Video & Transcript : 'VA' :
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US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Scott Kupor, of California, to be Director of the Office of Personnel Management, and Eric Matthew Ueland, of Virginia, to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Apr 3rd, 2025 at 08:30 am
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- say Stephen Miller or Elon Musk, were to say to you, I need you to fire a veteran who works for the VA
- Do you think it's ever appropriate to fire an employee, let's say, providing expert service at the VA
- As a personal peeve of mine, for example, I also sit on the VA committee and the VA committee announced
- 15% cuts, 15% cuts to the Phoenix VA which for us that have lived there and use the Phoenix VA seems
- appointments posted on social media that he was phoning it in from a bubble bath while Paul's to the VA
Keywords:
nominations, Scott Cooper, Eric Ulan, federal workforce, Office of Personnel Management, Office of Management and Budget, accountability, collective bargaining
Summary:
The committee convened to discuss the nominations of Scott Cooper for Director of the Office of Personnel Management and Eric Ulan for Deputy Director at the Office of Management and Budget. This meeting highlighted the critical roles both positions play in managing the federal workforce, which comprises over two million civilian employees. Concerns were raised regarding the current administration's approach to federal employment, citing issues like mass firings and the undermining of collective bargaining rights. Members expressed the need for better accountability and transparency within the federal system, emphasizing the importance of attracting talented public servants.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- The VA then adjudicates that initial claim, and that's the interaction.
- So the VA afforded them another option.
- I just got denied again by the VA, despite my disability getting significantly worse.
- Okay, but the VA system is a mess. It's an absolute disaster.
- And our old model, the status quo, the way the VA has done things, is obviously failing.
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 3/26/25
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- c><00:23:57.600><c> from</c><00:23:58.400><c> the</c><00:23:58.640><c> federal</c><00:23:58.960><c> VA
- </c><00:23:59.840><c> and</c><00:24:00.159><c> we</c> by grants from the federal VA and we by grants
- </c> that veteran's care from the federal VA that veteran's care from the federal VA prediums.<00:32:
- And if you look at information about what VA medical centers and SEABOX?
- And if you look at information about what VA medical centers and SEABOX?
Committee:
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice May 19th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- On it, and no one I spoke with at the VA would recommend kratom in the form that you're talking about
- One is the VA.
- So up until about 2017 or '18, that was a go-to for these VA doctors.
- One is the VA.
- So up until about 2017 or '18, that was a go-to for these VA doctors.
Committee:
House Administration of Criminal Justice
Summary:
The committee heard a long agenda of criminal justice measures, with several bills and resolutions reported favorably and others rejected or deferred. Representative Baham’s HB 255, as substituted, would enhance penalties for certain felony or rioting offenses committed while wearing a mask to evade identification, with exceptions for religious, motorcycle, and medical coverings; it was reported favorably after opposition from the ACLU and support from law enforcement groups. His HB 378, as amended, narrowed a vehicle-obstruction offense to first responders and was also reported favorably. HB 1090, increasing penalties for arson of a religious building, was reported favorably with support from the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops. HR 272, requesting a study of parental discipline, abuse allegations, and juvenile delinquency, was reported favorably after sponsor testimony about confusion over current law. HB 479, the “Fiscal Truth and Sentencing Act,” sought quarterly reporting on incarceration costs and sentencing impacts; despite support from the ACLU and opposition from clerks of court over an unfunded mandate, it failed on a 4-7 roll call. HR 278, asking the Attorney General to review electronic monitoring laws and make recommendations, was reported favorably after testimony from advocates and supporters of tighter oversight. HR 273, creating a task force to study work-release programs, was also reported favorably, while SB 278 was voluntarily deferred.
