Video & Transcript : 'Okinawan Americans' :
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US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of David Fotouhi, of Virginia, to be Deputy Administrator, and Aaron Szabo, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Administrator, both of the Environmental Protection Agency. Mar 5th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Environment and Public Works Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Aaron understands how to keep Americans safe and healthy while powering the great American economy.
- American comeback.
- Like millions of other Americans, I am a cancer survivor.
- EPA plays a critical role in protecting the health of all Americans.
- Let's let American innovation solve these problems.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, February 23, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Main Street is what keeps the American spirit alive.
- MAIN STREET IS WHAT KEEPS THE AMERICAN SPIRIT ALIVE.
- and adopt AI to Strengthen American businesses and our economy.
- Less than 40 percent of Americans hold a four-year college degree.
- LESS THAN 40% OF AMERICANS HOLDING A FOUR YEAR COLLEGE DEGREE.
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 posture of the United States European Command and United States Africa Command in review of the Defense Authorization Request for fiscal year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program; to be immediately followed by a closed he Apr 3rd, 2025 at 08:30 am
Subcommittee on Personnel
Transcript Highlights:
- American withdrawal from these theaters.
- On this sub-camp in Kuwait, half was occupied by Americans.
- Maybe having an American general in that seat. see, furthers this ruse.
- American priorities in Europe, what they should be.
- to American security interests? into two big blocks personnel and equipment.
Committee:
Senate Subcommittee on Personnel
Summary:
The committee convened to discuss various bills and hear testimonies related to legislative matters, including public concerns and implications surrounding the proposed legislation. Notably, the members engaged in a vigorous debate over SB4, where several representatives shared differing viewpoints on its impact on local communities and the environment. Public testimonies were heard, with advocates arguing for the bill's potential benefits, while opponents raised significant concerns regarding the fiscal implications and land use. Following these discussions, the committee moved to vote on HB2214, which passed without issue, illustrating the bipartisan support for certain initiatives tied to public welfare.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- And Mexico is essential to the future of the American prosperity. is essential to the future of the American
- If we care about American workers and American small businesses, then we most care about America's best
- To strengthen American manufacturing, we must strengthen the North American supply chain.
- Mexico is not a rival to American prosperity. Mexico is an enabler of American prosperity.
- If we want American workers to win, If we want American workers to win, California to grow, and North
Summary:
The joint hearing of the Assembly Select Committee on California-Mexico Bi-National Affairs and the Assembly Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Committee focused on the USMCA and California’s economic dependence on trade with Mexico and Canada. Members emphasized that California exports more than $183 billion globally, with roughly a third going to Mexico and Canada, and argued that the agreement supports jobs in manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, technology, and ports. The hearing was framed as preparation for a legislative report and possible resolution on California’s priorities for the upcoming USMCA review.
Academic and policy witnesses described the USMCA as essential to North American competitiveness, affordability, and regional security. Dr. Rafael Fernández de Castro said the agreement is central to a stronger North American alliance, helps keep food and other goods affordable, and supports the Cali-Baja region’s integrated economy. Dr. Ismael Placencia argued that California and Mexico co-produce value through integrated supply chains and nearshoring, and proposed ideas such as specialized technician visas, cross-border innovation zones, binational certification standards, and a technology fund. Members asked about the uncertainty around the agreement’s sunset/review clause and the possibility that investment is being delayed while businesses wait for clarity.
Go-Biz representative Diana Dominguez said USMCA gives businesses, especially small and medium-sized firms, predictability, market access, and stronger digital trade and supply-chain integration, while also noting challenges such as regulatory barriers and financing. California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce president Julian Canante said the agreement benefits small businesses but also creates complexity through stricter rules of origin, compliance burdens, and tariff uncertainty, and he urged more trade assistance and education. Mexican officials Miroslava Pérez-López and Pedro Casas Alatriste said the treaty remains the cornerstone of North American trade, that Mexico’s public consultation process generated nearly 800 submissions, and that the region should deepen integration rather than weaken the agreement.
A later panel from San Diego regional organizations reinforced the same themes, citing the border region’s co-production economy, the importance of border infrastructure, and the need to protect integrated supply chains from tariff shocks. Witnesses urged investment in ports of entry, energy reliability, talent development, and smoother review processes, while members repeatedly stressed that any renegotiation should preserve labor and environmental standards without harming small businesses.
US
Transcript Highlights:
- American dream.
- I have lived the American experiment.
- , everyday Americans, to bring suit against them to defend their rights?
- The American people. Thank you.
- Well, and the American people are ready to see it.
