Video & Transcript : 'Democrat' :
Page 19 of 312
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, June 26, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House Democrats and Senate Democrats are united to stop this big ugly bill.
- </c> those values that have under Democratic those values that have under Democratic and<00:54:07.599
- </c> got Republicans, we've got Democrats. got Republicans, we've got Democrats.
- </c><06:21:50.958><c> It's</c> Is that Republican or Democrat? It's Is that Republican or Democrat?
- Is that Republican or Democrat?
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate DFL Press Conference 4/24/25
Transcript Highlights:
- But it is our obligation in this body to protect communities and safeguard democratic self-governance
- </c> communities and safeguard democratic communities and safeguard democratic self-governance<00:17:
- I want to Democrat announced a pair of bills to protect federal workers, but I think those both have
- I want to Democrat announced a pair of bills to protect federal workers, but I think those both have
- I want to Democrat announced a pair of bills to protect federal workers, but I think those both have
Summary:
Sen. Erin Maye Quade, Rep. Esther Abad, and other Minnesota DFL legislators held a press event focused on responding to Trump administration and federal Republican actions that they said threaten health care, education, housing, public health, and other state services. Speakers argued Minnesota must not make “false trade-offs” between core services and should instead protect programs like Medicaid, school funding, disability services, nutrition, and public health by raising additional revenue and closing tax breaks for wealthy individuals and corporations.
Rep. Abad and others outlined possible revenue options, including a fifth-tier income tax, a corporate rate match, closing tax exemptions for luxury items and second homes, a social media tax, and ending data center tax exemptions. They said these measures would not fully replace possible federal cuts, but could help mitigate harm and preserve services. Several speakers also criticized Republican opposition to tax increases and said the state should ask wealthy taxpayers and corporations to contribute more.
Testimony from Olivia Dylan, a laid-off Minnesota Department of Health epidemiologist, described the impact of federal public health funding cuts and MDH layoffs on outbreak response, nursing home support, lab work, and tribal public health. Sean Leaden of SEIU Local 284 described low pay and staffing shortages among hourly school workers and said underfunding has hurt students and employees. Sen. Doran Clark and Rep. Emma Greenman framed the issue as both a budget and democracy question, arguing that federal cuts and attacks on public programs undermine self-governance and community well-being. In response to questions, speakers said Minnesota cannot fully backfill expected federal Medicaid losses, but can use state tools to reduce harm and should press Republicans to identify what services they would cut instead.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Subcommittee on Federal Impact on Minnesotans and Economic Stability - 10/15/2 Oct 16th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, I mean, what do you guys make of, as DFLers, the Democrats in the Senate specifically, not wanting
- Um, I mean, what do you guys make of, as DFLers, the Democrats in the Senate specifically, not wanting
- in the Senate specifically, Democrats in the Senate specifically, not<00:03:23.519><c> wanting</c><00
- in Congress have realized uh Democrats in Congress have realized that<00:06:16.560><c> these</c><00:
- And that's what Democrats in Congress are doing.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It appears to give Democrats, when I read it, more power.
- And do you know which—in those conversations, do you know which agenda item was held up by Democrats?
- When I came to this body, there were, I believe, 91 Democrats.
- Dutton: Bob Bullock made the decision that he was going to only appoint Democrats as Senate chairs.
- There was a coalition of Democrats and Republicans that voted for the Speaker, correct?
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Election Laws Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Election Laws
Transcript Highlights:
- It is no coincidence that Black residents are disproportionately excluded from this democratic process
- It is no coincidence that Black residents are disproportionately excluded from this democratic process
- Allowing prisoners to vote solidifies the value of a democratic society.
- Who better to be participating in our democratic process?
- It upholds our democratic values while addressing systemic inequalities.
Summary:
The committee heard extensive testimony on S. 7 and H. 63, proposed constitutional amendments to restore voting rights to people incarcerated for felony convictions. Sponsors Rep. Erica Iderhoven and Sen. Liz Miranda argued that Massachusetts should reverse the 2000 disenfranchisement change, describing it as a recent and racially discriminatory policy that excludes thousands of residents—disproportionately Black and Latino—from civic participation. They said the amendment would put the question before voters, likely in 2028, and noted that implementation details such as domicile and where incarcerated people would register to vote would be handled separately through legislation and existing jail-based voting work.
