Video & Transcript Research : 'Congress'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cmte on Rules - Subcommittee on the Federal Impact on Minnesotans and Economic Stability - 02/20/26
Transcript Highlights:
- tax committee is asking why, how, or why not to conform with the tax code Republicans passed in Congress
- our state budget leaders what decisions made by Donald Trump, his cabinet, and the Republicans in Congress
- It's been true with Congresses controlled by the Democratic Party and Congresses controlled by the Republican
- it's been true with Congresses it's been true with Congresses controlled<01:48:17.040>
by - controlled by the Republican Congresses controlled by the Republican party.<01:48:20.159>
been
Summary:
The Senate Rules and Administration Select Subcommittee on Federal Impacts on Minnesotans and Economic Stability met on February 20, 2026, to hear from Minnesota Management and Budget State Budget Director Anna Mingi about federal funding changes affecting the state budget. Before testimony began, Senator Rasmusson objected to a draft committee report that had been prepared in advance of the hearing, arguing it was inappropriate to summarize testimony before it occurred. The chair responded that nonpartisan staff had prepared the draft from Mingi’s submitted presentation and could revise it after the hearing if needed.
Director Mingi explained that federal dollars make up more than one-third of state spending and support about 650 federal awards totaling over $23 billion this year, with more than $15 billion supporting state entitlement programs. She said the federal funding environment had changed significantly since January 2025 through executive orders, pauses, terminations, new grant conditions, delayed awards, and the July 2025 passage of H.R. 1, the federal reconciliation bill. Her main focus was H.R. 1’s effects on health care and food assistance, including work requirements for some adults, changes to eligibility for legal non-citizens, limits on retroactive Medicaid coverage and directed payments, new limits on provider taxes, and SNAP changes that shift some benefit and administrative costs to the state and counties. She estimated H.R. 1 would reduce federal funds to state-administered programs by about $327 million in the current biennium and $1.6 billion in the next, with additional costs to hospitals, counties, and other partners beyond the budget horizon.
Members asked follow-up questions about whether the estimates were relative to the forecast and whether federal Medicaid funding would still rise over time. Mingi said the estimates were based on the November forecast baseline and that Medicaid federal dollars would likely continue growing overall, though the law still creates significant losses relative to prior projections. Senator Rasmusson emphasized that point in remarks to the committee. The discussion then shifted to federal grant pauses and cancellations: MMB’s tracker showed about six awards on hold totaling roughly $491 million, 13 confirmed cancellations across areas including clean energy, education, food assistance, and public health, and additional threatened or litigated cuts not included in those totals. Mingi identified two canceled violence-prevention-related grants, including a FEMA public safety grant and a justice reinvestment grant, and noted that CDC had recently moved to cancel or seek cancellation of several Minnesota public health grants, including a $65 million public health infrastructure award.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
05/11/2026 - Senate Director Nominations
Transcript Highlights:
- restricted, a lot restricted in some ways, from speaking critically about any sitting member of Congress
- going on and around, but technically speaking, under the War Powers Act, it's a hostility until Congress
- Well, Congress hasn't declared it a war, so it's not technically a war.
- Under the Constitution, Congress has not declared war yet.
- Thankfully, a Republican Congress came in and forced the DoD to rescind that regulation.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Director Nominations held a confirmation hearing for John Connolly, the current Adjutant General and Director of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA). Connolly described his background in the Army, National Guard, and military law, and outlined DEMA’s dual mission of supporting the Arizona National Guard and emergency management. He emphasized readiness, modernization of aging aircraft and facilities, growth in capabilities such as drones and electronic warfare, partnerships to restore helicopter training at Silver Bell, and stewardship of resources. He also discussed DEMA’s border-related missions, including Task Force Safe at Nogales, counter-drug operations, and use of artificial intelligence to monitor drone activity and build a common operating picture for law enforcement.
Committee members questioned Connolly about his interview and vetting process, his role in emergency management, disaster response in Gila County, support for rural counties and tribes, and services for Guard members and families through the Integrated Resilience Operations Center. Several members pressed him on military discipline, lawful orders, classified information, and the distinction between war and hostilities. Senator Rogers focused on chain of command, combat readiness, and whether Connolly’s JAG background prepared him to lead a combat-oriented force; Connolly responded that his role is to provide ready forces, follow civilian authority, and ensure troops have training, equipment, and family support. He also said he had experience advising commanders and teaching lawful versus unlawful orders.