The committee also considered several high-profile social policy measures. HB 261, by Representative Boyd, would create an exception to abortion restrictions for rape and certain sex offenses; the hearing featured extensive emotional testimony from survivors, clergy, and legislators on both sides, but the bill was rejected on a 2-10 vote. HCR 100, as amended, urged the Gaming Control Board to ensure due diligence in proposed casino acquisitions with attention to economic development, job creation, and community benefit; the amendment resolved industry concerns and the resolution was reported favorably. SB 448, concerning the Office of the State Public Defender, was amended to add procedures for expert-witness funding disputes, sealed contradictory hearings, and interlocutory review, then reported favorably. SB 135, which would redirect sports wagering revenue away from a capped sports fund and toward early childhood seats, drew opposition from university-related interests but no motion was made. Finally, HB 778 on kratom was presented as a narrower approach that would ban synthetic and semi-synthetic kratom while allowing regulated natural products; testimony included concerns about harm, business impacts, and claimed benefits for pain management and PTSD, and the discussion was still underway at the end of the transcript.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Oct 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- They were recognized this year by the VA audit under the National Cemetery Association, three of 30 that
- As award winners for the ability to maintain the grounds and doing everything to the VA, as well as the
- Issues they face in ensuring they receive the services they require, either through the VA or through
- We can have representatives from even the federal VA to assist with ombudsman and customer care.
- And it's close to the VA, as well as the base for their commissary and base access.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary (8-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- 19:47.600><c> the</c> Treatment Court is we partner with the Treatment Court is we partner with the VA
- out of um the Nashville, Tennessee VA out of um the Nashville, Tennessee area<00:19:51.200><c> and</
- It's the VA. Those folks are the real heroes. They do everything.
- It's<00:27:03.520><c> it's</c><00:27:03.840><c> the</c><00:27:04.080><c> VA.
- Those folks are the It's it's the VA. Those folks are the real<00:27:06.000><c> heroes.
Summary:
The subcommittee received an overview of Kentucky’s specialty courts from Audrey Collins of the Department of Specialty Courts and the Administrative Office of the Courts, along with testimony from Christian County District Judge Foster Cutoff. Collins described the mission and structure of drug, mental health, and veterans treatment courts, emphasizing therapeutic jurisprudence, individualized treatment, judicial oversight, and multidisciplinary teams. She said Kentucky currently has about 2,991 active participants across the three court types, with drug courts in all 120 counties, mental health courts in 17 counties, and veterans treatment courts in eight counties. She also highlighted reported outcomes such as 7,658 entrants and 4,384 successful completions from 2020 to 2024, a five-year average completion rate of 57%, and lower recidivism among graduates than the statewide average.
Collins also reviewed funding and costs, saying the department’s fiscal year 2025 budget was $18.6 million, with most of it from general funds, plus restricted and federal funds. She noted spending on personnel, treatment services, and drug testing, and said specialty courts allow participants to remain employed and meet obligations such as child support and restitution. She said participants paid more than $5.4 million in child support, restitution, and other court-related obligations over five years, and that a statewide evaluation by Morehead State University is underway. In response to questions, she said a dip in 2024 collections may have been affected by a case management system overhaul, and that court costs can be waived in some indigent cases while restitution is still required.
Judge Cutoff described veterans treatment court and mental health court in Christian County, saying the programs are especially important because of the nearby Fort Campbell military community and because they help veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, substance use, and related issues. He said the courts rely heavily on staff, treatment providers, and the VA, which helps connect participants to benefits and therapy. He also said mental health court participants receive housing, benefits, and medication support, and that the programs can keep people out of jail and help them stabilize. Committee members asked about the legal basis and history of the courts, and Collins explained that Kentucky’s specialty courts began as pilot programs in the mid-1990s, shifted from federal support to state funding around 2008-2009, and are now largely state funded. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Psilocybin therapeutic use program established 3/9/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I spent the first decade of my career serving as medical director of the Minneapolis VA Medical Center
- And during my time at the VA, I was fortunate to work in teams who helped thousands of veterans.
- And during my time at the VA, I was fortunate to work in teams who helped thousands of veterans.
- I worked at the Minneapolis VA and was on the Minneapolis VA's PTSD treatment team for nine years, and
- is I worked on the Minneapolis VA has PTSD treatment team for 9 years and served as the team's medical
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- All those in favor of VAS 268, please signify by saying aye. Chair votes aye. Any opposed?
- Amendment VAS 265, Representative Engel, to move the amendment. I move VAS 265.
- VAS 265 has been moved and seconded. Discussion, Representative Engel. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- All right, seeing none, all those in favor of VAS 265, please signify by saying aye. Aye.
Committee:
House Housing
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 9, February 19, 2026-AM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, if you look at it, it's been a decade of the VA hospital waiting to be worked on.
- And let's stay on course with the VA hospital. reversions come back.
