Transcript Highlights:

• Natural Resources Committee, including as chair, Representative Grijalva was a national leader in environmental
• initiatives such as the Migrant Health Start, middle school advocacy, just migration reform, and the Environmental
• initiatives such as the Migrant Health Start, middle school advocacy, just migration reform, and the Environmental

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• committee, we have on our agenda is the gubernatorial appointment of Clayton Steele to the Board of Environmental
• Well, I've worked in environmental for like 25 years. About half of that was at DEQ in Lewiston.
• I've been working in environmental for like 25 years, and I've been on the board now for a couple of

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee first considered the gubernatorial reappointment of Clayton Steele to the Board of Environmental Quality. Steele described his background in environmental work at DEQ and Clearwater Paper, his experience with air quality and rulemaking, and said he brings a balance of public- and private-sector perspectives to the board. Senators asked about major challenges, including a contested case involving Perpetua, and whether his employment created any conflicts of interest; Steele said he had not encountered conflicts. The committee thanked him and indicated the vote on his reappointment would likely occur at the next meeting. The committee then received a Legislative Services Office presentation on the Department of Health and Welfare budget, with emphasis on non-Medicaid programs. LSO analysts reviewed the department’s staffing, expenditures, and the state budget process, then outlined FY 2027 requests. Highlights included no-change maintenance budgets for Youth Safety and Permanency, Licensing and Certification, Substance Abuse Services, and the independent councils; a $16 million one-time federal request for Idaho Child Care Program capacity plus ongoing staffing for program integrity; a $600,000 ongoing general fund request for court-ordered evaluation and treatment; $180,000 for the Kinship Navigation Grant; $4.2 million for the Idaho Home Visiting Program; and a larger ongoing dedicated-fund request for the Immunization Assessment Fund, along with ARPA grant funding scheduled to sunset. Members asked several questions about the Home Visiting Program, including the source of the $1 million general fund transfer and whether it was being counted toward the department’s 3% holdback. The chair explained the program’s history as a prevention effort and expressed concern about the department’s treatment of the pass-through funds. The presentation also covered Division of Welfare requests tied to H.R. 1, including a $4.3 million general fund shift for SNAP administration, $1.8 million for Medicaid expansion work requirements, and a one-time $1.9 million eligibility system change. Mental health and psychiatric hospitalization budgets were noted as decreasing on the general fund side while relying more on dedicated endowment funds. Finally, LSO outlined the Rural Health Transformation Program, a new federal grant under H.R. 1. Idaho received $925 million over five years, with an initial $185.9 million award, and the governor recommended a FY 2026 supplemental and FY 2027 enhancement to begin implementation, including 12 limited-service FTPs, $1.3 million ongoing personnel costs, and $294 million one-time for program activities. Senators asked about allowable uses, timelines, tribal participation, and oversight, and the chair noted additional legislative proposals would be coming. The committee adjourned after indicating it would meet again the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• committee, we have on our agenda the gubernatorial appointment of Clayton Steele to the Board of Environmental
• Well, I've worked in environmental for like 25 years. About half of that was at DEQ in Lewiston.
• I've been working in environmental for like 25 years, and I've been on the board now for a couple of

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• really gets to some of the requirements around establishing data quality standards, considering environmental
• Great, thank you, Katie. establishing data quality standards considering environmental impacts and identifying
• So there's also a huge environmental impact of training your own models.

