WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says President Barack Obama would veto legislation approving construction of the long-stalled Keystone XL oil pipeline.

A bill that would have forced Obama’s hand on the issue failed to clear Congress in its final days last year. But the Congress that convened Tuesday is Republican-controlled and new Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said the pipeline bill will be among the first issues voted on.

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White House press secretary Josh Earnest says he does not expect Obama would sign any Keystone legislation that reaches his desk.

The spokesman says there is a “well-established” review process that is being run by the State Department that should not be undermined by legislation.

Earnest also says the pipeline’s route through Nebraska also must be resolved.