Video & Transcript Research : 'parole board'
Page 206 of 500
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- of Medicine and the Board of Osteopathic Medicine.
- of Medicine and the Board of Osteopathic Medicine. approved and adopted by joint rule of the board of
- medicine and the board of osteopathic medicine.
- Jill Puckett, Board Association of Nurse Practitioners, waving against.
- Jill Puckett, Board Association of Nurse Practitioners, waving against.
Keywords:
provider disputes, health plan, dispute resolution, Medicare, Medicaid, healthcare regulation, background screening, athletic coaches, youth sports, criminal history, expungement, Florida statutes, medical freedom, vaccination, ivermectin, healthcare practitioner liability, immunization exemptions, ambulatory surgical centers, patient safety, licensure
Summary:
The committee took up several health-related bills. SB 1082, on a statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program, was presented as a way to let providers and insurers use the federal independent dispute resolution process for emergency out-of-network claims under state-regulated commercial plans. A late-filed amendment clarified when providers and health plans could access the state program, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 1168, which would centralize background screening clearinghouse functions at the Agency for Health Care Administration, also passed as amended after an amendment requiring sealed and expunged records to be included in screenings for qualified entities. Supporters said centralization would improve turnaround times, reduce duplication, and save costs; the sponsor said the bill also addresses coaches’ background screening language from last session. The committee then approved SB 1156, which moves ambulatory surgery center regulation out of the hospital-focused chapter of law into a standalone section, and SB 1480, as amended by a strike-all, which would grandfather certain temporary certificate holders practicing in areas of critical need if federal designation changes affect those areas. Testimony on SB 1480 emphasized continuity of care for patients in underserved communities, and the bill was reported favorably.
The final and most heavily debated measure was SB 1756 on medical freedom, which would require state-approved educational materials on childhood vaccines, require practitioners to provide those materials and alternative schedules before vaccination, expand school immunization exemptions to include conscience-based objections, clarify that the Surgeon General cannot order vaccination during a public health emergency, and authorize pharmacists to provide ivermectin behind the counter without a prescription with written information and safeguards. The sponsor argued the bill strengthens parental choice and informed consent. Committee members raised concerns about vaccine-preventable disease risks, immunocompromised children, school outbreaks, and the impact of adding a new exemption. A Department of Health representative said the department would need to provide details on the history of exemption consultations and noted that removing the earlier consultation requirement had not been shown to increase outbreaks. The committee adopted a friendly amendment to give physicians the same liability protection as pharmacists for ivermectin dispensing, but rejected a substitute amendment that would have required a consultation for exemption requests. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed to the bill, with physicians, pediatric specialists, cancer advocates, parents of immunocompromised children, and public health groups warning that it would lower vaccination rates and endanger vulnerable Floridians. The bill remained pending after testimony, with the committee continuing to hear public comment.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- moving 15 board members down to<00:02:37.280>
12. - it's really hard to get 15 board it's really hard to get 15 board members.<00:02:44.239>
So,< - We board governance and that to 12.
- 15,000, you should still have a board 15,000, you should still have a board member.<00:03:11.519
- <00:03:15.760>
members the reality of recruiting board members the reality of recruiting board
Summary:
The committee first considered Senate Bill 17, a cleanup bill updating Kentucky CASA statutes. The sponsor and witnesses said the bill would reduce the required board size from 15 to 12 to better fit rural and regional programs, remove the ban on certain CHFS employees serving as CASA volunteers while preserving DCBS independence, and update statutory references from the National CASA Association to the Kentucky CASA Network and current national standards language. Members expressed support for the program’s child advocacy role. A committee substitute and title amendment were adopted, and SB 17 passed 8-0 and was reported favorably.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 34, which would authorize transfer-on-death deeds for a primary residence or primary vehicle. The sponsor and Uniform Law Commission witnesses said the measure is intended to let owners name a beneficiary to receive property at death without probate, while retaining full ownership and revocation rights during life. They said the bill is designed to be simple, affordable, and protective of creditors, Medicaid recovery, and surviving spouse rights, and that it has been adopted in 30 states. Questions focused on how the deed would interact with wills, revocation, and possible fraud or family disputes; witnesses said a will would not revoke a TOD deed, only a recorded revocation or later deed would, and that challenges to capacity could be brought within two years. The county clerk association requested a future floor amendment on details, and title companies and bankers were described as neutral. SB 34 passed 8-0 and was reported favorably, with some members noting they would want to review the forthcoming amendment before final floor consideration.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Investments and Pensions Oversight Nov 5th, 2025
Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, we have the tools; we have a board that is committed to doing this.