A large number of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people testified in support, many speaking remotely from MCI Norfolk, MCI Shirley, and MCI Framingham. They said voting would affirm dignity, accountability, rehabilitation, and connection to community, and several described civic education programs inside the facilities that had helped them engage with public policy. Witnesses repeatedly characterized disenfranchisement as “civil death,” linked it to racial injustice and the legacy of slavery, and urged the committee to advance the bills favorably. A few speakers also addressed practical questions about voting location and domicile, with sponsors saying those issues are not specified in the constitutional amendment and would be worked out later.
Committee members asked several questions, including whether incarcerated people would vote in the community where they were incarcerated or where they previously lived, and whether future legislation could include carve-outs based on offense type or time served. Testifiers and sponsors generally said the amendment itself does not decide those implementation questions, and some said they would oppose carve-outs. One member raised a broader moral objection about allowing people convicted of serious crimes to vote; supporters responded that punishment should not erase democratic rights and that voting can support rehabilitation and reentry. No vote or final committee action was taken during the transcript provided.
The hearing also briefly included testimony on a separate matter, S. 521, a proposed ratification of the federal Child Labor Amendment. Witnesses supporting that measure warned against renewed child labor rollbacks in other states and argued Massachusetts should reaffirm protections for children and education. That portion of the hearing was separate from the voting-rights discussion.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Election Laws Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Election Laws
Transcript Highlights:
- People would be more empowered to engage with our democratic processes if they were given the option
- I mean, unlike sidewalks, which there are Republican sidewalks and Democrat sidewalks, when it comes
- So the principle of majority rule in elections goes back millennia in democratic society.
- I'm the Vice Chair of the Acton Democratic Town Committee.
- This is an issue of democratic representation and self-determination.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Election Laws held a public hearing focused primarily on ranked choice voting (RCV) legislation and several local home rule petitions, along with one petition to authorize remote participation in Concord town meetings. Chairs Keenan and Hunt outlined hearing procedures and noted the committee would hear both in-person and virtual testimony. The committee also took testimony on Concord’s request for remote participation in open and special town meetings, with supporters arguing it would make town meeting more accessible to residents with childcare, mobility, work, or disability barriers while preserving direct democracy.
A large portion of the hearing centered on RCV local-option bills and municipal petitions from communities including Concord, East Hampton, Salem, Chelsea, Arlington, Revere, Amherst, and others. Supporters—among them local officials, legislators, election advocates, educators, veterans, and nonprofit leaders—said RCV would reduce vote-splitting, encourage more candidates, promote more positive campaigning, improve representation, and increase turnout. East Hampton officials described their existing use of RCV, saying it produced record turnout, was easy for voters to understand with education, and could be expanded to multi-winner races without major added cost. Concord and Amherst witnesses said their voters had already approved local steps toward RCV and urged the committee to let municipalities implement the system without further delay.
Testimony in favor of the local-option RCV bill emphasized home rule and local control, with several witnesses arguing the state should not block communities that have already voted to adopt RCV. Speakers from MassVOTE, the AFT Massachusetts, Voter Choice Massachusetts, Progressive Massachusetts, the Boston Teachers Union, and Veterans for All Voters said the reform would strengthen democracy, broaden participation, and save money by avoiding low-turnout preliminary elections. Some witnesses also referenced examples from Cambridge, Maine, and Utah to argue that RCV is workable, nonpartisan, and familiar to voters. The hearing ended with no votes or final committee action taken in the transcript provided.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HHS-AEN, HHS-HOU, HHS Public Hearings 03-12-2025
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Melody Adua, Environment Caucus of the Democratic Party, in support.
- </c> adua environmental caucus of Democratic adua environmental caucus of Democratic party<00:07:35.080
- </c><00:59:47.119><c> party</c> environmental caucus of Democratic party environmental caucus of Democratic
- Young, Democrats of Hawaii, in support; Bronson Silva, Democratic Party of Hawaii, in support; Ang Knight
- of haai in support Bronson Democrats of haai in support Bronson Silva<01:15:46.320><c> Democratic</c
Summary:
The joint hearing covered several bills focused on environmental protection and wastewater management. HB 26 HD 2, relating to environmental protection, drew support from the Department of Health, Reworld, and Energy Justice Network. Supporters said it would preserve existing standards for waste-to-energy facilities, including H-Power, even if federal EPA rules are weakened, while Energy Justice Network urged the state to go further and require stronger pollution controls on older burners at the plant.
