Video & Transcript Research : 'border security'
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NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Nov 6th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- New Mexico is reserving secure confinement in CYFD secure facilities for more severe offenses.
- Page 23: Why are the secure facilities not fully staffed?
- What's the reason for not fully staffing our secure facilities?
- On secure alternatives or those kinds of things.
- So it's a three-year contract, but funding has only been secured through 2026.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 03/19/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- , information technology, cyber security, information technology, cyber security, healthcare<00:03
- communities by helping families secure communities by helping families secure quality<00:48:42.079
- secure capital when they want to expand. secure capital when they want to expand.
- <01:10:34.640>
stable individuals in recovery secure stable individuals in recovery secure - half of our participants have secured half of our participants have secured stable<01:14:38.080>
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Capital Project Overview Committee (06/30/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- It's going to be a secure garage. It's going to be a secure facility.
- It's going to be a secure garage. It's going to be a secure facility.
- It's going to be a secure garage.
- <00:09:13.839>
So, about it being a secure facility. - So, about it being a secure facility.
Summary:
The Capital Project Overview Committee approved the minutes from its February 24 meeting and then received a briefing on the legislative parking garage from Terry Poff, Chief Operating Officer for the General Court. He reported that the pre-stressed concrete garage, being built with panels fabricated by Unistress in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, remains on schedule, with erection expected in late July through August and functional occupancy targeted for March 17, 2026. He said the garage will provide 409 spaces, security cameras, a communications repeater, and a maintenance plan developed from the outset. In response to questions, he explained nearby street excavation is for drainage vaults and oil-water separators, and that temporary closures will be needed during panel deliveries. He also said the garage was designed with future EV charging infrastructure in mind, but current charging stations would need to be located outside the secure facility; he has begun discussions with city officials about possible curbside charging options.
The committee then heard and approved a $754,000 capital request for Cannon Mountain/Franconia Notch State Park maintenance projects. The request, recommended by the Cannon Mountain Advisory Commission, covers lodge exterior repairs, lift maintenance, snowmaking pipe replacements and pump controls, and equipment purchases to improve maintenance operations. The committee approved the item after brief discussion.
Next, the Department of Transportation presented two toll-credit requests. The first, CAP 250007, sought toll credits to support transportation planning, regional planning commissions, GIS and asset-management work, and related federal planning requirements; members asked about coordination with Granite data and the effect of a prior budget decision on regional planning officers, and staff said the request would not affect the regular federally funded program. The committee approved the item. The second, CAP 25010, sought $245,000 in toll credits for bus terminal improvements, regional mobility management, a statewide transit assessment, and an intercity bus pilot intended to connect Keene with southern New Hampshire or Concord. Members asked about the subsidy structure and ridership reporting; staff said the intercity service would be a net-cost subsidy and agreed to provide updated ridership and route information. The committee approved this item as well.
At the end of the meeting, the committee noted that a quarterly capital projects report from DAS and the community college system was informational only, and members opted not to hear a separate presentation that day. The next meeting was set for September 29 at 9:00 a.m., with a request to invite HHS to discuss closed-loop referral system projects. Members also asked for future updates on the planned sale of the Cenuunu Center, and the committee adjourned after a motion carried.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- be reported out favorably to ensure that these employees are recognized and granted the same job security
- If you're not under Social Security and Medicare, we are in the position of receiving our health care
- At Social Security, phone calls were put on hold, and several times for over an hour.
- employee who arranged for her to finally have an in-person meeting at the Social Security office.
- You have the opportunity to provide us with financial security, so when we face those calamities, we're
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a wide range of bills affecting public employees, retirees, and public safety personnel. Early testimony focused on House Bill 2859, which would make Massachusetts Department of Correction industrial instructors permanent civil service employees after years of provisional status, and House Bill 2995, which would reduce the Boston Fire Cadet Program service requirement from two years to one year. Supporters of the Boston fire cadet bill argued it would improve equity, expand opportunities for Boston residents, and help diversify the Boston Fire Department; committee members asked about the current makeup of academy classes and the effect of a hybrid model, and the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association was described as neutral on a separate age-related police bill.
