The Republican proposals to authorize the Keystone XL pipeline and tweak ObamaCare’s definition of full-time workers haven’t even left committee and the White House issued formal veto threats for both Keystone and H.R. 30. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has extended his hand across the aisle, and five Democrats co-sponsored the Keystone authorization bill. But that’s not good enough for the White House, which is loudly proclaiming that the bill is bad for the American people, and “conflicts with longstanding Executive branch procedures regarding the authority of the President” – as if Obama hasn’t taken enough power for himself already. “The takeaway is that the president is not going to set the agenda for us here in the Senate,” McConnell said. “We have an agenda we believe can help save and create jobs for Americans. If the president wants to be a part of that he can sign a bill that will make it to his desk, and if he doesn’t, I am sure he will make his best effort to explain to the American people why these measures are not in the best interest of the country.” Good for the Republicans, living up to their mandate from the voters.