Video & Transcript Research : 'billionaire influence'
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US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, May 8, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Their work is vital, and their influence extends beyond the classroom.
- </c><02:56:11.359><c> Trump</c> influence presidential decisions.
- Trump influence presidential decisions.
- But listen carefully to what Trump's billionaire appointees are saying.
- </c> carefully to what Trump's billionaire carefully to what Trump's billionaire appointee<03:15:12.600
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-03 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, the Fire Act shines sunlight on unregistered and opaque influence operations.
- and report suspected foreign influence campaigns.
- Chinese billionaires are contracting with U.S. surrogacy services to have babies.
- There are records of billionaires having 100 or more American babies in this fashion.
- We even influenced legislation many times.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for former member Chester Clem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum confirmation. Members then adopted the special order report for the day and approved a Rules and Ethics Committee report amending House Rule 15.3 to allow fundraising under certain circumstances during extended or special sessions.
The chamber then took up several bills. HB 1405 on a statewide project for missing persons with special needs passed unanimously. CS/CS/CS/SB 290, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, passed 94-10 after debate focused on conservation land surplus procedures and agricultural use of state lands. CS/CS/CS/HB 905, the “Fire Act” on foreign influence, foreign gifts, critical infrastructure, sister city agreements, and related restrictions, passed 80-20 after the House adopted an amendment adding a prohibition on certain surrogacy contracts involving citizens or residents of foreign countries of concern. CS/CS/HB 1197, dealing with information technology procurement and contracting, passed 109-0. HB 1103 on local administration of vessel restrictions passed unanimously.
The House also debated CS/CS/CS/HB 399 on land use and development regulations. Supporters said it would limit development fees, standardize compatibility rules, allow manufactured homes in RV parks, and lower voting thresholds for comprehensive plan changes to address housing affordability; opponents argued it would preempt local control, weaken voter-approved urban boundary protections, and risk conservation lands. An amendment to preserve Orange County’s boundary rules failed, while a technical amendment on manufactured homes passed. The bill then passed 71-38. The House also passed several local bills, including measures for the Pace Fire Rescue District, Avalon Beach/Mulat Fire Protection District, East Point Water and Sewer District, Fellsmere Water Control District, and Headwaters Water Control District, with votes ranging from 83-27 to unanimous approval. The transcript also included farewell remarks from Representative Angie Nixon before the House returned to remaining business.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Today, if somebody, if you know, if an out-of-state millionaire or billionaire want to influence elections
- Today, if somebody, if you know, if an out-of-state millionaire or billionaire want to influence elections
- school districts and cities and municipalities and voters in these cities' ability to have this influence
- ,</c> billionaire want to influence elections, billionaire want to influence elections, they're<00:28
- So, I just influence over their school.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 29, 2026 - 03:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- It does not help educators to keep up with the cost of living and it does not have any positive influence
- Persons-Mulicka, you are recognized to present HB 905, Foreign Influence, you are recognized. Rep.
- efforts and how to identify and report suspected foreign influence campaigns.
- Any questions on 905, Foreign Influence? You are recognized. Representative: Thank you Madam Chair.
- in support of the bill, in particular sections 2, 3, and 4 because they all address how foreign influence
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/18/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- large quantities of personal information in ways that will allow them to more effectively target influence
- This includes banning the corrupting influence of foreign funding in our elections.
- Decisions about Arizona's laws should be based on the voices of its citizens, not foreign billionaires
- The American citizen—and, as we just heard, we shouldn't have foreign influence in our election, our
- We shouldn't have foreign influence in our election, our foreign money. That's what this bill does.
Summary:
The committee heard several election-related bills and one bill on party vacancy procedures. SB 1018, which would expand Arizona’s foreign law restrictions to expressly include Sharia law and certain related religious or cultural practices, drew sharply divided testimony. Supporters said it was intended to prevent enforcement of coercive or unconstitutional private adjudications, while opponents argued it was anti-Muslim and unconstitutional. The bill passed on a 4-3 vote.
SB 1568 would require election equipment clocks and timekeeping functions to be set to the current accurate time and verified during testing. County officials opposed parts of the bill as impractical for equipment not connected to the internet and for areas with different time zones, while the sponsor and a witness said inaccurate clocks had been observed in testing. The committee adopted the bill on a 4-3 vote. SB 1687 would move the primary election to the Tuesday before Memorial Day and adjust related filing and petition deadlines; an amendment expanding Clean Elections timing and spending provisions was offered but defeated. The bill then passed 4-3 after members discussed the need to align election timelines and Clean Elections rules.
