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much permanent employment once it was finished, and say it would reinforce the nation's use of an energy source that worsens global warming.
• The legislation is the latest response in Congress to the Obama administration's recent announcement that it was delaying a decision on the pipeline indefinitely, citing a Nebraska court case relating to the project.
• The House has voted previously to approve construction of the pipeline.
• The White House has not taken a formal position on the legislation, although Democratic officials in the Senate as well as Republican lawmakers say they expect Obama likely would veto it if it reaches his desk.
• In a sidebar dispute, some Republicans said the vote should occur on an amendment to energy efficiency legislation that is expected to reach the Senate floor in the next few days. That would present Obama with a more complicated choice, since large numbers of lawmakers in both parties are likely to favor the broader measure.
• Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas., said a vote on a free-standing bill that deals only with the pipeline is insufficient "because it will never see the light of day. The president's not going to sign it."
• He said the pipeline's fate is in the hands of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., "and how serious he and our Democratic friends are about this issue."
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• 2 more independents jump into US Senate race
• SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- The race for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Tim Johnson is getting even more crowded.
• South Dakota Secretary of State Jason Gant has approved the nominating petitions for two additional independent candidates -- Gordon Howie and Clayton Walker.
• Howie served in the state Legislature between 2005 and 2010. Walker is a 33-year-old Black Hawk resident.
• The two join former Republican U.S. Sen. Larry Pressler, who is running as an independent.
• Republicans seeking the seat are former Gov. Mike Rounds, state lawmakers Larry Rhoden and Stace Nelson, attorney and Army Reserves Maj. Jason Ravnsborg and physician Annette Bosworth. They'll face off in a June 3 primary.
• Sioux Falls business owner Rick Weiland is the lone Democratic candidate.
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