Video & Transcript : '119th Congress' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate DFL Press Conference 4/10/25
Transcript Highlights:
- call on our four Republican legislators that the state has elected to the federal government and Congress
- call on our four Republican legislators that the state has elected to the federal government and Congress
- call on our four Republican legislators that the state has elected to the federal government and Congress
- Federal government and Congress. I would call on them to start impeachment proceedings right now.
- or how you make that case to Congress or how you make that case to them<00:25:47.679><c> that</c><00
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Local Government Committee May 18th, 2026
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- I wish that this administration and the Republican majority in Congress...
- I wish that this administration and the Republican majority in Congress did not pass H.R. 1, which created
- this measure does, and frankly, respectfully, the administration and the Republican majority in Congress
Committee:
Senate Local Government
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Emerging Issues May 12th, 2026
Emerging Issues and Professional Registration
Transcript Highlights:
- Congress to move on this.
- So hopefully Congress will move on that.
- And if Congress does come back next year, that would preempt this bill. Okay, okay.
Summary:
The committee met without a quorum at first and held public hearings on two Senate bills. Senate Bill 944, sponsored by Sen. Carla May, would update the statutory salary range for the City of St. Louis sheriff’s attorney, which she said has been unchanged since 1990 and no longer reflects inflation, modern legal complexity, or comparable compensation in other jurisdictions. There was brief supportive comment from Rep. Fuchs, and no witnesses appeared in opposition or for information. The hearing on SB 944 then concluded without further action.
The committee next heard Senate Bill 1012, sponsored by Sen. Nicola, which would clarify that existing law applies to artificial intelligence and that humans remain responsible for AI use. The bill also addressed AI in licensed professions, companion chatbots, and political ads using generative AI. Rep. Fuchs raised a question about liability for sharing an AI-generated image, and the sponsor said the bill excludes end users from liability and is intended to create basic guardrails while preserving innovation.
Testimony in opposition came from Americans for Prosperity and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Both argued the bill was overly broad and contained drafting problems, including unused definitions, cross-reference errors, and unclear metadata and liability provisions. The Chamber also said the bill would create regulatory uncertainty for industry and should be perfected before advancing. After public testimony, the committee moved into executive session on SB 1012 and voted the bill do pass, but the vote was 0 ayes and 11 noes after a member changed to the prevailing side, so the bill failed. The meeting then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Jan 26th, 2026
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Memorial 1714 urges the United States Congress to pass H.R. 260, the No Tax Dollars for Terrorist
- This memorial is to formally urge Congress to pass H.R. 260 to stop U.S. financial assistance from reaching
- This is Senate Memorial 1186, which urges Congress to impel the United States National Guard Bureau to
Keywords:
Space Florida, tax exemption, governmental purpose, aviation, defense industry, space exploration, semiconductor technology, veterans, housing, property management, incentives, Florida Housing Finance Corporation, vacancy relief, risk mitigation, housing finance, trust fund, Homes for Veterans, S1656, SB 1656, official state flagship
Summary:
The Committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and took up several memorials and bills. It first reported favorably Senate Memorial 1714, which urges Congress to pass the No Tax Dollars for Terrorist Act to prevent U.S. taxpayer funds from benefiting the Taliban in Afghanistan. The committee then heard and approved SB 1512, expanding tax exemptions and procurement flexibility for Space Florida, with support from Space Florida and the Florida Chamber of Commerce. It also approved SB 1656, designating the SS American Victory as Florida’s official state flagship, replacing the Western Union, after discussion of the ship’s World War II service, museum role, and no known fiscal impact.
The committee next approved SM 1186, urging Congress to increase the Florida National Guard’s force structure, with members noting Florida’s population growth and emergency response needs. It then considered SB 1602, creating the Homes for Veterans Property Management Incentive Pilot Program in selected counties to help landlords house veterans through vacancy relief and risk mitigation funds; the bill was amended twice, including technical and clarifying changes, and reported favorably as a committee substitute. Senator Sharief expressed support and asked to co-sponsor the veterans housing measure.
Finally, the committee passed SB 1604, which creates the associated vacancy relief and risk mitigation trust funds within the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to support the veterans housing pilot program. That bill also received a technical amendment before being reported favorably as a committee substitute. After the bills were disposed of, members were invited to record votes if needed, and the committee adjourned without objection.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Human Services Committee Jun 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for the opportunity to present Senate Joint Resolution 3, which urges Congress to avoid cuts
- As all of us know, Congress is currently debating legislation which could result in deep cuts to the
- So Senate Joint Resolution 3 calls on Congress to avoid cuts to the SNAP program, or we will have more
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard two measures after announcing that SB 792 had been pulled from the agenda. The first bill, AB 412, would require affiliated home care aides to receive training on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care. The author and supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, and the Home Care Association of America, said the bill would help ensure more consistent and compassionate care for people living with dementia. A witness described difficult personal experiences finding aides who understood her husband’s needs. There was no opposition, and the committee members expressed support and personal appreciation for the issue.
