Video & Transcript : 'Democrat' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate Republican Media Availability 3/6/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And so Democrats have clearly broken Minnesota's budget.
- Democrats' out-of-control spending has to stop. We got to put Minnesota budget first.
- :12.320><c> there's</c><00:12:12.560><c> a</c> agree with Democrats that there's a agree with Democrats
- </c> that I work with and from the Democrats. that I work with and from the Democrats.
- </c> Minnesota because of Democrats spending. Minnesota because of Democrats spending.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> defining democratic norms, explaining defining democratic norms, explaining why<00:14:28.800><c>
- </c> political scientists call democratic political scientists call democratic backsliding<00:14:45.040
- </c><00:15:42.160><c> norm,</c> represents an important democratic norm, represents an important democratic
- </c><00:24:20.799><c> This</c> democratically elected leader. This democratically elected leader.
- </c> there's been an erosion of democratic there's been an erosion of democratic norms<00:28:46.080><
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing with Professor Colin Moore on democratic norms and their erosion in the United States, with a focus on what that could mean for Hawaii. Chair Carl Rhodes introduced the topic and the professor, noting the briefing was livestreamed and could be rescheduled if technical problems arose. Moore defined democratic norms as unwritten guardrails that make written constitutional rules work in practice, emphasizing two core norms from political science: mutual toleration, meaning acceptance of political opponents as legitimate, and institutional forbearance, meaning restraint in using legal powers to the maximum for partisan gain.
Moore used historical examples to show how norms develop and erode, including George Washington’s resignation, the Alien and Sedition Acts, the contested 1800 election, Franklin Roosevelt’s court-packing plan, and Watergate. He argued that democracies usually erode gradually rather than through sudden coups, often through leaders who reject opponents’ legitimacy, tolerate political violence, restrict civil liberties, or attack the press. He said the United States is vulnerable because of its strong presidency, an 18th-century constitutional design that did not anticipate modern political parties or a neutral civil service, and because polarization has encouraged “constitutional hardball” and retaliation.
He cited comparative examples such as Hungary, Turkey, and other countries that slid toward authoritarianism over time, and said the U.S. has been rated a flawed democracy by outside indexes. Moore said the erosion predates Donald Trump, though he believes Trump has accelerated it, and pointed to recent actions and rhetoric as moving beyond ceremony into government practice. He also warned that Congress has not consistently checked executive power and that public willingness to excuse anti-democratic behavior from preferred candidates is troubling. The briefing ended with Moore turning to federalism and Hawaii, arguing that the state depends heavily on federal funding for health care, schools, housing, and infrastructure, and that delays or disruptions from an unstable federal government could create serious local harm even if no law is formally broken.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Senate and Governmental Affairs May 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- and Republicans, but there are more Democrats than Republicans, but then you have... ...between Democrats
- Democratic primary, I want to vote in the Democratic primary.
- I mean, there are more registered Democrats, but the Democrats and the Republicans are almost neck and
- As a white Democratic voter...
- Democrats.
Summary:
The Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee met on May 12, 2026, and focused primarily on Senate Bill 407, a congressional redistricting proposal, with Senate Bill 121 also scheduled for later. The chair explained the committee would first take up SB 407, consider amendments, then hear public testimony, and would not take up SB 116 or SB 130. Two amendment sets were adopted on SB 407: one technical set adjusting dates to align with the upcoming election cycle, and another updating the map in the bill. Committee members and the bill sponsor described the proposal as a 4-2 congressional map intended to comply with the Supreme Court’s CalA ruling, preserve traditional redistricting criteria, and avoid using race as the basis for district lines.
Supporters of SB 407 argued the map was compact, contiguous, kept parishes and cities together, and created two opportunity districts without racial predominance. Several senators said the map better reflected Louisiana’s political and demographic realities and could withstand legal challenge under the Equal Protection Clause and First Amendment. Testimony in support also emphasized fairness, representation, and the idea that the state should not move to a 5-1 map. Some speakers, including former legislators and community advocates, said the state should maintain or preserve two districts where Black voters and Democratic voters could elect candidates of choice.