- Of Volkaya Caballero, this is something that we, the board, spent some time on at our board retreat in
- The board itself sets the benchmark and the payoff.
- Madam Chair, it's really across the board.
- You know, what would be the support or the reaction from your board?
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Audit Committee Jun 1st, 2026
Joint Legislative Audit
Transcript Highlights:
- I know several of you have worked in local governments and MPO boards.
- I chaired the SANDAG board here with a couple of my colleagues who served at the same time.
- Audit 2026-120, Board of State and Community Corrections, Proposition 47 grant administration.
- I'm the Executive Director of the Board of State and Community Corrections.
- In the fall of 2025, the board awarded $127 million as part of the fifth cohort.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- And the land use review<00:13:51.240>
board <00:13:52.040>has <00:13:52.280>reviewed - <00:13:53.080>
932, <00:13:54.480>the review board has reviewed H. 932, the review - board has reviewed H. 932, the bill<00:13:54.880>
as <00:13:55.120>passed <00:13:55.520> - The board seeks to strike development.
- So, the board would recommend areas.
Summary:
The House opened with a moment of silence, then reported favorable on House Bill 954, relating to approval of an amendment to the charter of the town of Stowe, and referred it to Ways and Means. Members then adopted JRS 54, a joint resolution setting weekend adjournment so the two houses would reconvene no later than Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Several announcements followed, including a Memorial Day remembrance, which was journalized, an art project in the card room, and a recognition of Harwood Union High School athletes and one individual champion. The House also heard a farewell and birthday acknowledgment for a departing member from Bennington. The calendar was then announced, with House Bill 932, Senate Bill 325, and Senate Bill 323 slated for consideration.
The House suspended rules to take up House Bill 932 immediately and concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment. The bill concerns regulation of forestry under Act 250, and the Stowe member explained the amendment was a narrow technical revision developed with the Land Use Review Board and the Agency of Natural Resources. The House then suspended rules to take up Senate Bill 325, heard a 6-0 committee of conference report on regional planning and Act 250 tier jurisdiction, and adopted the report after brief questioning about noise limits. The House also suspended rules to message its action to the Senate forthwith. Senate Bill 323 was postponed to the afternoon session, and the House recessed until 1:00 p.m.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AEN, AEN Public Hearings 03-16-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board
- afternoon. - Dab stands in strong support of the nomination of Faith Tui Pulotu to serve on the Molokai Board
- She is passionate, she is engaged, and she would be a great representative on that board for agriculture
- For instance, also any projects that may be coming on board for the state as well as the counties, the
- First up is GM510 on Faith 202 to the Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board.
Summary:
The committee first considered three gubernatorial nominations. GM510, Faith Tui Pulotu to the Molokai Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board, received strong support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, though the nominee was not present online. GM614, Mark Gordon to the Environmental Advisory Council, also drew unanimous support from state and private testifiers; Gordon described his environmental health and safety background and said he could commit the time needed. GM696, James Falconer to the Advisory Board on Pesticides, was supported by the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau; Falconer discussed his long experience in coffee and sugar, including work responding to coffee leaf rust and the need for timely pesticide tools. All three nominations were recommended for advise and consent and were adopted by four-member votes.