The committee also heard several proposals related to post-retirement earnings and civil service rules for police and fire retirees. Testimony supported bills including H. 2903 and H. 2966, which would loosen earnings limits for retired public safety workers returning to work, and related measures affecting civil service exemptions and professional services for retirement boards. Speakers argued the current limits are confusing, discourage experienced workers from filling needed municipal jobs, and can create safety issues on public works and construction sites. One witness from Worcester Police supported raising the police academy age limit from 32 to 39 to improve recruitment, especially in BIPOC communities, while Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata supported a separate bill to raise the Boston Police Academy age cap from 39 to 45.
A substantial portion of the hearing was devoted to H. 2812 and S. 1817, which would increase the pension COLA base from $13,000 to $18,000 and freeze certain retiree health insurance contribution rates, with additional testimony about capping out-of-pocket health costs for some retirees. Educators and union representatives said the current COLA structure has eroded pension value and leaves retirees struggling with rising costs, while one witness described long delays and confusion in navigating retiree health coverage. The committee took no substantive votes on the bills during the hearing and adjourned after hearing all testimony.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Ethics and Elections Jan 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I now serve as Vice President of American Global Strategies and a National Security Affairs Fellow at
- Under China's national security law and the national intelligence law, Chinese citizens and corporations
- are mandated by law to support the Ministry of State Security, their equivalent of the CIA and FBI combined
- vulnerabilities for its users, and relies on a model that covertly ...creates security vulnerabilities
- Lastly, Section 14 prohibits the use of state funds to purchase or deploy surveillance or security cameras
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 1178, the Foreign Interference Restriction and Enforcement Act. Senator Grohl explained that the bill expands state restrictions and disclosure requirements related to foreign countries of concern and designated foreign terrorist organizations, including foreign-agent registration, gift bans for public officials, ethics training, procurement limits for IT and critical infrastructure, restrictions on sister-city/sister-state affiliations, changes to linkage institutes and in-state tuition provisions, and new criminal penalties for certain offenses committed to benefit foreign governments or terrorist organizations. Senator Polsky raised questions about higher education, election technology, federal FARA overlap, and whether the bill would affect candidates or events involving CARE; the sponsor responded that the bill focuses on foreign countries of concern, ownership/control, and gifts, and does not prohibit speaking at events. An amendment clarifying definitions, willful violations, and ethics-training content was adopted, and after supportive testimony from Kelly Curry and Robert Pierce, the committee reported CS for SB 1178 favorably.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 1622, which provides a one-time waiver of the automatic fine for a late-filed financial disclosure if the filing is made before the maximum fine accrues and the filer has not previously received such a waiver or accrued the maximum fine in prior years. Carrie Stillman of the Commission on Ethics testified that the bill supports transparency and makes the fine and appeals process more efficient, noting it was a commission recommendation. The bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee held confirmation hearings on appointments in Tabs 3 through 26. No senator requested separate votes on any appointee, no public testimony was offered, and the block of appointments was approved and recommended favorably to the full Senate.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- The state energy security plan is a federal requirement of the U.S.
- In 2015, MNERD's energy security program significantly expanded its work across the state.
- We never did Homeland Security, and then we got water. I'm sorry. All right.
- I'm the LFC analyst for the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
- We worked really hard in the last several years to secure federal funding.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- create an equitable society in which women and girls can fully participate through their economic security
- peace officer to request and render aid for an injured person referred the committee on homeland security
- Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs.
- conviction or release or detained of those arrested individuals refer the Committee of Homeland Security
- Notice of requirement to refer to the Committee on Homeland Security.