Committee: House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That approval relied on an addendum to an existing environmental impact report certified in 2005 for
• The Gypson Canyon site has already undergone thorough environmental review with an environmental impact

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs heard four bills after briefly opening as a subcommittee due to a lack of quorum. AB 571 by Assembly Member Quirk-Silva proposed a targeted CEQA exemption and urgency clause to help move forward the Southern California Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon in Anaheim. Supporters, including the Orange County Board of Supervisors, veterans organizations, and county veterans service officers, said the project has broad local backing, significant funding, and has been delayed for more than a decade; there was no opposition testimony. The committee later voted the bill out on a unanimous 8-0 vote to Appropriations. AB 1412 by Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez would require school districts to implement a transferring special education student’s IEP within 30 days of receiving records from out of state, coordinate with parents and prior schools, and accept unofficial records pending validation. The author and a Department of Defense witness said military-connected children with special needs often face harmful delays when families move, while the Association of California School Administrators registered opposition and said it was working with the author on clarifying concerns. The bill passed 8-0 to Appropriations. AB 1433 by Assembly Member Sharp-Collins sought to expand eligibility for student support funding at non-credit centers and stand-alone community college institutions, especially those serving veterans and other non-traditional students. Support came from San Diego College of Continuing Education, Calbright College, the Department of Defense, and several students and staff who described non-credit programs as important pathways to jobs, certifications, and veteran transition support; there was no opposition. The committee approved the bill 8-0 to Appropriations. The consent item, AB 1346 by Assembly Member DeMaio, was also moved out on a unanimous vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Referred to the Committee on Environmental Regulation.
• legislature for an unannounced inspection of a concrete batch plant by the Texas Commission on Environmental
• Quality, referred to the Committee on Environmental Regulation.

Summary: The House met for first reading and referral of a large number of bills and joint resolutions, with no substantive debate on the measures themselves. The filings covered a broad range of topics, including agency rulemaking and regulatory deference, occupational licensing reciprocity, business entities, eviction procedures, higher education, public education, health care, elections and voting procedures, criminal justice, property tax and appraisal issues, transportation, agriculture, energy, and local government authority. Several proposals also addressed constitutional amendments on matters such as Medicaid expansion, property tax limits, quorum and special-session rules, voting citizenship proof, parental rights, reproductive autonomy, and state funding allocations. Many of the measures focused on education, public health, and election administration. Examples included bills on financial literacy in schools, school nurses and librarians, student meal debt policies, suicide prevention notices, menstrual products, and community-based learning programs, as well as election-related bills on voter registration, disability access, ballot corrections, political advertising, and voting equipment or procedures. Other notable bills dealt with housing and property issues, including evictions, homestead tax exemptions, and land ownership, along with criminal justice measures involving sentencing, juror challenges, trafficking-related nondisclosure, and firearm reporting or transfer restrictions. The House also referred a set of resolutions to the Local and Consent Calendars Committee. At the end of the proceedings, Mr. Bell moved that the House adjourn until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday in memory of James Edward Cook of Eustace, Texas. There was no objection, and the House adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know they're pretty aggressive in how they manage their waterways and very environmentally aware and
• I know they're pretty aggressive in how they manage their waterways and very environmentally aware and
• competent. and very environmentally aware and competent.

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources received a presentation from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on derelict vessels, enforcement challenges, and a long-term stored vessel study. FWC reported about 1,040 derelict vessels currently in its database, with roughly 600 new cases entering each year, and noted that hurricanes account for a large share of recent cases. The agency explained the legal definition of derelict vessels, the environmental and navigation hazards they create, and its enforcement process, including investigation, notice to owners, administrative hearings, removal authorization, and recovery of costs through registration holds. FWC also described prevention efforts such as at-risk vessel enforcement, nuisance vessel designations, public awareness campaigns, and the vessel turn-in program, which has received more than 250 applications and removed more than 145 vessels since rollout. Committee members asked about owner resistance to removal, rapid-response options for hazardous vessels, county differences in derelict vessel numbers, and how local governments participate. FWC said only a small percentage of owners contest removals, that the agency relies on contractors and does not generally have its own removal equipment, and that local governments may conduct removals with their own funding but must still provide due process. Members also asked where removed vessels go; FWC said they are taken to landfills, with recyclable materials recovered, and that storage is used only when necessary for public safety because it is costly. The presentation also highlighted the long-term stored vessel study, which found a strong correlation between long-term anchored vessels and later derelict vessels, especially in Monroe County. No votes were taken on the presentation, and the committee adjourned after Senator Errington moved to adjourn and there was no objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:12:12.560><c> so</c><00:12:12.800><c> it's</c><00:12:13.279><c> uh</c> update it environmentally
• so it's uh update it environmentally so it's uh makes<00:12:14.160><c> more</c><00:12:14.320><c> sense
• Um, which, uh, you know, may include looking at bonding, financing programs within the community or the
• Um, which, uh, you know, may include looking at bonding, financing programs within the community or the
• Um, which, uh, you know, may include looking at bonding, financing programs within the community or the

