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

Sourced

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
2026-04-27Became Public Law No: 119-85.Library of Congress
2026-04-27Signed by President.Library of Congress
2026-04-27Signed by President.Library of Congress
2026-04-17Presented to President.House floor actions
2026-04-17Presented to President.Library of Congress
2026-04-16Message on Senate action sent to the House.Senate
2026-04-16Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 49. Record Vote Number: 84. Roll call recordSenate
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
2026-04-16Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S1807-1812)Senate
2026-04-15Measure laid before Senate by motion.Senate
2026-04-15Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 49. Record Vote Number: 83. (CR S1790) Roll call recordSenate
2026-04-15Motion to table the point of order that the measure is not entitled to expedited procedures under the Congressional Review Act agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 48. Record Vote Number: 82. Roll call recordSenate
2026-04-15Point of order that the measure is not entitled to expedited procedures under the Congressional Review Act raised in Senate. (CR S1780)Senate
2026-04-15Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate. (consideration: CR S1779-1780)Senate
2026-01-26Received in the Senate, read twice.Senate
2026-01-21Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
2026-01-21On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 214 - 208 (Roll no. 38). (text: CR H1147) Roll call recordHouse floor actions
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
2026-01-21Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1156-1157)House floor actions
2026-01-21POSTPONED 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
2026-01-21The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.House floor actions
2026-01-21DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 140.House floor actions
2026-01-21Rule 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
2026-01-21Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1009. (consideration: CR H1147-1155)House floor actions
2026-01-21Rule H. Res. 1009 passed House.House floor actions
2026-01-20Rules 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
2026-01-12Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.House floor actions
2026-01-12Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
2026-01-12Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

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After it became law

Sourced

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