Video & Transcript Research : 'foreign espionage'
Page 21 of 154
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Mar 11th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill clarifies that foreign citizens with recognized licenses would not be eligible to register to
- It clarifies that agreements would only be made if the foreign licensing requirements are on par with
- So the foreign countries have to have a reciprocal agreement with each individual state.
- So the foreign countries have to have a reciprocal agreement with each individual state.
- I appreciate, you know, trying to enhance foreign direct investment in West Virginia.
Summary:
The Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee met, approved the March 9, 2026 minutes, and then took up the engrossed committee substitute for House Bill 4577 relating to driver's licenses. Counsel explained that the bill would authorize the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to enter reciprocal agreements with Ireland and Japan to recognize each other’s driver’s licenses, provided the foreign licensing standards are at least as stringent as West Virginia’s. The bill also requires drivers using recognized foreign licenses to carry insurance and comply with state financial responsibility laws, clarifies that foreign license holders are not eligible to register to vote through the DMV, and allows the commissioner to set related fees and adopt rules. A strike-and-insert amendment and a title amendment were adopted.
The committee heard from DMV counsel Adam Hawley and the bill’s House sponsor, Delegate Mike Hornby. Hawley said the measure would allow citizens of the listed countries to avoid retaking written and skills tests when transferring licenses, and noted West Virginia already has similar arrangements with Taiwan, South Korea, and Germany. Hornby said the bill was intended to support economic development and trade ties, especially with Ireland, where American workers and companies face licensing hurdles; he said Ireland had requested state-level reciprocity and that Japan was added because of West Virginia’s existing trade relationship there. Several senators expressed support, describing the bill as a symbolic and practical step toward foreign investment and job creation.
After discussion, the committee voted to report the engrossed committee substitute for House Bill 4577, as amended, with a recommendation that it do pass. The title amendment was then adopted, and the committee adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- , we don't have credits against foreign taxes paid.
- The way Massachusetts historically treats foreign investment, foreign income, and foreign dividends is
- Amazon, Apple, it does not apply to corporations that are based in foreign countries.
- By doing that, you're treating foreign source income differently.
- It's not a formula, but it is a way of both taking care of the foreign tax credits and lack of foreign
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue, chaired by Senator James Eldridge and Representative Adrian Madaro, opened its hearing with a moment of silence for the late Lowell State Senator Ed Kennedy and reviewed hearing procedures and deadlines. The committee then took testimony on several corporate tax bills, including S. 2033/H. 3110 on offshore tax avoidance, H. 3248 on a manufacturing tax exemption, H. 3057 on a tiered corporate minimum tax, and S. 2041 on a corporate tax haven blacklist, along with a separate business interest deduction bill. No votes were taken during the hearing.
Supporters of S. 2033/H. 3110, including labor unions, health care workers, educators, public health advocates, seniors, and several legislators, argued that Massachusetts needs new revenue to offset federal cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, health care, education, and other services. They said the bill would raise roughly $400 million annually by increasing the share of offshore profits included in the state tax base from 5% to 50%, and they framed it as a fairness measure that would require large multinational corporations to pay more while leaving most local businesses and workers unaffected. Testimony emphasized risks to MassHealth, PCA services, adult dental care, hospitals, schools, and public health programs if new revenue is not raised.
Opponents, including the Mass Taxpayers Foundation and the Council on State Taxation, argued the proposal is poor tax policy and likely unconstitutional because it would tax foreign-source income without allowing foreign tax credits or a comparable apportionment method. They said Massachusetts should take a broader, coordinated approach to federal tax changes rather than a standalone bill, and warned of litigation risk and possible double taxation. Supporters such as MassBudget and former tax counsel Don Griswold countered that the bill is a reasonable rough-justice approach, consistent with federal and neighboring-state treatment, and that it would primarily affect a small number of very large multinationals. On S. 2041, the Global Business Alliance opposed the proposed tax haven blacklist, while supporting a separate bill allowing business interest deductibility.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Mar 11th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transportation and Infrastructure
Transcript Highlights:
- It clarifies that agreements would only be made if the foreign licensing requirements are on par with
- It amends a section in Chapter 3 of the code, clarifies that foreign drivers are not eligible to vote
- So the foreign countries have to have a reciprocal agreement with each individual state.