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
nominations, Deputy Attorney General, Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice, Todd Blanch, Gail Slater, confirmation hearing
Summary:
The meeting focused on the nominations of Todd Blanch and Gail Slater for the positions of Deputy Attorney General and Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust, respectively. The committee considered the qualifications of both nominees, with opening statements provided by the nominees themselves. There was an evident emphasis on the rigorous vetting process that nominees undergo before their selection, highlighting the importance of the roles within the Department of Justice. Members of the committee engaged in a structured question-and-answer session to further evaluate the nominees' capabilities and fit for the positions they were nominated for, with each member allotted seven minutes to pose questions.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Stephen Vaden, of Tennessee, to be Deputy Secretary, and Tyler Clarkson, of Virginia, to be General Counsel, both of the Department of Agriculture. Apr 8th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- That's a Minnesota euphemism for farmers, ranchers, and rural Americans.
- Our way out is to open new markets for American producers to sell their crops.
- It is our farms that offer a glimpse of American life across generations.
- So give me your thoughts about where this all... ends for American agriculture.
- Native American, or another community back in New Mexico.
Keywords:
USDA, nominations, Judge Vaden, Tyler Clarkson, agriculture policy, rural America, tariffs, farmer advocacy
Summary:
The meeting focused on the nominations of Judge Stephen Alexander Vaden for Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Mr. Tyler Clarkson for General Counsel at the USDA. Members expressed concerns regarding the challenges farmers and ranchers face, especially in navigating the impacts of recent tariffs imposed by the President. Significant attention was given to how these nominations could influence agriculture policy and support rural communities amidst economic uncertainty. The committee emphasized the necessity for strong leadership in the USDA to advocate for farmer needs and ensure the proper implementation of assistance programs.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 23rd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- These milestones and civil rights empower not just African Americans, but also Latino Americans and other
- history is American history.
- history is American history.
- Really, African American history is American history.
- Black history is American history.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 20th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Native American Legislative Caucus stands in solidarity with you.
- Working Californians and working Americans are paying the price.
- American consumers paid over $231 billion in tariff costs in just one year.
- American manufacturers have not seen a meaningful comeback. Nothing.
- , for American farmers, for American manufacturing.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a delayed quorum call, then moved through routine procedural actions, including unanimous-consent requests on guest seating and committee referrals. A motion by Assembly Member DeMaio to withdraw AB 2624 from committee failed on a roll call vote, 14-44. The chamber also heard multiple guest introductions and held an Armenian Genocide Remembrance ceremony with a prayer, pledge, and moment of silence.
The main floor action centered on H.R. 97, commemorating the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Assembly Member Schultz and numerous colleagues spoke in support, emphasizing historical recognition, solidarity with Armenian Californians, and opposition to denial. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added. Later, H.R. 99 recognizing California Agriculture Day also drew extensive support from members highlighting the state’s agricultural economy, farmworkers, and the need for continued investment in agriculture; it was adopted by voice vote after 65 co-authors were added.
Several bills were also considered and passed: AB 1838 on contractor wage-and-hour disclosure for public works bids, AB 1562 authorizing counties to randomly select poll workers, AB 2297 standardizing restitution rules in diversion programs, AB 1659 improving school re-enrollment support for justice-impacted youth, AB 1974 creating an optional temporary firearm storage program for law enforcement, AB 2402 updating health studio fee rules, and AB 1607 extending the Maddy Emergency Medical Services Fund. AB 1607 drew sharp opposition over fee funding and broader policy concerns, but passed 66-1. The Assembly also adopted ACR 129 establishing a sister-state relationship with Lagos State, Nigeria, and considered a Senate joint resolution on tariffs, with members split over whether tariffs or state policies were the main driver of higher costs; the transcript ends during debate on that resolution.
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:
- As a Cambodian American myself, I take this issue very personally.
- Fully 90% of Americans support term limits for Congress.
- Beyond term limits, what keeps Americans awake at night?
- Americans want fiscal responsibility.
- Let's face it, most Americans haven't heard of Article 5.
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.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
250th Anniversary Celebration of the American Revolution Jun 21st, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- going to bring into session this meeting of the State Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American
- American Revolution DEIA Subcommittee meeting to order. And I'm just going to do a voice roll call.
- And so a couple of things that are really exciting for us at the Museum of African American History.
- End of July, I was at the Association of African American Museums annual conference in Charleston.
- Like, you can go to yoga at the Museum of African American History.
Summary:
The State Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution DEIA Subcommittee met to share updates on 250th-related projects and to discuss how to ensure the commemoration is inclusive, statewide, and reflective of Black, Indigenous, and other underrepresented histories. Members described ongoing research and programming, including work in Quincy, Lexington, Bridgewater/Brockton, Mashpee, and other communities to identify Black revolutionary soldiers, Indigenous connections, and lesser-known local stories. Several members emphasized that the 250th should be framed as both commemoration and celebration, with attention to difficult histories as well as resilience, joy, and cultural contributions.