Opponents of the broader redistricting effort criticized the process as rushed and confusing, especially because early voting had already begun and the Secretary of State was not present to answer questions. Some speakers said the legislature had not been properly involved in the election suspension process and raised concerns about whether votes already cast would count if maps changed. Others argued the proposed changes were an attempt to dilute political power and disenfranchise voters, particularly Black, poor, and queer communities. The committee heard extensive public testimony on both sides, but no final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Republican Leaders Media Availability Jan 13th, 2026 at 01:15 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- So I have no idea why the public would ever trust Democrats.
- Even Democrats admit they can't be trusted.
- Even Democrats admit they can't be trusted.
- Democrats...
- Democrats passed it and then never funded it.
Summary:
House and Senate Republican leaders held a session-opening media availability on the second day of Washington’s 60-day legislative session, criticizing Governor Bob Ferguson’s State of the State address and previewing their priorities. They said the central issue this session is affordability, and argued the state should respond with less spending, fewer taxes, and less regulation rather than new taxes or expanded government. They also said they expect a major fight over the operating budget, warned against using the rainy day fund or weakening the balanced-budget requirement, and said the state should look for savings in areas where caseloads are down but spending continues to rise, including reducing middle management in state agencies.
A major focus was the governor’s proposal for a tax on high earners, which Republicans repeatedly described as an income tax and said they would oppose. They argued it would eventually expand beyond millionaires, said voters have rejected income taxes repeatedly, and said a constitutional amendment would not pass. They also criticized past tax increases such as the capital gains tax, death tax, document recording fees, and climate-related charges, saying Democrats have not provided meaningful tax relief for working families. Republican leaders said the Working Families Tax Credit is one area where they can support using existing Climate Commitment Act revenue, and they suggested other uses for those funds, including transportation and wildfire prevention.
The leaders also discussed public safety and immigration, saying the governor and Democrats have been inconsistent on federal law enforcement and that coordination between agencies is essential. They said concerns about masked federal agents and immigration enforcement should be left to investigations rather than political conclusions. On child care and DCYF, they said allegations of fraud and waste should be investigated through audits or other oversight, and they rejected the idea that looking into possible fraud is offensive to honest providers. They also said they see potential bipartisan overlap on transportation and housing, but argued the governor’s housing plan relies too much on public spending and not enough on permitting reform, Growth Management Act changes, and energy code changes to increase supply.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- But yet, Democrats protect them. Even Democrats in this own chamber.
- If I recall, Obama was a Democrat.
- Democrats, you said nothing. Joe Biden? Huh, Joe Biden was a Democrat too.
- President Obama, another Democrat.
- I am a very proud Democrat. Democrats are the party of the people. Gallery will be in order.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, approval of the prior journal, and several guest introductions, including Arizona agricultural producers and suppliers and sixth graders from James W. Rice Elementary School. The chamber then moved through a lengthy calendar of first- and second-reading bill references and committee reports, with no substantive debate on those items recorded in the transcript.
The main floor action centered on Senate Resolution 1036, which was converted from a concurrent resolution to a Senate resolution and brought forward under a suspension of rules. The resolution condemned Attorney General Chris Mays for public comments about the use of force and law enforcement, and called on her to retract, clarify, and resign. Senators debated whether the resolution was a necessary public safety response or a politically motivated stunt, with supporters arguing Mays’ remarks endangered officers and opponents saying the resolution misquoted her and was being rushed without committee review or public input. A floor amendment was adopted, and after extended debate the Senate passed SR 1036 on a 17-13 vote.
After the resolution vote, the Senate briefly returned to personal privileges, including an introduction of visitors connected to civics education, and then recessed and adjourned until Monday, February 2, 2026. The transcript does not show any other bill final actions beyond the SR 1036 vote and the routine referral and reporting of other measures.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Press Conference 2/16/26
Transcript Highlights:
- Democrats were not amendable to it.
- </c><00:08:40.399><c> Democrat</c> effects of Democrat policies.
