Stauber Introduces First Bill of the 117th Congress to Save Mining Jobs

Press Release

Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) introduced Saving America's Mines Act, legislation that will prohibit any Administration from unilaterally halting the mining of critical minerals on federal lands where mining is currently permissible. Stauber introduced this legislation with President Joe Biden and his Administration specifically in mind, as a politically motivated mineral withdrawal in the Superior National Forest occurred in the final days of his Vice Presidency. Every Republican Member of the Minnesota delegation signed on as a cosponsor of this legislation.

Of this legislation, Congressman Stauber stated, "In the final hours of his Administration, former President Obama, along with then-Vice President Joe Biden, enacted a politically motivated mineral withdrawal that blocked the responsible development of critical minerals in Northeast Minnesota. Fortunately, the Trump Administration's reversal of this harmful withdrawal moved Minnesota's miners one step closer to working high-wage jobs, unleashing economic prosperity in the region, and reducing dependence on unreliable nations with horrific labor standards.

"If our nation is to truly move forward and prosper, the Obama-era attacks on mining must remain a thing of the past. America needs the copper, nickel, cobalt, platinum-group elements that exist on our lands for infrastructure, modern energy technology, national defense, and for applications in our everyday life like cell phones, refrigerators, and batteries. That's why I am proud to introduce legislation to prevent this Administration, and future Administrations, from eliminating important mining jobs and stalling our economic engine."

The Saving America's Mines Act will specifically require an Act of Congress to withdraw any public land from mining, ensuring an Administration cannot make this decision alone.

Stauber's Republican colleagues in the Minnesota delegation made the following statements:

Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) stated, "Instead of relying on China and other hostile nations for minerals and rare earth materials, we should be mining in Minnesota and other parts of America. The mining industry is critical to providing high-wage jobs to hardworking Minnesotans and is key to the overall health of our state's economy. America should come first and Minnesotans' ability to earn a living and provide for their families should not be disrupted by the impulses of one politician or environmental extremists in Washington, DC. I am grateful to Congressman Stauber for leading this effort to prevent the Biden Administration from unilaterally halting mining operations and taking away jobs in Minnesota."

Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) stated, "The jobs of American workers should never be in jeopardy based off the whims of politicians. The Saving America's Mines Act will encourage investment in the Iron Range and other American projects that are based on science and have proven to be safe. In addition, this bill will help bolster our national security and mineral independence. Thank you to Representative Stauber for his commitment to the people of Northern Minnesota."

Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) stated, "Jobs for thousands of hardworking Minnesotans should never be a political football -- especially at a time when so many are still reeling from the effects of the pandemic. After the Trump Administration's steadfast support for Minnesota's mining industry, any move by a new Administration to block mineral development would be a major step back. I join Congressman Stauber in supporting this important legislation that gives voice to the people, not unelected bureaucrats."