Video & Transcript : 'tariff' :
Page 29 of 81
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Business and Commerce Jul 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I think large load tariffs are typically a good indicator of that level playing field.
- So, Ray, you talked about being—you agreed with the tariffs, the exit fees, all those things.
- You use the word tariff when you're talking about the interconnection charge or fee.
- That's just the standard definition of utility practice to call it a certain type of tariff.
- Sure, yes, based on their current tariff. Gotcha. Okay.
Summary:
The Senate Business and Commerce Committee held its third interim hearing on Texas electric grid reliability and 765 kV transmission lines/private property rights. Chair Schwertner opened by noting record ERCOT summer demand of 91,089 MW and emphasized the committee’s focus on managing rapid load growth, ensuring adequate generation, and protecting homeowners, businesses, landowners, and ratepayers. The committee also adopted strict two-minute limits for public testimony and planned to hear invited witnesses first, then public testimony.
PUC Chairman Thomas Gleeson, ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas, and OPUC Chief Counsel Benjamin Barclay testified on Senate Bill 6 implementation, large-load interconnection, transmission cost allocation, and market design. Gleeson said the PUC has adopted or is finalizing rules on net metering/co-location, large load interconnection standards, and a transmission cost recovery rule that would move from 4CP to 12CP, lengthen the interval to 30 minutes, and add a minimum demand charge to better allocate costs to large loads. Vegas explained ERCOT’s new batch process for large loads, saying it provides year-by-year capacity allocations, clearer financial obligations, and a transmission plan; he reported 205 GW eligible for Batch Zero, with 65 GW classified as baseload, 25 GW in an intermediate category, and 114 GW as allocated load. Barclay supported the changes as better protection for residential and small commercial customers, while warning that the minimum demand charge may need an exit-fee concept to address stranded costs if large loads leave.
Members pressed witnesses on whether additional market changes are needed to attract dispatchable thermal generation and whether DRS/DRRS Plus could become a capacity-market substitute. Gleeson and Vegas said the current market still favors solar, batteries, and other low-variable-cost resources, and that more incentives may be needed for gas and other thermal generation; Gleeson said the commission’s reliability standard assessment will begin this year and conclude next year with a 2029 outlook. They described DRS as an ancillary service for intraday reliability and DRS Plus as a proposed real-time revenue mechanism for thermal resources during scarcity, not a forward capacity market. Senators also questioned whether 12CP could still be gamed, whether curtailment authority under SB 6 should be expanded from EEA 2 to earlier stages, and whether the batch process should be bifurcated so traditional industrial loads are handled differently from data centers. Witnesses said the batch process is intended to prevent speculative projects from driving transmission costs, that most large-load projects are data centers, and that future rules may need to better distinguish among types of large loads.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Feb 28th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We have created an economy-wide tariff on energy.
- It's a tariff on gas, and it's a tariff on your grocery bill, and it's a tariff on your utility bill.
- And we wonder why we're struggling to get ahead in Washington State, while we tariff our own state.
- A tariff on energy is a tariff that we cannot absorb over a long period of time and unilaterally disengage
- Given where we are today, given where our economy is, with tariffs, with costs pushed on to states by
Bills:
HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2681 , SB5467 , SB5820 , SB5863 , SB5892 , SCR8406 , HB2487 , HB2711 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5995 , SB6278
Keywords:
behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Feb 28th, 2026
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We have created an economy-wide tariff on energy.
- It's a tariff on gas, and it's a tariff on your grocery bill, and it's a tariff on your utility bill.
- And we wonder why we're struggling to get ahead in Washington State while we tariff our own state.
- A tariff on energy is a tariff that we cannot absorb over a long period of time and unilaterally disengage
- Given where we are today, given where our economy is, with tariffs, with costs pushed on to states by
Bills:
HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2681 , SB5467 , SB5820 , SB5863 , SB5892 , SCR8406 , HB2487 , HB2711 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5995 , SB6278
Summary:
The House convened, established a quorum, approved the prior day’s minutes, and then moved through caucuses and a series of transportation, elections, energy, historical records, cannabis, abortion-access, and fiscal bills. Members repeatedly emphasized that several measures were supplemental or technical updates to existing law, while others involved larger policy disputes over taxes, fees, clean energy, election security, and reproductive health. The chamber also received Senate messages on other bills and briefly recessed for caucus during the day.