The committee then heard several agriculture bills. HB 1603 HD1 would allow the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to extend agricultural park leases without the current county-population restriction; supporters called it an equity measure and asked that it apply to all ag park leases, while the department gave standard testimony. HB 1707 HD1 would create a local agricultural transportation cost reimbursement program; supporters said transportation is a major production cost and suggested amendments to define “necessary supplies” and explicitly include honey. HB 2155 HD1 would establish an agricultural statistics program, with supporters emphasizing the need for better data to guide planning. HB 2594 HD1 would direct a study on insurance coverage for small producers, which supporters linked to recent storm damage and the lack of tailored insurance products. HB 2595 HD1 would create a regional agricultural feasibility and food systems production working group; supporters said it should consider markets as well as crop suitability and regional conditions.
Members asked questions about lease competition, transportation reimbursement amounts and anti-double-dipping safeguards, the usefulness of agricultural data, and whether state or federal insurance models could be used as templates. Testifiers generally said the bills would help reduce costs, improve planning, and support small and neighbor-island producers, while noting that implementation details and funding levels would need further work. The committee then voted to pass all five bills with amendments, generally including a deferred effective date of July 1, 2050, and in the case of HB 1707, the committee adopted the suggested amendments to define necessary supplies and add honey to the covered commodities.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Joint Legislative Committee on Public Accounts Feb 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So it's really all over the board.
- So it's really all over the board.
- So it's really all over the board.
- <00:12:27.519>
But it's really all over the board. But it's really all over the board. - sunset reviews and regulatory boards. sunset reviews and regulatory boards.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Investments and Pensions Oversight Oct 9th, 2025
Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm new to this board this year.
- I think that the PERA Board and the board, and maybe they want to present to us about how they look at
- Sometimes the board does, but it would be nice to know that the board is really honing in on those things
- Retirement Board.
- That policy is something the board approved.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Local and County Government Apr 21st, 2026
Local and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Mary Westman to serve on the Oklahoma Department of Libraries Board. Forward.
- To serve on the Oklahoma Department of Libraries Board. Thank you. Thank you, Mr.
- Mary Westman to you today to be confirmed to the Oklahoma Department of Libraries Board.
- Samuel Alaback for a term on the Oklahoma Department of Libraries Board. Senator Reinhardt.
- Samuel Alaback to serve on the Oklahoma Department of Libraries Board.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Local and County Government met and first considered the nomination of Mary Westman to the Oklahoma Department of Libraries Board. Senator Standridge presented Westman, highlighting her background in nursing, health care, law, and business. Westman said she would focus on working within the board’s statutory authority, supporting local communities, and using resources efficiently. After a brief question-and-answer period, the committee voted 6-0 to advance her nomination to the full Senate.
The committee then considered the nomination of Samuel Alaback to the same board, presented by Senator Reinhardt. Reinhardt emphasized Alaback’s leadership experience at Oklahoma State University and his work as a middle school literature teacher. Alaback said he wanted to help address the state’s literacy challenges and support libraries as community spaces, while learning from other board members. Following questions about his priorities and plans, the committee voted 6-0 to advance his nomination to the Senate. The meeting then adjourned.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/13/2026 - Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference
Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- Our nine-member board of directors of three cattle growers, three cattle feeders, and three dairymen
- and was instrumental in the cattle industry and serving on this long bunch of other boards.
- Thank you for participating in the board and what you guys do.
- I know in the past, we've had some issues with people wanting to get rid of certain boards.
- I know in the past, we've had some issues with people wanting to get rid of certain boards.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 02/12/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- The legislation created the Minnesota Competency Attainment Board as an independent board within the
- board as an<00:19:29.679>
independent <00:19:30.280>board <00:19:30.720>within < - Court uh based on this statute the board Court uh based on this statute the board is<00:20:13.559
- are trying to become chair of that board are trying to become chair of that board uh<00:31:56.200
- Democrats and Republicans on on board Democrats and Republicans on board<01:22:38.679>
with <01
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- the language that the veterinary board the language that the veterinary board would<00:30:47.880
- Expanding this Community Health Boards.