Committee: Joint Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Environmental factors prescriptive to a county with a population of more than 2 million people and has
• educational programs focused on research-based crop production, evaluation of technologies, and environmental

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Summary: The House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock met with a quorum present and heard testimony on House Bill 5085, which would create a report on the impacts of seed banks and seed preservation, especially as they relate to food access, biodiversity, disaster recovery, and education. Representative Gervin Hawkins presented the bill, citing examples such as the Bastrop wildfire and the role of seed banking in restoring ecosystems and supporting food security. No one testified against the bill, and the author closed after questions. The committee then voted to report HB 5085 favorably to the full House without amendment, with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion passed on a 6-3 vote. The committee also considered Senate Bill 1035, with a committee substitute adopted that made a minor wording change from "or" to "and." SB 1035, which creates a legal pathway for agricultural operators to challenge unlawful local regulations and recover court costs and attorneys' fees, was reported favorably on a 9-0 vote. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 2155, which implements TDLR recommendations to modernize the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners by improving licensing, complaint resolution, and enforcement processes. The bill was reported favorably to the full House without amendment on a 9-0 vote. After disposing of these items, the committee adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• preservation by creating a report. on the impact of seed banks and seed preservation on access to food, environmental
• It evaluates technologies and environmental stewardship, which impacts our measured economic. economically