The most prominent action was final passage of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6005, the supplemental transportation budget, after adopting a technical amendment and a larger striker amendment. Supporters highlighted preservation and maintenance funding, rail investments, ferry maintenance, road safety, and continued work on major projects statewide; opponents largely reserved comments or noted concerns about future needs. The House passed the bill 93-0 with five excused. The House also passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711 on transportation resources, after adopting a technical amendment that removed the aircraft tax and delayed an RV-related tax change; supporters said it protected businesses and jobs, while opponents objected to trade-in treatment and other tax changes. That bill passed 83-10.
On elections, the House considered Senate Bill 5892 to protect the voter registration database. An amendment to reduce penalties from a felony to a civil infraction and remove the emergency clause failed, while the committee amendment passed 50-34. Supporters said the bill was needed to safeguard sensitive voter data and clarify access; opponents argued it created conflicts with federal law and imposed excessive penalties on local election officials. The bill then passed 57-36. On energy, Substitute Senate Bill 5982 updating consumer-owned utility provisions drew debate over carbon capture, resource adequacy, data centers, and clean energy policy. Amendments on carbon capture and blackout-triggered termination failed, while an amendment preserving cogeneration exceptions passed; the bill then passed 57-37.
The House also passed Senate Bill 5863 on preservation and inspection of state historical records, after rejecting an amendment to require longer retention but adopting the committee amendment; supporters stressed preserving the history of residential habilitation centers and the value to families seeking records. Substitute Senate Bill 5874, allowing the Employment Security Department to waive penalties for minor employer reporting errors, passed unanimously. Engrossed House Bill 2681, raising cannabis license fees while removing an escalator, passed 52-42. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5917 on access to abortion medications saw several failed amendments from opponents seeking to narrow, reframe, or add fiscal limits to the bill; supporters said it preserved flexibility to ensure access and avoid waste, and the bill passed 57-36.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, May 21, 2025 - Part 2)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The committee print does not contain any congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff
- The committee print does not contain any congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff
- The American people are getting squeezed by tariffs that are raising prices and only go to get worse.
- The American people are getting squeezed by tariffs that are raising prices and only go to get worse.
- When you think about tariffs and we have two buttons and press no.
Keywords:
veterans, VA, Department of Veterans Affairs, suicide prevention, mental health, emergent suicide care, Columbia Protocol, Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale, Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, No Wrong Door for Veterans Act, title 38, adaptive prostheses, prosthetic devices, recreational activities, sports prosthetics, pension payments, veterans benefits, Veterans Affairs Committee, suicide screening, crisis care
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Mar 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- That statewide system is under contract or not it's under tariff, but we are, yeah, we Cal OES are managing
- Interim contracts and solutions are unnecessary since the current active tariff structure can hold vendors
- Well, I would say that we all have active contracts or are active on the tariff.
- We do have connectivity to all of the PSAPs throughout the entire state as part of our tariff-based services
Summary:
The Emergency Management Committee held an oversight hearing on California’s Next Generation 911 rollout, focusing on Cal OES’s decision to move away from the original regional vendor model toward a statewide provider model. Cal OES said the regional architecture created complexity at the boundaries between regions, leading to misrouted calls, transfer problems, and degraded audio, and that a statewide model would better align with national standards and provide a more reliable, secure system. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the Legislature to pause further implementation until it has more information on the problems, tradeoffs, costs, and oversight needs, and recommended stronger reporting and possibly independent technical review before proceeding.
Committee members pressed Cal OES on accountability, cost, testing, vendor selection, and whether the current system is safe. Cal OES said the project has cost about $456 million so far, most of it recurring service fees, and that 23 PSAPs had transitioned voice traffic while more than 440 total PSAPs remain in the state. Officials said the current system is operating, that a pause would not put the public at risk, and that the statewide conversion could be completed by summer 2030. Members and the LAO raised concerns about whether Cal OES has enough technical oversight and whether contract language alone is sufficient to prevent repeat problems.
