Time running out for Senate vote on Boundary Waters mining resolution

Time is running out for the U.S. Senate to pass House Joint Resolution 140, which would undo Public Land Order 7917 — a Biden administration mineral withdrawal affecting 225,504 acres in the Superior National Forest within the Rainy River Watershed.

In January, House Republicans used the Congressional Review Act to pass legislation reversing the mineral withdrawal and returning mining leases, currently tied up in litigation, to Twin Metals LLC.

House Speaker Mike Johnson quickly brought the measure to the floor, where it passed on a near-party-line vote of 214-208. The resolution then moved to the Senate, where it has awaited a vote for more than two months.

Under the Congressional Review Act’s fast-track process, Congress has 60 session days to take final action on the legislation. During that time, the resolution can pass the Senate with a simple majority, which Republicans hold with 53 seats. That window is expected to close in April.

The Senate is scheduled to recess March 28 through April 12, narrowing the time to act on the resolution when lawmakers return.

The Senate had been expected to vote on the measure in early February, but the vote was postponed as Republicans and Democrats negotiated funding for the Department of Homeland Security.

Protections for the Boundary Waters remain a prominent issue among Minnesotans. According to a 2025 poll conducted by Save the Boundary Waters, 68% of voters statewide and 70% in battleground districts said legislation permanently protecting the Boundary Waters from sulfide-ore copper mining should be a “very important priority.”

That sentiment aligns with national polling on environmental issues. A 2025 survey by the International Fund for Animal Welfare found that 81% of Americans said they are concerned about the environment, animal welfare and conservation.

Despite the narrowing timeline, Senate Republicans could still bring the resolution to the floor. A vote can be scheduled with only a few days’ notice.

Josh Hinke March 28, 2026