Transcript Highlights:

• Public testimony will be limited to two minutes. Please try to keep to that schedule.
• It limits Congress to enumerated powers.
• A convention, however, cannot be safely topic-limited.
• Non-answers, kind of a feeling honeypot for us to all feel good about balanced budget term limits.
• Spend without limits, borrow without a plan, and pass the bill to someone else.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:57.039><c> in</c> months of President Trump's term in months of President Trump's term in
• :36.639><c> district</c> Michigan's first congressional district Michigan's first congressional district
• </c> This bill would replace the terms This bill would replace the terms employment<03:46:58.479><c>
• ><c> to</c><04:38:42.879><c> provide</c> certain repayment terms to provide certain repayment terms to
• </c> districts, but they're often limited districts, but they're often limited from<04:53:48.240><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• LET'S MOVE TO SENATOR AVILA SJR 7010 HOMESTEAD PROPERTY ON SENATE LIMITATIONS.
• HOW WILL IT WORK IN TERM OF LOCAL JURISDICTION PARKING? YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. THANK YOU MR.
• THIS IS PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION ON ASSESSMENT LIMITATION LONG TERM LEASE BY SENATOR AVILA.
• WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO LIMIT SPEAKING TIME TO A LITTLE UNDER A MINUTE.
• IT IS UNNECESSARY AND WE WISH YOU WELL IN YOUR CONGRESSIONAL RUN.

Transcript Highlights:

• are problems in lethality, lower-tier supply chain, and readiness, and there is the need for long-term
• And how do you think about addressing the shortage of steel, which is not just a shortage in terms of
• And I would love to lead a congressional delegation to Las Vegas and come see not only the test cycle
• It's pretty amazing. congressional delegation to Las Vegas.
• You're going to need people that look at production rates and limiting factors in the supplier base.

Committees: Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel , Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces

Keywords: defense industrial base, small business, workforce development, acquisition processes, national security, cybersecurity, critical minerals

Summary: The meeting of the committee revolved around critical discussions on enhancing the defense industrial base, focusing on small business engagement and the importance of streamlined processes in defense contracting. There was a significant emphasis on the need for more investment in the defense manufacturing sector, particularly in the face of competition from countries like China. Some members expressed frustration over the treatment of small businesses, citing barriers that prevent these innovative companies from effectively participating in defense contracts. The need for a workforce capable of meeting the common challenges posed by evolving technologies and geopolitical threats was also highlighted throughout the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• forward-looking investments—investments that support affordability, expand access, and deliver long-term
• It will be of a similar term and nature to what we have today, where the operations will ...similar term
• But it is something that we talked about with our congressional delegation and others.
• You talked a bit about it in your testimony in terms of grant terminations and delays.
• congressional actions, and then likely middle-term congressional actions.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held an informational hearing with invited testimony from MassDOT leadership, the MBTA, Massport, and the state’s Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office. MassDOT officials outlined work across highways, rail and transit, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, and aeronautics, emphasizing major capital spending, bridge and roadway programs, transit grants, rail expansion, airport safety, and modernization efforts. They highlighted Chapter 90 and municipal grant programs, the Compass Rail and West-East Rail efforts, RMV upgrades such as electronic titles and driver licensing systems, and aeronautics work on airport pavement, drones, and advanced air mobility. Committee members focused on safety, service access, and project implementation. Questions to MassDOT covered automated enforcement and rising roadway fatalities, the Allston multimodal project’s federal funding, Complete Streets access for rural communities, and South Coast Rail staffing and future electrification. The RMV was asked about the Work and Family Mobility Act, Real ID demand, and appointment access, especially in Metro West. Members also raised concerns about South Coast Rail operations, Keolis staffing, and whether the Stoughton route remains part of future plans; MassDOT and MBTA officials said they are working on staffing, service reliability, and long-term expansion, while noting that nothing is off the table for future rail improvements. MBTA General Manager Phil Eng reported progress including workforce growth, elimination of subway speed restrictions, expanded reduced-fare access, bus network redesign, South Coast Rail launch, and commuter rail signal upgrades. He said the agency is pursuing a new commuter rail operating contract designed to support future regional rail, electrification, and higher-frequency service, while maintaining service and workforce stability amid funding uncertainty. Members also asked about fare collection data privacy and the impact of state funding levels; Eng said the MBTA needs the governor’s proposed funding to preserve service and staffing, and that the fare system’s data are encrypted and handled through a secure vendor system. Massport CEO Rich Davey reported record activity at Logan, Worcester, and the cruise and maritime facilities, along with major capital and climate investments such as sustainable aviation fuel planning, shore power at Flynn Cruiseport, renewable diesel, and expanded ground transportation. He said Massport is planning for continued passenger growth and managing congestion through parking, HOV, and curbside changes, while monitoring federal policy, tariffs, and air traffic control staffing issues. Federal Funds Director Quentin Palfrey described the administration’s efforts to secure federal infrastructure dollars, citing about $9 billion in federal awards since the start of the administration, including major transportation grants for the Cape Cod Bridges, Allston, West-East Rail, North Station drawbridge replacement, roadway safety, and clean school buses. He warned that changing federal policies, grant delays, and possible future congressional actions create uncertainty, but said the office is working case-by-case with municipalities and agencies to protect awarded funds and find alternative financing where needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> jobs, but positioned for long-term jobs, but positioned for long-term career<00:05:01.840><c> growth
• This is services due to limited funding.
• </c> go back to the most needy congressional go back to the most needy congressional districts.<01:09
• </c><01:10:06.239><c> district</c> divide it up by congressional district divide it up by congressional
• Uh Senator congressional district.

