Video & Transcript : 'Army' :
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CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 024 Feb 6th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you to State Bagpiper, Master Sergeant James de George III of the Colorado Army National Guard.
- My brother served as an Army Ranger in the United States Army and is a West Point grad.
- Army—those are the service members I have in my family. Very, very proud of them.
- The Army Corps of Engineers Europe District, the Army Headquarters War Plans Division, and the U.S.
- Army Air Corps than in any other branch of service.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the founder of Mom Army. I'm a dad Army and strong support of AB 1412.
- Sabrina Williams Mom and Dad army in strong support.
- Zeke Smith Founder of Mom and Dad Army.
- Founder of Mom and Dad Army in strong support.
- Florentina DeGennaro with Mom Army in Yuba and Sacramento.
Committee:
House Education
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm here because I served in psychological operations, part of Army Special Operations, for 10 years.
- Currently, right now, Brooke Army Medical Center down in San Antonio has announced that for active duty
- , reserves, National Guard, and veterans, if you have your care there from Brooke Army, you can apply
- Currently, right now, Brooks Army Medical Center down in San Antonio has announced that for active duty
- , reserves, National Guard, and veterans, if you have your care there from Brooks Army, you can apply
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, February 9, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Our district led the state in Army Our district led the state in Army National<00:19:26.559><c>
- They left a segregated country to fight in a segregated army and painfully returned to a country that
- </c> the army the army to<07:50:32.958><c> help</c><07:50:33.280><c> his</c><07:50:33.520><c> mother<
- As of 2025, 21% of Army soldiers are Black or African American.
- ><08:07:24.958><c> or</c> of Army soldiers, black or of Army soldiers, black or African-American<08:07
Keywords:
Taiwan, China, banking organizations, financial regulators, national security, Burma, sanctions, foreign relations, accountability, economic oversight, military accountability, discount window, Federal Reserve, Federal Reserve Act, Board of Governors, liquidity, bank liquidity, emergency lending, lender of last resort, financial stability
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 12th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- School in Millilani, Hawaii, and whereas Tara Marissa Gooding served our country honorably in the Army
- Whereas Tara Marissa Gooding served our country honorably in the Army National Guard from October 22,
- As you heard, she served in the Army National Guard for eight years and served as a member of our State
Summary:
The Senate opened with roll call, colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a prayer. The journal was approved, House messages were received, and several measures were introduced and referred, including Senate Joint Resolution 8212 and House Bill 2664. The chamber then took up Senate Resolution 8672, honoring Washington State Patrol Trooper Tara Marissa Guding, who was killed in the line of duty. Senators spoke in support, emphasizing her service, the risks faced by troopers, and the importance of slowing down and moving over for emergency vehicles. The resolution was adopted unanimously, all members were added as co-sponsors, and the Senate observed a moment of silence and welcomed Trooper Guding’s colleagues and family.
The Senate then considered gubernatorial appointments. Kerry Heaton was confirmed to the Peninsula College Board of Trustees by a roll call vote of 47 ayes and 2 absent. Rebecca Chan was confirmed to the Shoreline Community College Board of Trustees by a vote of 49 ayes and 0 nays. Bethany J. Martinez was confirmed to the Big Bend Community College Board of Trustees by a vote of 49 ayes and 0 nays. Senators speaking on the appointments highlighted each nominee’s community involvement, professional background, and qualifications for the board positions.
After the confirmations, the Senate agreed to stand at ease for caucus until 1 p.m. The transcript also included the reading of the prior day’s journal and routine procedural motions to advance through the orders of business.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Natural Resources & Energy Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- or often, if it's not classified as a wetland using the wetland delineation that we follow with the Army
- A wetland is, using the Army Corps of Engineers 1989 manual, and that does follow the three parameters
- A wetland is using the Army Corps of Engineers, 1989 manual, and that does follow the three parameters
- we have left their protection to the provisions of the federal Clean Water Act as regulated by the Army
Bills:
SB9
Committee:
House Natural Resources & Energy
Summary:
The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met to consider two Senate bills. SB 321, with Senate Amendment 1, would change community solar billing so subscribers receive one consolidated utility bill instead of separate bills from the utility and the solar provider. Supporters said the bill would simplify enrollment and payment, improve customer retention—especially for low-income customers—and include safeguards such as guaranteed savings and an escrow mechanism to prevent cost shifts to other ratepayers. After public testimony from solar developers, the Public Advocate, the Sierra Club, and others, the committee initially lacked enough members present to release the bill, so the vote was circulated to absent members and the bill was later reported out for floor action.