- So the foreign countries have to have a reciprocal agreement with each individual state.
- I appreciate, you know, trying to enhance foreign direct investment in West Virginia.
Summary:
The Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee met, established quorum, and approved the minutes from its March 9, 2026 meeting. The committee then took up the engrossed committee substitute for House Bill 4577, which would authorize the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to enter reciprocal driver’s license agreements with Ireland and Japan, provided those countries’ licensing standards are at least as stringent as West Virginia’s. The bill also requires drivers using recognized foreign licenses to carry insurance and comply with state financial responsibility laws, bars DMV-based voter registration for foreign citizens, authorizes fees and rulemaking, and includes a strike-and-insert amendment and title amendment.
A DMV representative explained that the measure would let citizens of the participating countries avoid retaking written and skills tests when transferring licenses, while also allowing West Virginians similar treatment abroad. Delegate Mike Hornby, the bill’s sponsor, said the proposal was intended to support economic development and trade relationships, especially with Ireland, and noted that similar reciprocity already exists with other countries and some other states. Senators asked about the practical impact, including whether it would affect tourists or long-term workers, and the sponsor emphasized that the bill was aimed mainly at people establishing residence and working between West Virginia and partner countries.
The committee adopted the strike-and-insert amendment, then voted to report House Bill 4577, as amended, with a recommendation that it do pass. The title amendment was also adopted, and the committee then adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, April 14, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered printed. lives.
- <00:07:29.599>
activities <00:07:30.240>of specified harmful foreign activities of - /c><00:08:20.639>
of specified harmful foreign activities of specified harmful foreign activities - <00:09:11.200>
policy the national security, foreign policy the national security, foreign - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs<00:09:37.040><
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Judiciary Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The disclosure needs to be: there is a foreign entity; this is the foreign entity.
- They're required to disclose if there is a foreign entity and which those foreign entities might be,
- And if there's a foreign element to the...
- Foreign funders must be disclosed, and no foreign adversaries to this state or this nation are permitted
- and who those foreign actors are.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee met and took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 620, which would require candidates for federal, state, county, district, judicial, and school board offices to disclose any citizenship in countries other than the United States. The bill was presented as a transparency measure, with one opponent waiving time, and it was reported favorably on an 8-0 vote.
The committee then heard SB 1396 on litigation financing consumer protection. Supporters from the Florida Justice Reform Institute, American Tort Reform Association, and U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform argued the bill would add transparency, limit funder control, and require disclosure of foreign entities involved in litigation funding. Opponents, including the Florida Justice Association, argued the bill would create strategic advantages for defendants and could affect discovery and settlement dynamics. The bill passed 7-2. The committee also approved SB 192, removing a $1,500 cap on patient funds chiropractors may hold in trust; SB 888, limiting indemnity and insurance requirements in design-professional contracts; CS/SB 332, creating a temporary closed-meeting exemption for pre-suit Burt Harris litigation strategy discussions; SB 820, requiring quarterly reporting on problem-solving courts; SB 1500, updating uncontested probate procedures; SB 1224, making fraudulent entry into rental dwellings a third-degree felony; and SB 1000, setting a floor and ceiling for interest rates on law firm trust accounts. Each of these bills was reported favorably, with broad support and little or no opposition.
The committee also advanced CS/SB 694, which would compensate the descendants of the Groveland Four. Senator Bracey Davis described the bill as a final step in addressing the wrongful convictions, deaths, and long-term harm suffered by Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepard, and Ernest Thomas. Family members and advocacy groups testified in support, urging the state to complete its acknowledgment of wrongdoing with monetary compensation. An amendment was adopted to divide any appropriation equally among the four families. The bill passed unanimously. Finally, SB 144 creating a public records exemption for personal information of Judicial Qualifications Commission employees and their families was approved 9-1. Several members also requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on specific bills before the committee adjourned.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- foreign foods.
