WASHINGTON (AP) — Incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is promising the new Republican majority will quickly resurrect Keystone XL pipeline legislation killed by Democrats, potentially setting up an early 2015 veto confrontation with President Barack Obama.

After the bill failed by one vote Tuesday, McConnell said the pipeline legislation would be on top of the agenda next year and will land on Obama’s desk.

The vote was a blow to Louisiana Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu, who forced the issue onto the Senate docket. She faces difficult odds in a Dec. 6 runoff election against Republican Rep. Bill Cassidy.

Even if Landrieu wins her re-election, Republicans are likely to have the votes to pass the bill in January, when they will have at least 53 seats. If Cassidy wins, they will have 54.

First Published: November 19, 2014, 8:08 a.m.