ViewFrom the Capitol: Support for the Keystone pipeline project

Since I first began representing the people of Missouri's Fourth Congressional District a year ago, I have heard -- over and over -- of the need for America to become energy independent. I couldn't agree more. That is why I'm excited about a bipartisan, job-creating initiative that is awaiting presidential action. It's the Keystone XL Energy Pipeline which was first submitted for approval three years ago and now awaits President Obama's go ahead before it can get up and running.

This expansion of an existing pipeline to transport oil from Canada to U.S. refineries would bring an additional 1.3 million barrels of oil a day into U.S. markets. And, the House Energy and Commerce Committee estimates the pipeline will create 20,000 construction jobs and thousands more related jobs. In fact, a group of House Democrats wrote a letter to President Obama saying the number of spin-off jobs from the project would total about 118,000. With unemployment in double digits in parts of Missouri's Fourth District, I say, "Let's act now!"

Unfortunately, this common sense move to obtain much-needed oil from a friendly neighbor, rather than from dictatorships, is being delayed by President Obama and a vocal environmental minority, despite favorable environmental impact studies on the project. This unnecessary delay has even caused the Canadian company that owns the pipeline project to inform us that it will sell the oil to China if the U.S. does not act in a timely manner. Out-of-work Americans must not be kept waiting. Here is a truly 'shovel-ready job project' that deserves our support.

On another matter, I have the privilege of announcing the names of 15 students from Missouri's Fourth Congressional District who have received Congressional nominations to the U.S. Service Academies.

Nominating these 15 young men and women was an honor as they have exemplary academic and extracurricular records and have demonstrated superior leadership skills. I congratulate them on their accomplishments and wish them well in their desire to serve our country.

The list of the nominees and their hometowns is as follows:

Jay Baugh, Odessa
Jacob A. Bautista, Waynesville
Cody Bivens, Crocker
Stephen Chappel, Sedalia
Brett J. Clement, Pleasant Hill
Samuel L. Cyr, Waynesville
Carl Emanuel, Pleasant Hill
Margarita G. Gomez, Waynesville
Mathias Ham, Lake Winnebago
Thomas N. Karch, Lebanon
Michael W. Keener, Butler
Shawn Norman, Freeman
Stephanie Ohms, Lake Winnebago
Robert H. Richardson, Jefferson City
Daniel T. Ryerson, Versailles

A Congressional nomination does not guarantee an appointment. The decision to extend appointments will be made by the various Service Academies which will notify nominees of their acceptance in the early spring. Let us hope our country will be honored to have these outstanding young leaders from Missouri's 4th District serving our nation.

It is always a pleasure to hear from you and to listen to your views and concerns. If you plan to visit the Washington area, please stop by our office at 1023 Longworth House Office Building. In the 4th Congressional District, you are welcome to come by our offices in Jefferson City, Harrisonville, Lebanon, and Sedalia. You can also keep up with us by going to our website at www.hartzler.house.gov where you can link to our pages on Facebook and Twitter. It is an honor to serve you.

Have a good week.