Dr. Noel Trent reported on the Museum of African American History’s exhibition Black Voices of the Revolution, funded by Mass 250, which opened June 30 and will run through 2026 or into 2027. He described the exhibit’s use of AI tools, archaeological finds from Nantucket and Boston, and related programming. Other members highlighted Mass Humanities’ Expand Massachusetts Stories funding round, including support for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and likely additional Indigenous-led projects, as well as a statewide equity playbook being drafted for Mass 250 fundraising and engagement. Sheila Green of Massachusetts 250 then presented an overview of the statewide campaign, including advertising, social media, a website with events and blogs, 96 grants totaling $3 million, partnerships with sports teams and cultural organizations, and major upcoming events such as Evacuation Day, the Henry Knox reenactment, Sail Boston 250, and World Cup-related activity.
During discussion, members suggested practical ways to improve inclusion and outreach, including sharing stories through blogs, podcasts, and a centralized project tracker, and highlighting museums and community programs that offer joy, rest, and cultural activities alongside historical interpretation. Dr. Trent raised concern that some Massachusetts 250 merchandise, such as T-shirts, did not adequately reflect the diversity of the state, and Green said the team was considering a redesign. The subcommittee agreed to compile a summary of stories, names, and examples for the full commission, and to continue sharing photos and materials by email for possible presentation at a future commission meeting. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was approved unanimously.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Feb 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The Office of New Americans is the way to do it. Retain New Americans in the state.
- The Office of New Americans is the way to do that and is a start for our state.
- The Office of New Americans would have provided the resources and support needed.
- Through a dedicated Office of New Americans... Thank you.
- So that includes Office of New Americans.
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 124, which would create a permanent Office of New Americans within the Department of Workforce Solutions. The sponsor and supporters said the office would help immigrant and refugee workers access training, licensing, language support, and other workforce resources, while also helping employers fill labor shortages in industries such as construction, agriculture, oil and gas, health care, and child care. Support came from advocates, business groups, faith organizations, and immigrant-rights groups; there was no opposition. Members asked about data protection, the number of other states with similar offices, and whether the office could help recruit and credential foreign-trained medical professionals. The bill passed on a do-pass motion with several yes votes and some no votes recorded, and the sponsor explained the vote as a way to support families and workforce integration.
The committee then considered House Bill 314, which would authorize zero-interest loans through the Local Government Division for political subdivisions to repair flood- and debris-damaged public infrastructure and remove debris from the October 19, 2024 storm event. There was no public testimony in support or opposition. Members briefly asked about the $150 million appropriation and whether it was already in the budget, and the sponsor said it was. The bill received a do-pass motion, a second, and was approved without opposition.
Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 64, as amended, to codify the Office of Special Education and a deputy secretary position within the Public Education Department. The sponsor and department officials said the bill would formalize an office already created by executive order, improve statewide coordination, support compliance with IDEA and the Yazzie-Martinez case, and develop a statewide IEP template to reduce inconsistency across districts. They emphasized that gifted education would remain in Curriculum and Instruction and that the bill would not add new paperwork or mandates for districts. Supporters included education leaders, disability advocates, vocational rehabilitation, and special education professionals; there was no opposition. Members raised questions about parent understanding of IEPs, monitoring and enforcement, funding, charter school coverage, and the treatment of gifted and twice-exceptional students. The bill passed on a do-pass motion with unanimous support from those present.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee May 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Jewish Committee, Northern California, American Jewish Committee, Los Angeles, American Jewish Committee
- Seth Brisk, American Jewish Committee, California, son of Seth Brisk, American Jewish Committee, California
- Jewish and Japanese American... ...Americans interned at Poston and Tule Lake and mother of three Jewish
- and Japanese American public school students.
- Happy Hmong American Day.
Summary:
The Assembly Education Committee held a special hearing on AB 715, with the authors presenting the bill as a response to rising anti-Semitism in K-12 schools. The authors said the measure is intended to strengthen protections for Jewish students, improve district accountability, expand the uniform complaint process, clarify protections related to religion and nationality, and create a state-level anti-Semitism coordinator. They emphasized that the bill was developed through collaboration with the Black, Latino, AAPI, and Jewish caucuses and argued it is meant to protect all students from hate while preserving legitimate classroom discussion.
The hearing included extensive public testimony. Supporters, including students, parents, rabbis, Jewish organizations, and some educators, described harassment, biased curriculum, delayed or ineffective school responses, and fear among Jewish students and families. They urged the committee to act to make schools safer and more responsive. Opponents, including teachers, ethnic studies advocates, civil liberties groups, Palestinian rights advocates, and some Jewish parents, argued the bill was rushed, vague, and could chill academic freedom, censor discussion of Palestine and Israel, and expand complaints against teachers and school districts. Several witnesses said existing complaint and anti-discrimination systems already address these issues.
