Rules committee backs resolution urging federal rejection of DHS operations in Boundary Waters

The Rules and Administration Committee on March 19 recommended passage of Senate File 3880, a resolution urging Congress and the President to reject federal legislation that would authorize Department of Homeland Security infrastructure or enforcement operations inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

Senator Hauschild, who presented the resolution, described the Boundary Waters as "over 1 million acres of protected wilderness" and "a defining part of northern Minnesota." He said the federal bill under consideration would allow expanded surveillance and infrastructure inside a federally designated wilderness area and that the state should send a clear message opposing such activity.

The committee voted by voice to recommend the resolution for placement on General Orders. Chair and members thanked Senator Hauschild and the resolution will proceed to floor consideration under the committee's established process.

Next steps: The resolution will be placed on General Orders for further consideration by the full Senate; the Rules Committee action is a recommendation to the floor rather than a final policy change.