Stauber Slams Senator Smith’s Anti-Mining, Anti-Labor Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) released the following statement after Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced legislation to enact a moratorium on copper-nickel mining in the Superior National Forest.
“I am disappointed yet not surprised that another harmful piece of pro-China legislation has been introduced by an out of touch Democrat trying to prevent the responsible development of the Duluth Complex. If this last election taught us anything, it’s that Democrats have lost the confidence of working Americans, and legislation like this is a large reason for that.
“Not only would critical mineral mining in northern Minnesota create good-paying union jobs and revitalize our economy, but it would provide much-needed funding for every school district in Minnesota and reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign adversaries like China. It is offensive to oppose these worthy goals.
“With the introduction of this legislation, Senator Smith has once again proven herself to be anti-union. Fortunately, Senator Smith is in the minority and retiring soon, so any chance of this legislation becoming law is virtually impossible.”
Recently, Stauber reintroduced his Superior National Forest Restoration Act, legislation to overturn the Biden administration’s harmful mineral withdrawal of 225,504 acres in the Superior National Forest, restore long-held mineral leases, and ensure timely reviews of Mine Plans of Operation.