An Obama Veto of Keystone XL Pipeline Would Be ‘Equivalent of Calling the American People Stupid,’ Boehner Says

House Speaker John Boehner had a firm warning for President Obama this morning: Vetoing a bill approving the Keystone XL pipeline would be the “equivalent of calling the American people ‘stupid.’ ”

“Vetoing an overwhelmingly popular bill would be a clear indication that he doesn’t care about the American people’s priorities,” Boehner said.

The Ohio Republican’s remarks in a press conference, playing off the Jonathan Gruber-Obamacare controversy, came hours before the Senate was expected to vote on the pipeline measure, which easily passed Friday in the House of Representatives.

Update: The Democrat-controlled Senate tonight fell one vote short, 59-41, of OK’ing the House version. All 45 Republicans voted in favor.  

If Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., is able to secure 60 votes tonight to avoid a filibuster, the bill will be sent to the president, who will have the option to sign it into law or kill it with a veto.

Watch the 55-second video clip for Boehner’s full remarks directed at Obama, who has put off a decision on the pipeline pending extensive environmental reviews.

>>> How the Keystone XL Pipeline Bill Could Reach Obama’s Desk

This report has been modified.