Bills:
HCR21, HCR22, HCR23, HCR24, HCR25, HCR26, HCR27, HCR31, HCR41, HCR42, HCR43, HCR44, HCR45, HCR52, HCR53, HCR66, HCR67, HCR73, HR8, HR10, HR13, HR20, HR21, HR50, HR59, HR61, HR71, HR74, HR79, HR84, HR86, HR90, HR91, HR102, HR103, HR107, HR113, HR125, HR126, HR132, HR142, HR145, HR149, HR150, HR152, HR167, HR179, HR181, HR183, HR186, HR192, HR196, HR199, HR207, HR211, HR212, HR213, HR216, HR249, HR256, HR259, HR261, HR263, HR272, HR281, HR285, HR294, HR295, HR300, HR305, HR311, HR313, HR315, HR316, HR323, HR331, HR339, HR340, HR346, HR349, HR352, HR357, HR358, HR360, HR363, HR374, HR377, HCR20, HCR28, HCR30, HCR32, HCR49, HR14, HR15, HR19, HR23, HR24, HR25, HR26, HR27, HR29, HR47, HR48, HR55, HR56, HR66, HR85, HR92, HR93, HR95, HR96, HR140, HR155, HR164, HR204, HR241, HR242, HR250, HR253, HR260, HR262, HR265, HR279, HR310, HR312, HR328, HR332, HR359, HR362, HR367
Keywords:
recognition, award, petroleum industry, leadership, community service, HCR 22, House Concurrent Resolution, Texas Legislature, commendation, honorary resolution, Dr. James Olson, James Olson, University of Texas Permian Basin, UT Permian Basin, psychology professor, 50 years of service, faculty recognition, academic award, Piper Professor Award, Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee May 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Insurance companies have a troubling data security track record.
- and many more across the country that provide safety and security products.
- I shared a similar concern about security information.
- I think in the analysis it talks about a security camera and how...
- Services and the governor's Homeland Security Advisor serving from 2012 to 2023.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills and took up multiple votes. AB 576, dealing with updates to California’s charitable fundraising platform registry after AB 488, was presented as a technical fix to help charities and platforms more quickly update eligible listings; there was no opposition testimony, and the measure was later moved on a due pass basis. AB 1160, on law enforcement drone programs, was presented with proposed amendments requiring U.S.-based data storage and limits on sharing or selling collected data; supporters said it would protect sensitive drone-collected information while preserving affordable drone use, while there was no opposition testimony, and it was also later passed out on a due pass as amended basis. AB 75, which would require insurers to give notice before collecting aerial images of homes and provide homeowners access to those images, drew support from the Department of Insurance and consumer advocates, while insurers opposed it unless amended, arguing aerial imaging is a cost-saving inspection tool and that the bill could worsen availability and affordability; the bill was moved to Appropriations on a due pass basis, with the roll held open for absent members.
The committee spent the most time on AB 325, which would address algorithmic price-fixing and collusion. The author and supporters argued that competitors using the same pricing software or algorithm to set prices can function as collusion even when the agreement is hidden behind code, and cited examples involving housing, frozen potatoes, gas pricing, and other industries. Opponents, including apartment, business, hospital, retail, chamber, and tech groups, said the bill was too broad, could sweep in lawful software and public-data market research, and might chill legitimate pricing tools, especially for small businesses and housing providers. Committee members raised concerns about clarity, intent standards, and whether the bill should focus more narrowly on nonpublic competitor data; despite those concerns, AB 325 was moved to Appropriations on a due pass basis, with the roll held open.
Later, AB 1221 was presented as a workplace surveillance bill that would prohibit certain invasive or discriminatory surveillance tools, require notice to workers, limit sharing of worker data, and require corroborating evidence before discipline based on surveillance outputs. Labor and consumer groups supported the bill, saying modern surveillance technologies can track speech, movement, emotion, and other sensitive traits and can be biased or abusive. The Security Industry Association opposed it, warning that the bill’s broad definitions could restrict legitimate security systems, emergency sharing with first responders, and employer responses to misconduct or unsafe behavior. The transcript cuts off before any final vote on AB 1221 is shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Housing Committee Meeting - 2025-03-26
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- If the committee is interested in supporting the safety and security of Minnesota renters, Homeline is
- I am a very secure person. That's what I do for a living; I work in security.
- You can have security there. You can also have.
- All of a sudden, a lawsuit comes up that you're not providing a secure situation.
- My intent is to add another level of security for people.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 3/17/26
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:04:10.480>
We security staff to act on our behalf. - We security staff to act on our behalf.
- > kicking<00:05:36.960>
the <00:05:37.120>door security desk and kicking the door security - Our assistant man security staff.
- forced to open the apartment's secure forced to open the apartment's secure doors<00:05:47.440><
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Mar 13, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:35:41.440>
any enforcement officer to secure any enforcement officer to secure any entrance - <01:37:27.760>
any regarding the requirement to secure any regarding the requirement to secure - What do we mean by secure? But we try to make every effort to secure it and to notify.