- Democrat effects of Democrat policies.
- </c> Democrats prevented it from happening. Democrats prevented it from happening.
- So, I'm hopeful that House Democrats and Senate Democrats will step up.
Summary:
House Republican leaders outlined their agenda for the tied legislative session, saying their priorities are to stop fraud, make Minnesota more affordable, safer, and more competitive, and reduce mandates while raising education standards. They highlighted several planned bills, including an independent inspector general (HF 1), a “Fraud Isn’t Free” measure to impose consequences on agencies and commissioners that allow fraud, and statutory guidelines for high-fraud-risk programs. They also said they want to lower health care costs through a permanent reinsurance program and cost defrayal for new mandates, study property tax increases, conform state tax law to federal changes on tips, overtime, and scholarship tax credits, and avoid any tax increases.
On public safety, Republicans said they will pursue tougher penalties for repeat offenders and repeat gun crimes, judicial accountability, and a school safety package that would support public and nonpublic schools, school safety personnel, and facility improvements. In education, they emphasized school choice tax credits, reading proficiency, and curriculum focused on basic academic fundamentals. They also said they want to protect and expand mining, reform permitting, end the nuclear moratorium, and make the state more attractive to businesses. On housing, one member said they are working on a more targeted affordable housing package rather than a broad sweeping bill.
A substantial portion of the discussion focused on immigration and cooperation with federal authorities. Republicans said they want a statewide framework for local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, referencing House File 16 and saying they are open to changes and bipartisan work. They argued that local and state cooperation would improve safety and prevent situations where criminal suspects are released into the community. They also said Democrats have blocked similar efforts in committee and on the House floor.
In response to questions, leaders said there is no current appetite for sports betting, bonding will be discussed but there are no promises, and they do not support the 2024 omnibus bill model. They said they are not interested in vaccine mandates, but will consider Medicaid funding impacts and other health-related proposals if bills are introduced. They also said election integrity measures such as voter ID, provisional ballots, and voter-roll cleanup will remain priorities. Throughout, leaders said they expect a bipartisan process in the tied House and expressed hope that both parties can work together on some issues.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Media Availability 5/19/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- :27.520><c> pounding</c> mean, Democrat legislators were pounding mean, Democrat legislators were pounding
- The Senate Democrats think harmless.
- That's a Democrat insurance benefits.
- Democrats going to suspend the rules.
- It is a Democrat authored that though.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, February 10, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Democrats choose dependence and delay.
- Democrats choose dependence and delay.
- Democrats choose dependence and delay.
- Democrats choose dependence and delay.
- Democrats choose dependence and delay.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, March 27, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 20:44.080><c> have</c> Republicans, Senate Democrats have Republicans, Senate Democrats have agreed<00
- Democrats want to Sheridan Gorman.
- That's what Democrats will people.
- :02.240><c> is</c><00:39:02.560><c> that</c> What Democrats never acknowledge is that What Democrats
- </c><00:54:48.000><c> It's</c> Democrats want to do? Not pay them. It's Democrats want to do?
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- under Senate Democrats under Senate Democrats uh uh uh majority<00:10:26.400><c> here</c><00:10:26.560
- ><c> Governor</c><00:19:41.960><c> Walz,</c> The Democrats, along with Governor Walz, The Democrats,
- ,</c> And we hear from the Democrats, And we hear from the Democrats, "We<00:19:51.280><c> can't</c><
- </c> fraud is in Minnesota to the Democrats. fraud is in Minnesota to the Democrats.
- </c> like the Democrats want us to be. like the Democrats want us to be.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Media Availability 6/9/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So there were a few of those things that we were unable to get Democrats to agree on.
- </c> energy affordability that Democrats energy affordability that Democrats wanted<00:08:40.159><c>
- </c><00:08:50.720><c> The</c><00:08:50.880><c> main</c> uh get Democrats to agree on.
- The main uh get Democrats to agree on.
- </c> which was as we heard the Democrat which was as we heard the Democrat solution<00:08:57.360><c>
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- But yet, Democrats protect them. Even Democrats in this own chamber.