SB 1825 would change how precinct committeeman vacancies are filled, shifting authority in counties over 500,000 people toward legislative district chairs and requiring faster action by county boards. Supporters said it would streamline appointments and improve transparency, while opponents warned it could concentrate power and create abuse. An amendment clarifying the county-size threshold was adopted, and the bill passed 4-1 with one present and one absent. SB 1037, which imposes stricter cybersecurity and chain-of-custody requirements on voting and tabulating equipment and requires continuous video at counting centers, also passed after amendment on a 4-2 vote. Finally, the committee began hearing SCR 1001, a proposed constitutional amendment requiring U.S. citizenship to register and vote, banning foreign-national election contributions, requiring proof of identity for voting, and changing some mail-ballot and polling-place rules; the transcript cuts off before any vote on that resolution.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/18/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- This includes banning the corrupting influence of foreign funding in our elections.
- This includes banning the corrupting influence of foreign funding in our elections.
- Decisions about Arizona's laws should be based on the voices of its citizens, not foreign billionaires
- You have to show ID, the American citizen, and as we just heard, we shouldn't have foreign influence
- We shouldn't have foreign influence in our election, our foreign money. That's what this bill does.
Keywords:
foreign law, Sharia law, cultural practices, women's rights, marriage laws, domestic violence, honor killings, Arizona legislation, elections, voting systems, vote tabulation, election security, internet connectivity, offline voting, chain of custody, polling place equipment, counting center, central counting center, election management system, EMS gateway
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee Mar 11th, 2026
Labor, Public Employment and Retirement
Transcript Highlights:
- While multiple factors influence travel Global perceptions matter.
- While multiple factors influence travel patterns, these indicators illustrate how economic activity and
- They strongly support a bold response to the right-wing billionaire agenda and a transformative vision
- Federal policy can influence these indicators.
- If they influence the unemployment rate in California, If they affect California workers, if they influence
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, March 25, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Billions for conflict, billions for ICE, billions for billionaires.
- </c> that gave millionaires and billionaires that gave millionaires and billionaires tax<02:35:40.319
- tax cuts, you know, that billionaires tax cuts, you know, that screwed<02:47:43.680><c> over</c><02:
- </c><04:15:05.920><c> to</c> to influence foreign governments. to to influence foreign governments. to
- </c> big tax cuts to billionaires. big tax cuts to billionaires.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity
Transcript Highlights:
- Otherwise, the prosperity will be simply for the tech corporations of the billionaire class already doing
- Otherwise, the prosperity will be simply for the tech corporations of the billionaire class already doing
- systems, which is essential because workers who know little of anything about systems that are influencing
- am an information science professional, and my work focuses on how digital media and technology influence
- H-94 establishes accountability rules for high-risk AI systems, including those that materially influence
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on several artificial intelligence bills, opening with remarks about the 9/11 anniversary and then broad statements from the co-chairs about AI’s promise and risks. Chair Farley-Bouvier and Senator Moore emphasized the need for guardrails, transparency, and worker and consumer protections, while Senator Finegold described Senate Bill 37, which would create a framework for AI model training with safety assessments, audits, incident reporting, Attorney General oversight, and workforce reporting. Members also discussed Massachusetts’ position relative to other states and the need for state action in the absence of federal regulation.
A large portion of the hearing focused on the Fair Act, House 77 and Senate 35, which would limit workplace surveillance, restrict collection of biometric and location data, require notice and human review for automated employment decisions, and protect workers from retaliation. Labor leaders, including AFL-CIO, AFSCME, AFT, SEIU, building trades, and other worker representatives, testified in support, describing harms from bossware, automated benefits denials, hiring and promotion screening, scheduling, and monitoring in workplaces ranging from health care and education to manufacturing and construction. They argued that AI systems are already affecting wages, benefits, safety, and job security, and that Massachusetts should act now to set clear rules.