- and we consider it somewhat secure, then I feel we can.
- HPD: We try to secure it as best we can. Our concern with the bill is what we mean by secure.
Summary:
The committee met on March 13, 2025, and took up several firearms and fireworks measures. On SB 227, which would create an illegal fireworks enforcement division in the Department of Law Enforcement and appropriate funds, DLE supported the bill, saying fireworks enforcement has become a full-time job requiring dedicated staff rather than a collateral-duty task force. Members discussed whether the bill and the related task force bill were both needed; DLE said yes, explaining that the new division would provide full-time state employees while the task force funding covers interagency costs such as transportation, storage, overtime, and personnel. Testimony on SB 227 was reported as 12 in support and 6 in opposition.
On SB 222, which would fund the illegal fireworks task force and extend its sunset to June 30, 2030, DLE and the Honolulu Police Department supported the measure, emphasizing continued enforcement pressure and interagency coordination. An opponent from the Libertarian Party of Hawaii argued the bill was a waste of time, criticized fireworks prohibition as cultural overreach, and performed a song in opposition. Representative Shimizu asked about results from the extra enforcement effort, and DLE said enforcement has driven up street prices and made investors think twice, which they described as a goal of pricing people out of the market. The chair reported 13 testimonies in support and 6 in opposition.
The committee then heard SB 1324, a more comprehensive fireworks bill that would revise definitions and penalties, create first- and second-degree fireworks offenses, add infractions, and increase penalties for serious injury or death. DLE and the Attorney General strongly supported it, saying the bill would improve enforcement, address black-market activity, and help prosecutors when fireworks have already exploded and evidence is destroyed. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing existing laws already punish these offenses and that the real issue is enforcement; the office also raised constitutional concerns about the bill’s concurrent civil infraction and criminal trial process. Honolulu Police supported the bill, while the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office said the alternative definitions would help in cases involving exploded versus seized fireworks. The chair noted 17 testimonies in support, 7 in opposition, and 3 comments, and members discussed whether the bill could be amended to address the public defender’s concerns.
The committee also began hearing SB 308, which would expand the state’s magazine-capacity restrictions to firearms with detachable magazines over 30 rounds, with a grandfathering provision for certain magazines obtained before January 1, 2026. DLE supported the bill as a fair balance that would grandfather existing magazines while preventing new high-capacity acquisitions. Opposition testimony from Jerry Yuan of the Pool, Oil, Rifle, and Pistol Club argued the proposal was another shifting restriction and opposed magazine bans generally. The hearing continued with additional testimony not fully captured in the excerpt.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JDC, JDC DEFER Public Hearings 03-24-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- First, critical security resources related to first supplemental armed private security that supplement
- First and critical security resources related to - Thank you. Great, thank you very much.
- The security services funding requested by the Judiciary... Oh, I'm sorry.
- permanently outsource security services.
- permanently outsource security services.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard and acted on several nominations and bills. It first recommended advise and consent for Governor’s Message 573, confirming Luann Blake to the Statewide Elections Accessibility Needs Advisory Committee after she described her experience as a blind voter and her goals of improving outreach and accessibility for voters with print disabilities. The committee then took up the judiciary supplemental budget bill, HB 2095, with testimony from the courts and several supportive organizations. The courts requested funding for security, cybersecurity, substance use treatment contracts, public guardian services, staffing, and capital projects; members questioned the lump-sum CIP request, the substance use contract funding, and the Kamanu Hale elevator project. The committee later voted to pass HB 2095 with amendments, including changes to cybersecurity funding, security-related report language, and other committee-report notes.
The committee also heard HB 1520, which changes the five-year statute of limitations for criminal prosecutions of campaign finance violations to begin upon discovery by the Campaign Spending Commission. The commission supported the bill, saying it would prevent delayed reporting from avoiding prosecution, while one senator raised concerns about due diligence, tolling, and the difference between administrative and criminal enforcement. The bill drew broad support from advocacy groups and was advanced with an amendment clarifying “criminal prosecution.” HB 1548, which reduces the maximum sentence for misdemeanors and other offenses punishable by up to one year to 364 days, received strong support from the Public Defender, immigrant-rights groups, OHA, and others, who said the change would reduce immigration consequences for noncitizens. The committee later amended and passed the bill, limiting it to non-violent offenses.
