Dear Friend, It’s official: President Trump recently signed my legislation to overturn former President Biden’s illegal 20-year mining ban in the Superior National Forest, permanently ending a reckless policy that sidelined Minnesota’s miners and undermined America’s ability to source our own materials here at home. Now that my legislation is law, never again will any Democrat President be able to unilaterally ban mining in this mineral rich area of the Superior National Forest. What does this mean, you might ask? It means that proposed mining projects aimed at unlocking trillions of dollars’ worth of critical minerals located in the Duluth Complex within the Superior National Forest can move forward through the proper state and federal environmental review and permitting process. I am glad to have achieved this critical first step in getting critical mineral mining projects online in the Northland, of which the impact will be enormous. First, the economic activity that critical minerals mining will generate is extraordinary. Not only will thousands of Minnesota’s skilled miners be working six-figure jobs, but billions of dollars in private investment will be poured into the Range communities. Additionally, a portion of the funds from this mining will go to support Minnesota’s public schools. Second, the critical minerals located in the Superior National Forest are essential to both our economy and national security. They are used in everything from electronics such as iPhones to defense technologies that keep this nation secure. Currently, the U.S. relies heavily on adversaries like China for these minerals, but with the development of minerals here at home, this national security vulnerability will end. 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. The Iron Range is once again positioned at the center of a powerful economic comeback with another century of mining opportunity ahead, and I’m proud to have delivered this hard-fought victory for our state and nation. |
Celebrating Minnesota’s Small Businesses This past week was National Small Business Week, a time to celebrate and thank small businesses for the critical role they play in our economy. I’m proud to report that under President Trump and the Republican-led Congress, great work has been done to help Main Street thrive. Our biggest accomplishment has been the Working Families Tax Cuts, which put money back in the pockets of hard-working Americans and provided small businesses with significant relief. The 560,428 small businesses across Minnesota can now breathe easier thanks to the following provisions: - Makes the 20% Small Business Deduction Permanent: Small businesses across the United States will get permanent tax relief that will allow them to reinvest in their business and employees.
- Raises Small Business Expensing: Small businesses can immediately expense $2.5 million of capital purchases annually, doubling the limit prior to the Working Families Tax Cuts.
- Restores 100 Percent Immediate Expensing: Allows small businesses to immediately expense the cost of machinery and equipment.
- Enacts Immediate R&D Expensing: Allows small businesses to immediately deduct the cost of domestic research and development, making small businesses more productive.
- Stops Attacks on Gig Workers: Repeals Democrats’ 1099-K gig worker rule that required Venmo, PayPal, and gig transactions over $600 to be reported to the IRS.
Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and I will continue fighting to ensure they have the resources and support they need to succeed, because when small business succeeds, so does the state of Minnesota. |
Week in Review Once again, I am grateful for everyone who took the time to meet with me or a member of my team. Here are a few highlights from the past week: |
I had a great meeting with Canadian National to discuss the vital role they play in supporting Minnesota’s economy and keeping goods moving efficiently across our state and nation. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I appreciate their commitment to supporting our key supply chains and I will continue to support them by advocating for investments and improvements in rail infrastructure. |
Thank you to the Minnesota Rural Letter Carriers Association for stopping by my Washington, D.C. office to discuss the obstacles they face in delivering letters to medication in our rural communities, and how the federal government can better support their essential work. |
I was proud to participate in the Export-Import Bank of the United States’ annual conference in Washington, D.C., where I joined fellow panelists in discussing how strengthening America’s place in the world depends on securing domestic supply chains and unlocking our nation’s abundant energy and mineral resources. |
Congratulations to my childhood friend, Lt. Col. Lyle Rock, on an incredible 41 years of dedicated service in the Minnesota National Guard! This past weekend marked his final “drill weekend,” and the Guard sent him out in style with a memorable flight up the North Shore in a Blackhawk helicopter. What a perfect way to celebrate a remarkable career. Thank you, Lyle, for your decades of service, leadership, and sacrifice! |
In Aitkin, I met with Ken, the owner of Angie’s Acres. They are an excellent company that was recently crowned #1 in the nation for their beef. I congratulate Ken and his wife for this incredible achievement, and I thank them for their contributions to their community, including their donation of $100,000 worth of beef to the local schools and food shelves. |
In Brainerd, I was glad to meet with the new Brainerd Lakes Airport Manager, Jennifer Roach. I look forward to working with Jennifer on the continued success of this critical regional airport. |
In Ely, I met with CEO Patti Banks at Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital to discuss the challenges facing rural health care. I was proud to highlight the Rural Health Transformation Program created through the Working Families Tax Cuts bill, which was one of the largest investments in rural health. The program is already delivering results, with Minnesota receiving $93 million this year alone to strengthen care for communities across the state. |
My next stop in Ely was City Hall, where I met with Mayor Heidi Omerza, City Council members, and the Utility Commission to highlight the $2 million in funding I helped secure for the city’s Drinking Water Supply Intake and Water Main Replacement project. This critical project will help ensure reliable water supply for the community for years to come! |
In Baudette, I met with the dedicated Minnesotans who work at the Transportation Research Center, where I learned more about how they perform cold weather testing for heavy equipment and vehicles. I thank them for their important work, which prevents crashes and saves lives! |
In Grand Rapids, I swung by Northland Ag and Turf, a John Deere dealer that specializes in tractors, lawn care equipment, ATVs and UTVs. During this meeting, we discussed the upcoming surface transportation bill and how this much-needed legislation could strengthen their business by supporting infrastructure improvements and boosting the regional economy. |
In Hibbing, I stopped by Iracore to learn more about how their tackling corrosion and abrasion challenges that impact industries from mining to oil and gas. I was grateful for the opportunity to thank their team for the important work they do every day. |
In Forest Lake, I hosted Mayor Blake Roberts, City Administrator Jolleen Chaika, and various Washington County officials in a discussion on the County Highway 32 Pedestrian Safety Project. I was proud to help secure $5 million in funding for this project that will reduce traffic risks and make the corridor safer for everyone who uses it! |
I visited headquarters for the American Experiment, where we recorded a podcast episode highlighting how my mining bill, which recently became law, will benefit Minnesota and the entire country. I’m excited to share the conversation when the episode drops next Tuesday! |
In Brainerd, my staff was proud to attend a Military Appreciation event at the VFW, where they learned the history of POW/MIA remembrance. Our team will always support and honor our nation’s heroes. |
My staff also had the privilege of attending Vets on the Hill, a large bipartisan gathering of veterans’ organizations advocating at the Minnesota State Capitol. We appreciated the chance to connect with so many veterans from Minnesota’s Eighth District! |
Once again, I appreciate you staying up to date with the work I am doing for Minnesota's Eighth District. It is an honor to represent you in Congress. For more information, visit my website, Facebook, and Twitter pages.
Sincerely,
Congressman Pete Stauber |
|