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• u I mean some simple errors in in terms u I mean some simple errors in in terms of like a missing the
• of an audit or in No, sir. in terms of an audit or in No, sir. in terms of an audit or anything in terms
• It's not congressional. It's set as a rule by the congressional.
• It's it's ruled even congressional law. It's it's ruled even congressional law.
• It's just that long term this is going to be a year an long term this is going to be a year an long term

Bills: SB199 , HB142 , SB86 , HB152 , HB297 , SB1 , SB1

Committee: House Ways and Means Education

Keywords: parental leave, state employees, local education agencies, adoption, work-life balance, family support, portable benefits, portable benefit account, independent contractor, gig worker, 1099 worker, freelancer, app-based worker, rideshare, delivery driver, worker benefits, health insurance, retirement benefits, life insurance, income replacement insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• The state institution establishes a state debt limit. The issue is...
• The state institution establishes a state debt limit.
• The issuance of debt outside of the debt limit must be subject to a vote of the people via referendum
• These declines have become both an immediate concern and a long-term concern for Washington's research
• It really let Texas move ahead in terms of being even more competitive in their research in that space

Bills: SB6321 , SGA9245 , SGA9247 , SGA9250 , SGA9252 , SGA9253 , SGA9254 , SGA9259 , SGA9260 , SGA9261 , SGA9262

Committee: Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development

Keywords: scientific research, innovation, economic growth, Washington Institute, public funding

Transcript Highlights:

• It reduced the board terms, imposed term limits, and affirmed the appointment by members of the governor
• It reduced the board terms.<00:15:54.959><c> It</c><00:15:55.199><c> imposed</c><00:15:55.600><c> term
• </c><00:15:55.920><c> limits</c><00:15:56.240><c> and</c><00:15:56.399><c> it</c> terms.
• It imposed term limits and it terms.
• It imposed term limits and it affirmed<00:15:56.959><c> the</c><00:15:57.120><c> appointment</c><00:15

Bills: SB174 , SB39 , SB40 , SB206 , SB200 , HB169 , HB345 , HB381 , HB25 , SB174 , SB39 , SB40 , SB206 , SB200 , HB169 , HB345 , HB381 , HB25

Committee: House State Government

Keywords: business taxes, annual reports, Alabama Tax Tribunal, tax appeals, local government, board governance, occupational licensing, Sunset Law, public accountability, training requirements, SB40, Houston/Hunter Act, firearm hold agreement, gun storage, temporary firearm storage, firearms dealer, federal firearms licensee, FFL, civil immunity, gun owner

