Pete Stauber

President Trump Signs Stauber Bill into Law, Ending Biden's Illegal Mining Ban

Position: Congressman Stauber supports the reversal of the Biden administration's 20-year mining ban in the Superior National Forest, arguing that the ban was illegal and that mining projects should proceed through standard environmental review and permitting processes to develop critical minerals and support Minnesota's mining economy.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, President Donald Trump signed into law Congressman Pete Stauber’s (MN-08) Congressional Review Act legislation, H.J. Res. 140. With his signature, the Biden administration’s 20-year mining ban in the Superior National Forest is officially overturned. Congressman Pete Stauber said, “It’s official. The illegal mining ban put in place by former President Biden has been overturned indefinitely, ending a reckless policy that sidelined Minnesota’s miners and undermined our nation's ability to source our own materials. Never again will any Democrat President be able to unilaterally ban mining in this strategic area of the Superior National Forest. Now, proposed mining projects aimed at unlocking trillions of dollars’ worth of critical minerals can move forward through the proper state and federal environmental review and permitting process. "President Trump is the most pro-mining President in American history, and I thank him for his support in championing Minnesota’s union miners and workers. As the result of our shared commitment to American mineral dominance, Minnesota’s mighty Iron Range has a strong future ahead. It’s back at the center of a powerful economic comeback with another century's worth of mining, and I'm proud to have delivered this hard-fought victory for our state and nation." ###

Stauber’s Bill to End Biden’s Illegal Mining Moratorium in Minnesota Heads to the President’s Desk

Position: Congressman Stauber supports repealing the Biden administration's 20-year mining moratorium on 225,504 acres in Minnesota's Superior National Forest, arguing the ban eliminates jobs and restricts access to critical minerals needed for economic and national security, while maintaining that the resolution preserves environmental safeguards and returns decisions to established permitting processes.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the United States Senate passed Congressman Pete Stauber’s (MN-08) Congressional Review Act resolution, H.J. Res. 140, to repeal the Biden administration’s illegal 20-year mining ban on 225,504 acres in Northern Minnesota’s Superior National Forest. It will now head to the President’s desk for signature. “A major victory for America and for Minnesota’s families and workers was secured today,” said Congressman Pete Stauber. “Never again can any Democrat President or administration unilaterally ban mining in this vital portion of the Superior National Forest, killing jobs and locking away trillions of dollars of critical minerals essential to our way of life. Mining is our past, our present, and our future – and the future looks bright! “Despite the lies and hysterics from the left, my bill doesn’t allow mining in the Boundary Waters or the surrounding buffer zone, nor does it weaken environmental safeguards. It simply returns the decision to established permitting processes, where science, not politics, guides the outcome. I look forward to Minnesota’s miners and workers meeting every state and federal requirement so they can responsibly source the critical minerals, helium, and other natural resources that allow us to compete in the 21st century. We cannot continue to allow foreign adversaries like China to dominate mineral supply chains that are essential to our economic and national security.” This resolution does not approve specific projects. It removes the ban, allowing proposed projects to proceed through the strictest state and federal regulatory and permitting processes. BACKGROUND: In January 2023, the Department of the Interior, at the direction of former President Joe Biden and former Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, issued Public Land Order (PLO) 7917, instituting a 20-year mineral withdrawal covering 225,504 acres in the Superior National Forest in Northern Minnesota. This mineral withdrawal banned mining and other responsible resource extraction in a strategically significant area of the Duluth Complex, which is the largest untapped copper-nickel deposit in the world, which contains trillions of dollars of mineral wealth and at least a century's worth of future mining. Under the Federal Lands Policy and Management Act, the Department of the Interior is required to notify Congress of public land orders impacting an excess of 5,000 acres. The Biden Administration failed to properly transmit PLO 7917 to Congress in January 2023. Earlier this year, the Trump Administration corrected this error and properly transmitted PLO 7917 to Congress. Under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), Congress has the authority to review and disapprove of federal actions within 60 Senate session days of the action’s submission to Congress. If a CRA joint resolution of disapproval addressing a federal action is passed by both chambers and signed by the President, it is nullified and ceases to have effect (or is treated as never having taken effect). Additionally, under the CRA’s substantially similar provision, when a federal action is successfully disapproved of by Congress, the executive branch is prohibited from taking a substantially similar action in the future. ###

Stauber’s Legislation to Reauthorize Funding for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Passes House

