This joint resolution nullifies Public Land Order 7917, which withdrew approximately 225,504 acres of National Forest System lands in Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, Minnesota, from mineral and geothermal leasing for 20 years. 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 the 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.
| Action Date | Type | Text | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-26 | IntroReferral | Received in the Senate. | Senate |
| 2026-01-21 | Floor | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. | House floor actions |
| 2026-01-21 | Vote | On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 214 - 208 (Roll no. 38). (text: CR H1147) | House floor actions |
| 2026-01-21 | Floor | Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1156-1157) | House floor actions |
| 2026-01-21 | Floor | POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.J. Res. 140, the Chair put the question on passage of the joint resolution and by voice vote, announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Huffman demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced. | House floor actions |
| 2026-01-21 | Floor | The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. | House floor actions |
| 2026-01-21 | Floor | DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 140. | House floor actions |
| 2026-01-21 | Floor | Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6945, H.R. 6359 and H.J. Res. 140. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 6945, H.R. 6359, and H.J. Res. 140 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each measure. | House floor actions |
| 2026-01-21 | Floor | Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1009. (consideration: CR H1147-1155) | House floor actions |
| 2026-01-21 | Floor | Rule H. Res. 1009 passed House. | House floor actions |
| 2026-01-20 | Floor | Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1009 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6945, H.R. 6359 and H.J. Res. 140. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 6945, H.R. 6359, and H.J. Res. 140 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each measure. | House floor actions |
| 2026-01-12 | IntroReferral | Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. | House floor actions |
| 2026-01-12 | IntroReferral | Introduced in House | Library of Congress |