By TENNILLE TRACY

Republicans in Congress are setting up another showdown with President Barack Obama over the Keystone XL oil pipeline, unveiling a bill Monday that pushes through approval of the project over the president's objections. 

More than 40 Senate Republicans have gotten behind the bill, authorizing TransCanada Corp. to build the 1,700-mile pipeline from Canada to Texas.

The legislation is meant to circumvent the need for the president's approval after Obama rejected the pipeline earlier this month.

The Senate bill has the support of 43 Republicans and one Democrat, Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, who tends to side with Republicans on energy issues.

The Senate bill mirrors efforts in the House, where Speaker John Boehner (R., Ohio) said he plans to attach a pipeline-approval measure to a new jobs bill being introduced this week.

Until recently, Republicans had been eager to force the president to make a politically tough call on Keystone in an election year.

In December, they passed legislation that imposed a 60-day deadline on a White House decision.

Following the administration's decision to reject a pending application for the pipeline - while also welcoming a new proposal from TransCanada - Republicans have switched tactics and are now looking for ways to push through approval themselves.

The application for the Keystone XL pipeline, which would pass through six US states, had been pending before the State Department since 2008.

Environmental groups oppose the pipeline because it will transport a type of unconventional oil, known as tar sands, that requires more processing and more air pollution before it can be used.

The oil and natural-gas industry said the pipeline will create jobs and reduce America's dependence on Middle East oil.

Dow Jones Newswires