Video & Transcript : 'Republican' :
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WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Jan 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- aware of, and then we have some business to do, and then we will each be going to Democratic and Republican
- Barkis, do you want to introduce the policy person for the Republican? Yes.
- , from the Republican members.
- Same places for Democratic and Republican caucus.
- Same places for Democratic and Republican caucus. I'll ask that the Democrats, caucus.
Summary:
The Transportation Committee met for an organizational session and received a presentation from Washington State Department of Transportation and Washington State Ferries staff on recovery from the December atmospheric river storms. Committee members were introduced, and staff outlined a new process for submitting proviso and project requests through an online app, with members directed to work through their caucus policy staff. The chair also announced caucus meetings and noted staff changes for the session.
WSDOT and WSF described emergency response operations, including statewide activations, damage assessment, and the use of emergency declarations to speed repairs. Staff explained how they pursue federal reimbursement through FHWA Emergency Relief and, separately, FEMA for debris removal, while noting that permanent repairs still require environmental clearances. They reported more than 50 emergency work orders, 16 emergency contracts, about 107 road sites closed at one point, and an initial damage estimate of roughly $30 million.
Examples of storm damage and recovery included US 2 near Skykomish and Tumwater Canyon, US 12 near Naches, Highway 410, Highway 42 near Mount Baker, I-90 shoulder damage, and a major US 101 slope failure near Forks that will require longer-term geotechnical work. Members asked about environmental permitting, bridge impacts, flood coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers, and whether emergency declarations allow broader actions; staff said the declaration mainly speeds stabilization and contracting, does not change tolling authority, and does not waive environmental requirements. No votes were taken.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- In reality, it's a slap in the face to every independent and Republican voter in this state.
- We brought together the Democratic Central Committee, the Republican Central Committee.
- </c><00:20:48.320><c> We</c><00:20:49.240><c> were</c> Republican Central Committee.
- We were Republican Central Committee.
- And I'll bring up again, there are Republicans who rejected this in this country.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The Republican candidate for governor received 45 percent of the vote.
- But the actual election judges were only 30 percent Republicans, 70 percent Democrat.
- And this was in the Republican Party. We knew both people running. We knew the teams.
- You're Republican, right? Yes, sir.
- You're Republican, right? Yes, sir.
Committee:
House Elections
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 3709, which would change the partial manual audit process so early voting could be audited by voting location rather than by randomly selected precincts. The author and several supporters said the current precinct-based process is antiquated, labor-intensive, and especially difficult in countywide voting systems and large counties. Opponents and some neutral witnesses raised concerns about whether the change would still allow an apples-to-apples audit against official precinct results, whether random selection procedures should be more clearly defined, and how ballot secrecy and mail ballots would be handled. The Secretary of State’s office said counties already use random selection methods and that the bill would largely standardize early voting audits with election-day procedures, while also noting ballot privacy issues can arise in public records requests. After testimony, the bill was left pending.
The committee then took up House Bill 766, as substituted, which would require precinct chair applicants to provide an email address, phone number, or both, while making that contact information confidential. Supporters said the change would help parties and local officials contact applicants more efficiently. Opponents argued it could expose personal contact information to public records requests and harassment, and some suggested the information should instead be handled through party rules. The bill was left pending after the committee substitute was withdrawn.
House Bill 3775 followed and would set clearer timelines for when early voting ballot boards may begin opening carrier envelopes, with different start times based on county size. Supporters said the bill would address counties opening ballots too early and improve ballot security, while opponents warned it could delay defect notices and cure opportunities for mail voters and create problems in large counties that process high volumes of ballots. Testimony also focused on whether the bill referred to carrier envelopes or secrecy envelopes and on how counties like Harris County currently image and secure ballot materials. The bill was left pending.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 4275, which would require countywide polling systems to have polling places in each election precinct, intended to address uneven distribution of polling locations across county commissioner precincts. Supporters said the bill would make polling place distribution fairer and more consistent, especially in Harris County, while opponents said it would undermine countywide voting, increase costs, require more equipment and staff, and reduce local flexibility. Several witnesses also raised concerns about ballot secrecy and the practical burden on large and rural counties. The bill remained under discussion as testimony continued.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a Republican. I was elected as a Republican.
- I'm a member of the Republican State Central Committee.
- Don't put a stain on this state, and don't put a stain on the Republican Party.
- And listen to Ed—Ed almost wanted to make me a Republican.
