“Republicans have said that if they couldn’t override Obama’s veto, they plan to wrap legislation green-lighting the 1,700-mile pipeline into a spending measure or broader bill, such as the federal highway bill.”
Sure they will. If they attach Keystone to a highway bill (or any funding bill), Barry will say he will veto it and then either Dingy Harry will block it, or Barry will in fact veto it. In either case, McConnell and Boehner will fold since they do not want to be responsible for “shutting down” the highway fund.
I’m sure Barry wishes McConnell/Boehner would occasionally fight, just to make it interesting. It’s just too easy for him now.
So, the choices are:
* Send a bill Obama will sign
* Force a government shutdown.
I can’t think of any other option under the circumstances.