The Keystone XL pipeline will move back to the floor for debate after the Republicans bi-partisan bill was passed by 63 votes.
The move will force President Barack Obama to make a decision on the bill, his office has already stated that he would veto the bill.
Decisions on cross-border infrastructure ultimately lie in the hands of the President and its administration, not lawmakers said Obama.
Bill 1 will now be up for debate and amendments.
The previous Democrat controlled Senate failed numerous times to pass a similar bill, but the very first bill presented by the newly sworn in Republican congress was approved.
The proposed pipeline would carry Alberta Oilsands crude to the US Gulf Coast.