The committee then heard SB 9, with Senate Amendment 1, a long-negotiated wetlands protection bill. The sponsor and DNREC explained that it would create a state non-tidal wetlands program with exemptions for certain agricultural, conservation, and routine activities, general permits for some lower-impact projects, and individual permits for higher-value wetlands. Witnesses described the bill as a compromise among environmental, agricultural, development, and local government stakeholders, while some members raised questions about flooding, landowner impacts, wetland delineation, and the role of the regulatory advisory committee. Public testimony was broadly supportive from environmental groups, the Farm Bureau, builders, engineers, and affordable housing advocates. The committee then voted to release SB 9 from committee.
At the end of the meeting, members offered thanks and remarks recognizing the chair’s service and leadership on environmental and energy issues. Both bills were ultimately released from committee and reported out.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- After he got laid off in 2008, he joined the United States Army at age 18.
- So on January 19, 2025, Dustin officially left the Army, and on January 25, 2025, he officially started
- When Mason left the Army, he also moved to Virginia.
- When Mason left the Army, he also moved to Virginia.
Summary:
The transcript covers the opening of the Arkansas House and a joint session of the 95th General Assembly’s fiscal session. The House first established a quorum, granted leave for absent members, recognized guests, and adopted House Resolution 1001 to convene a joint session with the Senate for Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’s address. Several bills and resolutions were read for the record, including House Resolution 1002 and House Bills 1001, 102, and 103, before the House recessed to await the Senate and then the governor.
In the joint session, leaders recognized the late Representative Stan Barry with a moment of silence, introduced constitutional officers, judges, and other guests, and appointed committees to escort the governor. Governor Sanders then delivered a lengthy fiscal-session address focused on her budget priorities and policy agenda. She emphasized continued funding for education under LEARNS, teacher pay and literacy gains, public safety and law enforcement funding, government efficiency and tax cuts, and the 1033 initiative aimed at helping vulnerable Arkansans move from crisis to self-sufficiency. She also urged lawmakers to avoid new Medicaid mandates or ongoing spending and said she would call a special session to cut income taxes further if the budget is passed.
After the governor’s remarks, the joint session adjourned. The House then reconvened briefly, adopted a motion to adjourn until the next day, and announced that the Joint Budget Committee would meet later that afternoon and again the following morning.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Robert Lavender graduated from Army Basic Training Combat Training this past week.
- He graduated from Army Basic Training Combat Training this past week and now he is actually a candidate
- Welcome to the United States Army, everybody. Give him a hand. Thank you.
- Welcome to the United States Army and to the House.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several points of personal privilege recognizing guests, including a newly graduated Army servicemember, the Doctor of the Day, and members of Delta Sigma Theta visiting for Delta Day at the Capitol. The chamber also adopted a proclamation designating April 10, 2026, as Founders Day in the City of Tolleson, with remarks highlighting the city’s history and the Whoopi Days Festival. The House then appointed a conference committee on HB 2874 after voting not to concur in Senate amendments.
The House considered several bills in Committee of the Whole. On SB 1058, a floor amendment offered by Rep. Gutierrez to address gun trafficking, merchant codes, and related enforcement tools failed by a vote of 17-32, and the bill was then recommended do pass. SB 1094, dealing with civil liability related to gender transition procedures for minors, drew extended debate over constitutionality, medical liability, and impacts on physicians and patients, and it was also recommended do pass. SB 1136, SB 1422, and SB 1663 (with a Blackman floor amendment adopted) each received do pass recommendations.
Later, the House adopted Committee of the Whole reports placing SB 1075 and SB 1202 on third reading, retaining SB 1419 on the calendar, and advancing SCM 1004 and SCM 1007. On third reading, the House passed SB 1024, SB 1148, SB 1232, SB 1293, and SB 1586, with members explaining votes on issues including vehicle registration, Supreme Court administration, outdoor advertising and zoning, GPLET tax policy, and state agency matters. The chamber then recessed briefly for announcements and personal privilege remarks, and finally adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Robert Lavender graduated from Army Basic Training Combat Training this past week.
- He graduated from Army Basic Training Combat Training this past week and now he is actually a candidate
- Welcome to the United States Army, everybody. Thank you.
