*For all press release inquiries, please reach out to Theresa Meyer (Theresa.Meyer@mail.house.gov)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer’s (MN-06) amendment was adopted unanimously and added to H.R. 3354, the Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act of 2018.

This amendment would roll back actions from the outgoing Obama Administration by prohibiting funds from being used to withdraw federal lands from mining or mineral exploration in the Rainy River Watershed on the Superior National Forest. It does not authorize or approve the development of any new mines, nor does it permit mining in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area or limit the environmental review process required for the development of new mines.

Emmer joined debate on the House Floor this evening to speak on behalf of his amendment

 

“Today we took a good and necessary first step to restore Minnesota’s rights to pursue safe, responsible and precise development of federal lands,” said Emmer. “Through this unanimous vote, we are sending a strong signal to the Administration that these lands, and the control of their resources, needs to remain with the people of Minnesota. I am thankful for the support from my colleagues and will continue to work towards bringing jobs, revenue and hope of a more prosperous future back to our great state.”

The Emmer Amendment was Amendment #70 to H.R. 3354. Click here to read the full text.

For Emmer’s related testimony before the House Natural Resource Committee, click here. 

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