- <00:36:53.000>
be definition will help these boards be definition will help these boards be - and in our communities to find qualified individuals to serve on the board, because when the board has
- <00:37:31.800>
cuz individuals to serve on the board cuz individuals to serve on the board
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the previous day’s journal. The chamber received Senate messages announcing a joint convention for the governor’s message and transmitting Senate Files 1251, 3769, and 3868. The House also introduced House Files 4868 through 4933 and adopted committee reports and comparison report motions without objection. The Rules Committee placed several bills on the calendar and required pre-filing of amendments for specified measures.
On the calendar, the House passed Senate File 3602, which enacts the Uniform Electronic Estate Planning Documents Act and expands electronic signing to estate planning documents beyond wills. Supporters said it would help people who are homebound, hospitalized, or in rural areas and reduce uncertainty for banks and hospitals about electronically signed powers of attorney and health care directives. The bill passed 134-0. The House also passed House File 3516, a Board of Dentistry policy bill that updates licensure language, allows retired dentists to serve low-income uninsured patients, and increases the number of dental hygienists a dentist may collaborate with from four to eight; it passed 134-0.
The House then passed House File 3528, a technical barbering bill that reduces training and retesting burdens, gives the board more testing flexibility, repeals duplicative rules, clarifies that waxing is not barbering, and makes other fee and registration changes; it passed 134-0. House File 3718, updating veterinary medicine and veterinary technology statutes, was amended to restore board seal language and then passed 134-0 as amended. Supporters said it modernizes definitions and standards, recognizes licensed veterinary technicians, and may help address veterinary shortages, especially in greater Minnesota.
Finally, the House passed Senate File 3402, which broadens who may serve as a medical consultant for Community Health Boards to include additional licensed professionals such as DOs, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses; it passed 134-0. The chamber also considered several motions to move bills between committees, including referrals involving veterans, education, health, and psilocybin-related legislation. A motion to suspend the rules for House File 4487 was presented, and the bill was described as providing a one-time $1 billion property tax rebate or credit, but the transcript cuts off during extended debate on that motion before any final disposition is shown.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- But when you're in the ballot board. these forms.
- So the process goes to the ballot board, and the ballot board doesn't start meeting until...
- To the ballot board, and the ballot board doesn't start meeting until two weeks, usually two or three
- The ballot board is not opening them. Okay.
- The ballot board cannot do that, but the ballot board can notify the voter that the witness statement
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 3709, which would change the partial manual audit process so early voting could be audited by voting location rather than by randomly selected precincts. The author and several supporters said the current precinct-based process is antiquated, labor-intensive, and especially difficult in countywide voting systems and large counties. Opponents and some neutral witnesses raised concerns about whether the change would still allow an apples-to-apples audit against official precinct results, whether random selection procedures should be more clearly defined, and how ballot secrecy and mail ballots would be handled. The Secretary of State’s office said counties already use random selection methods and that the bill would largely standardize early voting audits with election-day procedures, while also noting ballot privacy issues can arise in public records requests. After testimony, the bill was left pending.
The committee then took up House Bill 766, as substituted, which would require precinct chair applicants to provide an email address, phone number, or both, while making that contact information confidential. Supporters said the change would help parties and local officials contact applicants more efficiently. Opponents argued it could expose personal contact information to public records requests and harassment, and some suggested the information should instead be handled through party rules. The bill was left pending after the committee substitute was withdrawn.