AB 412 was moved on a do-pass-as-amended motion to the Assembly Appropriations Committee and passed 7-0. The committee accepted the author’s committee amendments.
The committee also heard SJR 3, a resolution urging Congress to avoid cuts to SNAP, known in California as CalFresh. The author and supporters from the California Association of Food Banks and End Child Poverty California argued that the program is essential to reducing hunger, supporting children and families, and sustaining the food economy, and that food banks could not replace lost benefits. Public testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with no opposition. Members from both parties spoke in favor, including one member who shared personal experience relying on SNAP. SJR 3 was adopted 7-0 and sent forward.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Human Services Committee Jun 17th, 2025
Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for the opportunity to present Senate Joint Resolution 3, which urges Congress to avoid cuts
- And as all of us know, Congress is currently debating legislation which could result in deep cuts to
- So Senate Joint Resolution 3 calls on Congress to avoid cuts to the SNAP program, or we will have more
Committee:
House Human Services
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Human Services met and heard two measures after announcing that SB 792 had been pulled from the agenda. The first bill, SB 412, would require affiliated home care aides to receive training in Alzheimer’s and dementia care as part of their preparation. The author and supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, and the Home Care Association of America, said the bill would help ensure more consistent and compassionate care for people living with dementia at home. A witness described personal experiences with inadequate home care for a spouse with Alzheimer’s, while committee members expressed support and personal connections to the issue.
SB 412 was moved as amended to the Assembly Appropriations Committee and passed the committee on a 7-0 vote. The committee then heard SJR 3, a resolution urging Congress to avoid cuts to SNAP and related CalFresh benefits. The author and supporters from food banks and child poverty organizations argued that CalFresh is essential to reducing hunger, supporting children and families, and sustaining the food economy, and warned that proposed federal cuts would be devastating. Several public witnesses and committee members spoke in support, including members who shared personal experiences with food assistance.
SJR 3 was adopted on a 7-0 vote. After the votes, the committee completed its business and adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 4th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and it woke up a lot of people, but yet we couldn't even get a national background check bill in Congress
- officials, one that a lot of us know, former Speaker pro tem Kevin Mullin, once Kevin got elected to Congress
- officials, one that a lot of us know, former speaker pro tem, Kevin Mullen, once Kevin got elected to Congress
- Award Gold Certificate, the highest recognition for young Americans presented by the United States Congress
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then handled routine procedural business including re-referrals of several Senate bills, removal of AB 1156 from the inactive file, and withdrawal of ACR 210 to the second reading file. The chamber also heard multiple guest introductions, including family members of members and two CIF Scholar Athletes of the Year, Ryan Liu and Mona Sugawara, before moving to the daily file and consent calendar.
The main floor item was ACR 191, which designated June 5 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in California. Assemblymember Stephanie and several colleagues spoke in strong support, sharing personal and district-level experiences with gun violence, highlighting the impact on children, schools, graduations, and communities, and urging continued state and federal action. Speakers emphasized prevention, safe storage, community violence intervention, and the need to resist complacency; the resolution was adopted by voice vote after 55 co-authors were added.
On the consent calendar, ACR 206 and several Senate concurrent resolutions were adopted, with ACR 206 passing 60-0. The Assembly also heard an adjournment in memory for Michael George Savan, a longtime Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department commander, Marine Corps Reservist, and former Lomita mayor and councilmember. The house then announced the next session schedule and adjourned until Monday, June 8 at 1 p.m.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Senate and Governmental Affairs May 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- where black voters will still have the opportunity to elect a representative of their choice to Congress
- And your bill gives us that opportunity to have Democrats have more representation in Congress.
- I appreciate your... ...representation to Congress. All right. Thank you, Senator Price.
- making sure that everybody, because we want everybody to be fairly represented and have a voice in Congress
Summary:
The Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee met on May 12, 2026, and focused primarily on Senate Bill 407, a congressional redistricting proposal, with Senate Bill 121 also scheduled for later. The chair explained the committee would first take up SB 407, consider amendments, then hear public testimony, and would not take up SB 116 or SB 130. Two amendment sets were adopted on SB 407: one technical set adjusting dates to align with the upcoming election cycle, and another updating the map in the bill. Committee members and the bill sponsor described the proposal as a 4-2 congressional map intended to comply with the Supreme Court’s CalA ruling, preserve traditional redistricting criteria, and avoid using race as the basis for district lines.