HB 2050, increasing partial public financing limits and available public funds, was supported by the Campaign Spending Commission and good-government groups, while OHA asked for parity with lieutenant governor races. The committee passed it with amendments increasing the public-fund match and funding levels, and requested additional appropriations in the committee report. HB 2494, which would set factors for warrantless arrests for petty misdemeanors and violations and require documentation of the justification, drew strong support from the Public Defender and civil-liberties advocates but opposition from the Attorney General’s office, prosecutors, police, and some business groups, who warned it would restrict officer discretion and trigger litigation. The committee nevertheless passed it with amendments. In a final decision-making agenda, the committee also passed HB 2250 with amendments, adding blank appropriations and committee-report language related to claims against the state, including claims involving exonerees and a disputed USEPA-related claim.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 3, 2026 - 08:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- I was trying to be careful with taxpayer resources and understanding that FDLE security does come at
- But this is one step in the reflection of the way Florida's moving forward, safety and security, and
- Integrity of these systems is foundational to economic stability and to our national security.
- to purchase or deploy surveillance or security cameras produced by a foreign country of concern.
- So the state solutions have a big impact on national security.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- state retirement systems to study and make recommendations regarding refraining from investing in securities
- Two members representing the banking and security industry appointed by the Senate chairman on commerce
- 9 relative to liability of persons authorized to carry a concealed handgun to provide that armed security
- Something as simple as a properly secure connection, a pin, or a secondary attachment could have saved
- Shows to make sure the law is clear that trailers operated on Louisiana roads must be properly secured
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- CISO, Chief Information Security Officer. Greg Rockstro, our CIO. Jesse. Gutierrez, our Deputy CIO.
- And what that means is, as Madam Secretary has mentioned, is the security and Anna L Cannell.
- We also increase the cyber security.
- One's a secure line, where you can always get out. Another one is just a regular phone.
- And then I'm hesitant about cyber security because I don't know how many years we've had cyber security
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/27/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm also working with MCCD to secure funding.
- c> hearing about cuts to to Social Security hearing about cuts to to Social Security Administration<00
- after I helped her win a social security after I helped her win a social security case<01:12:57.920
- So what happens is they then apply for Social Security.
- is they then apply for Social Security is they then apply for Social Security they<01:25:57.360>
Keywords:
teacher apprenticeship, registered apprenticeship, teacher licensure, teacher shortage, workforce development, education finance, K-12 education, higher education, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, Tier 3 license, teacher preparation, mentor teacher, school district, cooperative unit, teacher pipeline, alternative licensure, apprenticeship program, labor and industry, union representation
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Up next, we’ll see CS for HB 379, Securities, by Representative Barnaby.
- It is my pleasure to present CS for HB 379, Securities, to you today.
- that has been made to our securities laws over the past two sessions.”
- This year’s securities package will amend Chapter 517 of the Florida Statutes...”
- , and exempt securities transactions.
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 703 on utility relocation, as amended by a strike-all. The sponsor said the bill would require government authorities that order communication service providers to move infrastructure to pay the relocation costs, clarify expedited timelines, and align the House bill with the Senate version. Supporters argued the communication services tax should help cover these costs, while cities and counties warned the bill would shift major unfunded costs to local governments and taxpayers, especially in fiscally constrained counties. After public testimony from local government and industry representatives and debate over fairness, coordination, and the tax’s intended use, the committee adopted the strike-all and then passed the bill favorably on a roll call vote.
The committee then heard and passed CS/HB 379, a securities package updating Chapter 517. The bill and conforming amendment made several technical and policy changes, including expanding certain exemptions, updating foreign jurisdiction and exchange considerations, revising merger-and-acquisition broker rules, aligning fingerprinting requirements with FBI standards, and adding protections related to financial exploitation of specified adults. Industry and Office of Financial Regulation witnesses supported the measure, and the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably without opposition.
