (“US Already In ‘Recession,’ Extend Tax Cuts: Bill Clinton,” CNBC, 6/5/12)

· “Clinton did say that Congress would be best off agreeing, at least for the time being, to extend all the tax cuts that are set to expire at the end of the year, including the so-called Bush tax cuts named after Clinton’s successor, George W. Bush.” (“US Already In ‘Recession,’ Extend Tax Cuts: Bill Clinton,” CNBC, 6/5/12)

PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON: “I think what it means is they will have to extend… have to put everything off until early next year. That’s probably the best thing to do right now… I don’t have any problem with extending all of it now.” (CNBC’s “Closing Bell,” 6/5/12)

· CLINTON: “What I think we need to do is to find some way to avoid the fiscal cliff, to avoid doing anything that would contract the economy now, and then deal with what’s necessary in the long-term debt reduction plans as soon as they can…” (CNBC’s “Closing Bell,” 6/5/12)

Gas Price Goals?

Steve Foley — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:54:37 +0000

President Obama’s Energy Secretary Wants ‘To Figure Out How To Boost The Price Of Gasoline To The Levels In Europe’

‘The Main Problem With High Gasoline Prices Is Their Rapid Rise, Not Their Total’

“…Obama suggested that the main problem with high gasoline prices is their rapid rise, not their total of about $4 a gallon. ‘I think that I would have preferred a gradual adjustment,’ Obama said.” (“One Down, More To Go For Republicans Aiding McCain,” The Associated Press, 6/12/08)

· CNBC’S JOHN HARWOOD: “So could these high prices help us?” SEN. BARACK OBAMA (D-IL): “I think that I would have preferred a gradual adjustment.” (CNBC’s “Special Report,” 6/10/08)

STEVEN CHU: “Somehow we have to figure out how to boost the price of gasoline to the levels in Europe.” (“Times Tough For Energy Overhaul,” The Wall Street Journal, 12/12/08)

Current Price Of Gas ‘In Europe’

Italy: $9.00 Per Gallon

UK: $8.67 Per Gallon

Germany: $8.10 Per Gallon

France: $7.80 Per Gallon

(“Actual Prices Per One Liter Of Fuel,” Europe’s Energy Portal, Accessed 2/21/12)

Report: ‘Five Dollars A Gallon By Memorial Day’

ROBIN ROBERTS, ABC News: “So how high could prices go? ABC’s Cecilia Vega has more in Los Angeles, where five dollar a gallon gas already a reality there, Cecilia?” CECILIA VEGA, ABC News: “Yea, Robin, 5.09 for the premium, check this out, 4.93 for regular, and it could soon look this way all around the country… the average price of gas nationwide has never been higher for this time of year… and brace for it to only get worse. Some predictions show gas reaching five dollars a gallon by Memorial Day.” (ABC News’ “Good

Jobs Groups, Labor Demand Pipeline

Steve Foley — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:33:39 +0000

Argue That ‘It Would Be Irresponsible To Let Such Good-Paying Jobs Slip Away’

‘Labor Unions And The Business Community Alike Are Urging President Obama To Act’

THOMAS DONOHUE, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President: “Our biggest and most reliable foreign energy supplier is Canada. The proposed Keystone XL pipeline would bring Canadian oil sands down to our Gulf Coast refineries and to other destinations along the way. This project has passed every environmental test. There is no legitimate reason—none at all—to subject it to further delay.” (Thomas Donohue, Remarks, Washington, D.C., 1/12/12)

“Labor unions and the business community alike are urging President Obama to act in the best interests of our national security and our workers and approve the pipeline. We can put 20,000 Americans to work right away and up to 250,000 over the life of the project.” (Thomas Donohue, Remarks, Washington, D.C., 1/12/12)

Jobs Groups: ‘Approve The Keystone XL Pipeline As Soon As Possible’

“The undersigned organizations urge you to approve the Keystone XL pipeline as soon as possible. With your approval, this shovel-ready project will provide 20,000 jobs in construction and manufacturing in the next two years, and add tens of thousands of additional jobs throughout the economy in other sectors including service, retail and distribution. With our nation’s stubbornly high unemployment, it would be irresponsible to let such good-paying jobs slip away.” (Trade Groups, Letter To The President, 1/11/12)