A major point of contention came when members questioned Connolly about the 2021 COVID-19 vaccination mandate for the Guard and whether he had treated it as unlawful or unconstitutional. Connolly said it was a lawful order at the time and that exemption processes existed under the regulations. The hearing also turned to immigration enforcement, emergency powers, and whether the Guard should support ICE; Connolly said the Guard is a support function and would respond to a direct request through the governor, but he could not identify a specific scenario in the abstract. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the committee appeared to continue its review after testimony and questioning.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 16 (1-29-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- a balanced budget amendment to the United States Constitution and making a formal application to Congress
- on the concurrent resolution calling on the United<00:38:36.480>
States <00:38:36.720>Congress - to submit to the United States Congress to submit to the states<00:38:38.240>
for <00:38:38.480 - c><00:38:45.440>
under <00:38:45.760>article <00:38:46.240>5 application to Congress - under article 5 application to Congress under article 5 of<00:38:46.960>
the <00:38:47.119>
Keywords:
Convene 00:00
Senate Message 04:45
Calendar/2nd Readings 05:20
Report of Committees 07:05
Orders of the Day 08:23
HB 214 08:33
HB 416 12:26
HB 281 16:20
HB 134 18:13
Motions, Petitions, and Communications 21:08
Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 37:01
Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 39:15
ConC/Rules Report 42:29
Floor Amendments 44:27
Correction to Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 46:14
Adjournment 46:40, 958, all
Summary:
The House convened, heard an invocation focused on recovery from a recent storm, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. A quorum was established with 94 members present, absent members were excused, and the rules were suspended to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The journal was approved, and the clerk reported a Senate message transmitting Senate Joint Resolution 23 for concurrence.
The chamber then received second-reading reports on a wide range of bills covering pharmacist reimbursements, grooming a minor, local government liability, water fluoridation, solid waste, highway markings, fiduciary bonds, motor vehicle titles, hearing aid coverage, eating disorder coverage, public safety, pedestrians, cigar bars, backyard chickens, and county law libraries. Committee reports also advanced several bills, including measures on elections, local government, state-operated mental health facilities, prescription drugs, Alzheimer’s services, electric generating unit decommissioning costs, reemployment of retired police officers, and the Kentucky Communications Network Authority. Those favorable reports were treated as first readings and placed on the calendar.
The House passed several bills unanimously by roll call, including House Bill 214 on a program to help disabled veterans obtain and install home wheelchair ramps, House Bill 416 on educator preparation and early assessments, House Bill 281 on streamlining food donations by churches and nonprofits for shelters and disaster victims, and House Bill 134 on sexual assault nurse examiners, creating a statewide coordinator, registry, and regional access plan. In each case, sponsors explained the bills and members voiced support; floor amendment 1 to House Bill 416 was adopted before passage. Clinchers were applied after passage of the bills.
The House also adopted House Resolution 33 recognizing cancer patients, survivors, and families and designating January 29, 2026 as Suits and Sneakers Day, and adopted House Resolution 43 recognizing the economic and cultural partnership between Kentucky and Japan. Members offered additional citations honoring Newport Central Catholic High School and the YMCA, and the chamber observed a moment of silence for Boone County Sheriff Michael Helmig after a citation honoring his service and legacy. Announcements included committee meetings after adjournment, birthday wishes, and the introduction of numerous new bills and resolutions, including measures on kindergarten, bridges, revenue, retirement benefits, concealed deadly weapons, local taxes, motor vehicles, fiscal reporting, SNAP, families and children, vision testing, and a balanced budget amendment application.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee Aug 28th, 2025
Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- these earlier meetings are the authorization amounts tracking with what's being appropriated by Congress
- I'm sorry I'm late, but someone parked behind me and it took an act of Congress to figure out who they
- And so it says Congress shall have the power to regulate commerce with foreign nation-states and Indian
- The United States Supreme Court has looked at that and determined that Congress—the United States Congress—has
- what we call plenary power, plenary authority, which basically means Congress has this really big authority
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Press Conference: Reproductive Freedom Caucus Present 2025 Priorities - 02/17/25
Transcript Highlights:
- people having abortions continues in states around us and from the anti-abortion Republicans in Congress
- knowing that people who want to ban abortion and punish people who have abortions are in control of Congress
- c> fact<00:01:34.159>
since <00:01:34.320>the <00:01:34.439>overturning Congress - in fact since the overturning Congress in fact since the overturning of<00:01:35.119>
roie <00 - <00:01:55.439>
the abortions are in control of Congress the abortions are in control of Congress
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine S.222, to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to allow schools that participate in the school lunch program to serve whole milk. Apr 1st, 2025 at 09:00 am
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Last Congress, the House passed this legislation by an impressive vote of 330 to 99.