- Welcome to the United States Army and to the House.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment May 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And yes, they'll still have to permit through the Army Corps of Engineers, but those don't allow for
- I also like to point out that the Army Corps of Engineers can already clean and dredge the Pearl River
- of the Scenic Rivers Act because you can only do half a project with the Scenic Rivers Act if the Army
- one of the opponent speakers were talking about dredging, I could see you nodding your head, no to Army
- So, I have situations where I have channels in my district that I'm trying to get Army Corps, and I know
Summary:
The House Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and took up a series of hunting, wildlife, environmental, and property measures. It reported favorably HCR 79, which urges Congress and the U.S. Forest Service to allow deer hunting with dogs in Kisatchie National Forest, after testimony emphasizing the cultural importance of dog hunting and opposition from the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, which supported only the wounded-deer recovery component. The committee also reported favorably SB 419 on using pre-charged pneumatic devices during primitive firearms season, SCR 29 creating a study committee on Atchafalaya Basin water quality, and SB 111 setting black bass and crappie bag and size limits in the basin, with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries saying it would continue sampling and monitor impacts.
Members then approved SB 174 transferring state property in Caddo Parish from Louisiana Tech University to the Caddo Parish School Board, SB 189 prohibiting intentional release of fuels or chemicals for temperature-affecting purposes, and SB 99 modernizing DEQ communications to allow optional electronic notices. They also reported favorably HCR 54 requesting a federal study of flooded corn and migratory waterfowl behavior, and HCR 94 requiring annual boating safety reports from Wildlife and Fisheries; witnesses supported the reporting idea and suggested adding a 10-year average for context.
The committee next approved HCR 104, which asks the Department of Conservation and Energy and the Louisiana Geological Survey to study collection and access to subsurface data, with LSU’s Greg Upton describing ongoing modernization of core samples, well logs, and 3D subsurface mapping. It also passed SB 331, which temporarily removes a section of the Louisiana Scenic Rivers Act for five years to allow work on the lower Pearl River; conservation groups opposed the bill, warning about precedent, flooding, erosion, and habitat impacts, while the author said the measure was narrowly tailored to address severe silting and channel problems. Finally, the committee created a task force on illegal dumping in HCR 85 after amending its membership, adopted a substitute for HR 216 to authorize a committee hearing on the 2022 Louisiana Climate Action Plan, and reported favorably HCR 87 supporting a U.S. senator’s migratory flyway correspondence and SB 505 revising the Motor Fuels Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund grant process and related tank requirements.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Transportation panel hears bill to fund expanded commercial truck driver training assistance 3/10/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The United States Army trained me how to drive big trucks, and so I got one as a result of that.
- The United States Army trained me how to drive big trucks, and so I got one as a result of that.
- The United States Army trained me how to drive big trucks, and so I got one as a result of that.
- The United States Army trained me how to drive big trucks, and so I got one as a result of that.
- The United States Army trained me how to drive big trucks, and so I got one as a result of that.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Feb 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- DOING A MUCH BETTER JOB UNDER THE MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP OF RETIRED MARINE GENERAL AND NOT JUST AN ARMY
- CHIEF FINANCIAL GUARD BUREAU ON THE STATUS OF OUR NATIONAL GUARD AND ROUTINELY WE COORDINATE WITH ARMY
- ALL SIX FORMATIONS ARE COMMITTED BY COLONELS THE ARMY LARGEST FORMATION IS IT COMBATING WITH OVER 3500
- THE GREEN BUBBLES ON THE SLIDE REPRESENT THE ARMY CURRENTLY DEPLOYED TO AREAS REPRESENTED IN BLUE AND
- WE HAVE CRYSTAL WHO IS A US ARMY VETERAN.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration Nov 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- My husband, Chuck Smith, is an Army veteran who served in Vietnam.
- And my nephew-in-law, Ryan Casey, is an Army soldier who served in Iraq as one of the many who enlisted
- I'd like to know if there's anybody who's a veteran or a family member of a veteran in the Army.
- The first thing the Army did was to say, look at Riverside, and we looked at Riverside.
- My grandfather and my grandmother served in World War II in the Army.
Summary:
The hearing focused on the long-delayed Southern California Veterans Cemetery project at Gypsum Canyon in Anaheim, with opening remarks from Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, Senator Tom Umberg, and Assemblymember Avelino Valencia emphasizing the project’s importance to Orange County veterans and families. Anaheim city leaders, including the mayor pro tem and council members, voiced strong support and described the city’s role in planning, utilities, and final approvals. Quirk-Silva reviewed the project history, including prior legislation, county and state funding commitments, and the recent federal determination that the site meets VA criteria for a state veterans cemetery.