The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 74, which would require informed consent and clear contract terms for digital replicas of voices and likenesses, with SAG-AFTRA representatives supporting the bill as a protection for performers and creators. Another major topic was Senate Bill 51 on social media algorithm accountability and transparency; child safety advocates, researchers, and a public health expert described harms from engagement-based algorithms, including exposure to harmful content, eating disorders, and youth mental health impacts, and supported independent audits and public reporting. A few industry and civil liberties witnesses supported regulation but urged balance, warning against overly burdensome rules while acknowledging the need for privacy, transparency, and accountability. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the hearing excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Gun Violence Prevention Working Group - 09/17/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Environment design is powerful not only because it influences how we engage with the world, but also
- In fact, this is useful to think about<00:21:49.840><c> the</c><00:21:50.080><c> influence</c><00:21:
- 50.480><c> the</c><00:21:50.720><c> environment</c><00:21:51.120><c> has</c> About the influence the
- a couple billionaires too that play in politics.
- Okay. a<01:18:24.400><c> billionaire</c> a billionaire a billionaire uh<01:18:26.640><c> that</c><01:
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- sections 28-1381, 28-1383, and 28-1389, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to driving under the influence
- sections 28-1381, 28-1383, and 28-1389, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to driving under the influence
- act in the winning section 2813, 82, 2833, 19, no, the last statute, being too diving under the influence
- In effect, it's possible that a single billionaire could make a large donation to a PAC and then cause
- -182, 28-382, 28-387, 28-208, 28-14, 16-1, and 28-319, as advised, relating to driving under the influence
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs (02/07/2025)
State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- by Foreign governments would influence by Foreign governments would be<01:13:39.719><c> permitted</c
- were influence operations that were<01:55:47.079><c> undertaken</c><01:55:47.760><c> under</c><01:55
- </c> political uh presumably to influence political uh presumably to influence press<01:57:45.639><c>
- </c> have been utilized in public influence have been utilized in public influence information<02:01:
- Against billionaires who can manipulate media and get a whole bunch of people to follow along because
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- this bill is to restore accountability and transparency when taxpayer dollars are being used to influence
- It's too late to influence a potential jury, or what do you mean?
- We manage the operation of the bridges with little, if any, impact or influence from the county on what
- And I think that that should impact and influence whether or not this legislation passes.
- It was a deliberate act to influence the outcome of a power plant project greater than $250 million.
Bills:
HB45, HB755, HB 1232, HB1555, HB2460, HB2702, HB2973, HB3120, HB3225, HB3314, HB3356, HB3371, HB3634, HB3638, HB4247, HB4283, HB4290, HB4302, HB4503, HB4511, HB4565, HB4581, HB4627, HB4632, HB4660, HB4668, HB4960, HB5042, HB45
Keywords:
housing, affordable housing, rent control, landlord-tenant laws, housing rights, lobbying, public entities, expenditures, government code, transparency, Texas Ethics Commission, government regulation, lobbying restrictions, government accountability, taxpayer money, HB 1232, whistleblower, whistleblower protection, public employee, retaliation
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
County and Municipal Government Apr 8th, 2026
County and Municipal Government
Keywords:
municipal ordinances, local government, ordinance publication, posting requirement, public notice, municipal law, city ordinances, town ordinances, county government, newspaper publication, effective date, Oklahoma statutes, 11 O.S. 14-106, ordinance notice, government oversight, municipalities, city government, town government, property maintenance, nuisance abatement
Summary:
The County and Municipal Government Committee considered and advanced several bills related to county purchasing, municipal notice requirements, property liens, county home rule, jail funding, and local fines. Senate Bill 2135 would let county purchasing agents obtain and administer county purchase cards through county depositories, with transaction rules modeled on the state P-card program and still subject to existing purchasing procedures. Senate Bill 483 would authorize county commissioners to create a relocation assistance program. Senate Bill 1198 would require OHCA to release liens on property at the request of a county treasurer. Senate Bill 1265 would extend the deadline for municipalities to publish ordinances from 15 to 30 days, and Senate Bill 2154 would require cities to notify lienholders as well as property owners about outstanding property maintenance balances.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 2139, described as clarifying language to a 2024 law after stakeholder discussion, and Senate Bill 1552, which changes population requirements in a 1992 county home rule statute. SB 1552 drew the most discussion, with members asking about its effect on rural counties, the Kenny v. Tulsa County case, and whether any county is currently affected; the sponsor said the bill raises the threshold, affects no counties now, and would still require voter approval and additional charter approval if a county later qualified. The bill passed on a 3-2 vote.
