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Federal mining ban on northeastern Minnesota lands reversed by law

Signed into lawH.J.Res. 140Latest action

Sponsor: Pete Stauber · Representative · MN

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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.

119th Congress

Topics: Environment & energy

Introduced:

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In plain words

The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.

A 20-year federal mining withdrawal covering three Minnesota counties was canceled by Congress and April 27, 2026.

50-second read · 4 questions answered below

What does this do?

Congress used the to cancel a January 2023 Bureau of Land Management rule that had blocked mining and mineral leasing on federal lands in Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties in northeastern Minnesota for 20 years. The cancellation means those lands are now available again for mining activities, including copper, nickel, and other mineral extraction. The rule is treated as if it never existed, and BLM cannot issue a substantially similar rule without new congressional authorization.

Who does it affect?

The resolution affects people and organizations in northeastern Minnesota, including mining companies, Ojibwe tribes and other Indigenous communities, environmental groups, and outdoor recreation businesses. Anyone who relies on the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and nearby waterways is also affected.

Why does it matter?

Supporters of the original withdrawal argued the mining ban protected water quality and wilderness in the region. Supporters of this resolution argue it reopens the area to economic development and domestic mineral production.

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No call to make

This is law.

Where does it stand?

  1. IntroducedJan 12, 2026
  2. House committee
  3. House vote
  4. Senate
  5. The president's desk

Right now: the president signed it. It's law.Now law

Latest action: — Became Public Law No: 119-85.

Data as of October 9, 2026

Recorded votes

Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.

  1. Senate · · Roll call 84

    As recorded

    Question
    On the H.J.Res. 140
    Result:
    Joint Resolution Passed
    50
    Nay
    49
    0
    1

    Republicans 50 yes, 2 no, 1 not voting · Democrats 45 no · Independents 2 no

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

  2. Senate · · Roll call 83

    As recorded

    Question
    On the H.J.Res. 140
    Result:
    Motion to Proceed Agreed to
    51
    Nay
    49
    0
    0

    Republicans 51 yes, 2 no · Democrats 45 no · Independents 2 no

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

  3. Senate · · Roll call 82

    As recorded

    Question
    On the H.J.Res. 140
    Result:
    Motion to Table Agreed to
    51
    Nay
    48
    0
    1

    Republicans 51 yes, 1 no, 1 not voting · Democrats 45 no · Independents 2 no

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

1 earlier vote

  1. House · · Roll call 38

    As recorded

    Question
    On Passage
    Result:
    Passed
    214
    Nay
    208
    0
    9

    Republicans 213 yes, 1 no, 4 not voting · Democrats 1 yes, 207 no, 5 not voting

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

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