Position: Congressman Stauber supports the American Water Stewardship Act, which reauthorizes funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and related water quality and ecosystem restoration programs.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber’s (MN-08) American Water Stewardship Act passed the House unanimously. This bipartisan legislation will reauthorize funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) and several other long-standing programs to maintain and improve water quality across the nation. “The Great Lakes are not only national treasures, they are economic powerhouses that strengthen jobs, tourism, and communities across our region,” said Congressman Pete Stauber. “Protecting the Great Lakes has always been a top priority of mine, so I am proud to champion this bipartisan bill that keeps these precious natural resources and other American waterways safe, beautiful, and clean for generations to come.” The GLRI provides the most significant investment in the Great Lakes ecosystem, targeting areas of concern, invasive species, non-point source pollution, and projects to support habitats and local species. More than 8,000 projects have been carried out through the GLRI program in partnership with states, non-profits, and other community partners, generating more than $3 in economic activity for every federal dollar invested. In addition to the GLRI, the American Water Stewardship Act reauthorizes the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Long Island Sound and Columbia River Basin Restoration programs, the National Estuary Program, and the EPA’s Beach Act program, all of which will help address water quality issues and carry out ecosystem restoration projects. See Congressman Stauber speak on his bill on the House floor HERE. ###

Congressman Stauber and Secretary Duffy Deliver Over $1.05 Billion to Rebuild Blatnik Bridge

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the Department is delivering over $1.05 billion to replace the 65-year-old Blatnik Bridge on I-535 connecting Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin, across the St. Louis Bay. “Today marks a tremendous milestone for our Northland communities. With the official disbursement of Blatnik funds, we will soon see ground break on this critical replacement project,” said Congressman Pete Stauber. “For decades, the Blatnik Bridge has carried 33,000 vehicles daily, serving as a vital lifeline for commerce and commuting between the Twin Ports and the broader region. Yet, time has taken its toll, which is why I have made it a priority in my tenure to secure this investment for its replacement. Soon, we will see the launch of a project that will create union jobs, ensure stronger supply chains for industries, and guarantee smoother and safer commutes for workers and tourists. I’m proud to have helped bring this project across the finish line, and I look forward to seeing this bridge arise anew and unlock lasting economic benefits for the Twin Ports for generations to come.” “Under President Trump’s leadership, we are delivering critical dollars to rural America. This Department inherited an unprecedented Biden-Buttigieg backlog of 3,200 grants that were announced to much fanfare but never actually delivered,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “As a son of Wisconsin, I know just how vital this bridge is to the future of Superior and Duluth. After months of hard work, our team is ready to get this money out the door and shovels in the dirt. I want to thank Congressman Stauber for his tireless advocacy for this project on behalf of his constituents and Wisconsin neighbors to the south.” Congressman Stauber has been a strong advocate for delivering these funds to Minnesota and Wisconsin. After Biden-Buttigieg passed over Minnesota DOT’s application for funding, Congressman Stauber led a bipartisan effort to get funds allocated. ###

Stauber Introduces Legislation to Stop Somali Childcare Fraud

Position: Congressman Stauber supports legislation that strengthens penalties for childcare providers who commit fraud in federal assistance programs, including permanent debarment, full restitution requirements, federal criminal referral, and immigration consequences for non-citizen violators.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) introduced his Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act, legislation that strengthens penalties for childcare providers who defraud the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program. The introduction of this legislation follows recent shocking revelations of widespread fraud occurring within Minnesota’s childcare assistance programs, which was primarily perpetrated by Somali fraudsters. Of his legislation, Stauber stated, “Taxpayers in Minnesota and across the country deserve to know their hard-earned dollars are supporting legitimate services and not lining the pockets of Somali fraudsters. My bill imposes tough penalties for those who exploit our public programs, including serious immigration consequences for non-citizens. For too long, Tim Walz and Keith Ellison failed to act, and credible reports suggest their offices may have even enabled these criminals. When state leaders won’t do their jobs, the federal government must step in to provide commonsense reforms that protect our programs and hold violators accountable, and this bill does just that.” Key provisions of the Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act include: Permanent debarment: Mandates a lifetime ban from all federally funded childcare assistance programs for any provider convicted of fraud. Full restitution: Requires state reimbursement to the Department of Health and Human Services for fraudulently obtained funds. Federal referral for criminal investigation: Directs automatic referral to the Department of Justice for prosecution and further scrutiny. Immigration accountability: For non-citizen providers convicted of fraud or involved in terrorism-related activity, this legislation establishes grounds for inadmissibility or deportation and bars asylum or adjustment of status.

