Upton: Keystone Pipeline 'shovel-ready'

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. (WOOD) - The U.S. Congress took a break from legislative action during the holidays. But representatives did not take a break from the partisan sniping that has punctuated the battles over spending -- and nearly everything else -- in Washington in 2011.

U.S. Representative Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) sat down with 24 Hour News 8 on Monday to talk about his take on what Congress accomplished in 2011 and what's on tap for 2012 once Congress goes back into session next week.

Upton is on a conference committee to help find a way to extend the payroll tax reduction and unemployment benefits set to expire at the end February. Just before Christmas, the House reluctantly agreed to a two-month extension for unemployment and the payroll tax deduction.

"The president himself asked for a one-year extension. We passed that in the House and, more importantly, paid for it," said Upton. "In my view, sadly, the Senate only did a 60-day extension that didn't have the same pay-fors."

There was, of course, more than just the taxes and unemployment benefits included in the bill.

"We included in this legislation the Keystone Pipeline ," explained Upton. "The president has until the 21st of February to say whether it's in the nation's interest or not."

Many Republicans -- and some Democrats -- want the pipeline. Environmental groups are opposed to it. T White House had planned to wait until after the election to make a decision on it.

According to Upton, the pipeline would help stimulate the economy.

"This is a shovel-ready project that can not wait," said Upton. "20,000 direct American jobs, maybe more than 100,000 indirect jobs."

It will also undoubtedly be another political sticking point.

This all comes at the same time that President Barack Obama must face down the Republican-controlled House during his bid for re-election.

"I think he should run against this do-nothing Congress," House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said. "For the past year ... there's been a missed opportunity for building the infrastructure of America."

Upton doesn't support that view.

"I have to say in the House, we've had a fairly aggressive schedule," said Upton.

The atmosphere in Washington, D.C. will likely become even more toxic in the coming months as the battle for the White House intensifies.