“Mr. President, the significant job creation, economic growth, energy security and national security benefits of this project make clear it is in the national interest. We strongly urge you to act swiftly to approve the Keystone XL pipeline.” (Trade Groups, Letter To The President, 1/11/12)

Letter signed by over 100 trade groups from across the country. (Trade Groups, Letter To The President, 1/11/12)

American Labor: ‘We Can’t Wait’ For The Keystone XL Pipeline

AFL-CIO: “…it is America’s workers who are clamoring for the expedited approval of this important project. As President Obama has rightfully declared when it comes to the creation of jobs, ‘WE CAN’T WAIT.’” (Mark H. Ayers, President, Building And Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO, “For The 99% Of Americans, Keystone = JOBS,” Huffington Post, 11/3/11)

AFL-CIO: “Enactment of S.1932 will mean a significant portion of the projected 20,000 direct jobs and the 118,000 spin-off jobs will be created immediately.” (AFL-CIO Building And Construction Trades Department President Mark Ayers, Letter To Sen. Lugar, 12/6/11)

BRENT BOOKER, LABORERS’ INTERNATIONAL: “We’ve been supportive of this project for several years now… Our members, and construction workers, middle-class Americans are in desperate need of jobs, and we think that this project could create that for all those.” (Brent Booker, CNBC, 12/14/11)

BOOKER: “We need the jobs now. We need them as soon as we can get them.” (Brent Booker, CNBC, 12/14/11)

LABORERS’ INTERNATIONAL: “…not just a pipeline, but is a lifeline for thousands of desperate working men and women.” (“Unions Furious At Obama For Killing Pipeline Jobs,” Fox News, 11/10/11)

DAVID BARNETT, UNITED ASSOCIATION OF PLUMBERS AND PIPEFITTERS: “We do need this pipeline. We’ve worked very hard in the last three years to get this permit for this pipeline.” (David Barnett, CNBC, 12/14/11)

BARNETT: “We are experiencing 20-25% unemployment in the pipeline sector right now and our welders and pipe fitters are waiting on this project. … Quite frankly, the American people are tired of Washington D.C. politics going on, and their jobs are waiting in line for these decisions. Let’s get the politics out of it. Let’s give TransCanada a go ahead.” (David Barnett, CNBC, 12/14/11)

INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS: “‘The Keystone Pipeline project will offer working men and women a real chance to earn a good wage and support their families in this difficult economic climate,’ said… James P. Hoffa.” (TransCanada, “U.S. Pipeline Contractors Association And Unions Pledge Their Support For Keystone XL Project,” 9/14/10)

INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS: “At a time when jobs are the top global priority, the Keystone project will put thousands back to work and have ripple benefits throughout the North American economy. Our members look forward to being part of this historic project and pledge to deliver the highest quality work to make it a success.’” (International Brotherhood Of Electrical Workers, “TransCanada Pipeline PLA Could Mean Construction Boon,” 10/20/11)

INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS: “‘An ambitious project of this scope, spanning over five states and employing thousands of American construction workers, will unequivocally help remedy the struggles of our country’s working families,’ said International Union of Operating Engineers General President Vincent J. Giblin.” (TransCanada, “U.S. Pipeline Contractors Association And Unions Pledge Their Support For Keystone XL Project,” 9/14/10)

LABOR: ‘We Can’t Wait’ For The Keystone XL Pipeline

Steve Foley — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:24:23 +0000

American Labor Unions Say ‘We Can’t Wait’ For The Keystone XL Pipeline And The ‘20,000 Direct Jobs’ That ‘Will Be Created Immediately’

LABOR: ‘We Can’t Wait’ For The Keystone XL Pipeline

AFL-CIO: “…it is America’s workers who are clamoring for the expedited approval of this important project. As President Obama has rightfully declared when it comes to the creation of jobs, ‘WE CAN’T WAIT.’” (Mark H. Ayers, President, Building And Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO, “For The 99% Of Americans, Keystone = JOBS,” Huffington Post, 11/3/11)

AFL-CIO: “Enactment of S.1932 will mean a significant portion of the projected 20,000 direct jobs and the 118,000 spin-off jobs will be created immediately.” (AFL-CIO Building And Construction Trades Department President Mark Ayers, Letter To Sen. Lugar, 12/6/11)

BOOKER: “We need the jobs now. We need them as soon as we can get them.” (Brent Booker, CNBC, 12/14/11)