Bills: HB5085

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Keywords: seed banks, food access, environment, biodiversity, agriculture policy, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Another admin bill relating to the University of Hawaiʻi revenue bonds.
• To issue<01:40:40.480><c> those</c><01:40:40.639><c> bonds.
• We can't do it on our issue those bonds. We can't do it on our own. own. own.
• Next bill, House Bill 2339, relating to University of Hawaiʻi revenue bonds.
• House Bill 2339, relating to University of Hawaiʻi revenue bonds.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on HB 1872, which would create an early learning apprenticeship grant program to help early childhood providers participate in approved apprenticeship programs, require annual reporting, and appropriate funds. Testifiers in support included the University of Hawaiʻi, the Executive Office on Early Learning, the City and County of Honolulu, Commit to Keiki, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, the Commission on the Status of Women, Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network Speaks, Parents for Public Schools of Hawaiʻi, and Kīʻoka Family Learning Centers. Supporters said the bill would reduce financial barriers, strengthen recruitment and retention, improve compensation and career pathways, and help address child care shortages and workforce instability. The committee then voted to pass HB 1872 with amendments, including an HD1 and a defective date to allow further discussion. The committee next took up HB 2489, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaiʻi to establish a bachelor’s degree program in American Sign Language interpretation, with a longer-term plan for a master’s program. Testimony in support came from the Disability Communication Access Board and the University of Hawaiʻi, and members also heard detailed support from DECAP and other advocates describing a statewide shortage of ASL interpreters, long waiting lists for ASL courses, and the need for locally trained interpreters who understand Hawaiʻi’s cultural and community needs. Witnesses said the shortage affects schools, courts, hospitals, emergency services, and other settings, and that the program could be expanded through articulation with other campuses. The committee voted to pass HB 2489 with amendments, again using an HD1 and defective date. After those two measures, the committee moved to HB 441 on campus safety, which would require students, including transfer students, to complete training on federal laws and university policies regarding sexual misconduct before initial registration and would change how often training is provided to students and employees. The University of Hawaiʻi stood on its written testimony, while supporters including IMUA Alliance and other testifiers urged passage, citing survivor experiences, national best practices, and the need for prevention before harm occurs. No vote on HB 441 was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Actually, this is to authorize the university to issue revenue bonds.
• There are no projects of the University that have yet been identified as candidates for revenue bonds
• as candidates for revenue bonds however as candidates for revenue bonds however um<01:38:15.639><c> there
• Revenue bonds could be part of the solution.
• Senate Bill 1487, relating to the University revenue bonds.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The hearing covered Senate Bill 426, which would create an early learning apprenticeship grant program. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive from the City and County of Honolulu, the Department of Human Services, the Executive Office on Early Learning, the University of Hawaiʻi College of Education, the Attorney General’s office, the Early Childhood Action Strategy, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, the University of Hawaiʻi’s early childhood educator project, and a Zoom testifier who described the importance of investing in high-quality early childhood education. Committee discussion focused on the program’s estimated cost, with figures of about $14.5 million in 2025-26 and $15 million in 2026-27, and on whether the program would require ongoing base-budget funding. The committee recommended technical, non-substantive amendments, including a statewide-concern amendment and a deferred effective date, and both committees adopted the recommendation by vote. The committees then heard Senate Bill 1622, which would appropriate funds to establish the Aloha Intelligence Institute within the University of Hawaiʻi to support statewide artificial intelligence initiatives. University representatives described the proposal as the product of campus-wide input and outlined five pillars: governance and policy, outreach and engagement, research and development, workforce development, and AI tools for key sectors such as health care, creative industries, manufacturing, data science, astronomy, and climate change. Members questioned staffing distribution, tuition, enrollment timing, housing, campus placement, and whether positions would be permanent or temporary; the university said it planned about 10 positions across campuses, would start with internal resources, and would house the effort under the Vice President for Research and Innovation initially. The committees recommended an SD1 with the appropriation amounts blanked out, a July 31, 2050 effective date, and committee-report language on housing and West Oʻahu, and the higher education and labor/technology committees adopted the amended recommendation. Finally, the Higher Education Committee took up Senate Bill 1488, a housekeeping measure to consolidate existing University of Hawaiʻi conference center statutes into a single revolving fund structure, and Senate Bill 636, which would fund retention and internship coordinator positions and broader enrollment management efforts at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. SB 1488 drew university support and no opposition. SB 636 prompted substantial questioning about Hilo’s declining enrollment, current retention rate of 72.8 percent, and the scope of the request, which includes not only two named positions but also about $432,000 for enrollment management initiatives such as data analysis, IT support, and other student services. Hilo said it is targeting 3 to 5 percent annual enrollment growth and that the positions would support recruitment, retention, internships, and data-driven enrollment strategy. The committee pressed for a clearer broader plan, but the discussion in the transcript ended before a final vote on SB 636 was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next bill, S 1377 by myself, Senator Serrano, enacts a legislative task force on outdoor environmental
• Enacts a legislative task force on outdoor environmental education and recreation that will benefit residents

Committee: Senate Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks And Recreation

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation met on February 4, 2026, with a quorum present and voting sheets received from members. Senator Serrano chaired the meeting and noted attendance from Senators Baskin, Tedisco, Helming, Cooney, and Scarcella-Spanton. The committee took up a five-bill agenda focused on arts, parks, outdoor education, and snowmobile safety. The committee reported several bills: S.115A, which would increase access to resources for culturally diverse arts and cultural organizations; S.1062, creating an arts and cultural history initiative; S.1067A, establishing a New York State Park Adopt-a-Trail Stewardship Program and fund; and S.1377, creating a legislative task force on outdoor environmental education and recreation. Each was moved, seconded, and approved without opposition, though S.115A received without-recommendation votes from Senators Helming and Tedisco. S.1067A was reported to the finance committee. The final bill, S.3256A by Senator Cooney, would increase penalties for operating a snowmobile while intoxicated. Senator Cooney described the measure as a response to a fatal constituent incident and said it would align snowmobile intoxication penalties with those for other vehicles. The chair and other members expressed support, and the bill was reported unanimously. Senator Serrano also announced that Arts Day would return on February 10, as a forum for arts community panels.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, this bill was challenged in our committee first due to the environmental relevance involved
• The environmental relevance involved in the bill is just part of the step with it.

