H.J.Res. 140 · Where this bill is now
Became law
Public Law 119-85, Apr 27, 2026
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryOpens Minnesota forest lands to mineral leasing
A federal order had blocked mineral and geothermal leasing on about 225,500 acres of National Forest System lands in three Minnesota counties for 20 years, starting in 2023, to protect nearby watersheds and wilderness areas. This resolution would cancel that block and allow companies to lease the land for exploring and developing minerals and geothermal energy.
How it affects you
People living in or near Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties in Minnesota could see mineral and geothermal exploration and development activity on these forest lands. Those who use the area for recreation, fishing, or other purposes may experience changes to the landscape and environment in these regions.
Read the official summary (Public Law, Apr 27, 2026)
This joint resolution opens approximately 225,504 acres of National Forest System lands in Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties in Minnesota to mineral and geothermal leasing. Specifically, the joint resolution nullifies Public Land Order 7917 , which withdrew such land from mineral and geothermal leasing for 20 years beginning in 2023. The Bureau of Land Management issued the order to protect and preserve the Rainy River Watershed, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Mining Protection Area, and the 1854 Ceded Territory of the Lake Superior Chippewa from potential adverse effects of mineral and geothermal exploration and development. The joint resolution removes such protections and allows such land to be leased for the exploration and development of minerals and geothermal energy.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
2nd SessionH.J.Res. 140
JOINT RESOLUTION
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.
Sponsor: Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN-8) · Introduced Jan 12, 2026 · Public Lands and Natural Resources · 4 versions of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Apr 27, 2026: “Became Public Law No: 119-85.”
How Congress voted
Official roll callsHouse · On Passage · Jan 21, 2026
Passage Passed 214–208
| Party | Yes | No | Didn’t vote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Democrats | 1 | 207 | 5 |
| Republicans | 213 | 1 | 4 |
2 members voted against most of their party: 1 Democrats voted Yes and 1 Republicans voted No.
Congress votes on whole bills and amendments, not on single sections.
Sections
The wording of this bill hasn’t changed across its 4 official versions.