- In and outside Congress, equally important is the engagement from everyone working on these programs,
- to hearing from our witnesses and putting their advice into action as we continue this work this Congress
- You know, we all came to Congress with a reason.
- But today, I'd like to talk about the This dollar is allocated by Congress for school meals, in my opinion
Bills:
SB222
Keywords:
whole milk, school lunch, school meals, National School Lunch Program, Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, Child Nutrition Act, USDA, nutrition standards, dairy, nonfat milk, low-fat milk, reduced-fat milk, lactose-free milk, nondairy beverages, plant-based milk, milk substitution, parental consent, legal guardian, food allergies, allergic reaction
Summary:
This meeting of the committee focused primarily on the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, S222, which aims to permit schools to offer a fuller range of milk options, including whole, reduced, and low-fat varieties, that have garnered bipartisan support. Chairman Bozeman opened the session by highlighting concerns over children's nutrition and the obesity epidemic, emphasizing the significance of nutritious school meals in addressing these issues. Experts from various organizations were invited to discuss the implications of this bill as well as the current challenges facing school meal programs, including budget constraints and food supply issues. The meeting included passionate testimonies about the direct impacts of current dietary guidelines and federal funding reductions affecting schools' abilities to provide healthy meal options.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine research security risks posed by foreign nationals from countries of risk working at the Department of Energy¿s National Laboratories and necessary mitigation steps. Feb 20th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Congress and this administration must act immediately to close the gaps, tighten security, and ensure
- So I look forward to hearing about how Congress can best support DOE's efforts in safeguarding our research
- These actions were supported by the security directives from Congress, thank you, and administrative
- What authorities, directives can Congress use to help on that mission?
- And should we be addressing that as Congress as well?
Keywords:
national security, Department of Energy, foreign espionage, security protocols, Chinese Communist Party, national laboratories, research security
Summary:
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee convened to address pressing issues related to research security risks at the Department of Energy, focusing specifically on foreign nationals' access to sensitive information. The meeting highlighted the increasing threats posed by espionage from the Chinese Communist Party, which has sought to infiltrate U.S. national laboratories and exploit American research for military purposes. Discussions included the importance of tightening security protocols to safeguard national interests and maintain technological advantages. Witnesses provided insight into historical contexts and current vulnerabilities, emphasizing that without proper measures, the gaps could jeopardize national security.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- chair lays out HCR 98 by Representative Pleisa, sponsored by Senator Hinojosa of Hidalgo, urging Congress
- Pleisa, I think I'm pronouncing that correctly—Blessa—sponsored by Senator Hinojosa of Hidalgo, urges Congress
- HCR 98 is a resolution that urges Congress to support and coordinate the deployment of counter-unmanned
Keywords:
counter-unmanned aircraft systems, C-UAS, counter-drone, drone mitigation, unmanned aircraft systems, UAS, border security, U.S.-Mexico border, aviation safety, airspace regulation, federal preemption, Homeland Security, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, Department of Energy, FBI, state-local coordination, tribal and territorial partners, border patrol, cartels
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Border Security met with a quorum present and first took up HCR 98, a resolution urging Congress to improve coordination among federal, state, and local authorities on counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) technology for border security. The author and sponsor described increasing drone activity along the border, saying unauthorized drones are used to track agents, identify weaknesses, and smuggle contraband, and argued for clearer procedures to detect, identify, and neutralize such aircraft. There was no public testimony, and the committee voted 4-0 to report HCR 98 favorably to the full Senate; the resolution was also ordered for local and uncontested calendar placement without objection.