- We are Republicans. We honor the rule of law in our party. We don't honor the rule of a master.
Bills:
SB256
Committee:
House Judiciary
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/09/2026 - Senate Military Affairs and Border Security
Transcript Highlights:
- The Republicans are the majority. They can get the money. The Republicans are the majority.
- The Republicans are the majority. They can get the money. The Republicans are the majority.
- The Republicans have the power to fund you, and I will be on their side to support you veterans.
- In March 2022, this body, the Republican-controlled Arizona Senate, voted 24 to 3 to censure Senator
- Not 24 Democrats. 11 of our own Republican colleagues voted for that censure.
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 1803, which would regulate non-accredited veterans benefits claims assistance by prohibiting unrecognized agents or attorneys from preparing or prosecuting claims, limiting compensation practices, requiring written disclosures and cancellation rights, and making violations subject to Attorney General enforcement. Supporters, including the sponsor and several veterans, said the bill would create needed guardrails against predatory actors while preserving veterans’ choice to use free or paid help. Opponents and some neutral testimony, including a VA-accredited attorney and representatives of the VFW and American Legion, argued the bill still lacked sufficient protections, raised federal preemption concerns, and should require VA accreditation instead. After debate over fees, back pay, and the availability of free services, the committee adopted an amendment and gave SB 1803 a do pass recommendation by a 5-2 vote.
The committee then heard SB 1232, a strike-everything amendment dealing with outdoor advertising signs in military airport and ancillary military facility overlay zoning districts. The bill would allow signs on property with a military compatibility permit in areas otherwise treated as residential under a zoning designation, which the sponsor and property representatives said was needed to resolve an ADOT permitting loophole for a specific parcel near Luke Air Force Base and the Northern Parkway. Members questioned whether the change was narrowly tailored, whether other properties could be affected, and whether ADOT and federal highway beautification rules would be satisfied. After the amendment was adopted, the committee approved SB 1232 on a 4-3 vote, with several members saying they would reserve the right to change their votes on the floor.
Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1511, which would prohibit operation of a commercial motor vehicle in Arizona unless the operator can prove lawful presence in the United States and would allow impoundment if proof is not provided. The sponsor introduced the bill with a lengthy explanation of commercial driver licensing history and concerns about non-domiciled and limited-term CDLs, contrasting them with Canadian and Mexican commercial licensing arrangements. The transcript cuts off before testimony, questions, or any action on SB 1511.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Republican, mainly in one Republican county commissioner district.
- The Republican candidate for governor received 45% of the vote.
- However, the actual election judges were only 30% Republicans. ...70 percent Democrat.
- It's an easy bill, especially one that helps Republicans. You know, this is great. What a world.
- You're Republican, right? Yes, sir.
Committee:
House Elections
Keywords:
early voting, ballot correction, voting rights, election integrity, mail-in voting, voter notification, HB 766, precinct chair, precinct chair candidate, ballot application, Texas Election Code, Section 172.021, election administration, candidate filing, party precinct chair, county party, political party office, email address, telephone number, confidential candidate information
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Brooke Rollins, of Texas, to be Secretary of Agriculture. Jan 23rd, 2025 at 09:00 am
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Throughout the past several weeks, I have met or spoken with every Republican.
- Both Republicans and Democrats were very encouraging to me.
- You were actively involved in a lot of those negotiations between Democrats... and Republicans on the
- I've been working closely with all the, I believe probably mostly Republican, maybe all Republican, but
- For decades, Republicans and Democrats have supported full funding for this program, meaning that...
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Rep. Lisa Demuth departing member remarks 5/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There were five Republicans. There may have been 35 of y'all, but we were really happy to be here.
- All DFL, all Republican. I also have it from 2025 with different names on.
- All<00:09:25.200><c> DFL,</c> All DFL, All DFL, all<00:09:27.040><c> Republican.
- </c> all Republican. all Republican.
Summary:
Speaker Lisa Demuth delivered a closing floor speech reflecting on the Minnesota House’s 94th session under a tied chamber, emphasizing that the tie forced bipartisan negotiation from the start and that everything passed had to be bipartisan. She said she hoped future members would learn from that experience and continue working together, even when political agreement is difficult. She also noted her gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Speaker and for the chance to help guide the chamber through a historic session.