HB 734 and HB 735, both relating to wastewater systems, received broad support from state agencies, county representatives, realtors, environmental groups, and others. Testimony emphasized reducing the cost of cesspool upgrades, updating rules, and improving coordination between the Department of Health, counties, and the University of Hawaiʻi. Members raised concerns about whether some areas, such as Ewa, should be treated differently if they are not near aquifers or the ocean, but the department said the existing prioritization process already considered statewide conditions and that cesspools generally still affect water resources. On HB 735, the committee discussed the current bedroom-based limits for individual wastewater systems and whether the bill would allow more flexibility for housing configurations, with the department explaining the limits are tied to density and system capacity.
HB 879, relating to cesspool conversions, was also supported by the Department of Health, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and several advocacy groups. Testimony said the bill would help low- and moderate-income homeowners in priority areas by increasing grant assistance for cesspool upgrades, but the Department of Health noted it would need three full-time positions to administer the program. Members asked for clarification on the grant amount and staffing costs, and the department indicated the grant cap should remain at $20,000 unless changed. HB 918, relating to labeling of non-flushable wipes, drew support from wastewater and industry groups, including the Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, which said similar laws have passed in other states and that the bill reflects cooperation between manufacturers and wastewater officials. The Department of Health and county officials supported the concept but said enforcement and outreach would require additional staff, and senators questioned whether the state could effectively enforce the labeling requirement without a national standard.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- So we're joined by dozens of volunteers here to speak to their legislators, Democrats and Republicans
- Democratic Party and now a political action committee of their own.
- They represent the voice of Democratic women throughout Arizona.
- organization of the Democratic Party, recognized by the Democratic National Committee since 1972."
- The NFDW holds three seats on the Democratic National Committee.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a proclamation declaring March as Sleep Apnea Awareness Month. Guests recognized included ACLU of Arizona volunteers for Lobby Day, a student intern, a doctor of the day specializing in dementia care, and members of the Arizona chapter of the American Institute of Architects for Architecture Advocacy Day. The chamber also received several appointments to committees and a series of House messages and bills for introduction and first reading.
The main floor action was third reading votes on multiple measures. The Senate passed SB 1011, SB 1017, SB 1170, SB 1173, SB 1234, SB 1275, SB 1332, SB 1544, SB 1557, SB 1585 on reconsideration, SCR 1022, SB 1273, and SB 1274, with most votes falling along a 17-9 or 16-10 split. Several senators explained their no votes, raising concerns about mandatory minimum drug penalties, juvenile court changes, diversion policy, and the light rail feasibility study; supporters argued for public safety, judicial discretion, or the need for updated studies and voter review. On SCR 1022, which would refer a constitutional amendment on legislative member districts, supporters argued Arizona’s House is too small for its population and should be expanded, while opponents said the idea needed more study before going to voters.
The Senate also heard committee announcements for the next day, including meetings for Health and Human Services, Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency, Education, Judiciary and Elections, and Public Safety. The body then adjourned until Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- So we're joined by dozens of volunteers here to speak to their legislators, Democrats and Republicans
- Democratic Party and now a political action committee of their own.
- They represent the voice of Democratic women throughout Arizona.
- organization of the Democratic Party, recognized by the Democratic National Committee since 1972.
- The NFDW holds three seats on the Democratic National Committee.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Rankin, Democratic member. Honshavsky. Here. Representatives: Benaroche. Here. Booth. Here.
- Rankin, Democratic member. Honshavsky. Yes. Representatives: Benaroche? Yes. Booth? Yes. Barrero?
- Rankin, Democratic member? I'm sorry, Tremont? Yes. Rankin, Democratic member? Hanshofsky? No.
- Ranking Democratic member Hunschofsky? Yes. Representatives: Benaroche? Yes. Booth? Yes. Borrero?
- Ranking Democratic member Hunschofsky? Yes. Representatives: Benaroche? Yes. Guerrero? Yes.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- We're the Democratic Socialist candy store. We're going to put the Democratic Socialist flag up.
- We're the Democratic Socialist candy store. We're going to put the Democratic Socialist flag up.
- We're the Democratic Socialist candy store. We're going to put the Democratic Socialist flag up.
- We're the Democratic Socialist candy store. We're going to put the Democratic Socialist flag up.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, June 11, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a solemn event, a time when Republicans and Democrats come together Republicans and Democrats come
- And Democrats and Republicans have a long history of working together to stamp it out. We...
- And on the oversight committee, Democrats and Republicans have worked together to do that.
- A liberated Democrat. Truly liberated. A liberated Democrat. Truly liberated.
- I, Al Green, a proud, unbought, unbossed, unafraid, unelected, truly liberated Democrat.