The committee then heard HB 180, sponsored by Chairman Birdwell, which would authorize the governor to coordinate directly with Mexican officials and individual Mexican states on border security agreements and appoint representatives to implement them. Birdwell said the bill would codify prior border-security cooperation efforts, improve responses to cross-border challenges such as drug and human trafficking, and include a finding that entrants from foreign countries must use a legal port of entry. No questions were asked, and there was no invited or public testimony.
After the hearing, the committee left HB 180 pending. The meeting concluded with no further business and the committee standing in recess subject to the call of the chair.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Education (6-3-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- It would require Congress, an act of Congress, which they famously don’t move very fast.
- :04:54.319>
Congress, <01:04:54.799>which <01:04:55.200>they Congress, an act of - Congress, which they Congress, an act of Congress, which they famously<01:04:56.160>
don't <01 - ,<01:16:18.239>
we'll <01:16:18.400>see <01:16:18.640>Congress gone to Congress - , we'll see Congress gone to Congress, we'll see Congress kind<01:16:19.120>
of <01:16:19.280><
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:12
Attendance Roll Call: 00:00:33
Kentucky’s New Assessment and Accountability Model Update: 00:03:50
Federal Education Policy and Its Impact on States: 01:00:55
Educational Leadership Training Opportunities in Kentucky: 01:26:44
Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations: 02:10:38
Adjournment: 02:13:57, 958, all
Summary:
The Interim Joint Committee on Education met for its first interim meeting and established a quorum before taking up its first topic, Kentucky’s new assessment and accountability model. Commissioner Robbie Fletcher, joined by KDE staff and superintendents, described a multi-year effort involving the Kentucky “Now We Learn” Council, more than 50 educators and stakeholders, at least 18 pilot districts, surveys, focus groups, town halls, and four prototype frameworks. He emphasized three priorities for the new model: vibrant learning experiences, innovation in assessment, and collaboration with communities.
Fletcher said the state accountability portion would continue to meet federal requirements and identify CSI/TSI/ATSI schools, while shifting toward more emphasis on individual student growth, grade-level equivalency in reading and math, career and technical education, graduation rate, and English language proficiency. He also said science would remain a required assessment but be reported separately rather than counted in the CSI/TSI calculation. He stressed that the model should focus on growth, local flexibility, and meaningful measures that reflect community expectations, while still preserving a statewide framework.
The committee also heard from Bullitt County superintendent Jesse Bacon, who described his district’s local accountability work. He said Bullitt County formed a community coalition with broad representation from across the district, business leaders, and community members, met six times during the school year, and worked toward a public-facing dashboard that would show community expectations, evidence of accountability, and areas for improvement. Bacon said the district identified six community-defined pillars, beginning with student learning and foundational academic knowledge, as part of a system intended to communicate strengths and improvement areas to the public.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 3/19/25
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- The VFW has testified before Congress,<00:41:03.119>
stating, <00:41:03.920>"Any <00:41: - that fails Congress, stating, "Any group that fails to<00:41:05.359>
adhere <00:41:05.839> - Congress, has created an entire legal framework that governs exactly what we do.
- affairs federally as well as US congress affairs federally as well as US congress has<01:08:33.279
- Congress, which has already decided over a decade ago that VA-accredited attorneys should be able to
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I think there's a lot of folks in Congress that are addressing this issue and making it vocal, but I
- HCR 102 urges urges Congress.
- I think now they understand that Congress and leadership wants them to move much quicker to bring down
- And the most recent amendments were passed by the United States Congress, and they took effect on March
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House State Government Committee Mar 4th, 2026
State Government
Transcript Highlights:
- If you look at the very first act of our Congress, it was a 2-hour prayer service.
- first<00:27:36.240>
act <00:27:36.560>of <00:27:36.720>our <00:27:37.360>Congress - at the very first act of our Congress at the very first act of our Congress was<00:27:38.440>
- was by a vote Every president And that was by a vote of<00:27:46.240>
the <00:27:46.320>Congress - of the Congress, by by the way, in 1800. of the Congress, by by the way, in 1800.