LABORERS’ INTERNATIONAL: “…not just a pipeline, but is a lifeline for thousands of desperate working men and women.” (“Unions Furious At Obama For Killing Pipeline Jobs,” Fox News, 11/10/11)

BARNETT: “We are experiencing 20-25% unemployment in the pipeline sector right now and our welders and pipe fitters are waiting on this project. … Quite frankly, the American people are tired of Washington D.C. politics going on, and their jobs are waiting in line for these decisions. Let’s get the politics out of it. Let’s give TransCanada a go ahead.” (David Barnett, CNBC, 12/14/11)

INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS: “‘The Keystone Pipeline project will offer working men and women a real chance to earn a good wage and support their families in this difficult economic climate,’ said… James P. Hoffa.” (TransCanada, “U.S. Pipeline Contractors Association And Unions Pledge Their Support For Keystone XL Project,” 9/14/10)

INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS: “At a time when jobs are the top global priority, the Keystone project will put thousands back to work and have ripple benefits throughout the North American economy. Our members look forward to being part of this historic project and pledge to deliver the highest quality work to make it a success.’” (International Brotherhood Of Electrical Workers, “TransCanada Pipeline PLA Could Mean Construction Boon,” 10/20/11)

INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS: “‘An ambitious project of this scope, spanning over five states and employing thousands of American construction workers, will unequivocally help remedy the struggles of our country’s working families,’ said International Union of Operating Engineers General President Vincent J. Giblin.” (TransCanada, “U.S. Pipeline Contractors Association And Unions Pledge Their Support For Keystone XL Project,” 9/14/10)

SENATE DEMS: We ‘Cannot Afford Further Delays,’ ‘We Need The Jobs’

SEN. KENT CONRAD (D-ND): “I personally think the pipeline is absolutely in the national interest. It’ll help us reduce our dependence on foreign energy, at least foreign sources that are hostile to our interests… I, for one, on this side would hope that this could be part of a final package, and I hope that this is something we could work through in the coming hours.” (Sen. Conrad, Floor Remarks, 12/14/11)

SEN. JON TESTER (D-MT): “I am proud to again offer my support for the Keystone XL pipeline and the jobs it will create. We need a quicker decision, based on the merits of this project.” (Sen. Tester, Floor Remarks, 12/13/11)

TESTER: “I do not believe we should have to wait until January of 2013 for a decision that can create American jobs right now. In Montana, we need the jobs.” (Sen. Tester, Floor Remarks, 12/13/11)

TESTER: “We should be acting responsibly to create jobs with this pipeline… Instead, we’re watching political maneuvering designed to score points rather than create jobs. And we all know that when this is how Washington acts, the people who lose are hard working Americans and Montanans who just want to go back to work. They want to build and maintain the infrastructure that powers and protects America.” (Sen. Tester, Floor Remarks, 12/13/11)

SEN. CLAIRE MCCASKILL (D-MO): ‘Make It Go More Quickly’ Q: “My guess is if you send them back a bill that… gave them Keystone… everybody goes home for Christmas.” SEN. CLAIRE MCCASKILL (D-MO): “Well, let’s hope we can negotiate something like that… if states’ rights are being protected and if this is going to be something maybe that we can try to jump start the approval process, make it go more quickly.” (MSNBC, 12/14/11)

SEN. MAX BAUCUS (D-MT): “We need to put Montanans back to work and cannot afford further delays to the Keystone XL pipeline…” (“Baucus, Tester Support Keystone XL, But Not GOP Bill,” KTVQ News, 11/30/11)

SEN. JON TESTER (D-MT): “The Keystone pipeline will create Montana jobs and it should not have to wait 14 months for an up-or-down decision…” (“Baucus, Tester Support Keystone XL, But Not GOP Bill,” KTVQ News, 11/30/11)

SENS. MARK BEGICH (D-AK), MARY LANDRIEU (D-LA) & MAX BAUCUS (D-MT): “…we write today in support of the Keystone XL Gulf Coast Expansion Pipeline, a project that the Department of State has been considering under a Presidential Permit application since 2008. Now more than ever, it is critical that this country move forward with this project.” (“Media Advisory – Fourteen U.S. Senators Urge Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to Approve Keystone XL Pipeline,” TransCanada, 3/16/11)