In a surprise to many, Montana Senator Jon Tester has voted to filibuster the Keystone XL pipeline, effectively stalling a project he has long supported.

Tester was one of three democrats that changed their vote from the vote back in November, the others were Seneator Tomas R. Carper of Delaware and Robert P. Casey of Pennsylvania.

After the vote, Tester released the following statement:

“I support building the Keystone XL pipeline. That’s why we must do our job, debate this bill, and make it better.  By increasing private property protections for landowners and ensuring pipeline safety, we have an opportunity to build enough support for this bill  to override the President’s veto and get this pipeline built once and for all.”

When Keystone XL failed to pass through the Senate two months ago, in November 2014, Tester bemoaned the Senate's action saying, "I'm disappointed the Senate today failed to pass bipartisan legislation that creates jobs and increases energy security. We need to seize every common-sense opportunity to move this country forward. I remain optimistic that - despite today's vote - Congress will find ways to work together to strengthen our nation."

But now that Republicans are in control Tester appears to have changed his tune to be more tactical, apparently to corral fellow democrats via possible amendments in the event of a presidential veto.

 

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