Two additional bills were approved with little or no debate: Senate Bill 2118 would allow surplus funds from a county sheriff’s commissary fund to be used for jail operations, inmate care, and related expenses, and Senate Bill 1775 would cap fines in small towns. All other measures mentioned passed unanimously or near-unanimously, and the committee adjourned after completing the posted agenda.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Boards of tests for alcohol and drug influences extends the sunset date. Move for adoption.
Bills:
HJR1088, SB1280, SB1316, SB1433, SB1455, SB1456, SB1457, SB1459, SB1461, SB1463, SB1465, SB1466, SB1721
Keywords:
education rules, administrative rules, joint resolution, Oklahoma State Department of Education, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, Teachers' Retirement System, charter schools, Statewide Charter School Board, career and technology education, CTE, OEQA, rule approval, legislative oversight, permanent rules, school governance, teacher retirement, education agencies, excise tax, oil tax
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Boards of tests for alcohol and drug influence. Recognized. Thank you, Ms. Chairman.
- Boards of tests for alcohol and drug influence. This extends the sunset date. Move for adoption.
Bills:
SB1280, SB1316, SB1433, SB1455, SB1456, SB1457, SB1459, SB1461, SB1463, SB1465, SB1466, SB1721, HJR1088
Keywords:
excise tax, oil tax, natural gas tax, state revenue, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, administrative rules, sunset provision, state agencies, regulatory review, legislative oversight, guidance transparency, administrative procedures, public inspection, state agency accountability, regulatory oversight, architects, landscape architects, interior designers, licensing, professional regulation
Summary:
The committee first advanced Senate Bill 1721, which extends the sunset date for the Oklahoma Advisory Council on Indian Education and requires appointed members to represent a tribe or be involved in tribal education. It then passed Senate Bill 1433, a mirror bill requiring agencies to publicly post guidance documents and state that such documents do not have the force of law. Both bills were adopted without opposition and reported out favorably.
The bulk of the meeting focused on Senate Bill 1316, which would create a rotating, eight-year review of administrative rules modeled on Idaho law. Members questioned whether the process would duplicate existing rule review, whether it would be used as a rubber stamp or to remove needed protections, and how AI tools might assist. The sponsor said the goal is to verify statutory authority, identify obsolete or duplicative rules, and use a limited AI system built from Oklahoma constitutional, statutory, and code materials only as a research aid, not a decision-maker. The committee then passed the bill unanimously.
The committee also advanced a series of sunset-extension bills for various boards and agencies, including oil and gas tax apportionments, the Board of Governors of Architects, Landscape Architects, and Licensed Interior Designers, the Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence, the Construction Industries Board, the Oklahoma Abstractors Board, OETA, the Polygraph Examiners Board, the Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Surveyors, and the Advisory Committee on Midwifery. Most passed unanimously, though the Construction Industries Board bill passed 11-1, OETA passed 7-5, and the midwifery bill passed 10-2. The committee also approved H.J.R. 1088, which ratifies education agency rules, by an 11-1 vote.
At the end, the chair outlined the committee’s remaining workload and said several bundled rule resolutions and a few major rules would be coming soon, including a large health-agency bundle. Members were asked to return rule assignments quickly so resolutions could be prepared before the end of session. The meeting adjourned after the chair said the next meeting would likely be brief and focused on one or two resolutions.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- first is Senate Bill 2982 relating to campaign finance, which prohibits foreign entities and foreign influence
- One is regarding the condition where if a foreign influence business is deemed unconstitutional, that
- the funds used to pay for this message may have been provided by foreign corporations or foreign influence
- business entities, as no certification disclosing foreign influence was provided.
Bills:
SB2982, SB2367, SB2818, SB2944, SB2022, SB2240, SB2986, SB2547, SB2401, SB3031, SB3035, SB3032
Keywords:
foreign influence, campaign finance, contributions, state elections, transparency, election integrity, Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, Ala Wai Harbor, DLNR, BLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Board of Land and Natural Resources, state boating facility, small boat harbor, public-private partnership, PPP, marina management, harbor lease, fast lands, submerged lands
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 2982 on campaign finance, which would prohibit foreign entities and foreign-influence businesses from making contributions and expenditures. The Attorney General’s office testified first, followed by the Campaign Spending Commission, which supported the bill but asked for clarification on constitutional review authority and additional implementation time for certifications, forms, and procedures. Common Cause also supported the measure, arguing it would help protect elections from dark money and foreign influence. No vote was taken.
