Video & Transcript : '119th Congress' :
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HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EIG, EIG DEFER Public Hearings 03-20-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Congress Congress Article<00:08:30.680><c> 5</c><00:08:31.039><c> has</c><00:08:31.240><c> given</c>
- </c> no conflict of interest the Congress no conflict of interest the Congress simply<00:19:54.240><c
- </c> amendments to the Constitution Congress amendments to the Constitution Congress determines<00:32
- </c> approved a proposed amendment Congress approved a proposed amendment Congress has<00:32:35.080><
- Congress can't figure out how to pass a budget, and you're expecting two-thirds of Congress to call for
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1295 HD2, relating to clean energy, and then on Senate Concurrent Resolution 140 and Senate Resolution 158, which seek an Article V Convention of States application. HB 1295 drew brief supportive testimony from listed supporters and one witness who said the bill would help future generations and address pollution, runoff, watershed planning, and cleaner energy alternatives. No committee action or vote was taken on the clean energy bill during the portion provided.
Most of the hearing focused on SCR 140 and SR 158. Supporters argued the resolutions would let states, including Hawaii, propose constitutional amendments to address federal overreach, fiscal responsibility, deficit spending, term limits, and the balance of power between Washington and the states. Several supporters said state legislators are closer to the people and that Article V gives states a legitimate role in proposing amendments; some also cited debt, executive orders, and the need for long-term reforms. One witness from Convention of States Action said the movement is active nationwide and that the convention process would still require ratification by 38 states.
Opponents, including representatives of Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Common Cause, Americans for Democratic Action Hawaii, and individual testifiers, warned there are no real guardrails on a convention and that it could open the door to broader constitutional changes. They said the effort is unnecessary, risky, and potentially harmful to environmental protections, social safety net programs, and civil rights, and argued that federal action is sometimes needed during recessions and emergencies. Committee members asked questions about whether the proposal was merely procedural and whether the states should act without Congress; the discussion ended with continued questioning, and no vote or final committee action is shown in the excerpt.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Concurrent House Standing Comm on Elec, Const Amnd & Intergovernmental Affairs & State Gov (2-18-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> knew that Congress could be the problem. knew that Congress could be the problem.
- And what has Congress done?
- And what has Congress done?
- Congress. Congress.
- Congress failed to. that second option. Congress failed to.
Summary:
The joint meeting of the House Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and the House State Government Committee was called to consider House Concurrent Resolution 45, sponsored by Representative Jason Petri. The resolution would support calling for a federal balanced budget amendment through the Article V process. Petri argued that Kentucky’s own constitutional balanced-budget requirement shows the value of fiscal restraint, and he said decades of federal deficit spending and rising debt make a constitutional amendment necessary. Governor Ron DeSantis and Lauren Ends of the National Campaign for a Balanced Budget Amendment also testified in support, emphasizing the growth of federal debt, the risk of a future debt crisis, and the view that Congress is unlikely to solve the problem on its own.
Members asked about the mechanics and risks of an Article V convention, including whether the convention’s “sole purpose” language would be enforceable and whether a convention could become a “runaway” process. DeSantis and Ends said states can impose guardrails on delegates, including criminal penalties and delegate-limitation laws, and noted that any proposed amendment would still require ratification by 38 states. They also said that if Congress chose to draft the amendment itself in response to state pressure, that would be acceptable. One witness said 18 states have passed faithful-delegate or delegate-limitation laws.
Representative Callaway asked what would happen if the debt issue is not addressed. Witnesses responded that continued borrowing could lead to economic dislocation, higher interest costs, and a debt crisis that would crowd out other federal spending. They said the current debt burden is already more than $100,000 per U.S. citizen and roughly $300,000 per taxpayer, and that a balanced budget amendment would be a first step toward stopping the growth of debt before any long-term paydown could occur. The transcript provided does not show a final vote or other committee action on the resolution.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Congress does not.
- I'd remind this body that back in 1913, when Congress pushed and passed an amendment... 1913, when Congress
- Congress to actually do that. That's not the case.
- Congress has done some crazy things. Trying to scare Congress, that's an interesting term.
- Why didn't they just take all that money and go to Congress and lobby Congress for a balanced budget
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- And it's not just about Congress.
- Number two, Congress makes our laws.
- ,</c> that are actually passed by Congress, that are actually passed by Congress, that's<00:22:00.240
- This is Congress to object per law.
- It was an act of Congress.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing on the rule of law with U.S. Representative Ed Case. Chair Carl Rhodes opened by explaining the purpose of the briefing, noting it was being livestreamed and that public testimony would not be taken in the usual way. He described the rule of law as central to democracy and introduced Case, who was invited to discuss the concept and its relevance to recent federal actions affecting Hawaii.