Keywords:
SB271, Alabama, municipalities, city fees, town fees, franchise fees, utility franchise, natural gas, manufactured gas, gas utility, public streets, public places, right-of-way, municipal consent, gross receipts tax, license tax, privilege tax, Public Service Commission, PSC, utility regulation
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Congress to divest the United States and the Bureau of Indian Affairs of the San Carlos Irrigation Project
- Over the last probably several years, we've made some significant headway working with both Congress
- This just says to Congress, stay on point.
- The difference between now and in 1992, when this was originally done in Congress, is that the Healys
- We're hoping to have something introduced in Congress by the fall, and maybe, good Lord willing, we can
Keywords:
petting zoos, animal encounters, public health, handwashing, supervision, sanitization, safety regulations, civil penalties, water supply, groundwater, Phoenix, certificates, long-term storage credits, water conservation, municipal provider, replenishment obligation, water banking, annual report, Arizona Water Banking Authority, water supply management
Summary:
The Senate Natural Resources Committee first considered two nominations. Jessica Manuel was introduced as a nominee to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, where testimony emphasized her science background and experience working with agencies and stakeholders. Members asked about wolf management and her qualifications, and the committee voted 8-0 to recommend her confirmation. Stephen Williams was then introduced for the Arizona Livestock Loss Board, with discussion focused on his livestock and State Land Department experience and how the board handles wolf-related livestock losses. The committee also voted 8-0 to recommend his confirmation.
The committee then took up several bills. SB 1785, which would codify ADWR’s one-mile safe-harbor policy for recovery wells near groundwater storage facilities, passed 5-3 after ADWR said it largely reflected current practice but requested clarifying language. SB 1082, requiring sanitation measures and signage for petting zoos and similar animal encounter exhibits, drew strong testimony from a parent advocate describing severe E. coli/HUS cases and opposition from fair/agriculture representatives who argued the bill was too broad and unnecessary; after amendment, it failed 4-4. SB 1336, extending the State Land Department and creating a temporary oversight committee with a broad amendment on lease holdovers, notice periods, and committee membership, passed 6-2 after significant debate over the committee’s composition and scope.
Later, SB 1200, which would require ADWR to revisit certain Phoenix AMA assured water supply applications using older groundwater models, passed 5-3 despite opposition from CAP and ADWR over added replenishment obligations and concerns about relying on outdated models. SB 1335, requiring the Arizona Water Banking Authority to post its annual report online, passed 7-1. SB 1559, creating rural groundwater management work groups in each basin to report to ADWR, passed 5-3 after supporters said it would improve basin-level coordination and opponents argued it created new bureaucracy without enforcement tools. SB 1761, appropriating $47.7 million to the University of Arizona for the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, and the Experiment Station, passed 7-1 amid broad support but some concern about funding levels. Finally, SCM 1007, urging Congress to divest and improve the San Carlos Irrigation Project electric system, passed unanimously.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
INSURANCE & COMMERCE - SENATE AND HOUSE Feb 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Has your organization been before Congress? Yes, ma'am.
- I have personally testified in front of Congress multiple times.
- Do you have any indication that Congress is willing to be... I'd have to look it up.
- Chair, is: has the association consulted, advised, or expressed concern about this problem with Congress
- Traugden said earlier, we're constantly bringing this topic up with our federal members of Congress and
Summary:
A joint House-Senate Insurance and Commerce meeting focused on the growing threat of financial fraud in Arkansas, with members hearing from bankers, the Attorney General’s office, the state bank and securities commissioner, the insurance department, AARP, and mortgage industry representatives. Witnesses described fraud as increasingly organized, technology-driven, and often transnational, with common schemes including spoofed bank calls and texts, fake websites and social media impersonations, business email compromise, gift card and wire scams, crypto kiosk fraud, check fraud, and mortgage/real estate fraud. Several witnesses emphasized that seniors are disproportionately targeted and that losses are often underreported because victims feel embarrassed or do not know where to report incidents.
Testimony highlighted both state and national responses. Bankers and regulators pointed to Arkansas’s 2025 actions on crypto ATMs and elder-fraud education, including training for gift-card sellers and safe-harbor protections for banks under the Safe AR Act. The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division described its complaint process, a new financial fraud task force, and examples of recovered funds, including quick recoveries from Bitcoin kiosk scams and wire fraud cases. The American Bankers Association and others urged stronger accountability for telecoms and social media platforms, citing spoofed caller ID, impersonation ads, Section 230 issues, and the need for a national scam-prevention strategy or federal office. Artificial intelligence was identified as a major emerging risk because it can generate convincing scam emails, websites, and impersonation content at scale.