The vendor panel largely defended the regional model and argued that the existing system is already built, tested, and ready to expand. NGA 911, Synergem, Lumen, and Atos said the regional architecture provides redundancy and resilience, that early problems were often tied to legacy-system integration, carrier issues, or training rather than the regional design itself, and that a statewide redesign would add cost and delay. Atos said it serves as the statewide backbone and backup and has already carried live traffic, while vendors emphasized that they support continued modernization but believe California should build on the current regional investment rather than replace it.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Mar 17th, 2026
Emergency Management
Transcript Highlights:
- That statewide system is under contract or not; it's under tariff, but we are, yeah, we Cal OES are managing
- Interim contracts and solutions are unnecessary since the current active tariff structure can hold vendors
- Well, I would say that we all have active contract or active on the tariff.
- We do have connectivity to all of the PSEFs throughout the entire state as part of our tariff-based services
Committee:
House Emergency Management
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, my understanding is with that large load tariff that they have on these projects that they
- plant being stood up to serve some of this load, but it's my understanding they can use part of that tariff
- Chairman, my understanding is with that large load tariff that they have on these projects that they
- plant being stood up to serve some of this load, but it's my understanding they can use part of that tariff
Committee:
Joint Appropriations
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Aug 19th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Colleagues, file item 51 is a confirmation of Senate Joint Resolution 7 by Senator Cervantes, relative to tariffs
- Senate Joint Resolution 7 by Senator Cervantes, relative to tariffs. Thank you.
- This resolution calls on the President and Congress to end the tariff regime.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: DFL Members Call for Vote on Affordability Legislation - 05/07/26
Transcript Highlights:
- see cuts to essential food supports because of the federal government, and Donald Trump's illegal tariffs
- Donald Trump's illegal tariffs cost the Donald Trump's illegal tariffs cost the average<00:06:15.240>
Summary:
Senate DFL leaders held a press conference focused on affordability, federal cuts, and end-of-session negotiations. Senators Heather Gustafson, Erin Maye Quade, Liz Boldon, Grant Hauschild, and Majority Leader Erin Murphy highlighted prior DFL accomplishments such as universal school meals, North Star Promise, paid family and medical leave, property tax relief, the child tax credit, and Social Security tax cuts, while arguing that House Republicans have not shown enough urgency on current affordability issues.
A major theme was the impact of federal policy on Minnesota, especially cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, rising health care and energy costs, and cost shifts to counties and local governments. The senators said the state is spending heavily to backfill federal cuts and protect Minnesotans from higher costs, with particular concern for rural communities, hospitals, EMS, food shelves, and county property taxes. Hauschild emphasized that rural counties and seniors would bear added burdens from federal mandates, while Murphy said the Senate is trying to put money directly into people’s pockets through rental assistance, heating assistance, food support, and targeted property tax relief.
The leaders also discussed a Senate Tax Committee proposal for about $100 million in direct property tax refunds, and Murphy said the Senate’s position on HCMC funding is the strongest, while also needing support for rural hospitals and providers statewide. In response to questions, she said the Senate hopes to reach a global deal before the weekend and by Sunday midnight, described the Senate’s proposals as public and already passed, and said some items, including rental relief for people affected by an ICE operation, still have support and may move in the House. No votes were taken at the event.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs Feb 4th, 2026
Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- individual investor and like amateur analyst of the economy, to keep—I mean, every day it flips, and it's tariffs
- and it's interest rates and it's, you know, big beautiful bags... ...and it's tariffs and it's interest
- broader economic issues as they relate to some of the cooling, at least temporarily, of some of the tariff
Summary:
The committee heard testimony from Doug Howe of the Mass Taxpayers Foundation and Evan Horowitz of Tufts on the fiscal effects of federal policy changes, especially the OB3 reconciliation law, federal shutdown risks, and Massachusetts budget planning. Howe outlined a framework of direct and indirect federal impacts on the state budget, capital program, and grant funding, emphasizing uncertainty around Medicaid, SNAP, LIHEAP, immigration, NIH funding, and federal tax changes. He said OB3 is expected to reduce federal health spending in Massachusetts by about $3 billion annually when fully implemented, with an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 people losing coverage, and could shift up to $400 million in annual SNAP costs to the state if Massachusetts’ error rate remains above the federal threshold. He also discussed the governor’s proposal to delay conformity with certain federal tax changes and to expand the pass-through entity tax to offset revenue losses.
