U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis presided over the House floor during the 114th Congress. (Photo courtesy Facebook/Rodney Davis)

By Eric Stock 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, wants Senate Democrats and the Obama administration to stop dragging their feet on the Keystone XL Pipeline. 

"The president's own administration has made the Keystone Pipeline the most study permit in the nation's history." Davis proclaimed. 

The Senate has started debate on the project, but there's currently not enough support to override an expected veto. Davis told WJBC's Scott Laughlin, the project will create 40,000 new jobs. Some critics have said it will create far less and could be an environmental hazard. 

Davis said he believes Republicans finally have enough support to enact tax reform.

"With the Republicans in control of the Senate, I think we actually will get our issues heard and unlike during last Congress in many cases," Davis said. "I think we'll see that will close a lot of the loopholes that politicians keep talking about closing." 

U.S. job openings are at a 14-year-high, but Davis said that's only part of the story. Davis said despite the job gains, wages have been on the decline since 2007. 

"While unemployment may be going down, and I hope it continues, we still have way too many families relying on government assistance to be able to feed their families," Davis said.

PODCAST: Listen to Scott and Colleen's interview with Davis on WJBC. 

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].