- Applications for a foreign national license shall be foreign national license shall be foreign national
- , uh, uh, foreign here as a as a foreign, uh, uh, foreign here as a as a foreign, uh, uh, foreign individual
- Applications for a foreign national license shall be foreign national license shall be foreign national
- In order for a foreign national to renew his or her a foreign national to renew his or her a foreign
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- It includes foreign governments, foreign corporations, foreign organizations, non-citizens, and their
- property to foreign adversaries. property to foreign adversaries.
- , foreign corporations, governments, foreign corporations, foreign<00:12:41.040>
organizations, aware of of foreign influence. aware of of foreign influence.- foreign source.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, March 27, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We cannot allow a foreign government to steal American property and face zero consequences.
- We cannot allow a foreign government to steal American property and face zero consequences.
- not be legislating to hinder a foreign not be legislating to hinder a foreign government's<00:36
- I urge my foreign policy implications.
- This bill ensures there are consequences for foreign countries that steal from our companies.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Brian Burch, of Illinois, to be Ambassador to the Holy See, Brandon Judd, of Idaho, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Chile, and Nicole McGraw, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia, all of t Apr 8th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Foreign Relations Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We have more foreign direct investment in Chile than what China does.
- assistance has not been in keeping with our foreign policy.
- Musk has cut foreign assistance, but those just are not accurate.
- source. of foreign direct investment.
- That's what my role as the MP is. ambassador is not to influence foreign elections.
Keywords:
legislative process, public involvement, community engagement, transparency, introductions
Summary:
The meeting was characterized by a series of introductions and personal anecdotes shared by the committee members, with a focus on the importance of community engagement and transparency in legislative processes. Members expressed their commitment to open hearings and the necessity for public involvement in discussions impacting constituents. Several members remarked on how personal experiences shape their legislative priorities, thus reinforcing the human element of governance. However, there was a noticeable absence of discussion regarding specific bills, indicating that the session may have been more exploratory or introductory in nature.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- One avenue is certainly foreign medical graduates, which we have relied on in the past and they make
- My 30-plus years at 20 Streets of Medical Center in Leitchfield, I had several foreign graduates did
- One avenue is certainly foreign medical graduates, which we have relied on in the past and they make
- My 30-plus years at 20 Streets of Medical Center in Leitchfield, I had several foreign graduates did
- "You know, every foreign medical graduate has to go through the same pathway to get here.
Keywords:
00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call
01:17 - Discussion of 26RS SB 137
07:15 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS SB 137
09:42 - Discussion of 26RS SB 147
10:48 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS SB 147
11:56 - Discussion of 26RS SB 56
13:48 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS SB 56
14:43 - Discussion of 26RS SB 116
20:17 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS SB 116
21:23 - Adjournment, 958, all
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Using foreign... I'm sorry. Which was that? Using a foreign national license? Uh-huh. Yes.
- Yes, foreign... presently issue foreign driver's licenses? Correct.
- Over the years, we've been challenged, but I've never heard of this issue of a foreign ID or foreign
- I'm a foreign national and I got to use this ID.
- Not just because it's attached to a certain, you know, foreign group to a certain, you know, foreign
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- From hostile foreign adversaries, yes, sir.
- These groups are spying on Americans; they're spying on foreign students.
- those hostile foreign governments.
- This is about receiving funding from one of these hostile foreign governments.
- governments. ...of these hostile foreign governments.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Agriculture (2-26-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:26:49.080>
adversary there this is a uh foreign adversary there this is a uh foreign adversary - adversaries will come in and say foreign adversaries will come in and say just<00:29:20.360>
for< - He said he has never understood why a foreign entity can come into the country and buy ag land, that
- He said he has never understood why we allow a foreign entity to come into our country and buy our ag
- allowed to loan money to these foreign allowed to loan money to these foreign adversaries<00:37:
Keywords:
00:00 -- Introduction
00:13 – Attendance Roll Call
08:25 – Discussion of HB 315
23:45 – Roll call vote on HB 315
26:35 – Discussion of HB 356
46:30 – Roll call vote on HB 356, 958, all
Summary:
The House Agriculture Committee first spent much of the meeting recognizing the large number of 4-H and FFA students and guests in attendance, with members from several counties introducing their groups and praising the programs for developing future agricultural and civic leaders. Comments emphasized the value of youth involvement in agriculture, leadership, and public speaking, and several members noted their own 4-H or FFA backgrounds. The committee then took up House Bill 356, and adopted a committee substitute before hearing testimony on the revised measure.
