WASHINGTON — The Senate passed a bipartisan bill on Thursday to clear construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, a controversial project that would transport oil from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.

The vote was 62 to 36. Nine Democrats including Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet joined with Republicans to support the bill despite President Barack Obama’s promise to veto it because he thinks the decision should remain up to the executive branch.

Bennet faces a tough reelection fight in 2016.

The bill is the top legislative priority for Senate Republicans who took control of the chamber earlier this month. They are frustrated by a lengthy and still ongoing Obama administration review of the project.

Right now, supporters do not have enough votes to override the President’s veto.

“This is an important bill, and one that has unfortunately become overshadowed by the politics around it,” said newly elected Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma. “This legislation would be a boon to our economy, create thousands of American jobs and take us another step towards North American energy independence. And, crucially, numerous studies from the U.S. Department of State have shown that it will have a minimal impact on our environment.

“It’s unfortunate that the President has already threatened to veto this bipartisan legislation. But it is my sincere hope that when bipartisan majorities in both houses of Congress send the bill to his desk, he will change his mind and sign it.”

For many years, debate over construction of the pipeline, which will link Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, has pitted environmentalists against the energy industry.

The bill would need to be reconciled with the House version before heading to the President’s desk.