Members asked about reporting procedures, whether banks reimburse fraud losses, how crypto affects recoverability, the safety of tap-to-pay versus chip use, and whether public online records contribute to fraud. Witnesses generally advised victims to report scams through the proper channels, avoid clicking links or responding to suspicious messages, and verify requests independently by contacting institutions directly. The committee also heard that banks and regulators are already sharing information and educating consumers, but that more legislative and cross-agency action may be needed. No formal vote or bill action was taken beyond approval of the November 3, 2025 minutes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26 - Part 2
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- You can bet on any number of things that Congress has the authority to regulate, and you can bet on the
- on any number of things um that Congress on any number of things um that Congress has<00:24:54.720
- <00:39:52.880>
now with you on it. um in Congress right now with you on it. um in Congress - <00:52:14.160>
And <00:52:14.319>I should be examined uh by Congress. - And I should be examined uh by Congress.
Bills:
HF2354, HF3407, HF4359, HF4192, HF3356, HF3695, HF1597, HF3155, HF3871, HF4437, HF4446, HF3990
Keywords:
medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, ghost guns, unserialized firearms, 3D-printed guns, 3D printer firearms, CNC milling, home-built firearms, firearm serialization, serial numbers, unfinished frame, unfinished receiver, ghost gun ban, gun control, firearm design files, CAD files, digital gun blueprints
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 001 Jan 15th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- When Congress let the premium health care tax credits, darn it, when Congress let health care premiums
- When<01:08:03.200>
Congress <01:08:03.760>let <01:08:04.160>the <01:08:04.480> - premium<01:08:05.039>
health When Congress let the premium health When Congress let the premium - <01:08:22.400>
If <01:08:22.719>Congress <01:08:23.199>continues <01:08:23.679 - If Congress continues to of those hikes.
Summary:
The House convened for the opening of the second regular session of the 75th General Assembly of the State of Colorado with ceremonial music, the presentation of colors by the Civil Air Patrol, the national anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The chamber then handled organizational business, including appointing Vanessa Riley as chief clerk temporarily, establishing a quorum, and reading notices of resignations and vacancy appointments. The Committee on Credentials was appointed, met, and reported that Lori Goldstein and Kenny Van Wyn were properly appointed to fill vacancies in House Districts 29 and 33; the House adopted the report and both representatives-elect were sworn in. Afterward, the House appointed committees to notify the Senate and the governor that it was organized and ready for business, and later received those committees’ reports back in chamber.
The House also received and read the full list of committee of reference and Joint Budget Committee assignments for the session. These included standing committees such as Appropriations, Education, Finance, Judiciary, Health and Human Services, Transportation, Housing, and Local Government, among others, along with the Joint Budget Committee membership. No substantive bills were debated or voted on in this transcript beyond the organizational motions and adoption of the credentials report.
The remainder of the meeting consisted of opening-day remarks from House leadership. The Speaker and other members welcomed new and returning legislators, thanked staff and veterans, and noted recent losses and a moment of silence for those who had passed. The Speaker’s address focused on political violence, the state’s fiscal challenges, affordability, health care, housing, education, public lands, civil rights, and the need to lower costs while protecting prior policy gains. The session was framed as one in which the House would work on budget pressures, affordability, and continued investments in schools, health care, housing, and environmental protections.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development May 7th, 2026
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- So they don't need to... they don't need Congress to do it. They can actually do it.
- So they don't need to, they don't need Congress to do it. They can actually do it.