House Bill 356, sponsored by Representative Carney, would create the Kentucky Urban Youth Agriculture Initiative, expanding the original urban farming concept into broader agricultural education, agribusiness, advocacy, and work-ready skills. The substitute removed the requirement that participants have access to farmland, lowered the age floor from six to five, broadened participation, and established a pilot program with implementation left to Cooperative Extension. Supportive testimony came from a 4-H student and Kentucky 4-H representatives, who described how the program helps youth explore many interests and removes barriers for urban students. Members from both parties praised the bill as a way to reach more youth and strengthen agricultural education. The committee approved House Bill 356 as amended by the committee substitute on a roll call vote, with all members present voting yes.
The committee then heard House Bill 315 from Representative Sharp, a foreign adversary land bill intended to limit certain foreign entities’ ability to purchase Kentucky land. Before member questions, Tim Shank of the Kentucky Bankers Association testified in opposition to one section of the bill, saying banks already screen borrowers through federal systems and that Section 8’s reference to an Attorney General lien for “actual costs” was too vague. He warned the language could create uncertainty for mortgage holders and potentially affect credit availability for farmers. Representative Sharp said he had just learned of the concern and may need to work with the Attorney General’s office to address it. He also said the bill was largely the same as last year’s version, except for the removal of a leasing-related paragraph, and the committee began discussion of the bill after that testimony.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/26/2026 - Senate Federalism
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1018 specifies that foreign law includes Sharia law.
- Foreign law means Sharia law.
- Foreign law means Sharia law. explicit statement.
- Citizens of Arizona don't necessarily see it as just foreign law.
- The prohibition here is already on foreign law.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills and a memorial focused on foreign law, land ownership, presidential electors, and campaign finance/federalism. SB 1018 would amend Arizona’s foreign-law statute to explicitly include Sharia law; the sponsor and supporters said it was needed to prevent foreign legal systems from influencing Arizona courts, while opponents from the ACLU and others argued it singled out Islam, was unnecessary because foreign law is already prohibited, and would be unconstitutional. After debate, the committee recommended SB 1018 do pass by a 4-3 vote.
The committee then considered SB 1075, which restricts conveyance of Arizona land to foreign entities deemed hostile to the United States and adds disclosure, penalty, and enforcement provisions through a five-page amendment. The sponsor said it was modeled on other states’ efforts to keep adversarial nations from acquiring land near sensitive sites; the committee adopted the amendment and recommended the bill as amended do pass by a 3-3 vote. SB 1141, dealing with presidential electors, would require electors to vote for a properly nominated successor if a winning presidential or vice presidential candidate dies or withdraws before the Electoral College meets, and would deem an elector’s office vacant if the elector fails to vote. Supporters said it closes a gap in Arizona law and improves election continuity; it received a unanimous do pass recommendation.
Finally, the committee heard SCM 1003, a memorial urging Congress to support federalism and a constitutional amendment affirming state authority over election processes and campaign finance. Supporters argued that money in politics and out-of-state or international influence have grown too large and that states should regain more control; some members noted concerns about the rhetoric around ActBlue and other groups but still supported the memorial’s general purpose. SCM 1003 received a unanimous do pass recommendation.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Foreign Intelligence right.
- amendments in order S1 1318 the Foreign amendments in order S1 1318 the Foreign Intelligence<00:
- The Foreign American producers.
- The Foreign Intelligence basis.
- Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, foreign national is an individual Well, foreign national is an individual Well, foreign national
- were defined as a foreign national? were defined as a foreign national?