Much of the speech was personal and appreciative. Demuth thanked her family, including her husband, children, grandchildren, and especially her mother, who closely followed her work and often texted her questions about procedure and bills. She also mentioned the sacrifices of legislative service, her own growth in politics, and the importance of maintaining awe and respect for the institution. She recalled her relationship with former Speaker Melissa Hortman and said Hortman’s practice of meeting weekly despite political differences showed the value of getting to know one another personally before doing legislative work.
Demuth also thanked House staff, including partisan and nonpartisan staff such as research, revisers, HR, budget, and accounting, and acknowledged colleagues who worked through the tie and difficult negotiations. She closed by quoting Nehemiah, saying “the joy of the Lord is my strength,” and encouraged members to leave places better than they found them. The speech ended with applause; no votes or formal legislative actions were taken in the excerpt.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House and Governmental Affairs Mar 31st, 2026
House and Governmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- privilege to welcome all the lovely ladies in red today, representing the Louisiana Federation of Republican
- They come here once a year. ...representing the Louisiana Federation of Republican Women.
- Joni Miller, Louisiana Federation of Republican Women.
- I know we recognized the Republican women earlier.
- Of course, we have my legislative assistant and president of our Republican Women's, Ms.
Committee:
House House and Governmental Affairs
Summary:
The committee met on March 31 with a quorum present and heard three bills by Representative Bacala. House Bill 205 sought to increase compensation for election commissioners, with the author and several clerks of court and commissioners testifying that pay had not changed in 19 years despite greater responsibilities, longer hours, and additional training tied to election security and new voting systems. To avoid a state fiscal note, the committee adopted amendment set 2855, which removed the base pay increase and instead allowed parish governing authorities to provide a supplemental payment of up to $100 for commissioners in charge and those who complete instruction. The bill was then reported favorably.
House Bill 67 addressed protected information for certain public officials and aligned the rules for clerks of court with those already applied to the Secretary of State’s office. The author described it as a technical correction to prior legislation governing what personal information may be published or removed. Stephen Procopio of PAR raised broader concerns about transparency, possible constitutional issues, and inconsistent treatment of information depending on the source, suggesting the law may need a larger review. The committee did not amend the bill and reported it favorably.
House Bill 73 would allow local public bodies to vote by electronic voting machine, so long as the vote is publicly displayed, instead of being limited to voice votes. Bacala said the change was intended to clarify that electronic in-place voting is permissible and does not affect quorum, proxy voting, or remote participation. Representatives asked about whether members and the public must be able to see the vote and whether the bill changed existing procedures; the author said it did not. Support came from local government associations, and the bill was reported favorably.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't want to be partisan about this, but for Republicans to move forward in response to Donald Trump
- I'm friends and have respectful relationships with most of my Republican colleagues here in this building
- And I hope when it comes to THC it can be a first step for Republicans and Democrats to come together
- What do you think is the obsession with the Republicans promoting Texans to get into something like the
- What do you think is the obsession with the Republicans promoting Texans to get into something like the
Summary:
Senator Nathan Johnson presented a pair of bills he described as a comprehensive cannabis reform package for Texas. He said one bill would regulate hemp-derived THC with a 21-and-over purchase age, a 5 mg THC threshold, testing, labeling, licensing, packaging, and marketing standards, an advisory committee to report to the Legislature, and a tax structure that would direct revenue to public health, law enforcement, testing, and the Texas Compassionate Use Program. He also said the legislation reflects work by Chairman Ken King and is intended as an alternative to a total ban, which he argued would be unenforceable and undesirable.
Johnson said the second bill would decriminalize possession and personal use of up to 2 ounces of marijuana, allow limited home cultivation, and create a path to expunction for people convicted of conduct that would no longer be illegal. He argued current Texas THC laws are inconsistent, harmful, and disproportionately affect communities of color, while also diverting law enforcement resources. He said the bills aim to create a more consistent and enforceable framework and to support medical THC use.
Supportive testimony came from Shawn Salvahi, a veteran and Texas Cannabis Collective representative, who said decriminalization and homegrow would help veterans and first responders and that leaders should correct mistaken policy. Senator Molly Cook, an ER nurse, also backed Johnson’s approach and opposed SB 5, saying prohibition has failed, worsened safety, and created criminal and economic harms. In questions, Johnson said the Senate is likely to move SB 5, that the House could still change the outcome, and that he has been consistent in opposing a ban since 2018. The discussion also briefly touched on redistricting, with participants urging attention to flooding and criticizing proposed maps, but the main action was the presentation and defense of the THC bills ahead of floor consideration.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Governor Walz Budget Negotiations Media Availability - 06/04/25
Transcript Highlights:
- What's it look like to get assurance from the Senate's Republicans on suspending rules?