Bills: HB422

Committee: House Local Legislation

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Terry Bond. Very good. If you’ll raise your right hand, please.
• </c><01:03:55.160><c> Bond</c><01:03:55.440><c> Jr.
• Bond Jr. I'm a my name is Terry L. Bond Jr.
• </c> years or the date the bonds are retired. years or the date the bonds are retired.
• And 20 years is a general rule of thumb for how long bonds should be issued out in the place.

Committee: House Appropriations & Revenue

Keywords: An issue was found with the live stream of this meeting. This version was uploaded as a complete version and should contain the entirety of the meeting. Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:15 HB 647 Discussion 00:02:00 HB 647 Vote 00:05:47 HB 501 Discussion 00:07:40 HB 501 Vote 00:09:53 HB 502 Discussion 00:11:20 HB 502 Vote 00:14:48 HJR 75 Discussion 00:16:53 HJR 75 Vote 00:17:35 HJR 76 Discussion 00:19:00 HJR 76 Vote 00:19:43 HB 869 Discussion 00:21:22 HB 869 Vote 00:30:00 HB 619 Discussion 00:31:39 HB 619 Vote 00:34:33 HB 356 Discussion 00:36:22 HB 356 Vote 00:40:19 HB 900 Discussion 00:43:17 HB 900 Vote 00:46:21 HB 816 Discussion 00:48:02 HB 816 Vote 00:53:47 HB 9 Discussion 00:55:05 HB 9 Vote 01:18:25 HB 757 Discussion 01:21:04 HB 757 Vote 01:35:55, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it looks like it's going to be Environmental Services and Transportation.
• I'm the assistant commissioner at the Department of Environmental Services.
• </c><01:38:08.560><c> services</c><01:38:09.520><c> and</c> be environmental services and be environmental
• </c> hear from Transportation Environmental hear from Transportation Environmental Services<01:38:14.159
• </c><01:39:09.199><c> Services</c> the Department of Environmental Services the Department of Environmental

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• creates good-paying jobs, builds out the supply chain for low-carbon fuels, and delivers meaningful environmental
• We're going to turn that homegrown innovation into real economic opportunity and endurable environmental
• Thank you, Senator Putnam. ...meaningful environmental benefits, reducing our life-cycle greenhouse gas
• We're going to turn that homegrown innovation into real economic opportunity and endurable environmental
• and we're going to turn that homegrown innovation into real economic opportunity and endurable environmental

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senate Tax Committee members presented a tax omnibus bill they said was a bipartisan effort aimed at making life more affordable and responding to federal policy changes they argued are increasing costs and harming Minnesota families, communities, farmers, and businesses. Chair Rest and other senators described the bill as a response to federal cuts to health care and food support, and said it also complements other Senate action on health and human services. Key provisions highlighted included a 12% increase in property tax refunds for homeowners, described as more than $100 million in direct relief; a $2 million provision related to Operation Metro Transit; a new health care sales tax in Hennepin County to replace an expiring local sales tax and help stabilize hospitals such as HCMC and North Memorial, with funds for uncompensated care and facility upkeep; and a social media tax on the largest platforms, which supporters said would raise revenue without affecting Minnesota residents. Senators also emphasized a sustainable aviation fuel credit, framed as a climate and economic development measure that could support in-state production and agricultural feedstocks. Members also discussed agricultural provisions, including lifting the cap on the beginning farmer tax credit extension and updating homestead-related rules, saying these changes would help farm transitions and reflect current conditions. Another property tax change would increase the market value exclusion for disabled veterans. No formal vote was taken in the transcript, but senators said the bill had been passed to the floor and they were waiting for leadership to schedule it, while noting the House had not yet taken similar action.