- Members, House Resolution 188 by Chairwoman Butler memorializes Congress to oppose any provision in the
- And so I decided to file this HR to urge and request Congress to look at this amendment and pull it out
- But I think, you know, memorializing Congress to let them know that as it comes back from the Senate,
Summary:
The House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development met with a quorum, adopted the minutes from its October 3, 2024 meeting, and Chairwoman Butler noted that HCR 82 would be voluntarily deferred in favor of continuing work on HCR 77 related to a pilot program for landscaping and crawfishing. The committee then considered HCR 205, which urges the USDA to use its Commodity Procurement Program to purchase domestic Louisiana shrimp. Representative Kerner and Commissioner Mike Strain described the shrimp industry’s low prices, full cold storage, and the need for urgent federal action to support shrimpers and move product into schools, nursing homes, and food banks. Members discussed domestic sourcing rules, enforcement against imported seafood, and marketing challenges; HCR 205 was reported favorably without objection.
The committee also took up HCR 188, which memorializes Congress to oppose any federal farm bill provision that could negatively affect the use of hunting dogs. Chairwoman Butler and Commissioner Strain explained that the concern centered on vague language in a farm bill section that could be interpreted to restrict hunting dogs used for tracking or field trials. Members agreed the language should be removed if it remained in the bill, and HCR 188 was reported favorably without objection.
The committee then heard a presentation from Orlando McMeans of the Southern University Ag Center and College of Agriculture, along with Dr. Calvin Walker. They outlined the center’s research, extension, and academic programs, including enrollment growth, dual-enrollment efforts, 1890 scholars, JAG Stars scholarships, beef cattle and aquaculture research, viticulture, precision nutrition, and food access initiatives. They also described major facility projects, including a high-tech meat processing facility, research labs, a vineyard, and a proposed disaster-safe shelter. Members asked about butcher training, cattle genetics, and the shelter’s potential uses, and the committee adjourned after the presentation.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Code, so there is not a qualifier in there that it had to be an act of Congress or it had to be an act
- of Congress or it had to be an act. that clarification.
- Code, so there is not a qualifier in there that it had to be an act of Congress or it had to be an act
- of Congress or it had to be an act.
- So any that are designated by Acts of Congress. Additional question, Senator Pizzo.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and memorial remarks, including a moment of silence for service members killed in the conflict in Iran. The chamber then moved to special orders and took up a series of bills, with many measures passing unanimously after brief explanations and, in several cases, substitution of House companions. Early bills included CS/CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate education, which drew extensive supportive debate about the civic value of debate programs and passed 37-0, and SB 1072 on an anti-Semitism task force, which was amended to clarify that criticism of Israel is not prohibited and then passed 37-0.
The Senate also approved CS/CS/SB 1230/HB 1019 on PFAS chemicals and firefighting foam, with discussion focused on phasing out AFFF, testing requirements, exceptions for federal aviation and military uses, and support for firefighters and water quality; the bill passed 37-0. Other measures passed without opposition included SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, SB 186 on student health and safety and seizure response training, SB 598 on funeral and cemetery services, SB 990/HB 883 on protected cell captive insurance companies, SB 554 on nonprofit corporations, SB 560 on child welfare and foster care medication procedures, SB 684/HB 961 on electronic signatures for salvage titles, and SB 778/HB 569 on forensic client services. Two bills, SB 432 on intoxicating substances and SB 928 on dangerous crimes, were temporarily postponed.
A major portion of the meeting was devoted to SB 1134 on official actions of local governments and DEI-related activities. The sponsor argued the bill would prevent counties and municipalities from funding or promoting DEI efforts he described as discriminatory or indoctrinating, while opponents offered amendments to narrow the bill to spending only, add an intent requirement for penalties, and preserve local proclamations and observances. Those amendments were debated at length but were not adopted. The sponsor then continued explaining the bill’s exceptions, including references to holidays, heritage sites, and the Pulse Memorial, and the chamber was still in debate on the underlying measure when the transcript ended.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- As you may know, Congress is working through a budgetary process right now called Budget Reconciliation
- State Fed Office has been meeting with members of Congress for the past four years to brief them on the
- The fate of the Governor's request ultimately rests with Congress.
- It was submitted to the administration and to Congress as part of the part of the letter so I'm happy
- Congress does at the federal level.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Sep 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Congress is now going through its annual appropriations process.
- I think it's important to note that we don't expect either version of the bills to pass Congress.
- If you know about the Congressional appropriations process, you know that Congress usually doesn't pass
- So expect toward the end of this month for Congress to pass a continuing resolution to extend funding
- up to you all because There's that uncertainty that we're seeing from D.C. where both chambers of Congress