- </c><01:21:05.679><c> hospital</c> is the VA hospital is the VA hospital and<01:21:07.520><c> these</
- VA hospitals are 100% funded federally.
- </c><01:22:46.719><c> VA</c> in Buffalo is not a VA hospital. VA in Buffalo is not a VA hospital.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Veterans Affairs Department Suicide Prevention Report 3/11/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We also are expanding the veteran health navigator program into non-VA health care systems to implement
- This work brings together public health, the VA, National Guard, the Minnesota Department of Health,
- <00:03:51.760><c> public</c><00:03:52.159><c> health,</c><00:03:52.640><c> the</c><00:03:52.879><c> VA
- ,</c> brings together public health, the VA, brings together public health, the VA, National<00:03:54.239
- They'll be working with our non-VA health care systems, as you seen on the slide deck.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
October 14, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- VETERAN SERVICES DIRECTOR SOMEONE OVERSEES THE WHOLE PROGRAM AND HANDLES ALL THE BENEFITS WITH THE VA
- ONE PERSON TO MAKE SURE THAT IF WE DON'T GET MUDDY AND MAKE MISTAKES WHEN REACHING OUT TO THE VA BECAUSE
- ABOUT 2015 UTILIZING VA BENEFITS OR TA BENEFITS. WE ALSO HAVE VA WORK STUDIES.
- IT IS THE IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE TO THE VA AND WE ALSO HAVE OUR STUDENT VETERANS OF AMERICA.
- MAKING SURE THAT WE TOUCH EVERY SINGLE VETERANS ORGANIZATION THAT WE CAN AND OPEN THE DOORS TO THE VA
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, the VA is a nightmare to deal with on a good day.
- Do we track or measure how much these folks help us to access these VA benefits?
- Do we track or measure how much these folks help us to access these VA benefits?
- So the VA, the federal government, is part of this as well, obviously.
- The federal government, through the VA, pays a portion of the care.
Committee:
House Budget
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And by the way, the VA doesn't cover any of this.
- They don't want more pills from the VA. They want options.
- The VA—does the VA pay for opioids? Do they pay for opioids?
- The VA does not help.
- The VA prescription epidemic and default VA prescription of opioids has just done a number on us.
Committee:
House State Affairs
Keywords:
hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, state health, youth protection, licensing fees, criminal offenses, flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, I, we, as part of the VA, and I'm representing the VA healthcare as well as federal health care.
- My role at the VA is to approach and promote education for the VA as well as for the nation.
- the VA the VA and I'm representing the VA healthcare<02:26:33.760><c> as</c><02:26:34.000><c> well</
- I think that's our VA people, who are all civilians, who by virtue of them training at the VA, there
- for the VA and for the nation.
Committee:
Senate Education
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary (11-5-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- And, you know, to understand, I'm learning about the VA, right?
- And, you know, to understand, I'm learning about the VA, right?
- He described being in a battle with the VA since 2018 over an issue.
- We go to the VA in Lexington serving.
- </c> to the the VA clinics as well. to the the VA clinics as well.
Summary:
The subcommittee heard presentations from the Legal Aid Network of Kentucky, including Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, Kentucky Legal Aid, AppalRed Legal Aid, and the Legal Aid Society in Louisville. The presenters explained that the four nonprofit programs provide civil legal services in all 120 counties, focusing on low-income clients and matters such as domestic violence, family law, housing, expungement, public benefits, and veterans’ issues. They emphasized that they do not handle criminal defense cases and described statewide efforts such as the kyjustice.org website and Project Renew, which helps people in recovery with legal issues that affect stability, employment, housing, and family reunification.
Each organization highlighted regional service challenges and examples of casework. Legal Aid of the Bluegrass described its 33-county service area, its mobile “justice bus,” and expungement work for people in recovery. Kentucky Legal Aid focused on disaster response after the December 2021 tornadoes, including insurance disputes and contractor fraud, and said it has continued to handle repeated FEMA-declared disasters. AppalRed described serving 37 rural counties with limited attorneys, the shortage of lawyers in “rural legal deserts,” and its disaster-response work after flooding and tornadoes, including FEMA appeals clinics and volunteer attorney support. The Legal Aid Society described its Louisville-area veteran services, including Social Security and VA disability cases, veterans treatment court referrals, and homeless outreach.
