Senate Advances Controversial CRA to Overturn Minnesota Land Withdrawal, Rejects War Powers and Israel Arms Sales Disapproval
The Senate convened on April 15, 2026, engaging in a series of significant debates and votes on foreign policy and domestic economic issues. Key actions included the rejection of a War Powers Resolution concerning the conflict in Iran and two resolutions seeking to disapprove specific arms sales to Israel. The Senate also voted to proceed to a joint resolution under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) aimed at overturning a public land order protecting the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota, following a rejected point of order challenging the CRA's application. Additionally, a substantive debate occurred regarding the future of free tax filing services, though a unanimous consent request for related legislation was objected to.
The day's proceedings were significant due to the high-stakes nature of the foreign policy debates, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Iran and U.S. military aid to Israel, which saw repeated attempts by some Senators to assert congressional authority. The procedural vote to advance H.J. Res. 140, a CRA resolution targeting a public land order, set a potentially far-reaching precedent for how future Congresses might challenge administrative actions, drawing concerns about environmental protection, tribal treaty rights, and the stability of land management policies. The debates underscored deep partisan divisions on these critical issues.
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to Public Land Order No. 7917 for Withdrawal of Federal Lands; Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, MN
H.J. Res. 140Question before the chamber
Motion to proceed to H.J. Res. 140, and the subsequent consideration of the joint resolution itself.
The case for
Senator Risch argued that the President has the right and duty to defend the United States, implying that the land withdrawal hinders this. Senator Thune's motion to proceed and to table the point of order indicated support for the resolution's intent to reverse the land withdrawal. Proponents generally viewed the land withdrawal as an impediment to accessing critical minerals necessary for national security and economic development.
The case against
Senators Smith, Klobuchar, and Heinrich argued that the resolution is an unprecedented and dangerous use of the Congressional Review Act to rescind a public land order, not a rule, that was finalized three years prior. They contended it would set a harmful precedent for public land management nationwide, undermine tribal treaty rights (specifically the 1854 Treaty of La Pointe), and risk irreversible pollution to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from copper sulfide mining. They also questioned the national security benefits, noting the mining company is foreign-owned (Chilean Antofagasta) and would likely send minerals to China for processing, making it not an 'America First' strategy.
Disposition
Motion to proceed to H.J. Res. 140 agreed to; point of order against H.J. Res. 140 tabled. · recorded vote
The Senate voted to advance the joint resolution for consideration and defeated a procedural challenge to its eligibility under the CRA.
51-49 (motion to proceed), 51-48 (motion to table)
Who is affected
- Minnesotans (especially those in the Arrowhead region): Potential for environmental damage to the Boundary Waters, impact on outdoor recreation economy, and concerns over local control of land management.
- Tribal nations (Ojibwe bands, Lake Superior Chippewa, National Congress of American Indians, Eastern Shoshone, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Rosebud Sioux Tribe): Threat to treaty rights to hunt, fish, and gather, and potential contamination of sacred resources like wild rice.
- Outdoor recreation businesses and enthusiasts: Risk of degradation to the pristine wilderness, impacting tourism revenue and recreational opportunities.
- The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management: Potential undermining of their authority and established processes for managing public lands if the CRA precedent is set.
- American taxpayers: Concerns over the long-term costs of environmental remediation if mining pollution occurs.
- Foreign mining companies (Antofagasta): Direct beneficiaries of the potential reversal of the land withdrawal, allowing them to proceed with mining operations.
Directing the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress
S.J. Res. 123Question before the chamber
Motion to discharge the Committee on Foreign Relations from further consideration of S.J. Res. 123.
The case for
Senators Schumer, Booker, Duckworth, Kaine, Murphy, and Baldwin argued that President Trump's war in Iran was unauthorized, unconstitutional, reckless, and lacked a clear mission or endgame. They cited rising gas prices, increased inflation, the loss of 13 American servicemembers and hundreds injured, and the destabilization of the Middle East as negative consequences. They emphasized Congress's constitutional duty to declare war and provide oversight, which they claimed was being neglected, with no open hearings held on the conflict.
The case against
Senators Thune, Barrasso, and Risch defended the President's actions, asserting his duty to defend the United States. Senator Risch stated that Iran initiated the conflict 47 years ago and has killed thousands of Americans, and that the President is defending the country. He also claimed the war is not a 'forever war' and is ending a 'forever conflict' with Iran, asserting that the U.S. had 'won' to a very large extent and that no one else in the world was coming to Iran's aid except for the resolution's proponents.
Disposition
Motion to discharge the committee rejected. · recorded vote
The Senate declined to force a vote on the merits of the resolution, leaving the measure in committee.
47-52
Who is affected
- U.S. servicemembers and their families: Directly impacted by the ongoing conflict, including casualties and injuries.
- American consumers: Facing higher gas prices and increased inflation due to the war's impact on global energy markets.
- Civilians in Iran and Lebanon: Thousands killed and injured, with widespread displacement and destruction across the region.
- The global economy: Crippled by blockades and energy price surges, risking a global recession.
- U.S. Congress: Its constitutional role in authorizing military force and providing oversight is being debated and challenged.
Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Israel of certain defense articles and services
S.J. Res. 32 and S.J. Res. 138Question before the chamber
Motions to discharge the Committee on Foreign Relations from further consideration of S.J. Res. 32 (disapproving sale of 1,000-pound bombs) and S.J. Res. 138 (disapproving sale of armored bulldozers).