Case framed the rule of law as a durable system grounded in the Constitution, federal laws, separation of powers, and checks and balances, with each branch of government and the public itself playing a role. He emphasized that Congress makes the laws, the president executes them, and the courts decide whether the Constitution and laws are being followed. He also stressed that elected officials swear to uphold this structure and that the rule of law is distinct from ordinary policy disagreements.
Case then argued that the Trump administration has undermined the rule of law through actions such as dismantling or weakening agencies created and funded by law, withholding appropriated funds, removing inspectors general and other independent officials, ignoring or challenging court orders, weakening the independence of agencies like the Department of Justice and the Federal Reserve, and intimidating dissenting voices, the press, and other opponents. He said these actions have harmed Hawaii and reflect a coordinated effort to concentrate power in the executive branch. He noted that Congress has not been serving as an effective check, while federal courts have been the main remaining check through more than 46 lawsuits, and he identified voters as the ultimate check and balance, briefly correcting the timing of the next midterm election to 2026.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, March 4, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Did the president present anything before Congress? Did the Congress have any debate?
- have</c> before Congress?
- Did the Congress have before Congress? Did the Congress have any<05:13:08.080><c> debate?
- </c> or to Congress? or to Congress?
- Congress. Congress.
Keywords:
military action, war powers, Iran, foreign relations, congressional authority, terrorism, national security, military, Middle East, nuclear program, U.S. policy, sexual harassment, ethics, House of Representatives, transparency, investigation, education, tuition, territorial residents, in-state tuition
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- When two-thirds of the states, that's 34, apply to Congress to call a convention, Congress is required
- But the idea is to remove Congress from the process. Why would Congress be involved?
- It would be ideal if Congress...
- We had League of Women voters testify that Congress has no, Congress has the authority to write laws
- Whereas for members of Congress, Congress controls its own membership.
Summary:
The hearing of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs was opened by Chair Joe McGonagle and Vice Chair Senator Mike Rush, who noted that Chair John Velis was deployed with the Massachusetts National Guard. The chairs explained the hybrid format, three-minute testimony limit, live streaming, and filing deadlines, and said the committee would hear 11 House bills and eight Senate bills dealing with federal and overseas issues. Much of the hearing centered on competing resolutions about Article 5 constitutional conventions, along with related resolutions on D.C. statehood, child labor, Citizens United, and Cambodia.
Supporters of H. 4692 and S. 284, a joint resolution to rescind all prior Massachusetts Article 5 convention applications, argued that old resolutions from the 1930s and 1970s could be used to count Massachusetts toward the 34-state threshold for calling a federal constitutional convention. Testifiers from Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, the ACLU, Reproductive Equity Now, labor groups, and others warned that a convention would have no clear rules, could not be reliably limited to specific topics, and could put civil rights, reproductive rights, labor protections, and other constitutional protections at risk. Several speakers also cited a recent federal lawsuit and said the safest course was to remove outdated applications from the books.
A large opposing panel testified in support of H. 3888, a resolution calling for a Convention of States to propose amendments limiting federal power, imposing fiscal restraints, and establishing term limits. Supporters argued that Article 5 provides a lawful way to address federal overreach, debt, and congressional stagnation, and said the process would be limited by state applications and ratification by 38 states. Some committee members and witnesses raised concerns about a runaway convention, broad language in the resolution, and whether Congress could or should set rules for such a convention. Representative Gentile also testified in support of several related resolutions on overturning Citizens United, D.C. statehood, and the child labor amendment, while Representative Howard and Representative Tongue supported a Cambodia resolution condemning political oppression and urging free and fair elections. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Tulsi Gabbard, of Hawaii, to be Director of National Intelligence; to be immediately followed by a closed hearing in SH-219. Jan 30th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Intelligence (Select) Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- She's the first American Samoan-born member of Congress. Period.
- I condemn those actions as a Democrat in Congress at the time as religious bigotry.
- Many members of Congress have.
- And I'm quoting, because significant FISA reforms have been enacted since you left Congress. Ms.
- Gabbard, for your service, both in Congress and in our U.S. military.
Committee:
Senate Intelligence (Select) Committee
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, November 17, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- WEATHER WORKING IN CONGRESS -- WHEN WORKING IN CONGRESS OR THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH, SHE BELIEVED PUBLIC
- Sincerely, Jasmine Ansari, Member of Congress.
- IT'S TIME FOR CONGRESS TO CODIFY D.H.S.'
- Truly, it is time for Congress to get their heads in the game.
- TRULY, IT IS TIME FOR CONGRESS TO GET THEIR HEADS IN THE GAME.