- the bank if it's written on a foreign the bank if it's written on a foreign from a foreign bank cuz
- So you're you're not out soliciting foreign national soliciting foreign national soliciting foreign national
- But when I look at uh foreign national when I look at uh foreign national when I look at uh foreign national
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-03 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It bans gifts to public officials and employees from foreign countries of concern and designated foreign
- government or designated foreign terrorist organization.
- The subject and scope of House Bill 905 is to establish a framework to limit foreign influence by foreign
- Representative, do you agree that no foreign legal doctrine, and...
- It is no longer foreign actors across the ocean.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for former member Chester Clem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum confirmation. Members then adopted the special order report for the day and approved a Rules and Ethics Committee report amending House Rule 15.3 to allow fundraising under certain circumstances during extended or special sessions.
The chamber then took up several bills. HB 1405 on a statewide project for missing persons with special needs passed unanimously. CS/CS/CS/SB 290, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, passed 94-10 after debate focused on conservation land surplus procedures and agricultural use of state lands. CS/CS/CS/HB 905, the “Fire Act” on foreign influence, foreign gifts, critical infrastructure, sister city agreements, and related restrictions, passed 80-20 after the House adopted an amendment adding a prohibition on certain surrogacy contracts involving citizens or residents of foreign countries of concern. CS/CS/HB 1197, dealing with information technology procurement and contracting, passed 109-0. HB 1103 on local administration of vessel restrictions passed unanimously.
The House also debated CS/CS/CS/HB 399 on land use and development regulations. Supporters said it would limit development fees, standardize compatibility rules, allow manufactured homes in RV parks, and lower voting thresholds for comprehensive plan changes to address housing affordability; opponents argued it would preempt local control, weaken voter-approved urban boundary protections, and risk conservation lands. An amendment to preserve Orange County’s boundary rules failed, while a technical amendment on manufactured homes passed. The bill then passed 71-38. The House also passed several local bills, including measures for the Pace Fire Rescue District, Avalon Beach/Mulat Fire Protection District, East Point Water and Sewer District, Fellsmere Water Control District, and Headwaters Water Control District, with votes ranging from 83-27 to unanimous approval. The transcript also included farewell remarks from Representative Angie Nixon before the House returned to remaining business.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nominations of Warren Stephens, of Arkansas, to be Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Thomas Barrack, of Colorado, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey, Tilman Fertitta, of Apr 9th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Foreign Relations Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- That term can target foreign propaganda worth fighting for. But these efforts lost their purpose.
- President Trump has presented a clear foreign policy agenda for the American people, and its lodestar
- Donato, to talk about foreign military sales. You and I have discussed this before.
- That provides important foreign assistance throughout the world.
- If we see foreign propaganda from China or Iran, we'll call it out. And we'll say it.
Keywords:
Senator Flinstone, HB22, SB4, amendments, public testimony, legislation, environmental impact, economic implications
Summary:
The meeting featured a thorough examination of various bills, including substantial discussions on HB22 and SB4. Key points included amendments proposed by committee members, particularly from Senator Flinstone, who emphasized the need for clarifications on certain provisions. The committee actively engaged with several witnesses providing public testimony, some in favor of the proposed legislation while others highlighted concerns and potential implications. The discussions were vibrant, showcasing different perspectives, especially on the environmental and economic impacts of the bills in question. The meeting concluded with a consensus to reconvene after a recess to further address the outstanding issues related to the bills.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, July 17, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:37:29.440>
or House to the highest bidder, foreign or House to the highest bidder, foreign - <00:55:18.319>
Foreign Donald Trump's net worth. Foreign Donald Trump's net worth. - without seating ground to foreign without seating ground to foreign countries.<01:13:51.840>
- Do you know what foreign government.
- opportunity to limit foreign influence. opportunity to limit foreign influence.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, April 30, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:47:52.640>
Foreign unmistakably clear. Foreign unmistakably clear. - The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is a fine tool for foreign intelligence.
- on foreign soil. on foreign soil.
- Foreign agents on foreign soil. It says nothing about U.S. citizens, U.S. persons on U.S. soil.
- Foreign agents on foreign soil. It says nothing about U.S. citizens, U.S. persons on U.S. soil.