The committee then took up SB 2367 on a state boating facilities lease program for the Ala Wai small boat harbor. DLNR supported the bill, while UPW opposed it, warning about privatization of a public asset and possible job displacement. Several members of the public supported the concept but urged amendments to protect public access, affordability, youth ocean programs, and state employee jobs. Committee members questioned DLNR about the scope of the lease, the role of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and whether public access and existing concessions would remain protected. DLNR said current leases would remain, the board would retain approval authority, and employees would not necessarily be displaced, but members indicated more discussion and possible amendments were needed.
For SB 2818 on boating penalties, DLNR testified in support and there was no opposition testimony. The committee also heard SB 2944 on conservation, which would require wildlife viewing guidelines that substantially conform to NOAA guidance and reporting requirements; DLNR said it stood on its written testimony. SB 2022 on water code penalties drew support from DLNR’s Commission on Water Resource Management, which said the bill’s two-tiered penalty structure would preserve deterrence while keeping the current $5,000 penalty for first-time or non-harmful violations. The Board of Water Supply submitted comments, and Ulupono Initiative supported the measure as a needed enforcement tool. Committee members discussed whether the higher penalty ceiling should be phased in and asked for stakeholder input on the amount of the penalties.
Finally, the committee began SB 2240 on land use, which would require water availability certification from the Commission on Water Resource Management before a district boundary amendment proceeds to the Land Use Commission. DLNR supported the bill and said it often reviews project documents that lack sufficient information on water needs and availability, so the measure would allow earlier review and comment. The committee also indicated it would seek amendments and further feedback on the water penalty bill before it moved to the next committee.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, July 17, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That's because bailing out billionaires is hard work.
- cheats on his every time a billionaire cheats on his taxes,<00:53:07.200><c> a</c><00:53:07.440><c>
- ,</c><00:55:26.960><c> and</c> these ventures by access, influence, and these ventures by access, influence
- Finally, the GENIUS Act is a missed opportunity to limit foreign influence.
- </c> opportunity to limit foreign influence. opportunity to limit foreign influence.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, January 13, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> voice have continued to influence voice have continued to influence conversation<00:20:37.440><c
- </c> bill only gives tax cuts to billionaires bill only gives tax cuts to billionaires is<02:30:38.560
- And you if you're a billionaire.
- </c><02:33:27.840><c> and</c> millionaires and the billionaires and millionaires and the billionaires
- And billionaires get richer and richer.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- These influence campaigns go beyond spying or lobbying.
- And then sometimes the term foreign influence operation is used.
- And you define two terms, foreign influence operation and unit.
- operators coming to try to influence you.
- If our government truly cared about foreign influence operations, we would have treated a billionaire
Keywords:
election officials, confidentiality, personal information, government transparency, public safety, spirit beverages, alcoholic beverages, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, distribution, taxation, firearms, local regulation, archery equipment, weapons, voter registration, statewide list, county requirements, election integrity, computer services contracts, mental health
Summary:
The Senate Committee on State Affairs heard Senate Bill 3031, which would expand aggravated assault to cover certain road-rage shootings involving a person in or traveling to or from a motor vehicle, when a firearm is discharged and causes injury, property damage, or fear of serious bodily injury. Senator Schwertner laid out the bill for the author, described it as closing a gap in the law, and there was no public testimony; the bill was left pending.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 2514, a measure by Chairman Hughes aimed at creating a DPS unit to identify, investigate, and monitor hostile foreign influence operations and to require ethics training for state employees. Supportive invited testimony from Dr. Jacqueline Deal, Ambassador Kelly Curry, and Michael Lucci emphasized threats from the Chinese Communist Party, transnational repression, cyber intrusion, and state-level influence efforts, and argued Texas should take a leading role. Public testimony included opposition from speakers who raised concerns about free speech, privacy, and potential overbreadth. The bill was left pending after testimony closed.
Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 30 as pending business and discussed a committee substitute. Senator Schwertner explained that the substitute would limit admissible medical expense evidence to amounts paid or up to 300% of Medicare, clarify treatment of provider testimony and attorney-referred providers, remove a requirement that plaintiffs use available health insurance to mitigate damages, strike a unanimous-verdict requirement for non-economic damages, and delete a remittitur provision. Senators questioned the impact on sexual assault and child abuse survivors, the use of Medicare as a benchmark, and whether the bill would still allow fair compensation. After discussion, SB 30 was left pending and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.