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill by Representative DeWitt, Firefighters Retirement System, Board of Trustees, term limits,
• House Bill by Representative Baham, joint resolution to amend the Constitution, term limit for office
• of governor, lifetime term limit, 225.
• House Bill by Representative Sain: Joint Resolution; effect on legislative term limits; prohibit re-election
• than congressional based on congressional districts, 642.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then received and processed multiple resignation notices and special-election proclamations for vacant seats. The chamber later recognized and swore in newly elected members Doyle Boudreaux, Reese Broussard, Chassity Verrett-Martinez, and Edwin Murray after no objections were raised to their qualifications. The House also appointed committees to notify the Senate and the governor that it was ready to conduct business for the 2026 regular session, and it adopted the proposed standing committee meeting schedule and referred prefiled bills to committee without objection. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to the introduction and reading of a very large number of House bills and resolutions across many subject areas. Measures included the annual appropriations bill, a proposed constitutional convention, carbon dioxide sequestration and pipeline permitting, retirement-system changes, criminal justice and public safety proposals, education and workforce measures, local government and district creation bills, insurance and liability reforms, and numerous commemorative resolutions. Several prefiled bills were withdrawn, and many introduced measures were assigned to committees or allowed to lie over under the rules. The House then entered a joint session with the Senate for the governor’s address. Governor Jeff Landry outlined his administration’s priorities and praised recent legislative actions on taxes, insurance reform, transportation, education, and fiscal discipline. He urged support for Amendment 3 on teacher pay and retirement, called for further workforce and health initiatives, defended insurance and transportation reforms, and pressed for judicial reform, especially in Orleans Parish, citing the death of Jacob Carter and failures in electronic monitoring as examples. He also promoted replacing the vehicle inspection sticker with a QR code system and highlighted economic growth, lower taxes, and infrastructure investments. The joint session also included a presentation of the colors by the Louisiana National Guard and a Distinguished Flying Cross ceremony for Technical Sergeant Adam W. Brister, recognizing his 2018 rescue mission in Alaska. After the governor’s remarks and the military honor presentation, the joint session concluded and the House resumed introducing additional bills, continuing to file measures on topics such as health care, education, ethics, elections, local districts, and constitutional amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Has been President of the United States can only serve two terms.
• So the decision in Anderson limited its reasoning to the 14th Amendment.
• I mean, you know, on the two-term question.
• But is there any way to read the Constitution to authorize three terms?
• to make sure he can't run for a third term as I am.

Committee: Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments

Summary: The committee heard three bills. SB 73, by Senator Cervantes, would bar county registrars from allowing federal agents to inspect voting machines and was presented as a response to alleged federal interference in California elections. Supporters said it would help local governments defend election systems, while Senator Choi opposed it as unnecessary and beyond state authority, arguing federal law already governs access to voting equipment. The bill passed on a 4-1 vote to Appropriations after the call was lifted. SB 401, by Senator Hurtado and presented by Senator Allen, would authorize the Fair Political Practices Commission to extend Form 700 and other economic-interest filing deadlines during declared emergencies. Testimony and committee discussion focused on whether the bill gave the FPPC too much open-ended discretion, with members asking for clearer limits on how long extensions could last and when they would apply. The author and FPPC counsel said they would work on clarifying the language, and the bill passed 5-0 to Labor, Public Employment and Retirement. SB 46, by Senator Umberg, would give the Secretary of State authority to remove constitutionally ineligible presidential or vice presidential candidates from the California ballot, aimed at preventing a third presidential term. Supporters from CREW and a constitutional law professor argued the measure was constitutional and necessary to enforce the 22nd Amendment, while the Secretary of State’s office raised concerns about creating an investigative role and suggested alternative language or use of an independent special counsel. Members debated whether ballot eligibility determinations should be made at the state or federal level, and the bill passed 4-1 to Appropriations. The chair then thanked committee staff and adjourned the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Indiana's ninth congressional district. Indiana's ninth congressional district.
• </c> during a Congressional Oversight during a Congressional Oversight Committee<02:36:03.520><c> hearing
• > Congressional Republicans are committed Congressional Republicans are committed to<05:53:21.360><c>
• </c> and long-term self-sufficiency. and long-term self-sufficiency.
• </c> accountability, protecting limited accountability, protecting limited resources,<06:03:38.160><c

Transcript Highlights:

• Limiting our expenses to CPI will limit our ability to take care of this population, and that is because
• It's a tricky balance, but you're right: to limit our overall expenditures, you can't just limit it on
• We have limited... limited developable land, so we don't have the new construction that we can add to
• To put limits on local governments, I'm saying I think these limits, from a practitioner's perspective
• In my second term.