The first panel, representing the veterans community, included the American Legion, American Gold Star Mothers, and Valor. They argued that Orange County—home to a large veteran population—still lacks a local veterans cemetery, forcing families to travel long distances to Riverside or elsewhere. Testimony stressed the emotional and practical burden on aging veterans and grieving families, and called for immediate action and possession of the property. Some speakers were sharply critical of CalVet and the pace of the process, saying veterans have waited too long and that the project should move forward without further delay.
The second panel, from Orange County, described the county’s and cemetery district’s support and the unique opportunity to develop a shared site for a public cemetery and a separate state veterans cemetery. County officials said the county has dedicated land and funding, and that shared infrastructure—roads, utilities, grading, and access—could reduce costs substantially if the two projects are coordinated. They also said the county is ready to transfer the property to CalVet when appropriate and that the project has already cleared major local approvals and litigation.
The final panel from DGS and CalVet explained the state’s feasibility study and current planning work. DGS said the 2023 study estimated the state’s portion of phase one at about $126 million, largely driven by site work and grading, though that estimate may change as assumptions are updated. CalVet said it is working with DGS and the county on a revised concept plan to lower costs and refine the timeline, and that legislative budget action will be needed to authorize spending from the Southern California Veterans Cemetery fund. No formal vote was taken; the hearing was informational, and the main action was continued coordination among the state, county, city, and veterans groups, with public comment at the end overwhelmingly urging faster construction.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Aug 26th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He volunteered for Vietnam as a first lieutenant in the United States Army.
- He volunteered for Vietnam and served as a first lieutenant in the United States Army. your country.
- He volunteered for Vietnam and served as a first lieutenant in the United States Army.
- He received an Army Commodation Medal in 1968, and this is not surprising from a man whose eighth grade
- He proudly served three years in the United States Army, where he was stationed in France during the
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a lengthy consent and concurrence calendar. Early actions included adopting the consent calendar, approving a rule waiver to allow floor amendments on several Senate bills, and re-referring a few bills to committees. The chamber also observed adjournments in memory for the father of Assembly Member Stephanie and for Thomas Dennis Moore, with family present for both tributes.
On the floor file, members approved or concurred in a wide range of measures. Notable bills included SB 1247 on minors’ online exploitation and removal of material when they reach adulthood; SB 1223 requiring competitive bidding at state and county fairs; SB 1238 adding disclosures and duties for HOA managers; SB 983 creating a Port of San Diego job-order contracting pilot; SB 959 addressing school funding during wildfire smoke days; SB 1443, an education omnibus cleanup bill; and SB 802 creating a Sacramento County homelessness joint powers authority, which drew extensive debate over Housing First, treatment, accountability, and local coordination. SB 923 strengthened privacy deletion rights, and AB 1267 set 18 as the minimum age for marriage, drawing broad bipartisan support and emotional testimony from survivors and advocates.
The concurrence file then moved through many Assembly bills, most of them technical, support, or cleanup measures, with votes largely in favor. These included bills on Medi-Cal, youth athletics, digital financial assets, jail administration, health care prior authorization, fish and wildlife, elections, emergency services, pupil safety, employment, victim rights, attorney discipline, emergency medical response, seed program funding, naloxone training, child care facilities, cannabis, and dual language immersion coordination. Several bills were passed with unanimous or near-unanimous votes, while a few drew some opposition, including AB 801 on fair lending examinations, AB 1661 on oil-field community assistance, AB 2161 on Medi-Cal work requirement implementation, and AB 2230 on child care facilities. The chamber also adopted multiple Senate amendments and continued a number of items to later consideration.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, February 2, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In 1883, the National Women's Relief Corps was founded as an auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic
- I would like to honor retired Army Sergeant First Class Oscar Primm, Jr.
- In 1942, Oscar enlisted in the United States Army.
- But when we put in the archives of the Army his contributions as a military man, we take it out.
- Put in the archives of the Army his contributions as a military man, we take it out.
Keywords:
veterans, benefits, death, pension, family payments, estate, wildfires, natural disaster, California, anniversary, emergency response, rebuilding, first responders, community support, education, assistance programs, independent study, Department of Veterans Affairs, nonprofit, National Nonprofit Day
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 35 Apr 6th, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- B.J. served in the United States Army from 1973 to 1976. Mr.
- Army and has been a dispatcher for the police department in the past.
