US Senate approves controversial Keystone pipeline 

PUBLISHED ON JAN 30, 2015 5:21 AM

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Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski speaks while flanked by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Jan 29, 2015 at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. The US Senate on Thursday approved the immediate construction of the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline, a Republican priority that faces the threat of a presidential veto.  -- PHOTO: AFP www.google.com/+EricAu118

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The US Senate on Thursday approved the immediate construction of the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline, a Republican priority that faces the threat of a presidential veto.

The Republican Bill passed with 62 votes to 36, with support from eight Democrats who defied President Barack Obama, after weeks of fierce debate.