Bills: HB26 , HB73 , SB 14 , HB46

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• And our office has been advocating along with our congressional delegation to keep that money moving.
• This fiscal year, we may see it in the next because there's congressional intent to fund those programs
• We may see it in the next, because there's congressional intent to fund those programs.
• And this is limited strictly to disaster response, search and rescue.
• expect to not receive the federal grant i think there's a possibility just based on how we've seen in terms

Summary: The committee held a budget hearing for the Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management, with Director Annie Verst presenting the agency’s FY26/FY27 request and explaining the agency’s role in disaster response, recovery, preparedness, and mitigation. She said OEM remains a lean agency focused on coordinating resources for local governments, supporting recovery after disasters, and helping communities build resilience. She highlighted recent activity including wildfire response, multiple fire management assistance declarations, $83 million in public assistance payouts, use of the new state disaster revolving fund, and implementation of an Oklahoma resilient recovery strategy and ARPA-funded rural public safety grants. Verst emphasized uncertainty in federal funding and FEMA operations, saying hazard mitigation assistance has been canceled for the first time since 1988, some obligations were delayed under DHS’s “Defend the Spend” review, and the emergency management performance grant period was shortened before later being resolved. She said OEM has restructured by eliminating obsolete administrative work, repurposing positions to regional coordinators, ending warehouse leases, and assigning fleet vehicles more efficiently. Her budget request included $3.7 million to cover a possible loss of federal operating support, $1 million for a required state hazard mitigation plan update, $3.8 million for the state emergency fund to cover anticipated 12.5% state shares and replenish prior expenditures, and $800,000 for anticipated other-needs/temporary sheltering cost share. Members questioned her about Oklahoma Task Force One, the revolving fund, and whether OEM is shifting toward a response-focused agency. Verst said response remains local and OEM’s role is coordination, recovery, and mitigation, not replacing local emergency management. She explained Task Force One is used when local capacity is exceeded, is not currently funded by OEM for routine operations, and the revolving fund helps bridge reimbursement delays. She also said the hazard mitigation plan update would likely be done by an outside contractor or university partner. No votes were taken; the hearing ended after questions and thanks from the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• between the parties and each member other than the majority and minority leaders and the minority whip limited
• </c> of Education without congressional of Education without congressional approval.<01:03:54.880><c>
• That was my plan and the plan of my fellow Florida congressional Democrats last week.
• </c> sacrifice for the fifth Congressional sacrifice for the fifth Congressional District<02:17:13.840
• </c><02:20:52.240><c> maps</c> session to withdraw congressional maps session to withdraw congressional

Transcript Highlights:

• So to that end, how much do you have an idea in terms of total cost in closed primaries?
• “How’s that going to work in terms of they’re still going to the same polling place?
• So there will be no congressional general in December.
• There are time limits involved, and so...”
• care and the long-term cost for veterans, that would be great.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee heard a budget presentation for the Department of State. House Fiscal Division said the FY27 recommended budget is $128.6 million and 367 positions, with elections making up the largest share. Secretary of State Nancy Landry said the office is implementing Louisiana’s first closed party primary, continuing voter education efforts, and moving toward procurement of a new voting system that would produce a voter-verifiable paper ballot and support risk-limiting audits. Members asked about polling place confusion, machine replacement costs, election commissioner pay, and the cost of educating voters about the new primary system. Landry said polling places are not changing because of the new primary law, the new system is expected to cost about $100 million total, and a bill this session would raise election commissioner pay by $100 per day. Fiscal staff also estimated the closed primary law will add about $31.5 million in costs over five years, mostly from converting local elections to statewide elections and voter outreach. The committee then reviewed the Department of Veterans Affairs budget, which was presented at about $105.2 million with a mix of federal, state, self-generated, and interagency funds. The department said most costs are tied to personnel and veterans’ homes, and that the homes are funded largely by federal dollars plus self-generated revenue. Members focused heavily on delays in processing National Guard disability claims and payments to veterans. Representatives said constituents had waited about a year for claims to be resolved, while the department said it had increased staffing and was processing a backlog of more than 400 claims, but still had about $950,000 in approved claims awaiting funding. The department said the payout program is governed by statute and that additional supplemental funding has been requested. Members also discussed veterans’ home care, including how service-connected disability status affects eligibility and costs, and whether chronic wound care and related complications could increase long-term costs. The department said veterans with higher service-connected ratings receive care with federal support, while others pay fees. Several members urged the department to provide clearer timelines and better communication to claimants, and one member suggested a separate oversight hearing to address the disability claim process and any needed statutory changes. The committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the upper payment limit is considered the Medicare limit for each state.
• The upper payment limit program, or access payment program, is limited to the private hospitals currently
• The upper payment limit program, or access payment program, is limited to the private hospitals currently
• That sets your upper payment limit.
• We can't come up with the number of congressional votes, even though our entire congressional delegation

