Defeated first-term Minnesota Republican Chip Cravaack will get some consolation before leaving the U.S. House next month.
A modified version of his Mille Lacs Lake Freedom to Fish Act made it through the Senate on Wednesday evening. The bill, which passed the House in August, would restore Minnesota's authority to permit and inspect commercial fishing guide vessels on Lake Mille Lacs, taking the U.S. Coast Guard out of the picture.
Cravaack, now working out of a basement cubicle, called the Coast Guard requirements an overreach by the federal government. His bill was carried in the Senate by Minnesota Democrats Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken. It is now headed for President Obama's signature.