Next, the committee passed CS/HB 867 establishing the Coastal Link Commuter Rail Service Act to create a legal framework for commuter rail operations along Florida’s coastal corridor and to help Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties secure insurance and indemnification for service on the Florida East Coast Railway right-of-way. The Florida Chamber supported the bill, and it was reported favorably without debate. The committee also passed CS/HB 1161, which revises Florida’s deepfake law to require covered platforms to remove altered sexual depictions and copies upon request by the victim; the bill drew emotional testimony from a student victim and broad support from members, and a severability amendment was adopted before the bill passed unanimously.
The committee then passed CS/HB 453 on pool and spa contractors, which updates Chapter 489 terminology and scope-of-practice rules and, through amendment, limits certain equipment to commercially available products. Finally, the committee passed HB 955 requiring all private employers to use E-Verify for new hires, removing the small-employer exemption. Supporters framed it as workforce integrity and rule-of-law legislation, while opponents warned about labor shortages, burdens on small businesses, and impacts on immigrant workers. After debate, the bill passed 19-3. The committee then began hearing CS/HB 541 on minimum wage requirements, which would allow voluntary waivers of minimum wage for certain internships, pre-apprenticeships, and on-the-job training; the sponsor presented an amendment limiting the duration and clarifying minor waivers, and the committee heard both support from small business groups and opposition from labor, immigrant, and worker advocates before the transcript ended.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
The Push for New Protections for Consumers / Adding MLD to Minnesota’s Newborn Screening Program Mar 10th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- task force I've been involved security task force I've been involved in<00:08:06.159>
all <00: - Are you cyber security, or do you have security baked in?
- are you cyber security or do you<00:09:35.200>
have <00:09:35.519>security <00:09:36.519 - number or their bank number and security number or their bank number and um<00:13:37.160>
we < - Senator that's a Financial Security Senator that's a great<00:22:35.840>
story <00:22:36.120><
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Jan 14th, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security will now come to order.
- . ...veterans, our military, space, and for our law enforcement, domestic security.
- This also resulted in us securing $386 million in obligated public assistance funding.
- from an IT perspective, the more accessible something is, the less secure it is.
- from an IT perspective, the more accessible something is, the less secure it is.
Summary:
The committee held its first meeting of the session, with members introducing themselves and expressing support for veterans, military families, first responders, space industry growth, and domestic security. The first presentation was from the Florida Division of Emergency Management on the 2024 hurricane season and recovery efforts. Officials described response and recovery operations for Hurricanes Debbie, Helene, and Milton, including sheltering, meals, water, tarps, power restoration, flood control, debris removal, and public assistance funding. They emphasized that recovery is ongoing, that mitigation and resiliency investments are critical, and that Florida’s shelter space remains in deficit in many counties, especially for special needs populations. Senators asked about improving logistics capacity, technology for grant processing, HOA/private property debris issues, drainage and culvert maintenance, and ways to expand shelter capacity; the witness said more technology, better local coordination, and county-by-county planning would help, while noting limits on state authority over private property and county emergency manager qualifications.
Committee members praised FDEM’s response and asked how the Legislature could help, including whether more logistical hubs, pumps, and flood-control equipment were needed. The witness said technology investments could reduce fatigue and improve grant and recovery processing, but that manpower would still be necessary. The committee also discussed the statewide emergency shelter plan, the use of schools as shelters, and the need to identify vacant commercial space and other facilities for future sheltering and special-needs needs. The witness said FDEM works with counties and commerce partners to identify available space and uses legislative funding for shelter retrofits and new construction when needed.
The second presentation was from Blue Origin on its Florida operations. The company outlined its work in New Glenn, New Shepard, Blue Ring, lunar landers, and engine production, highlighting its Space Coast presence, more than 3,600 Florida employees, and over $3 billion invested in facilities. Blue Origin also described partnerships with Space Florida, public school Space Academies, internships, SkillBridge, and STEM outreach through Club for the Future. Members asked about the upcoming New Glenn launch window, which the company said was targeted for later that week, and the committee expressed interest in Blue Origin’s role in Florida’s space economy. The meeting ended with no further business and a motion to adjourn, which was adopted.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, February 23, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Investments like this are essential to our national Security.
- That benefits U.S. homeland security.
- First and foremost, this bill will undermine our national security.
- Let's talk about those operational security risks.
- LET'S TALK ABOUT THOSE OPERATIONAL SECURITY RISKS.