Keywords:
cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, CISA, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, FBI, interagency task force, Volt Typhoon, People’s Republic of China, PRC, state-sponsored cyber actors, Chinese cyber threats, cyber espionage, critical infrastructure protection, homeland security, national security, information sharing, threat intelligence, digital forensics, sector risk management agencies
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Mar 17th, 2025
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Constitution, Congress alone holds the power to declare war.
- In that instance, because Congress didn't bother to do their job.
- HB 930 would force Congress to examine lessons learned from previous conflicts before the Congress. clearing
- Congress has a 9% approval rating.
- Congress controls.
Committee:
House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Keywords:
highway designation, veteran recognition, commemorative, transportation, Brazoria County, Texas National Guard, combat duty, military activation, state requirements, emergency response, active combat duty, military service, Congressional action, Governor responsibilities, Congressional declaration, state law, conflict, armed forces, congressional approval, war declaration
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, March 31, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Unless this Congress, led by Mr.
- Its actions date back to 1847 when Congress passed legislation requiring every Member of Congress to
- BOTH TO CONGRESS AND TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.
- County supervisor to Member of Congress.
- The Congress is better off.
Keywords:
House of Representatives, code of conduct, suspension of rules, time zone clocks, rules reform, legislative efficiency, hospital, healthcare, anniversary, Sisters of Mercy, community outreach, American cowboy, cattle trails, historical recognition, 250th anniversary, cultural heritage, economic impact, tourism, agriculture, disaster relief
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs (02/06/2026)
State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> it precipitates Congress to act. it precipitates Congress to act.
- </c> on Congress. on Congress.
- </c> done in regard to Congress. done in regard to Congress.
- </c> confidence in Congress is slow. confidence in Congress is slow.
- </c> Congress to do it? Congress to do it?
Summary:
The committee first continued its hearing on HB 1287, which concerns the definition of “veteran.” Representative Manion explained that the amendment would adopt the federal-style definition by including a general discharge under honorable conditions, while restoring documentation requirements such as a DD214 and removing a problematic reference to World War II allied veterans. The chair said the committee would close the hearing and take the bill up later in executive session.
The committee then moved to HCR 13, a resolution calling for an Article V convention limited to proposing a constitutional amendment imposing term limits on members of Congress. Representative Joe Alexander, the prime sponsor, said the measure is narrowly focused on congressional term limits, that 12 states have already passed similar resolutions, and that broad public support in New Hampshire justifies action. Members asked whether the effort would prompt Congress to act on its own, whether the resolution should also cover Supreme Court justices, and how many states are needed; Alexander said the goal is to pressure Congress, that the Constitution already treats Supreme Court justices differently, and that 34 states are required.
Testimony in support came from former Representative Linda Masamela, who gave a history-based argument for Article V conventions as a constitutional check, and from Deborah Childs and Aaron Ducet of U.S. Term Limits. Childs said New Hampshire voters strongly support term limits and argued they would open seats to younger, more diverse candidates. Ducet said the application is single-topic and would allow only one amendment, described Article V applications as historically common, and argued that state pressure can force Congress to act. No vote was taken in the portion provided; the chair continued hearing testimony on HCR 13.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, February 23, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- CONGRESS SHOULD ENSURE NASA HAS THE FLEXIBILITY TO USE The best tools available.
- Over the years, Congress has tried to improve this situation.
- And the bill requires OMB to report any public complaints to Congress.
- These recommendations deserve full consideration by Congress.
- THESE RECOMMENDATIONS DESERVE FULL CONSIDERATION BY CONGRESS.
Keywords:
aviation safety, Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, air traffic management, pilot training, regulatory compliance, contracting, education requirements, federal contracts, workforce development, bidder eligibility, artificial intelligence, small business, technical standards, best practices, cybersecurity, satellite technology, scientific research, space exploration, data access, innovation
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Steven Bradbury, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Transportation. Feb 20th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Congress, in its judgment, deliberated over it and did not accept it.
- Yes, the Constitution gives that to Congress.
- And I think that's what Congress intended.
- I absolutely agree that the constitutional structure is Congress makes the laws, Congress appropriates
- It's fair for the president to put that forward to Congress.
Keywords:
transportation, air traffic control, safety regulations, Boeing 737 MAX, Department of Transportation, infrastructure funding, public safety, legislative oversight
Summary:
The committee meeting addressed several pressing issues concerning transportation, particularly focusing on the need for improved safety standards and efficient management at the Department of Transportation. Specific discussions revolved around air traffic control, with members highlighting the urgency for a significant upgrade in systems and personnel. Notably, concerns were raised regarding past practices, especially the handling of safety regulations during the Boeing 737 MAX incidents. The committee expressed a clear intent to ensure rigorous safety oversight moving forward, emphasizing that the health and safety of the public must remain the top priority in all legislative and funding decisions.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint hearings with the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs to examine the legislative presentation of The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and multi VSOs: Paralyzed Veterans of America, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Student Veterans Mar 4th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Senate Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The VFW calls on Congress to fix this now.