- look like to get assurance from the look like to get assurance from the Senate's<00:04:46.320><c> Republicans
- </c><00:04:47.120><c> on</c><00:04:47.440><c> suspending</c> Senate's Republicans on suspending Senate's
- Republicans on suspending rules?
- but against the backdrop of what you see in D.C., this is the contrast to that: the Democrats, Republicans
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
State of the State preview with House DFL Floor Leader Jamie Long (DFL-Minneapolis) Apr 27th, 2026
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And so, we know that these are issues that have broad support, and so we are hoping we can get Republicans
- get</c><00:02:43.600><c> get</c> so we are hoping we can get get so we are hoping we can get get Republicans
- </c> Republicans to come along. Republicans to come along.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jun 22nd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Log Cabin Republicans of California is a well-respected and established member of the Republican
- The Log Cabin Republicans got its start in California during the late 1970s.
- The organization has been a collaborator with the Republican Party ever since.
- In fact, the name of the organization is a reference to the first Republican president of the United
- President Lincoln built a Republican Party on the principles of liberty and equality under the law.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate Press Conference 4/15/26
Transcript Highlights:
- It will, I'm sure, go out of Taxes because there are many Democrat and Republican members on the Tax
- Democrat and Republican members on the Democrat and Republican members on the Tax<00:08:12.240><c> Committee
- Well, I was just going to ask: this is the only tax increase that Republicans are this year. Yeah.
- Back to Caroline about Republicans supporting tax increases: do you have, like, a general agreement that
- </c> Back to Caroline about Republicans Back to Caroline about Republicans supporting<00:20:47.920><c
Summary:
Senator Steve Drazkowski and Representative Anderson held a press event promoting the bipartisan, bicameral “Take It Back Act,” a bill aimed at recovering taxpayer money lost to government fraud. They cited major Minnesota fraud cases, including medical assistance fraud, CCAP, and Feeding Our Future, and argued that the state has become a destination for fraud. They said the bill would impose a 100% tax or excise tax on money obtained through fraud, with proceeds deposited into a tax relief fund for income and property tax relief.
The sponsors said the measure is intended to create a stronger deterrent and to recover money even when criminal restitution or prosecutions do not fully recoup losses. They discussed examples of unrecovered funds, said the Department of Revenue could use criminal findings, data analytics, and IRS-sharing data to identify fraud, and noted that the bill includes an appeal process through tax court. They also said the current draft focuses on convicted fraudsters and people or organizations determined by the commissioner to have obtained money by fraud, while trying to avoid sweeping in innocent employees or others who were unaware of wrongdoing.
Anderson said the bill already has significant bipartisan support, including 11 House Democrats and Senator Rest, and that the House Tax Committee hearing is scheduled for April 30. He said the sponsors are working with the Department of Revenue on implementation and may revise the bill to make administration easier. The sponsors said they hope to move the bill through the House and Senate this session, and they closed by encouraging the press to review the fraud website they referenced, mnfraudfiles.com.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 10, 2026 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- She switched parties from NPA to Republican to run against Dana.
- And yeah, Republicans agenda running against a Republican.
- to Democrat to challenge my Republican clerk.
- It's Republican and it's Christian. And there's a whole world out there that aren't.
- Just like I have Republicans in my district, and when they come to me and speak to me, we can respect
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Seventeen - Monday, February 9
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All in the Chamber and Gallery will rise as we begin our day with prayer by the Republican Conference
- And yet Republicans run roughshod over parental rights and human decency to pick on innocent children
- Because Republicans want to bully not only these children, but their parents, into fleeing our state,
- In fact, in Utah, Republicans did what we were supposed to do.
- I'm glad to hear of some of the things Republicans are supporting today: woke Harvard studies, medical
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Seventeen - Monday, February 9
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All in the Chamber and Gallery will rise as we begin our day with prayer by the Republican Conference
- And yet Republicans run roughshod over parental rights and human decency to pick on innocent children
- Because Republicans want to bully not only these children, but their parents, into fleeing our state,
- In fact, in Utah, Republicans did what we were supposed to do.
- I'm glad to hear of some of the things Republicans are supporting."
