WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approval of the final permits for the construction of the southern leg of the Keystone XL Pipeline:

"Final approval for Keystone's southern route is good news for jobs, and means we're taking an important step in securing our nation's energy security. I've consistently fought for approval of the Keystone Pipeline, because I know it will reduce America's dependence on overseas, foreign oil, while creating jobs here at home."

Earlier this month, McCaskill sent a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urging her to speed up the lengthy review process for the northern portion of the pipeline, citing the significant potential for jobs and increased energy security the pipeline's construction would mean for the United States. McCaskill has long been a supporter of the swift approval and construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, previously voting to force approval of the project.

McCaskill has also consistently worked with both Republicans and Democrats on energy security issues facing Missouri. Citing that record earlier this year, the respected, nonpartisan news magazine National Journal ranked McCaskill exactly in the moderate middle of the U.S. Senate, #50 out of 100.

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