Today, the United States House of Representatives voted on an energy package – The American Energy Solutions Act (H.R. 2), which passed by a vote of 226 to 191. The House also voted on a jobs package – The Jobs for America Act (H.R. 4), which passed by a vote of 253 to 163.

“Once again the House has acted on meaningful legislation that will help create jobs, and strengthen our country’s energy infrastructure,” said Representative Randy Weber (R-Friendswood). “I remain committed to working with my colleagues on smart solutions that will help get hardworking Americans back to work, lower costs at home, and put us on a path toward energy independence.”

The American Energy Solutions act included a provision, which voids the necessity of the Presidential permit.

“We have a great opportunity in our energy package to finally get the Keystone XL Pipeline permits after more than 2100 days. The pipeline project has been reported to have limited adverse effects on our environment; it will create thousands of jobs and inject billions of dollars into our economy. There is no reason why the American people should have to wait any longer for a project that has more than 70-percent of their support.”

The Jobs for America Act included a provision, which incentivizes business to hire veterans by exempting veterans who already receive health insurance through the Department of Veterans Affairs or reservists covered under TRICARE from Obamacare’s employer mandate threshold.

“We have seen the negative effects of the President’s takeover of healthcare. The employer mandate has caused businesses to reconsider hiring in an effort to avoid this damaging tax. This bi-partisan legislation is a homerun for our veterans and our jobs creators.”

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