Members questioned the witnesses about SNAP error rates, unemployment insurance, the use of the stabilization fund, and whether the state should adopt a Maryland-style delay in implementing federal tax changes. Howe argued the stabilization fund should not be used to backfill permanent obligations, but could be used for temporary crises, and said the state should improve data-sharing and administrative systems so eligible residents do not lose MassHealth or other benefits because of paperwork barriers. He also said unemployment insurance remains a major problem and that a broader fix should include benefit, tax, and possibly state contributions. Horowitz took a more aggressive view on using reserves for urgent needs like SNAP, argued the state should harden its budget against volatility, and warned that Massachusetts is increasingly exposed to stock-market-driven revenue swings and to a possible income tax ballot question that could significantly reduce revenues. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and the chair asked both witnesses for follow-up written recommendations, especially on system integration and accountability.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs Feb 4th, 2026
Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- individual investor and like amateur analyst of the economy to keep—I mean, every day it flips, and it's tariffs
- and it's interest rates and it's, you know, big beautiful bags... ...and it's tariffs and it's interest
- broader economic issues as they relate to some of the cooling, at least temporarily, of some of the tariff
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- with my district before I left, and so have we released money that you guys were holding because of tariffs
- I mean, they can't maintain roads if the department holds money for tariffs for price increases.
- If the department holds money for tariffs for price increases. That was an issue.
Committees:
Senate Senate Finance , Senate House Appropriations & Finance
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- In the previous 12 months leading up to April, so before tariffs were announced, 12 months leading up
- to the tariffs announcement, the average monthly job gain was 150,000 each month.
- And that could be for a lot of reasons, including the uncertainty caused by tariffs, but also price increases
Committees:
Senate Senate Finance , Senate House Appropriations & Finance
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- with the impacts it has on our supply chain, which is already impacted because of the impacts of tariffs
- with the impacts it has on our supply chain, which is already impacted because of the impacts of tariffs
- Which is already impacted because of the impacts of tariffs.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Summary:
The committee heard SB 220, which would require Los Angeles Metro to submit an updated governance reform report by July 1 in light of Measure G and the creation of a future countywide executive. Senator Allen argued the bill simply accelerates a locally driven discussion and does not prescribe a specific board structure. Metro, the Los Angeles mayor’s representative, and several members of the committee opposed it as unnecessary and premature, saying local task forces and an ad hoc Metro committee were already studying the issue. After discussion focused on local control and the need for broader L.A. County delegation input, the bill passed the committee on a 7-2 vote and was placed on call for absent members.
The committee then heard SB 667, the California Railway Safety Act, which would require freight railroads to install wayside detector systems at specified intervals, with different treatment for short-line railroads, and to submit safety response plans to the CPUC. Senator Archuleta and union supporters said the bill would help prevent derailments like East Palestine by detecting overheated bearings earlier and improving crew notification. Railroads, passenger rail operators, and business and supply-chain groups opposed it, arguing the spacing mandate was arbitrary, costly, could slow freight movement, and could disrupt shared passenger corridors; they also raised preemption and implementation concerns. Members discussed costs, passenger impacts, and whether 10-mile spacing was supported by data. The bill passed 11-2 and was also held on call.
Finally, the committee considered ACR 71, which designates a portion of State Route 101 in Santa Clara County as the Little Saigon Freeway. Assembly Member Kalra and numerous Vietnamese American community members and local supporters described the designation as a recognition of the history, resilience, and contributions of the Vietnamese community in San Jose. There was no opposition testimony. Members praised the measure and noted the connection between the San Jose and Orange County Vietnamese communities. The resolution passed unanimously, 11-0, and was placed on call.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Mar 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- At the federal level, all types of things, including the tariffs.
- government and that pounding down on us of what is the potential of what is foreseen to happen with tariffs
- Of course, tariffs are going to increase prices for lumber and materials and so forth, even things like
Summary:
The committee heard a series of housing and wildfire-recovery bills, with members repeatedly framing the package as a response to the Los Angeles fires and the state’s broader housing affordability crisis. AB 306, by Assembly Member Schultz, would place a six-year moratorium on new residential building-code updates and local code modifications except for health-and-safety emergencies. Supporters argued it would reduce costs and provide certainty for rebuilding and new housing production, while opponents from environmental, clean-energy, and labor groups warned it would freeze beneficial code improvements, delay innovation, and limit local control. Despite those concerns, several members said they would support the bill while seeking amendments, and the committee voted it out on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations.