Supporters of SB 407 argued the map was compact, contiguous, kept parishes and cities together, and created two opportunity districts without racial predominance. Several senators said the map better reflected Louisiana’s political and demographic realities and could withstand legal challenge under the Equal Protection Clause and First Amendment. Testimony in support also emphasized fairness, representation, and the idea that the state should not move to a 5-1 map. Some speakers, including former legislators and community advocates, said the state should maintain or preserve two districts where Black voters and Democratic voters could elect candidates of choice.
Opponents of the broader redistricting effort criticized the process as rushed and confusing, especially because early voting had already begun and the Secretary of State was not present to answer questions. Some speakers said the legislature had not been properly involved in the election suspension process and raised concerns about whether votes already cast would count if maps changed. Others argued the proposed changes were an attempt to dilute political power and disenfranchise voters, particularly Black, poor, and queer communities. The committee heard extensive public testimony on both sides, but no final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Lawmakers Speak on Enforcement For 340B Drug Pricing Plan Protections - 04/07/26
Transcript Highlights:
- The purpose of it, as established, you know, 30 years ago by the federal Congress, was that hospitals
- ago<00:08:17.720><c> by</c><00:08:17.840><c> the</c><00:08:17.960><c> federal</c><00:08:18.240><c> Congress
- </c> ago by the federal Congress ago by the federal Congress was<00:08:19.800><c> that</c><00:08:20.480
Summary:
The meeting focused on a Minnesota Senate floor debate over a bipartisan 340B enforcement bill, with supporters arguing that the measure would require pharmaceutical companies to comply with federal and state law and continue providing discounted drugs to safety-net and rural hospitals. Senators and other speakers said the program is essential to hospital finances, especially for facilities facing operating losses and federal Medicaid cuts, and warned that without enforcement language hospitals such as Hennepin County Medical Center and rural hospitals could face severe financial harm or closure. Supporters also said pharmaceutical companies had spent heavily on media and lobbying to oppose the bill and that the Senate’s bipartisan vote showed the issue had broad support.
Several speakers described how 340B revenue is used to sustain hospital services, including addiction treatment, trauma care, and other essential care in vulnerable communities. They said the program was designed to let hospitals buy drugs at low cost and bill insurers at standard rates, using the difference as a funding stream. When asked about claims that hospitals made large sums from the program, supporters said that was consistent with the program’s purpose. They also said some drug companies were not complying with 340B obligations, particularly around contract pharmacies, and that enforcement language was needed to ensure compliance.
The discussion also addressed HCMC’s financial situation, with speakers saying 340B funding is not a full solution but is an important support and should not be reduced further. They rejected a proposed transparency/reporting amendment as too burdensome, while noting that federal authorities already have audit power over 340B dollars. The speakers urged the House to pass the same language, said eight Republicans joined the Senate vote, and expressed hope that the bill would advance despite concerns about House support and ongoing pharmaceutical industry opposition.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- And so we eliminated, Congress eliminated, and yeah, they, Congress has to Power to appropriate.
- We are here because of the health care crisis caused by the majority party in Congress.
- The money is there. $5 billion was already appropriated from Congress.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate Republican Media Availability 4/10/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- will you have to come back after May in order to pass a revised budget following the budget that Congress
- </c><00:07:37.120><c> that</c> budget following the budget that budget following the budget that Congress
- 38.880><c> right</c><00:07:39.120><c> now,</c><00:07:39.280><c> as</c><00:07:39.520><c> we're</c> Congress
- Um right now, as we're Congress passes?
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 4/10/25
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, we have a provision that allows replacing of statues in Statuary Hall and Congress.
- of statu statues in statuary<00:09:51.279><c> hall</c><00:09:51.680><c> and</c><00:09:51.839><c> congress
- c><00:09:52.959><c> We</c><00:09:53.200><c> also</c><00:09:53.519><c> have</c> statuary hall and congress
- We also have statuary hall and congress.
Bills:
HF2783
Committee:
House State Government Finance and Policy
Keywords:
state government finance, biennial budget, appropriations, Minnesota Management and Budget, Healthy Aging Subcabinet, Office of Healthy Aging, older adults, aging policy, long-term care, caregivers, public health, Medicaid fraud, medical assistance fraud, attorney general subpoena power, fraud enforcement, business filing fraud, Secretary of State, deceptive mailings, consumer protection, certified public accountant
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Education Policy Committee Mar 19th, 2025
Education Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- But just as I would not want Congress interfering in the NCAA, trying...
- Congress interfering in the NCAA, trying to tell them what types of competition policies—whether it be
- football, basketball, or whatever sport—then I would not want Congress being that entity trying to tell
- I think sometimes we step into fields in Congress that maybe we shouldn't be in.