Stauber Responds to President Trump’s State of the Union Address

Position: Congressman Stauber expresses support for the Trump administration's policies, including the Working Families Tax Cuts that exempt overtime and tips from taxation, border closure and removal of undocumented immigrants, domestic energy production, and election integrity measures.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s State of the Union address: “Tonight, President Trump delivered an uplifting address to the nation and his message to the American people was clear: as America approaches our 250th year, our nation is stronger and back on the path to prosperity. “After four years of devastating Biden policies that drove up inflation and decline, Congressional Republicans and President Trump have swiftly turned the tide. In one short year, we closed the southern border, removed dangerous illegal criminals from our communities, unleashed domestic energy production that lowered prices, and made life more affordable for working families once again. “Among the many accomplishments highlighted by the President tonight, I am most proud of the Working Families Tax Cuts, and it was great to see so many Americans present tonight who benefited from the provisions included in this bill. Whether it’s a local law enforcement officer who benefited from no tax on overtime, or a mom who works as a waitress and benefits from no tax on tips, this landmark legislation is putting more money in hardworking Americans pockets. “As President Trump continues to lead from the front, I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to stop obstructing and start working with us for the betterment of the American people. We must all unite against the rampant fraud plaguing elections and social programs nationwide, as my guest Nick Shirley and David Hoch powerfully exposed in their viral videos. Fraud is not a victimless crime; it robs working families and the most vulnerable among us. Luckily, President Trump and Congressional Republicans are committed to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in order to protect every dollar and restore election integrity. “Together, we will end the waste, secure our future, and build a nation that is safer and more prosperous than ever before. The best days for our nation are ahead of us. This is just beginning. God bless America.” ###

Stauber to Bring Nick Shirley and David Hoch as Guests to State of the Union

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) announced Nick Shirley and David Hoch as his guests to President Trump’s February 24th State of the Union Address. Nick and David are both independent investigative journalists who gained national attention through their video highlighting large scale fraud in Minnesota’s childcare assistance programs, prompting federal investigations. “Nick Shirley and David Hoch did the state of Minnesota a tremendous service by highlighting just how much fraud was allowed to occur under Tim Walz and Keith Ellison’s watch,” said Congressman Pete Stauber. “By revealing stunning levels of obvious fraud to the American people, Nick and David did more work and showed more transparency than the Minnesota Department of Human Services. It is deeply concerning that private citizens, and not the Walz Administration, were the ones to reveal the true extent of the problem. Exposing the fraud, however, is only the first step. Minnesotans now want to see full accountability. Until then, faith in these institutions will not be restored. Stauber continued, stating, “From the establishment of Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to the provisions included in the Working Families Tax Cuts, President Trump and the Republican-run Congress have taken great strides this past year to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse. In that spirit, Nick and David embody the citizen-driven oversight that makes these reforms possible. It is an honor to bring them both to the State of the Union as a reminder to every American that the federal government under President Trump is committed to ending the abuse of programs meant to help working families and the most vulnerable.” ###

Stauber Introduces Legislation to Protect American Interests in the American Judicial System

Position: Congressman Stauber advocates for legislation requiring all federal judges to be natural-born U.S. citizens and mandating that judges holding dual citizenship renounce foreign citizenship within 60 days of enactment, citing concerns about foreign influence in judicial decisions on foreign policy, immigration, and national security matters.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) introduced the Judicial Loyalty Act, legislation that will require all American judges to be natural-born citizens, thereby safeguarding against potential foreign influence in judicial decisions involving foreign policy, immigration, and national security. In the case that a judge is a United States citizen who is also a citizen of a foreign country, the judge must officially renounce their citizenship by no later than 60 days after this law’s enactment. Of this legislation, Congressman Stauber stated, “Just as our Founding Fathers wisely required our President to be a natural-born citizen to ensure unwavering loyalty to the United States and protect the White House from foreign influence, I believe the same standard should extend to the judiciary. Judges wield enormous power to resolve sensitive disputes that directly impact American interests. At a time when confidence in our institutions is more important than ever, it is concerning to see foreign born judges rule in a manner that contradicts these interests. Those who interpret our laws must have the utmost loyalty to our country and our people.” For an example of a foreign born judge ruling against American interests, look no further than U.S. District Judge Amir Ali, a native of Canada, who ordered the Trump Administration to release billions in taxpayer dollars to wasteful foreign projects. ###