Last week, House Committee on Natural Resources Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) joined Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee Ranking Member Pete Stauber (R-Minn.), Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), and other members of Congress in Northern Minnesota to see firsthand the importance of the mining industry to the community and the nation.

"It was a great visit to northern Minnesota last week to hear directly from Minnesotans, whose livelihoods depend on domestic mining, about the importance of the industry to their community, their way of life and our nation. It's clear that we need to unlock our American resources to meet current and future demand and for our national security. We saw firsthand that we mine cleaner and safer in America than anywhere else and can have both a clean environment and strong economy. We must continue to fight for mining in Minnesota and across the country. I look forward to working with Mr. Stauber, Mr. Newhouse and all our colleagues to make sure we do just that," said Ranking Member Westerman.

The members toured U.S. Steel Corporation's Minntac mine site and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' drill core library. During the visit, they also held roundtables with community leaders on issues facing the mining and forestry industries.