NJ
Transcript Highlights:
- blessing comes on everybody in this room, and I pray the blessing falls on both sides of the aisle—Democrat
- McGreevey for Governor campaigns, the Democratic Governors Association, the South Jersey Democratic Coalition
- under George Norcross, and twice for the Democratic State Committee under Bonnie Watson Coleman and
- Thanks as well to the members of the committee, Democrat and Republican, for the hard work and genuine
- What was agreed by all Republicans and Democrats was that the state had to first address the needs of
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 44 Morning Session Apr 21st, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I never imagined I'd be someone to make history, becoming the first Democrat to win in House District
- Leader Inman had some doubts that House District 85 could be represented by a Democrat back in 2014,
- To the entire House Democratic Caucus, it has been an honor to serve alongside you.
- Yes, the August ballot will have Democrat and Republican runoffs in August.
- So there are more Republican officeholders, more Republicans seek office than Democrats.
Bills:
HB4028, HB4075, HB4077, HB4074, HB4076, SB1221, SB1921, SB2118, SB1932, SB2134, HCR1025, SB1432, HCR1024, HCR1022, SB1122, HB4029, HB4063, HB4073, HB4078, SB1936, SB44, SB237, SB248, SB1360, SB985, SB1204, SB1239, SB1307, SB2143, SB1428, SB1390, SB1400, SB1405, SB1732, SB1832, SB1859, SB1989, SB2018, SB1427
Keywords:
tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, water resources, appropriations, funding, state treasury, infrastructure projects, emergency act, emergency management, disaster relief, pandemic response, state appropriations, HB4074, Health Care Workforce Training Commission, Health Care Workforce Revolving Fund, health workforce, health care workforce
Summary:
The House opened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions and introductions, including Deer Creek students, Skiatook Chamber members, Sand Springs youth leaders, and international visitors studying U.S. energy policy. The chamber also honored the Nurse of the Day, Marla Lyceum, and heard a lengthy farewell speech from Minority Leader Munson reflecting on her service, constituent work, leadership, and bipartisan relationships.
Members then took up several special presentations and resolutions, including HCR 1024 recognizing Route 66 Day and its economic importance, HCR 1022 honoring National Lineman Appreciation Day, and a citation for Langston University Day at the Capitol. The House also recognized Deputy Kenton Blumenthal as Oklahoma’s 2025 Officer of the Year for heroic actions during a dangerous pursuit. Later, the House introduced the pages of the week.
On legislation, the House passed SB 1122 on ad valorem tax, which supporters said would equalize tax treatment for broadband infrastructure and promote business fairness, over some concern about tax policy and revenue impacts. The chamber also passed HB 4029, HB 4063, HB 4073, HB 4078, and SB 1936, with emergency clauses adopted on the first four. HB 4063, which referred two previously approved state questions to a special August election, drew extended debate over ballot timing, turnout, and whether combining the questions was appropriate; it ultimately passed and the special election referral was approved. SB 1936, which elevates falsely impersonating a law enforcement officer to a D1 felony, passed unanimously.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- There was a Republican that was, you know, uh, in on the ballot said that they were a Democrat.
- And so my my fear they were a Democrat.
- </c><00:17:56.000><c> I'm</c><00:17:56.240><c> just</c> I'm a Republican or a Democrat.
- I'm just I'm a Republican or a Democrat.
- um or the Democratic Farmer Labor Party<00:19:22.160><c> or</c><00:19:23.120><c> um</c><00:19:23.440
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Government Affairs May 30th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Government Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Unity, unity among Republican, Democratic, and independent students.
- I urge every member of this committee to stand with students from both parties—Democrat, Republican,
- The Democrats, too, have disappointed us.
- As usual, sounds like a Democrat-like... ...prevention of gun violence.
- As usual, sounds like a Democrat, like Democrat speak, for a think tank that will, in short order, come
Bills:
SB156
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> better and upholding democratic better and upholding democratic traditions<00:15:20.639><c> that
- </c> you know, Democratic you know, Democratic sort<00:20:38.720><c> of</c><00:20:38.880><c> primary<
- are Republicans, Democrats, These are Republicans, Democrats, undeclared<01:05:29.119><c> voters,</c
- ,</c><01:14:23.920><c> you</c> live where if you're a Democrat, you live where if you're a Democrat,
- At 8:01 after my clerk opened, Democrat.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 12, 2026 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Vice chair, my own Democratic member Campbell. Yes. Representatives Barnaby. Yes. Farming. Yes.