House Bill 3775 followed and would set clearer timelines for when early voting ballot boards may begin opening carrier envelopes, with different start times based on county size. Supporters said the bill would address counties opening ballots too early and improve ballot security, while opponents warned it could delay defect notices and cure opportunities for mail voters and create problems in large counties that process high volumes of ballots. Testimony also focused on whether the bill referred to carrier envelopes or secrecy envelopes and on how counties like Harris County currently image and secure ballot materials. The bill was left pending.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 4275, which would require countywide polling systems to have polling places in each election precinct, intended to address uneven distribution of polling locations across county commissioner precincts. Supporters said the bill would make polling place distribution fairer and more consistent, especially in Harris County, while opponents said it would undermine countywide voting, increase costs, require more equipment and staff, and reduce local flexibility. Several witnesses also raised concerns about ballot secrecy and the practical burden on large and rural counties. The bill remained under discussion as testimony continued.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Mar 5th, 2025
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Plus, remember I told you those boards are independent, some boards paid their providers every week.
- Some boards paid their providers every two weeks. This new system pays every two weeks.
- It's kind of an across the board.
- County Workforce Development Board. At that time, we had the support of, for child care.
- We have staff on board that go and consult.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:09:06.880>
So board are actually our residents. So board are actually our residents. - I want you to know that you have a board I want you to know that you have a board of<00:24:36.799
- room and board or dorms or anything. room and board or dorms or anything.
- You're on the board.
- I had been involved in the University of New Hampshire in different boards, and I joined the board of
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Alelo Miko, good morning everyone, and welcome to the City and County of Honolulu, also to the Board
- as well but we'd like to hear from Board as well but we'd like to hear from Board of<00:34:34.599
- ʻOla water for life—that's our vision for the Board of Water Supply.
- So the city actually, Roger and EnV did come to the Board of Water Supply about two years ago.
- Thanks for the presentation, both of you, both the city and Board of Water Supply.
Summary:
The informational briefing focused on the City and County of Honolulu’s effort to site a replacement landfill for Oahu before Waimanalo Gulch landfill closes in 2028. Department of Environmental Services officials outlined the solid waste system, including curbside collection, convenience centers, transfer stations, H-POWER, and the existing landfill, and explained that H-POWER reduces the volume of waste going to the landfill by about 90%. They reviewed the siting history, including the 2019 Land Use Commission deadline, the 2020 enactment of Act 73 with landfill setback and conservation-district restrictions, and the 2021-2022 landfill advisory committee that evaluated six sites but recommended none because they were within the Board of Water Supply’s no-pass zone. The city said it ultimately selected a site in central Oahu, on agricultural land near Wahiawa and the Dole Plantation, as the best legally permissible option and described it as requiring about 150 acres, with 90 acres for the landfill itself.
City officials also described the proposed landfill design and safeguards, emphasizing a modern sanitary landfill with double liners, leachate collection, groundwater monitoring wells, and post-closure monitoring. They said the ash from H-POWER is dry and that leachate would be pumped to a wastewater treatment plant. They stated the site is away from residences and groundwater wells, accessible by highway, and can be permitted under state and federal rules, though they acknowledged that a full environmental review, public hearings, and multiple permits would still be required. When asked whether the new landfill could be operating before the 2028 closure date, the city said it did not yet know and that an extension of Waimanalo Gulch might be needed if the new site is not ready in time.
The Board of Water Supply strongly opposed the city’s decision to site a landfill above Oahu’s freshwater resources. Its representative said the agency’s mission is to protect safe, dependable water for the future and that it had disapproved all six previously proposed sites because they were located over freshwater aquifers. In response to questions from legislators, the Board said it could not guarantee the liner system would remain impermeable forever and warned that leachate can contain hazardous chemicals, including so-called forever chemicals. The Board characterized the proposal as a long-term risk to the island’s drinking water supply and compared the decision to past infrastructure choices that later proved problematic. No votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Management Audit Committee, June 18, 2026 - PM
Management Audit Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- do typically have their own board, but ultimately they're a subset board, but ultimately they're a subset
- , um water and sewer, joint powers boards.
- Steve True, director of the livestock board. And that's fine.
- Our board agreed. We went back to JAC who...
- Do you anticipate the rest of the counties to get on board and at least participate to get on board and
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Thanks to Labor Appeals Board vacancy.
