In the battle to transfer the public lands to all willing western states, there are many battles to be fought and sometimes it can feel like an uphill battle in the pouring rain. But this week, there is good news to be had and a list of elected officials who deserve our thanks!

The United States Senate recently voted on and passed an amendment to a non-binding budget resolution which supported the transfer of public lands. The vote was 51 to 49, with only the Republicans in the Senate voting in favor, and we would like to thank the senators who voted with us on this important issue! )To see for yourself how your Senators click HERE.)

Those you voted "Yea" and helped pass this important amendment:

Senators: Session (AL), Shelby (AL), Murkowski (AK), Sullivan (AK), Flake (AZ), McCain (AZ), Boozman (AR), Cotton (AR), Rubio (FL), Isakson (GA), Perdue (GA), Crapo (ID), Risch (ID). Kirk (IL), Coats (IN), Ernst (IA), Grassley (IA), Moran (KS), Roberts (KS), McConnell (KY), Paul (KY), Cassidy (LA), Vitter (LA), Collins (ME), Cochran (MS), Wicker (MS), Blunt (MO), Daines (MT), Fischer (NE), Sasse (NE), Heller (NV), Burr (NC), Tillis (NC), Hoeven (ND), Portman (OH), Inhofe (OK), Lankford (OK), Toomey (PA), Graham (SC), Scott (SC), Rounds (SD), Thune (SD), Corker (TN), Cornyn (TX), Cruz (TX), Hatch (UT), Lee (UT), Capito (WV), Johnson (WI), Barrasso (WY), Enzi (WY).

Along with this exciting vote in the Senate, the House also passed an amendment supporting the transfer of public lands. The House voted 228-199, approving a non-binding measure which stated, "the federal estate is too large," and advocated "giving states and localities more control over the resources within their boundaries." By so doing, the resolution continued, the transfer of public lands "will lead to increased resource production and allow states and localities to take advantage of the benefits of increased economic activity." (Click HERE to see how your Representative voted.)

It is time to show our gratitude for these courageous elected officials who understand that the transfer of public lands to all willing western states is not just about the ownership and management of public lands, but also a battle for state sovereignty and economic independence. Your representatives in Congress need to hear from you. Please contact those elected officials who stood up for your freedom and sovereignty today. Let them know that you will continue to support them in the winds that will inevitably continue to blow as we press forward in this critical cause.

American Lands Council