H.J.Res. 140: 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.

What it does

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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.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Public Law, Apr 27, 2026).

Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

What has happened

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2026-04-27Became Public Law No: 119-85.Library of Congress
2026-04-27Signed by President.Library of Congress
2026-04-17Presented to President.Library of Congress
2026-04-16Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 49. Record Vote Number: 84. Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
2026-01-21Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 214 - 208 (Roll no. 38). (text: CR H1147) Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
2026-01-12Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Show all 30 recorded actions

After it became law

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Nothing in the Federal Register names Public Law 119-85 yet (checked Oct 27, 2026). Many laws need no new rules: they set penalties, name a building, or fund something directly.

Recorded votes

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Jan 21, 2026 · House roll call 38 · needed 1/2

On Passage: Passed 214–208

R 213 yes, 1 no, 4 present or not votingD 1 yes, 207 no, 5 present or not voting

How each member voted · Official record

Apr 15, 2026 · Senate roll call 82 · needed 1/2

On the Motion to Table: Motion to Table Agreed to 51–48

R 51 yes, 1 no, 1 present or not votingI 0 yes, 2 noD 0 yes, 45 no

How each member voted · Official record

Apr 15, 2026 · Senate roll call 83 · needed 1/2

On the Motion to Proceed: Motion to Proceed Agreed to 51–49

R 51 yes, 2 noI 0 yes, 2 noD 0 yes, 45 no

How each member voted · Official record

Apr 16, 2026 · Senate roll call 84 · needed 1/2

On the Joint Resolution: Joint Resolution Passed 50–49

R 50 yes, 2 no, 1 present or not votingI 0 yes, 2 noD 0 yes, 45 no

How each member voted · Official record

Cosponsors

Nicholas J. Begich III R-AK-At Large
Brad Finstad R-MN-1
Anna Paulina Luna R-FL-13
Celeste Maloy R-UT-2