Committee: All ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The subcommittee met to review Arkansas DHS hospital spending and reimbursement methods, with Secretary Janet Mann and Deputy Secretary Misty Eubanks explaining Medicaid hospital payments. They described fee-for-service per diem payments, cost settlements, and the upper payment limit (UPL) program, noting that SFY 2025 hospital payments included $688 million in inpatient/outpatient claims, $473 million in UPL payments, $248 million in cost settlements, and about $47 million in other payments such as graduate medical education and disproportionate share hospital funds. Members asked about why per diem rates vary, how cost settlements work, why UPL applies mainly to private hospitals, and how assessment fees are structured and funded. DHS said the hospital assessment fee is broad-based and uniform, used as the state share to draw federal funds, and that supplemental hospital payments after federal match totaled $548 million with no general revenue used. The Arkansas Hospital Association’s Jody Ann Tritt then gave a broader overview of the hospital landscape, explaining the different hospital types in the state, including critical access hospitals, rural emergency hospitals, PPS hospitals, and specialty hospitals. She said Arkansas hospitals face financial strain, citing a negative 5.18% patient service margin statewide and lower reimbursement than surrounding states. She argued that Arkansas hospitals are paid less than hospitals in neighboring states for similar services, that commercial payer rates and administrative burdens are a major problem, and that Medicaid and Medicare rates remain below cost even with UPL support. She also said hospitals are the backbone of community care, provide emergency and public health functions, and are looking for ways to invest in technology and telehealth but often lack the revenue to do so. Members pressed for clearer data on hospital finances, reimbursement adequacy, and the impact of commercial insurers. Tritt said the association had just authorized a statewide survey to gather updated financial information from hospitals, which she said would take about a year to complete. She also explained that Medicaid pays weekly, Medicare and commercial plans can involve delays and denials, and that hospitals often spend significant resources on revenue cycle work. The discussion ended with a brief update on assisted living reimbursement: DHS said one facility, The Pillars of the Community in Crossett, had announced closure, nine Living Choices waiver clients were being transitioned, and the updated rate study would be available after cost reports are collected, likely before the end of the fiscal year. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Inaction equals limited or no enforcement. Inaction also produces ambiguity.
• But the hemp-derived cannabinoid product, that term comes from Congress.
• In terms of the packaging, I can't say this.
• In terms of the packaging, I can't say this.
• That is 298 times the legal limit. That wasn't the only problem that we found.

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• It's simple terms.
• It's simple<00:14:12.560><c> terms.
• The bill returns driver's simple terms.
• </c> position in the bar congressional position in the bar congressional office,<00:17:14.480><c> including
• </c> to serving the sixth congressional to serving the sixth congressional district<00:19:58.080><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• The caliber of men and women we bring in directly affects. and the long-term strength and effectiveness
• I'd like the witnesses to address the effect that lowered enlistment standards could have on long-term
• To the well-being and long-term readiness of every single service member.
• It limits their experience and their satisfaction. So they want to do the surgeries.
• Should we be limiting their perspectives? ...and banning books in our academies?

Committees: Senate Cybersecurity Subcommittee , Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: NDAA, military recruitment, personnel readiness, testimony, military leaders

Summary: The committee meeting focused on pressing issues related to the U.S. military's recruitment and personnel strategies, especially in light of the upcoming NDAA for fiscal year 2026. Chairperson expressed appreciation for the service of witnesses including senior military leaders from different branches, emphasizing the importance of personnel as the backbone of national defense. Discussions revealed concerns regarding the recent lowering of recruitment standards across military branches, which could potentially affect the quality of service members and long-term military readiness. Witnesses were asked to address the implications of these changes on military health and efficiency.