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Congress·Passed House·about 1 month ago

Minnesota Mining: Reversing the Ban on Federal Land Use

Legislative Progress

Filed
Review
House

214208

Senate
President

Key Points

  • Congress is voting to cancel a rule from the Bureau of Land Management that blocked new mining on about 225,000 acres of federal land in northern Minnesota.
  • The original rule was meant to protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness by preventing companies from mining for minerals like copper and nickel for 20 years.
  • By overturning this rule, the government would allow mining companies to apply for leases to dig and explore for minerals in Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis counties again.
  • This move is a major debate between people who want to create new mining jobs and those who want to protect one of the country's most famous wilderness areas from pollution.

Milestones

3 milestones14 actions
Jan 26, 2026Senate

Received in the Senate.

Jan 21, 2026House

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Jan 21, 2026House

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 214 - 208 (Roll no. 38). (text: CR H1147)

Jan 21, 2026

Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 214 - 208 (Roll no. 38). (text: CR H1147)

Jan 21, 2026House

Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1156-1157)

Vote Results

1 vote
HousePassedPassageJan 21, 2026

On Passage

214
208
Democrat
1207 · 5
Republican
2131 · 4
View full roll call

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to Public Land Order No. 7917 for Withdrawal of Federal Lands; Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, MN.

Bill NumberHJRES 140
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReceived in the Senate.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(4)
R: 4

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.