MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republicans began their final drive Thursday to ease the regulatory path for a new iron mine near Lake Superior in northwestern Wisconsin, sending a polarizing bill to the state Assembly floor for one last vote with promises it would spur job growth in the impoverished area.

Democrats railed against the plan for hours but were powerless to stop it. Republicans hold a comfortable 59-39 majority in the chamber and they planned to vote by early Thursday evening.