Despite a veto threat from President Barack Obama, the GOP-controlled U.S. House advanced a bill approving the controversial Keystone XL pipeline project Friday by a 266-153 vote, sending the measure to the Senate for consideration.

The House pipeline measure, backed mostly by Republicans and 28 Democrats, did not garner enough votes for a veto-proof majority. In the Republican-led Senate, a cloture vote on the Keystone XL legislation is slated for Monday. Senate Republicans reportedly do not yet have the 67 votes required for a presidential veto override.

The long-discussed pipeline, widely opposed by environmentalists, would carry tar sands oil from Canada through the United States to the Gulf Coast of Texas. 

Obama will veto the measure if it is sent to his desk, according to the White House.