Mitch McConnell says Keystone pipeline bill up first next year…and he'll allow amendments

Incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) promised Tuesday that the first bill he'd call up in the Senate next year would be one to approve the Keystone XL pipeline.

"We'll be starting next year with a job-creating bill that enjoys significant bipartisan support," McConnell told reporters. "First item up in the new Senate will be the Keystone XL pipeline."

McConnell said the Obama administration's delay of several years makes no sense in light of studies showing there are few risks to adding another cross-border pipeline.

"Multiple studies showing over and over again, showing no measurable harm to the environment," he said. "People want jobs, and this project will create well-paying high-wage jobs for our people, and it certainly does enjoy a lot of bipartisan support."

In a sign McConnell is looking to change the tone of the Senate — which has essentially failed as a legislative body for years under Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) — McConnell said he would allow an open amendment process when the bill comes up.

"It will be open for amendment," he said. "I will hope that senators on both sides will offer energy-related amendments, but there'll be no effort to try to micromanage the amendment process."

Republicans argued for years that Democrats have shut them out of the legislative process by refusing to call up any amendments. That has prompted Republicans to oppose many of the bills that Democrats raise, and has relegated the Senate to a body that considers little else besides must-pass spending bills or measures with clear bipartisan support.