Summary:
The House met with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for February 5, 2026 by roll call vote, 134-2. During personal privilege remarks, a member recognized Bridget Williams, the first Black woman to lead the Heavy Constructors Association of Kansas City, in honor of Black History Month.
The chamber then took up several bills. House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2273, 1946, 1814, and 2551, a large anti-trafficking package addressing sex trafficking, grooming, sextortion, terminology changes from “child pornography” to “child sexual abuse material,” a statewide anti-trafficking council, training requirements, expungement for some trafficking victims, and related criminal penalties, was debated at length over constitutional concerns but ultimately passed third reading 148-2. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1757, which helps school districts identify gifted students by the end of third grade, passed 142-8. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2375, a workers’ compensation reform measure clarifying the burden of proof and compensability standards, passed 86-62 after supporters said it would streamline claims and opponents called it unnecessary.
House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1788, regulating recurring political donations and increasing transparency, passed 134-16. House Bill 1628, a cleanup bill updating higher education and workforce development statutes and repealing outdated provisions including the Vietnam Veterans Survivors Grant, passed unanimously 153-0. The House also perfected House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2033, 1608, 1672, and 1854, a package centered on removing the sunset from the SAFE Act and continuing Missouri’s restrictions on gender-related medical treatment for minors; debate was sharply divided, with supporters citing child protection and opponents arguing it harms transgender youth and intrudes on parental and medical decision-making. The House then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until February 10, 2026.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: DFL Caucus Members Discuss Work Ahead in 2025 Session - 02/10/25
Transcript Highlights:
- that we can make something happen positively, but it's going to require cooperation from both our Republican
- What is uncertain for us is what is coming from Washington, D.C., and we are calling on our Republican
- I mean, really, realistically, hear what you're saying, but you've got that Republican trifecta.
- Just to follow that a little bit: I mean, you're going to be working with the House Republican caucus
- You're going to need Republican support from here on out through the next two years, even if the tie
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (04/15/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So, they can't say, "All right, Republicans, you get dead center on Main Street and Democrats, you're
- What they can't say is Rossberry is a Republican from where and he doesn't like puppies and kittens.
- So, they can't say, "All right, Republicans, you get dead center on Main Street and Democrats, you're
- Is a Republican from where? Um, obviously that is a factual statement derived from a factual form.
- </c> I'm voting Republican this year, right? I'm voting Republican this year, right?
Committee:
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 15 (1-28-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- But we've seen other governors, Republicans and Democrats, go all over the place.
- But we've seen other governors, Republicans and Democrats, go all over the place.
- But we've seen other governors, Republicans and Democrats, go all over the place.
- But we've seen other governors, Republicans and Democrats, go all over the place.
- But we've seen other governors, Republicans and Democrats, go all over the place.
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum and approved the journal. The House clerk communicated that the House had passed House Bills 34 and 306 and requested concurrence. The State and Local Government Committee reported Senate Bills 20 and 68 favorably, and several new bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on Kentucky-grown agricultural procurement, an endowed research fund, unemployment insurance, postsecondary education, wrongful conviction compensation, massage therapy, local fiscal reporting, and a resolution honoring John and Debbie Rogers.
The main floor action was on Senate Joint Resolution 23, as amended by Senate Committee Substitute 1, declaring Kentucky a “food is medicine” state and directing state agencies to advance food-as-medicine initiatives. The sponsor described the resolution as a statewide framework to connect nutrition, health care, agriculture, and local food systems, emphasizing partnerships with the Kentucky Hospital Association and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, better health outcomes, and support for Kentucky farmers and rural communities. Senators from Taylor and Callaway spoke in support, citing local examples and the goal of building Kentucky-based solutions rather than importing them. The committee substitute was adopted by voice vote, and the resolution then passed 35-0.
The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 56 honoring Elder Nathan Craig and Sister Amy Craig, and Senate Resolution 33 honoring Robert E. “Bob” Pernell, Sr. Senate Resolution 22, honoring Brian J. Hat, was likewise adopted. After the day’s business, the Senate recessed for meetings of the Rules Committee and the Committee on Committees. Later, the Committee on Committees referred Senate Bills 1-4 to Education, Senate Bill 48 to Judiciary, and Senate Bills 84 and 102 to Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection. Several members made announcements about upcoming committee meetings and events, including the VMAP committee, Judiciary, the Kentucky Japan Caucus, the Kentucky Israel Caucus, and an American Cancer Society action day.