Committee members then questioned the authors and witnesses about implementation, definitions, and possible effects on curriculum and school boards. The authors said the bill is still intent language and that details would be refined in further negotiations with stakeholders. Representatives from the California School Boards Association and California Teachers Association raised concerns about the new language and possible unintended consequences, while ACLU California Action said it had concerns but wanted to keep working on the bill. The transcript does not show a final vote or action taken on AB 715 during this hearing.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, June 25, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- on American soil.
- </c><00:23:53.679><c> on</c><00:23:54.080><c> American</c> Marines against Americans on American Marines
- </c> 20 million American cancer survivors. 20 million American cancer survivors.
- It's an American issue.
- It's an American challenge.
Keywords:
appropriations, military construction, veterans affairs, VA funding, USDA, agriculture appropriations, legislative branch appropriations, fiscal year 2026, omnibus, spending bill, rural development, rural housing, broadband, SNAP, WIC, school lunch, food safety, FDA user fees, veterans health care, toxic exposure
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 03/18/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- The quality of life is enviable unless you happen to be African-American. 77% home ownership for African-Americans
- The quality of life is enviable unless you happen to be African-American. 77% home ownership for African-Americans
- The quality of life is enviable unless you happen to be African-American. 77% home ownership for African-Americans
- The quality of life is enviable unless you happen to be African-American. 77% home ownership for African-Americans
- </c> uh income in the African-American uh income in the African-American Community<00:15:31.240><c> is
Committee:
Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention
TX
Texas 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 20th, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- As Texans, we have had congressional seats for African American districts to represent the African American
- No, no, I said African American. I said African American. I didn't say Hispanic.
- this country to treat African Americans" Americans this way, and people of good conscience said that
- single American.
- Now the American people see it.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, June 3, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> And a world without access to American And a world without access to American grown<00:08:16.240
- </c> markets for producers, supports American markets for producers, supports American energy,<00:08:
- </c> program that buys from American farmers. program that buys from American farmers.
- </c> hardworking Americans. hardworking Americans.
- </c> public corruption in American history. public corruption in American history.
Keywords:
War Powers Resolution, Lebanon, troop withdrawal, U.S. Armed Forces, military deployment, foreign policy, congressional war powers, executive authority, Middle East, troop removal, concurrent resolution, defense policy, overseas deployment, Ukraine, support, foreign affairs, military aid, international relations, War Powers, military action
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House veterans panel OKs bill to aid struggling American Legion, VFW posts 2/12/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Carl Moon, and I am the American Legion Department Commander for Minnesota.
- </c><00:03:08.239><c> Legion</c> Moon and I am the American Legion Moon and I am the American Legion
- </c><00:08:36.039><c> Legion</c> Gatherings the American Legion Gatherings the American Legion Department
- American Legion.
- </c> American Legion and the ogy American American Legion and the ogy American Legion<00:15:06.639><c
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine housing roadblocks, focusing on paving a new way to address affordability. Mar 12th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Owning a home has long been the pillar of the American dream.
- This is about American people finding their path to the American dream and not about Republicans or Democrats
- To allowing the genius of American industry to get to work and build homes for ordinary Americans.
- That you know Americans are no longer buying their first home that piece of the American dream in their
- How do we make this more obtainable for every American?
Keywords:
affordable housing, government investment, barriers, legislative solutions, public testimony
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on addressing the significant issue of affordable housing in America. Members expressed concern over the persistent barriers faced in the housing sector, despite substantial government investment aimed at alleviating these issues. It was highlighted that government interference plays a critical role in complicating the housing landscape, and discussions revolved around potential legislative approaches to mitigate these challenges. Several witnesses provided testimony, contributing to a thorough exploration of the topic.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is corruption, and the American taxpayer is footing the bill. The American people...
- </c> Carolina and a great American. Carolina and a great American.
- For any American like Ms.
- For any American like Ms.
- people and affordability for the American people. access to American home ownership. access to American
Bills:
HR1299 , HB5317 , HB4544 , HB3234 , HB1993 , HB3726 , HB2954 , SB2393 , HB3482 , HR1352 , HB4684 , HB2252 , HB6506 , HB7432 , SB4530
Keywords:
housing, affordable housing, homeownership, rental assistance, HUD, Department of Housing and Urban Development, zoning reform, land use, building codes, single-stair buildings, point-access block, infill development, housing supply, housing affordability, HOME Investment Partnerships, CDBG, Community Development Block Grant, FHA, Federal Housing Administration, small-dollar mortgage
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Brooke Rollins, of Texas, to be Secretary of Agriculture. Jan 23rd, 2025 at 09:00 am
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We all believe that no American should be hungry.
- This is what we need for the next century of American greatness.
- Trade is vitally important to American agriculture.
- Nutrition programs are foundational for healthy Americans.
- I love and celebrate American success. But we're having.