Transcript Highlights:

• mental health benefits that access to open spaces offers, as well as the lifelong lessons that environmental
• AS WELL AS THE LIFE-LONG LESSONS THAT ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP, I would like to thank our parks friends
• But this bill, what it would do, it would prohibit the importation and the environmentally damaging octopus
• IT WOULD PROHIBIT THE IMPORTATION AND THE ENVIRONMENTALLY-DAMAGING OCTOPUS FARMING.
• over. >> Calendar 737, Senate Print 9311, Senator Persaud, an act directing the Department of Environmental

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and adopted a resolution calendar with several exceptions before taking up a series of ceremonial resolutions and bills. Members welcomed student visitors from the YWCA of White Plains’ Voices Unfiltered Policy Program, then adopted resolutions honoring Senegalese independence and the Senegalese community, MWBE Advocacy Day, John Coltrane’s 100th birthday, the Sing Sing Prison Museum, I Love My Park Day, Animal Advocacy Day, Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month, and Denim Day. Speakers emphasized cultural recognition, public service, environmental stewardship, animal welfare, rare disease awareness, and support for survivors of sexual violence; each resolution was adopted. The chamber then moved through the regular calendar, passing a number of bills on broad roll-call votes. Among the measures approved were bills amending the Penal Law, Executive Law, Public Housing Law, Retirement and Social Security Law, Social Services Law, Environmental Conservation Law, General Municipal Law, Railroad Law, Election Law, Labor Law, and Public Service Law. Several bills passed unanimously or nearly so, while a few drew notable opposition, including a public health measure that passed 39-19 and the labor-related bill on ghost job postings that passed 39-19 after extended debate. The most detailed floor debate centered on the Labor Law bill addressing “ghost jobs,” requiring employers with 100 or more employees to disclose whether postings are for current vacancies, expected future openings, or general resume collection, with Department of Labor enforcement and civil penalties. Supporters argued it would protect job seekers from deceptive postings; opponents said it was unnecessary, burdensome, and could invite litigation or penalties disproportionate to the problem. The Senate also debated and passed a bill expanding election-language assistance under the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act to Haitian Creole and Middle Eastern and North African communities, with supporters citing growing language-access needs and opponents raising concerns about scope and local costs. The Senate then adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the ones I did want to highlight was just the environmental impact.
• The FAA has asked us to update the environmental impact for both the reason that it's old and for the
• Limiting environmental review, because allowing housing in already developed areas is extremely environmentally
• states of California and Washington, two of the most liberal states in the country, passed limited environmental

Committee: House Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Department's physical footprint, provide management of military installations worldwide, and coordinate environmental
• our military installations remain strong, our energy policies support mission success, and our environmental
• And environmental issues that still must be addressed.
• resuming explosive testing at the Nevada National Security Site would risk severe economic and environmental
• And the environmental impact, of course, would be very important and impactful to the citizens of Nevada

Committees: Senate Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee , Senate SeaPower Subcommittee , Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces , Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: national security, nuclear energy, Department of Defense, military readiness, public commentary, nominations

Summary: The meeting convened with a focus on the scrutiny of various nominations and their implications for national security. Mr. Brandon Williams was nominated as the Undersecretary of Energy for Nuclear Security, drawing attention to the pressing need to modernize the U.S. nuclear arsenal amid growing threats from other countries. This was echoed in discussions led by committee members who expressed concern over military readiness and the management of military installations, with emphasis on ensuring accountability within the Department of Defense. Public commentary was notably supportive of the nominations, although some concerns were raised regarding the administration's broader strategies.