The committee also approved AB 301, which would require state agencies to follow shot-clock style deadlines for reviewing building permits, and AB 253, which would allow licensed third-party professionals to conduct certain post-entitlement permit reviews if local departments take more than 30 days. Supporters said both bills would reduce delays, lower costs, and speed rebuilding and housing production; some members emphasized that safety reviews must remain intact. AB 301 passed on a due pass vote to Appropriations, and AB 253 passed 8-0 to Local Government.
AB 462, by Assembly Member Lowenthal, would exempt accessory dwelling units in Los Angeles County’s coastal zone from coastal development permit requirements, with the goal of speeding ADU construction for disaster recovery and housing supply. Supporters said ADUs are a proven tool and that the bill would help displaced residents and future coastal disaster areas; one member of the public opposed the bill, arguing ADU proliferation can change neighborhood conditions. The committee sent AB 462 to Appropriations on an 8-0 vote. The final bill discussed, AB 299, would let disaster-displaced families stay in hotels, motels, and short-term rentals for more than 30 days without triggering landlord-tenant rules, mirroring an earlier homelessness-related law; the transcript ended as the author began presenting the bill and its support.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal without Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- have jumped significantly, as much as 15 to 20 percent since June, thanks in part to new federal tariffs
- more expensive than in nearly every other state, even if we weren't also contending with federal tariffs
Summary:
The Senate took up a series of resolutions and bills, beginning with unanimous adoption of resolutions congratulating two Eagle Scouts. It then advanced several local and special acts, including measures on Machado-Joseph disease awareness day, the Ipswich senior tax referral program, Swampscott conservation commission appointments, protections for individuals with disabilities in MassHealth day habilitation programs, continued employment in Brookfield, Marblehead parking fines, Natick’s home rule charter, and Boston affordable housing/branch library space. The chamber also suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer several House petitions to committees.
The Senate enacted House bills authorizing additional wine and malt beverage licenses in Lexington and a means-tested senior property tax exemption in Melrose. It also passed Senate Bill 2603 on affordable car rentals after adopting an amendment; supporters said the bill would reduce rental costs by changing Massachusetts’ rental car insurance rules to align with most other states. Senate Bill 1057 on fentanyl test strips was also passed to be engrossed after Senator Creem argued the bill would expand access to a low-cost overdose prevention tool and save lives. Senator Moore then spoke in support of expanding Nikki’s Law to cover MassHealth day habilitation programs, describing the bill as a needed protection for people with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
A major portion of the meeting focused on House 4530, a FY2025 supplemental appropriations bill providing $234 million for hospitals and community health centers. Senators discussed the Health Safety Net shortfall, rising health care costs, underinsurance, and federal reimbursement; Ways and Means explained that about $93 million was expected back in federal financial participation, making the net state cost about $140 million. The Senate also took up House 4531 on the 2026 state primary election date, rejecting an amendment before passing the bill to engrossment. The chamber later adopted emergency preambles for House 4530 and House 4531, and all three final bills—Machado-Joseph Disease Awareness Day, the supplemental budget, and the primary election date bill—were enacted and sent to the Governor. The Senate adjourned in memory of Ricardo Barbosa after a memorial statement by Senator Miranda.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Feb 24th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- investors are in fierce competition to attract jobs and investment here, and that uncertainty created by tariffs
- and changes in tariffs adds to the need to prepare.
Bills:
SB5420
Keywords:
veterans, military spouses, service members, uniformed services, National Guard, reservists, active duty, qualifying discharge, veterans preference, hiring preference, public employment, state benefits, license renewal, professional licensing, retirement service credit, pension, public retirement system, Washington RCW, military leave, reemployment rights
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:
- The good news for you is you probably won't be wrestling with the tariff questions like most of the nominees
- important American ally in our efforts to combat the rise of China's I'm concerned that President Trump's tariffs
Committee:
Senate Foreign Relations Committee
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.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Mar 18th, 2025
Senate Tax, Business & Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- Offset price increases as tariffs on imports from Canada drive up lumber prices and generate a local
- These are matters of the tariffs that this federal government is currently waging on individuals and,
Committee:
Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- costs of construction continue to go up and have exponentially over the next year ostensibly from tariffs
- We don't control tariffs, but we should all stand in unity against tariffs, which are just tax increases
- So, if we actually made things in Baltimore, we wouldn't have to worry about tariffs.
- We don't control tariffs, but we should all stand in unity against tariffs, which are just tax increases
- So, if we actually made things in Baltimore, we wouldn't have to worry about tariffs.