- Democrats, you said nothing. Joe Biden. Huh, Joe Biden was a Democrat too.
- President Obama, another Democrat.
- President Obama, another Democrat, I would argue communist, but we'll stick with Democrat for now.
- I am a very proud Democrat. Democrats are the party of the people. Gallery will be in order.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Republicans and Democrats pay their fees to the party, and then a primary is held.
- So that money gets spent on Republicans and Democrats.
- Republican and Democratic filing fees are promoting the Republican and Democratic candidates and parties
- I'd say, well, I'm not really a Democrat.
- Okay, so the same day That Republicans and Democrats have precinct.
Keywords:
voting access, polling place, disability, caretaker provisions, ballot delivery, election code, HB 2253, Texas Election Code, bond election, bond issuance, local government, election cancellation, disaster declaration, natural disaster, emergency election, county election officer, polling place notice, open meeting, election workers, voter safety
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- My commitment is to represent everyone in my district, not just the Democrats.
- I've not yet had one single Democrat come to me with a Democrat bill asking for consideration and bipartisan
- I've not yet had one single Democrat come to me with a Democrat bill asking for consideration and bipartisan
- </c> 34 votes for the Democrat 34 votes for the Democrat Caucus<00:32:32.200><c> 33</c><00:32:32.919>
- </c><00:32:45.519><c> that</c> majority now I hope house Democrats that majority now I hope house Democrats
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Press Conference: Texas House Democratic Caucus Jan 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And, lo and behold, the people who were yelling the most about banning Democratic chairs voted against
- banning Democratic chairs.
- They're upset that Democratic chairs are now banned.
- For someone that comes to the House in a time when I got here, there were Democratic chairs.
- not to ban Democratic chairs.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Republican Leaders Media Availability Jan 20th, 2026 at 09:15 am
Transcript Highlights:
- by another member of the Democratic caucus.
- Anti-democratic.
- Yeah, it's just such schizophrenic messaging from Democrats.
- They've been hammered in this state by the policies passed by Democrats.
- They've been hammered in this state by the policies passed by Democrats.
Summary:
Senate and House Republican leaders held a joint media availability focused on affordability, budget concerns, and opposition to several Democratic tax proposals. John Braun and Drew Stokesbary said Washingtonians are still struggling with the cost of food, gas, housing, child care, and health care, and argued Democrats are not advancing bills that would ease those pressures. They criticized a draft income tax proposal they said would function as a small business tax, especially because it would disallow loss carryforwards and could discourage investment in housing and other capital-intensive sectors. They also objected to a proposed tire fee and a bill they said would prevent tire sellers from telling customers about the tax.
The Republicans said they planned to raise budget and tax concerns in an upcoming meeting with Governor Ferguson, and Stokesbary said he had introduced a budget-savings bill to consolidate University of Washington investment management with the State Investment Board. They also discussed a bill to make it harder to qualify citizen initiatives, calling it anti-democratic, and said they want stronger oversight and legal reforms related to DCYF and state liability in child welfare cases. Braun and Stokesbary said they were open to discussing tort reform and a civil claims process, but emphasized the underlying problem is state failure in protecting children.
On health care, they said they were still reviewing a bill to eliminate interest on medical debt and a separate 340B drug-pricing proposal, warning both could have unintended effects on hospitals, patients, and drug innovation. They also said they support the idea of protecting children online and in schools, but want any social media, AI chatbot, or cell phone-related bills written carefully to avoid First Amendment problems and unintended consequences. On public safety, they expressed concern about a bill restricting police retention of automatic license plate reader data, arguing law enforcement needs such tools to solve crimes. No votes were taken, and the event ended with the Republicans reiterating their opposition to tax increases and their focus on affordability.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Republican Leaders Address Tax & Affordability Concerns for Minnesotans - 04/15/26
Transcript Highlights:
- Democrats took an $18 billion budget surplus.
- Democrats' answer? To keep reaching gas. Democrats' answer?
- And the Democrats did it anyway.