The case for
Senators Sanders, Kelly, Van Hollen, Merkley, and Kaine argued that providing these offensive weapons (1,000-pound bombs and armored bulldozers) to the Netanyahu government would make the U.S. complicit in actions that violate U.S. and international law. They cited the destruction of civilian infrastructure and homes in Gaza and Lebanon, the killing of thousands of Palestinians, and the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank. They emphasized that bulldozers are not defensive weapons and that their use undermines the path to peace and a two-state solution. Senator Kaine clarified that the resolutions target offensive, not defensive, weapons and would not reduce overall support for Israeli defense.
The case against
Senator Risch argued that passing these resolutions would embolden Iran, call into question American reliability, and leave Israel vulnerable to further attacks. He asserted that Israel is a close ally, working hand-in-glove with the U.S. to advance shared objectives and keep American citizens safe, and that the U.S. should not abandon its ally.
Disposition
Motions to discharge the committee rejected. · recorded vote
The Senate declined to force votes on the merits of the resolutions, leaving the measures in committee.
40-59 (S.J. Res. 32), 36-63 (S.J. Res. 138)
Who is affected
- Israeli civilians: Proponents of the sales argue they are necessary for defense against regional threats.
- Palestinian and Lebanese civilians: Directly affected by military actions, including destruction of homes and infrastructure, and casualties from bombs and bulldozers.
- U.S. foreign policy credibility: Concerns that continued arms sales without conditions undermine U.S. standing on human rights and international law.
- U.S. taxpayers: Funding the arms sales through military aid.
Direct File Act
S. 3948Question before the chamber
Unanimous consent request to discharge the Committee on Finance and proceed to immediate consideration of S. 3948, pass it, and lay the motion to reconsider on the table.
The case for
Senators Warren, Blumenthal, and Coons argued that filing taxes should be free and easy for most Americans, especially for wage-earning workers whose taxes are not complicated. They highlighted the success of the IRS Direct File pilot program, which saved taxpayers an average of $160 and hours of time, with 94% positive feedback. They stated that the program was projected to save taxpayers $23 billion annually and deliver up to $12 billion in unclaimed tax credits. They accused Republicans of canceling the program due to lobbying from tax prep companies like TurboTax and H&R Block, putting corporate profits over people.
The case against
Senator Crapo objected, calling Direct File an "unauthorized, unnecessary program that wasted taxpayer funds" and presented a "clear conflict of interest" by empowering the IRS to be both the preparer and auditor of tax returns. He cited a Treasury report finding it cost $41 million to administer for only 0.2% of returns ($138 per return) and that nearly 60% of registered users abandoned their returns. He argued existing free options (IRS Free File, VITA/TCE) are available and more effective, having processed millions more returns for free.
Disposition
Unanimous consent request objected to. · other
The bill was not considered or passed due to an objection.
Who is affected
- American taxpayers (especially working families and lower-income individuals): Would save money and time on tax preparation if Direct File were available; continue to pay for private services or navigate complex free options otherwise.
- Tax preparation companies (e.g., TurboTax, H&R Block): Their business model is challenged by a free government-provided tax filing service.
- The Internal Revenue Service: Its role and funding for providing direct services to taxpayers are debated.
- The federal budget: Costs associated with running the Direct File program versus potential savings for taxpayers.
Senate Rejects War Powers Resolution on Iran
highThe Senate rejected a motion to discharge S.J. Res. 123, a joint resolution directing the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in or against Iran not authorized by Congress, with a vote of 47 yeas to 52 nays. Proponents argued the war was unauthorized, costly, and destabilizing, while opponents asserted the President's duty to defend the nation.
Arms Sales Disapproval Resolutions to Israel Fail
highTwo joint resolutions (S.J. Res. 32 and S.J. Res. 138) seeking to disapprove the sale of 1,000-pound bombs and armored bulldozers to Israel were rejected by the Senate, with votes of 40 yeas to 59 nays and 36 yeas to 63 nays, respectively. Debate centered on the humanitarian impact of the weapons and the U.S. role in regional conflicts versus supporting an ally.
Senate Advances Controversial CRA on Minnesota Land Withdrawal
highThe Senate voted 51 yeas to 49 nays to proceed to H.J. Res. 140, a joint resolution using the Congressional Review Act to disapprove a public land order that withdrew federal lands in Minnesota from mineral leasing. This followed a rejected point of order challenging the application of the CRA to a public land order, which was tabled by a 51-48 vote.
Debate on Free Tax Filing Program but UC Request Objected To
mediumA unanimous consent request to consider and pass S. 3948, referred to as the Direct File Act, which would reinstate a free online tax filing service, was objected to by Senator Crapo. Proponents highlighted the program's popularity and cost savings for taxpayers, while opponents raised concerns about its cost, low usage, and potential conflict of interest for the IRS.
Concerns Over CRA Precedent and Tribal Rights Raised in Land Withdrawal Debate
highExtensive debate on H.J. Res. 140 highlighted significant concerns regarding the unprecedented use of the CRA to overturn a public land order, potentially setting a precedent for future Congresses to undo administrative actions with no time limit. Senators and tribal organizations emphasized the threat to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, tribal treaty rights, and the stability of public land management.