- Floyd honorably served, Whereas Staff Sergeant Bobby Joe Floyd honorably served the United States Army
Bills:
HR1037 , HR1043 , SB1491 , SB1451 , SB1286 , SB1581 , SB1521 , SB201 , SB1290 , SB169 , SB1377 , SB1991 , SB1346 , SB1509 , SB1928 , SB2028 , SB2071 , SB2110 , SB2117 , SB2127 , SB2134 , SB722 , SB3
Summary:
The House convened, completed the roll call, prayer, pledge, and a series of ceremonial recognitions and introductions. Chaplain Ronnie Wilson delivered the invocation, and the chamber honored Veteran of the Week Bobby Joe Floyd for his Army service and decades in Oklahoma law enforcement. Members also recognized a visiting youth performer, Nova Williams, and adopted House Resolution 1037 recognizing April as National Poetry Month and House Resolution 1043 recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The House also featured several special presentations tied to Caregivers Day, including introductions of Dr. Mukesh Perrek as Doctor of the Day, Dr. Colby Kipp as Psychologist of the Day, and Cynthia Cothram as Nurse of the Day. Additional guests from Stillwater Medical Center and Share Medical Center were welcomed, and Representative West presented Metropolitan Library System poet laureate Hallie Waugh, reading one of her poems in honor of Poetry Month. Representative Hill then recognized the week’s pages, highlighting students from across Oklahoma and their academic and extracurricular achievements.
In floor action, Representative Schreiber moved to request further conference on House Bill 1851, and the motion was adopted without objection. The House also reassigned measures according to the Majority Floor Leader’s list. After announcements, Representative Kennedy hosted a special presentation for the Oklahoma Rifle Association and NRA-related guests, and the House adjourned until Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 2/20/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I am not only a senior citizen in Minnesota, but also a retired Army veteran with 20 plus years service
- /c><00:04:26.360><c> also</c><00:04:26.639><c> a</c><00:04:26.800><c> retired</c><00:04:27.240><c> army
- </c> Minnesota but also a retired army Minnesota but also a retired army veteran<00:04:27.960><c> with
- Chair, and Lead Fischer, I think that is a threat, and I was going to also mention the Army Corps of
- He added that the Army Corps of Engineers is another example, and that if the Corps shrinks in size,
Keywords:
human services, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, long-term services and supports, LTSS, public assistance, application process, eligibility determination, customer service survey, wait times, form complexity, lead agencies, Department of Human Services, Department of Children Youth and Families, streamlining, administrative reform, case management, reassessment, intake system, adaptive eligibility form
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- of the United States— The Massachusetts National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Army
- I'm a major in the Army National Guard, but I am here strictly in my capacity as a State Senator.
- In the past two years, I transitioned from the Army Reserve to the Army National Guard.
- Reserve to the Army National Guard.
- by surprise was just about broad the mission of the National Guard as compared to, we'll say, big Army
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills. Representative David Linsky supported HB 3383, which would designate the song “Roadrunner” as the official rock song of Massachusetts, describing its Boston roots and cultural significance. Representative Sean Garberle supported HB 3335 on public access to historical records, arguing that records from state institutions should be released after 75 years and that families and researchers should be able to identify people buried in unmarked graves at former state institutions. Representative Rodney Elliott and Lowell officials supported HB 4138, authorizing easements for a Lowell sewer separation project; they said the project is needed for Clean Water Act compliance, will reduce combined sewer overflows into the Merrimack River, and must proceed quickly to meet SRF and consent-decree timelines. Committee members asked about Article 97, the location and scope of the easement, environmental justice impacts, and minority/small business participation in construction.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on Senate 2183 and its House companion, which would elevate the Massachusetts National Guard to a cabinet-level position reporting directly to the Governor. Senators Mike Moore and John Velis, along with the National Guard Association’s Matthew McKenna, argued the change would reduce bureaucracy, improve communication and readiness, and reflect the Guard’s broad domestic and military missions. Velis cited the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home tragedy as an example of a breakdown in communication, while committee members said they wanted more information, including input from the Governor’s office and Guard leadership, before acting. The committee noted the distinction between state-controlled and federalized Guard missions and said it would continue reviewing the issue.