- Democrats let's right-size the budget.
- :50.680><c> seem</c> So, unfortunately, Democrats just seem So, unfortunately, Democrats just seem very
Summary:
Republican senators held a Tax Day press event focused on affordability, arguing that DFL control has led to overspending, higher taxes, and reduced competitiveness in Minnesota. They criticized recent state tax increases and proposed new taxes, including taxes on social media and advertising, extending sales tax to legal and accounting services, a higher income tax tier, a statewide property tax, and a housing-related sales tax amendment. They also contrasted Minnesota policy with federal tax relief, saying Minnesotans need spending restraint, fraud reduction, and a smaller, more efficient state government instead of additional revenue measures.
Senator Dziedzic focused on transportation costs, especially high license tab fees, saying residents are overwhelmed by taxes and fees and that the state should fund roads and bridges with existing money rather than raising fees. He cited a House proposal to quintuple tab fees and said Minnesota’s vehicle ownership costs are far higher than neighboring states. Senator Kunesh focused on property taxes, saying homeownership is becoming unaffordable because of state spending and unfunded mandates passed on to local governments. He argued that Democrats’ 2023 spending drove up property taxes and warned that a proposed statewide property tax would worsen the housing crisis and hurt families, seniors, and first-time buyers.
In response to questions, the senators said their caucus is open to companion bills and some targeted tax relief measures, including conformity with federal changes such as tax treatment of tips and overtime and Section 179 business provisions. They said they support transportation investment but want it funded through existing resources and better prioritization, not new taxes or fees. They also discussed possible bonding negotiations and said they are still evaluating proposals related to HCMC and a one-time property tax rebate, which they described as insufficient compared with the need for permanent relief. No votes or formal actions were taken.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Senate and Governmental Affairs May 12th, 2026
Senate & Governmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Democrats than Republicans.
- Democratic primary, I want to vote in the Democratic primary.
- As a white Democratic voter...
- Democrats.
- My family, we were all Democrats.
Keywords:
redistricting, congressional districts, Louisiana, 2020 census, elections, precincts, voting, election, political representation, 2026 precincts, demographics, Louisiana congressional map, U.S. House, election districts, precinct shapefiles, Voting Districts, VTD, 2020 Census, 2026 Precinct Shapefiles, apportionment
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Press Conference 4/9/26
Transcript Highlights:
- But over and over again, Democrats have opposed real solutions.
- </c><00:04:58.160><c> have</c> healthcare costs, and Democrats have healthcare costs, and Democrats have
- We just need Democrats to come with us, and we're happy to take questions.
- We have I a democratic response on it?
- </c> heard around this place that Democrats heard around this place that Democrats are<00:12:31.880><
Summary:
House Republican leaders unveiled their “North Star Comeback” budget plan, describing it as a focused effort to make Minnesota more affordable, reduce government waste, and strengthen the economy. They said the package would include a $3.8 billion tax cut proposal with one-time property tax relief, elimination of taxes on tips and overtime, childcare relief, lower car tab fees, and funding for schools through scholarship-granting organizations. They also framed the plan as a response to rising costs for groceries, housing, energy, insurance, and childcare.
A major emphasis of the rollout was government accountability, especially a strong Office of Inspector General bill and IT modernization to reduce fraud. Leaders said the OIG proposal had moved out of committee and was now in Ways and Means, with a working group continuing to reconcile House and Senate differences. On IT modernization, Chair Paul Torkelson said the plan would likely use a two-pronged approach, with about $15 million for near-term needs and a longer-term fund for ongoing technology upgrades; he said many such investments could qualify for federal matching dollars.
The leaders also highlighted Medicaid conformity, saying Minnesota should align with federal changes to avoid losing funding, and they discussed a property tax rebate proposal as a one-time $1 billion return to taxpayers to offset higher property taxes. In response to questions, they said many of the budget items were still moving through the process and some had not met finance deadlines, while others were already in bills. They repeatedly criticized House Democrats for blocking or delaying Republican proposals and said they wanted bipartisan cooperation to pass the plan this year.
MN