- Democratic member Campbell: Yes, representing it. Says Bonomy: Yes, Barman: Yes. Oh, yes.
- Democratic ranking member Campbell: Yes. Representative is finally: Yes.
- Democratic member Campbell: Yes. Representative Barnaby: Yes. Farming: Yes. Oath: Yes.
- Democrat ranking member Campbell: Yes. Representatives Bonomy: Yes. Bartleman: Yes. Yes.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/15/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #1
Transcript Highlights:
- I would say the Democrats were a little upset that that's what happened at the Department of Revenue.
- It is not our fault as Republicans if the Democrats could not look at their emails and read these.
- So when you hear that complaint from the Democrats, I will say that.
- And the biggest, the only agreement we had yesterday in committee that neither the Democrats nor all
- Those are two things that, in the last five years, the Democrats and in the last three years, Governor
Summary:
The caucus focused on HB 2153, a tax conformity bill that would align Arizona tax law with the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026, including retroactive provisions for tax year 2025. Staff explained that the bill excludes three federal provisions: the additional $6,000 senior deduction, the higher SALT deduction, and the deduction for interest on new car loans. It also adds several Arizona-specific changes, including a $6,000 deduction for certain retirement distributions for taxpayers 65 and older, a $6,000 deduction for Roth IRA contributions, an increase in the dependent tax credit from $100 to $125, and a deduction for child and dependent care expenses above the federal credit. JLBC estimated a negative fiscal impact of $441.3 million in the first year, declining over the next two years.
Chairman Livingston argued the bill was needed immediately because the Department of Revenue had already issued tentative forms assuming full conformity, creating confusion for taxpayers and businesses. He said the governor’s earlier direction and the department’s forms were not coordinated with the legislature’s approach, and warned taxpayers and businesses not to file until the issue was resolved. He also said the bill would help small businesses by preventing mismatched state and federal rules, especially on deductions and vehicle expensing, and emphasized that many Arizona businesses would otherwise face two sets of books.
Members asked about the practical impact on small businesses and the department’s forms. Livingston and staff said Arizona has about 700,000 small businesses, most with 19 or fewer employees, and that the department’s forms largely reflected full conformity except for a worksheet tied to the governor’s requested changes. Staff explained the difference between “simple conformity” and “full conformity,” noting that some federal provisions occur “below the line” and require explicit state law. The committee also discussed the child care provisions as a new Arizona deduction and a separate increase in the child care credit. No vote was taken, and the meeting adjourned before floor session.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 20 (2-4-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It would be like being a Democrat and getting elected county judge in Laurel County.
- It would be like being a Democrat and getting elected county judge in Laurel County.
- It would be like being a Democrat and getting elected county judge in Laurel County.
- It would be like being a Democrat and getting elected county judge in Laurel County.
- It would be like being a Democrat and getting elected county judge in Laurel County.
Summary:
The Kentucky Senate convened with an opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then completed roll call, excused absent senators, and approved the journal from February 3, 2026. The chamber received second readings for Senate Bill 5 on Kentucky-grown agricultural product procurement and Senate Bill 73 on tallow-based cosmetic products, and heard committee reports advancing Senate Bill 18 with a committee substitute, along with Senate Bills 33, 85, and 132. The House also communicated passage of House Bill 1694 and requested concurrence. Senate Bill 162, relating to children, was introduced, and Senate Bill 34 was passed over while retaining its place on the calendar.
The Senate adopted Senate Citation 4 recognizing National School Counseling Week, with remarks emphasizing the role of school counselors in student academic and mental health support. The body also adopted Senate Resolution 71 honoring Dr. Samantha Shaver for her service as president of the Kentucky Dental Association; the sponsor and other members praised her leadership and oral health advocacy. Later, the Senate received a committee report posting Senate Bills 5, 12, and 73 to the regular orders and referring several bills to committees, including Senate Bills 129, 136, and 183 to Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor, Senate Bill 71 to Education, and Senate Bill 9 to State and Local Government.
Members made several co-sponsorship requests for bills including Senate Bills 9, 12, 33, 132, 143, 153, 154, 159, and 183. A lengthy floor statement from the Senator from Clay praised Senator McConnell’s long service and recent federal funding achievements for Kentucky, including education, transportation, defense, and economic development projects. The Senate also received a floor amendment to Senate Bill 33, introduced Senate Bill 163 on unemployment insurance and Senate Resolution 78 honoring the CSX Santa Train, and then adjourned until 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026.