Senator Liz Miranda and a large panel of survivors, advocates, and Northeastern law students testified in support of S. 2174 and S. 2177, which would create an office and task force on unsolved homicides, allow families to petition for case review after three years, require written responses, and establish a tip line, database, and dedicated funding. Witnesses described long-standing lack of communication, low clearance rates, and the disproportionate impact on Black and Brown communities. Senator Becca Rausch also testified on S. 2210, extending public records law to the governor and Legislature, and S. 2207, creating stronger information-governance and records-retention standards; she said both would improve transparency and reduce waste. The transcript does not reflect any votes taken during the hearing, though chairs repeatedly indicated support for moving some bills favorably and said the committee would continue reviewing the National Guard proposal.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Education Committee Members Address ICE Presence Near Minnesota Schools - 01/27/26
Transcript Highlights:
- And the quote is, um, education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army. >> Yeah.
- Really, education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army.
- c><00:31:29.520><c> than</c><00:31:29.760><c> a</c><00:31:30.000><c> standing</c><00:31:30.399><c> army
- </c> of liberty than a standing army. of liberty than a standing army.
- It's engraved in stone outside the army.
Summary:
The meeting focused on the impact of recent ICE enforcement activity in Minnesota, especially on schools, students, and families. Speakers, including legislators, superintendents, a school board chair, teachers, parents, and a student, described fear in immigrant and non-immigrant communities, increased absenteeism, disrupted school routines, and broader trauma affecting children’s mental health and learning. Several speakers said students were staying home, families were avoiding bus stops and public places, and educators were taking on extra duties such as transporting students, delivering food, and helping with housing and remote learning options.
Testimony included specific examples from Columbia Heights, Fidley Public Schools, Rochester, and Maple Grove. Speakers reported detained students and family members, canceled in-person classes in some districts, expanded virtual learning, and sharp attendance declines; one superintendent cited more than 530 additional daily absences in Rochester and large increases in excused absences among multilingual, low-income, Asian-American, and Latino students. A parent and student speaker described organizing neighborhood safety efforts and a planned student walkout to demand safe busing, suspension of a policy that unenrolls students after 15 consecutive absences, and a pause on standardized testing.
The speakers repeatedly called for ICE to be removed from schools and from Minnesota, and urged elected officials to act to protect children and educators. One senator reflected on democracy, liberty, and freedom from fear, linking the situation to the purpose of public education. No formal committee vote or legislative action was taken during the excerpt; the session ended with a transition to questions and a call for community responsibility and support.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (2-27-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- I am an Army service-connected disability veteran with 36 years of service in the United States Army,
- </c><00:25:37.399><c> Casher</c><00:25:38.320><c> I'm</c><00:25:38.440><c> an</c><00:25:38.720><c> army
- </c><00:25:39.720><c> service</c> is Bob Casher I'm an army service is Bob Casher I'm an army service
- :44.000><c> States</c> years of service in the United States years of service in the United States Army
- and currently I serve as the Army and currently I serve as the chairman<00:25:47.399><c> of</c><00:25
Summary:
The Senate VMAP Committee met with a quorum and heard three bills. Senate Bill 144, sponsored by Senator Danny Carroll, would require destruction of firearms used in homicides and allow destruction of certain defaced, hazardous, unsafe, or owner-requested firearms, while prohibiting agencies from intentionally damaging firearms before transfer and requiring written agency policies. Senator Tichenor asked about lost auction revenue; KSP said it could not track homicide weapons separately, that auctions bring in about $1.2 million annually, and that most proceeds support Kentucky Homeland Security. Senators Boswell and others said they generally oppose destroying firearms but supported moving the bill forward; the bill passed favorably with no nays.
House Bill 191, sponsored by Representative Aaron Thompson and presented with state and veterans’ officials, would align Kentucky law with federal changes to allow additional burials in state veteran cemeteries for certain National Guard and Reserve veterans, their spouses, and dependents who were not previously eligible. Testimony explained the bill would cover veterans who served in reserve components without Title 10 activation, including those who assisted during floods, fires, and tornadoes, and clarified eligibility rules for spouses and children. Senators asked about minimum service and dependent eligibility, and the committee passed the bill favorably and unanimously.
Senate Bill 198, sponsored by Senator David Yates, addressed protection of veterans’ benefits by regulating third-party claims consultants. The committee adopted a substitute adding definitions and accreditation-related provisions, and Yates said the bill was intended to curb abusive fee practices and direct penalties to the special license plate fund for veterans. He explained the bill’s fee limits, including a cap tied to three times the monthly increase in benefits and an overall ceiling, while senators questioned whether the cap might discourage good actors and how the dollar limits would work. A veteran witness, Bob Casher, supported the bill and urged more public information on free claims assistance; the committee held further action while allowing guest comments, and the discussion focused on balancing consumer protection with access to legitimate consultants.