- <00:29:45.320>
Well, <00:29:45.440>one Appeals Board processing? - Well, one Appeals Board processing?
- Well, I think it's coming from one of the other board members has told me. Okay.
- Appeals Board deals with it, but again, Appeals Board deals with it, but again, being<00:36:54.720>
Summary:
The committee heard and acted on several gubernatorial nominations to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council and one nomination to the Labor and Industrial Relations Appeals Board. For GM 779, Mark Fong Su Wat said he would bring his experience as an electrician and labor community member to workforce development, and he committed to serving if confirmed. Testimony was unanimously supportive, with 10 in support and none opposed, and the committee voted to recommend advise and consent; the recommendation was adopted.
For GM 792, Sheryl Cross sought a second term on the Workforce Development Council and described her work on employer engagement, military veteran affairs, and military spouse employment. In response to questions, she emphasized the need to better connect military spouses, underrepresented workers, and students pursuing trades or non-college pathways to jobs, including through school academies and online hiring initiatives. The item was held for later decision-making.
For GM 793, Ashley Lohua, also nominated to the Workforce Development Council, said her focus would be helping people stay in Hawaii by improving job retention, listening to community concerns, and building pathways between sectors. Support testimony highlighted her work with marginalized communities and her empathy and leadership. She told the committee she would use her nonprofit and HR experience to help address vacancies and workforce barriers; the item was also held for later decision-making. For GM 774, Douglas Thomas Moore, nominated to the Labor and Industrial Relations Appeals Board, said his first priority would be reducing the backlog. He proposed using informal conferences and mediation to speed workers’ compensation appeals and suggested recruiting more practitioners, especially younger ones, into the field. The committee noted 11 supportive testimonies and no opposition; no vote was taken in the portion provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:22:02.039>
meeting the state canvasing board meeting the state canvasing board meeting - 21st the State canvasing Board met to 21st the State canvasing Board met to certify<00:48:23.960>
- reviewed by the absentee ballot board reviewed by the absentee ballot board and<01:00:14.680>
- tabulator in the B at the ballot board tabulator in the B at the ballot board um<01:20:15.360>
- uh absentee ballot boards um then uh absentee ballot boards um then they're<01:22:58.840>
going - uh absentee ballot boards um then uh absentee ballot boards um then they're<01:22:58.840>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Rep. Paul Novotny departing member remarks 5/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Your name is on the board with about 5,000 other representatives, and nothing can ever change that.
- You were on that board." And uh I hope to get that name plate, and and and um it's been an honor.
- <00:01:29.240>
Your <00:01:29.520>name he said, "Look at that board. - Your name he said, "Look at that board.
- You were on that board." change that. You were on that board."
Summary:
Representative Novotny delivered a farewell speech on the House floor reflecting on his years of service and announcing his departure from the legislature. He described the job as similar to his 33 years in law enforcement, emphasizing long hours, stress, criticism, and the need for perspective, and he joked about the demands of session life, including caffeine, junk food, and long meetings. He also thanked House staff, especially the clerk staff and Chief Clerk Patrick Murphy, for keeping the chamber running smoothly despite the disruptions caused by legislators working in their space.
Novotny offered personal thanks to colleagues and allies, including members of the COP Caucus, Representative Moller, his legislative assistant Mary McNamara, and John Hallquist, whom he credited with helping him remember past ideas and discussions. He singled out Representative Nathan Nelson as a close colleague and hunting partner, and he also thanked former Representative Nick Zerwas for encouraging him to serve. He spoke warmly about his family, including his daughters, his wife Nicole, and a future grandchild expected around July 4.
The speech was largely humorous and sentimental, with repeated expressions of gratitude to constituents, colleagues, and staff. Novotny said serving in the House had been an honor and that he was ready to hand the role off to someone else. Speaker Demuth thanked him for his service and for presiding with the gavel, and the chamber responded with applause.