Committee members praised the organizations’ work and noted the importance of their services. In response to questions about funding, the presenters said their support comes from a mix of Legal Services Corporation funds, state appropriations, federal grants such as VOCA, VAWA, and HUD, United Way, and foundation funding. They stressed that many grants are restricted, while state funding is more flexible and useful for emergencies and day-to-day operations. The presenters said current funding does not fully meet demand and requested an increase in the General Assembly’s appropriation from $500,000 per year to $1 million per year, or $2 million over the biennium.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- University of Arizona College of Medicine in Phoenix and serves as clinical faculty at the Phoenix VA
- University of Arizona College of Medicine in Phoenix and serves as clinical faculty at the Phoenix VA
- University of Arizona College of Medicine in Phoenix and serves as clinical faculty at the Phoenix VA
- . and serves as clinical faculty at the Phoenix VA, where he treats patients and teaches in the emergency
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget General Government Subcommittee 2nd Revision - HB3307 - Steagall - added Feb 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 4301 strengthens the federal VA mandatory clause, more commonly known as the VA escape clause
- This bill addresses a specific situation: if a home being purchased with a VA loan does not appraise,
- the buyer will receive a full refund of their earnest money, and this mirrors the federal VA escape
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced a series of bills, mostly on a due-pass basis. Representative Grego’s bill to keep a prescribed-burn indemnity fund framework alive, with no state cost and hopes of private or insurance funding, passed 6-0 after discussion about wildfire risk and encouraging safer burns. Representative West’s HB 2962, removing time limits and refund caps for certain tax overpayment claims and extending refund rights for tribal members and former wards, also passed 6-0, with the sponsor saying it would apply retroactively.
Representative Archer’s HB 3175, as a committee substitute, would begin creating a state nuclear regulatory framework in anticipation of future federal court changes; it passed 4-3. Representative May’s HB 3336 to remove the salary cap on the OMES CIO failed 2-5 and remained in Appropriations and Budget, while his HB 3831 to create a revolving fund for Oklahoma Task Force One equipment upgrades passed 6-1. Representative Wolfley’s HB 3566 raising tag agent title-transfer fees from $2.25 to $3.75 passed 6-1, and Representative Lawson’s HB 3621 to recreate a state data center for census preparation and LUCA support passed 6-1 after he agreed to amend it to be subject to available funds.
Other measures advanced included HB 2958, a 9% pay raise for state employees, which passed unanimously 8-0; HB 3047, making LOFT the clearinghouse for statutorily required agency reports, which passed 6-1; HB 4301, strengthening the VA escape clause by requiring earnest-money refunds when a VA-financed home does not appraise, which passed 7-0; and HB 1979, creating a two-year task force to consolidate early childhood programs across agencies, which passed 4-2. The committee also heard a bill allowing the Attorney General’s Office and District Attorneys Council to buy vehicles without going through OMES, and it passed 6-2. After finishing the agenda, the committee announced a short recess before reopening for an Emergency Management budget hearing.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, February 10, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> while</c><04:08:11.920><c> one</c><04:08:12.600><c> does</c><04:08:12.960><c> not</c> from the VA
- as income while one does not from the VA as income while one does not to<04:08:14.119><c> put</c><04
- <04:08:34.880><c> service</c><04:08:35.319><c> connected</c><04:08:35.840><c> disability</c> ensure VA
- service connected disability ensure VA service connected disability income<04:08:37.239><c> is</c><04
- Now, to qualify, as I've said, the central issue is whether VA disability benefits count as income.
Keywords:
diaper need, infant health, family well-being, basic needs, public health, childcare, September 11, terrorist attacks, education, curriculum, first responders, national security, temporary protected status, Haiti, immigration, refugees, quorum, House of Representatives, business proceeding, legislative procedure
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration Mar 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Once we achieve licensing with them, then we go to the VA for the VA to start the VA survey process so
- that we can be kind of approved by the VA.
- million cost for this facility, about $209 million to $210 million of that is reimbursable through the VA
- as well as proximity to..." "...a veteran demand in the general population, as well as proximity to VA
- care, because we do rely considerably on VA care as well.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- The other is, has the VA been interested in doing some of this research?
- The other is, has the VA been interested in doing some of this research?
- The other is, has the VA been interested in doing some of this research?
- I tried the VA pill factory, and that did not work for me.
- I think it's seven separate VAs around the country. So that's all I have. Any questions?