- So, Chairman Bost, we were very appreciative of Congress stepping in.
- This is going to be the Congress where we get this across the finish line.
- Veterans Students Act last Congress.
- whom Congress intended to support are included.
Committee:
Senate Senate Veterans' Affairs
Keywords:
veteran services, Secretary Collins, healthcare provisions, contract cancellations, transparency, accountability, committee meeting, legislation
Summary:
During this committee meeting, various bills were discussed with a specific focus on veteran services and healthcare provisions. Notably, the cancellation of critical contracts under Secretary Collins sparked significant debate, with representatives emphasizing the adverse impact on veteran care. The meeting featured testimonies from veterans and stakeholders who expressed their concerns regarding the potential fallout of these cancellations, demonstrating the urgency of transparency and accountability in management decisions. Discussions also delved into various legislative proposals aimed at improving services for veterans amidst these challenges.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs (02/06/2026)
State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> on Congress. on Congress.
- </c> done in regard to Congress. done in regard to Congress.
- </c> proposed by Congress here. proposed by Congress here.
- </c> Congress to do it? Congress to do it?
- </c> us by Congress. us by Congress.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs (01/31/2025)
State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Congress</c><00:12:01.440><c> the</c> employee of Congress the employee of Congress the archist<00:12
- Congress, as an entity, abhors power sharing, and the Constitution envisioned that Congress fears, as
- accumulates power to itself Congress accumulates power to itself Congress<00:13:18.800><c> as</c><00
- Congress is addicted to debt.
- </c><02:51:27.040><c> Congress</c><02:51:27.399><c> is</c> forward even for congress Congress is forward
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, March 19, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> to control Congress. to control Congress.
- That's what we do here in Congress. so. That's what we do here in Congress.
- Being in Congress and serving in Congress. Uh, you you have to be here.
- </c> I'm in Congress. I'm in Congress.
- </c> of that approach here in Congress. of that approach here in Congress.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: DFL Finance Committee Members Address Federal Cuts to State Budget - 02/27/25
Transcript Highlights:
- But what is clear to me is that the Congress is preparing to take action on their budget, which could
- </c> federal government if the Congress federal government if the Congress continues<00:02:03.680><c>
- are talking about cutting um Congress are talking about cutting um but<00:02:22.400><c> more</c><00:
- takes the action that if the Congress takes the action that they're<00:02:57.720><c> talking</c><00:
- </c> what is clear to me is that the Congress what is clear to me is that the Congress is<00:04:39.560
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine improving the Federal environmental review and permitting processes. Feb 19th, 2025 at 09:15 am
Environment and Public Works Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Congress could expand exclusive homes.
- There is bipartisan support in Congress.
- Here are four ways Congress can help. One, establish a uniform judicial review period.
- Congress must ensure agencies implement reforms consistently, and Congress must provide oversight to
- There's a bipartisan bill in Congress considering that.
Keywords:
environmental review, permitting process, infrastructure, bipartisan legislation, economic growth, Nucor, West Virginia
Summary:
The meeting focused on critical discussions surrounding the need for modernizing the federal environmental review and permitting processes. Witnesses from various sectors, including Nucor, provided testimony on the delays and costs associated with current regulations, emphasizing the impact on infrastructure and economic growth. Major projects in West Virginia, such as the Corridor H and Coalfield Expressways, were highlighted as examples of initiatives stalled by excessive permitting hurdles, prompting calls for bipartisan legislation to streamline these processes while maintaining environmental protections. The committee expressed a commitment to address these issues immediately, highlighting the urgency to enhance efficiency in permitting to facilitate economic development.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Linda McMahon, of Connecticut, to be Secretary of Education. Feb 13th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Yes or no, do you agree that since the department was created by Congress, it would need an act of Congress
- Yes, it is set up by the United States Congress, and we work with Congress.
- The school district, or Elon Musk, or Congress?
- Those that have been passed by Congress, yes, that's the law.
- It's an appropriated amount from Congress though, so Congress needs to appropriate those dollars to spend
Summary:
The committee meeting engaged in discussions focused primarily on educational reform, the influence of federal grants on local education systems, and the growing disparities in wealth and access to quality education. Members expressed concerns about the bureaucracy surrounding federal funding that hampers schools' ability to obtain necessary resources for improvement. Several members highlighted personal anecdotes from constituents, emphasizing the urgent need for reform to help students succeed in both K-12 and higher education environments. The meeting included public testimonies that provided insights into various community perspectives on these pressing issues.