Committee:
House Education Policy
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Feb 4, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 12
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- care act and with the federal Affordable Care Act, with the chaos that is occurring currently in Congress
- chaos that is uh occurring currently in chaos that is uh occurring currently in uh<00:24:17.679><c> Congress
- 18.360><c> think</c><00:24:18.520><c> it's</c><00:24:18.799><c> really</c><00:24:19.799><c> um</c> uh Congress
- I think it's really um uh Congress I think it's really um incumbent<00:24:21.120><c> upon</c><00:24:
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue (1-8-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- large temporary revenue surpluses due to pandemic-induced inflation and because of the stimulus from Congress
- 00:05:15.039><c> the</c><00:05:15.199><c> stimulus</c><00:05:15.720><c> from</c><00:05:15.960><c> Congress
- </c><00:05:16.720><c> sending</c> of the stimulus from Congress sending of the stimulus from Congress
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue met on January 8, 2025, with a full roll call and a welcome to new members. The committee took up its only agenda item, House Bill 1, sponsored by Chair Jason Petrie, which would implement a further 0.5% reduction in the individual income tax rate, effective January 1, 2026, with conforming date changes tied to the state’s existing tax-cut framework under House Bill 8 and the budget director’s certification of reserve and revenue conditions.
Jason Bailey of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy testified against the bill, arguing that Kentucky’s recent permanent income tax cuts were enacted during an unusual period of temporary pandemic-era revenue surpluses and federal aid, and warning that another cut could worsen future budget pressures. He said the proposed reduction would cost about $718 million annually when fully phased in and would increase risk to state services, especially in poorer rural areas that rely heavily on state funding. In response to questions, the sponsor and other members described the bill as limited to the income tax rate and said any future reversal would require statutory change.
Representative Gentry asked about the broader policy goal of moving toward a more consumption-based tax structure and whether the income tax cuts were intended to support growth and population retention. He said he had seen anecdotal signs of housing and population activity in Jefferson County and surrounding areas, though he acknowledged the difficulty of proving causation. He ultimately passed on the bill, saying he wanted more data and was concerned about benefits flowing more to higher-income taxpayers. The committee then voted 17-0 with 3 pass votes to report House Bill 1 favorably to the House floor.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 18th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- Elon sends the tweet out, and that's when then...” “...Republicans in Congress, frankly, had to pull
- that didn't pass, and because, frankly, we all know the situation with the federal government and Congress
- There's really not any floor time or hope that we can get that passed during the current Congress.
- what you want to do regarding workforce and social services reform, it becomes very difficult for Congress
- the other, probably more important thing WIOA Title I did, for better or for worse, is instead of Congress
Summary:
The committee met to hear an update from consultants Mason Bishop and Cameron Christie on Arkansas’s “one door” or “no wrong door” workforce and social services modernization effort. The discussion focused on moving the state toward a work-first system that better connects job seekers, employers, education, and public assistance programs, with goals of increasing upward mobility, improving labor force attachment, reducing inefficiencies, and adapting to changes such as AI and other economic disruptions. The consultants argued that Arkansas’s current system is fragmented across multiple offices, portals, agencies, and funding streams, and that people often have to navigate separate doors for workforce services, TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, and related supports.
Bishop repeatedly pointed to Utah as the model, describing how that state integrated workforce and human services into a single department, used cost allocation to blend funding behind the scenes, and saw improved customer service and outcomes after reform. He said TANF should be treated as a workforce program, not just a benefits program, and suggested that Arkansas could use TANF and other tools to cross-train DHS staff, co-locate services, and create a more unified service delivery model. Members asked about federal flexibility, waivers, and whether the state could use one large waiver or a broader restructuring to simplify the system. Bishop explained that a federal pilot authority proposal failed in Congress, so the current approach relies on waivers, cost allocation plans, and possible state-level changes.
The committee also discussed the relationship between DHS and workforce offices, the role of local workforce boards, how disability and vocational rehabilitation cases would be handled, and how the governor’s Restore Hope/Hope Hub and faith- and community-based initiatives might fit into the broader plan. Bishop said Arkansas already has rehabilitation services within the workforce department and emphasized that case managers should focus on people rather than programs. No votes were taken. The chair said the committee would revisit case management at its August meeting and adjourned the meeting after thanking the consultants.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Governor Walz Media Availability 4/21/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I was in Congress when we did the IT modernization at the VA.
- The one thing is I pride myself, and I was in Congress, and if you look back at my record of being very
- 00:14:54.640><c> in</c> thing is I pride myself and I was in thing is I pride myself and I was in Congress
- 14:56.200><c> look</c><00:14:56.400><c> back</c><00:14:56.600><c> at</c><00:14:56.640><c> my</c> Congress
- uh and if you look back at my Congress uh and if you look back at my record<00:14:57.320><c> of</c><
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/11/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- The traditional manner of passing bills or changes to the Constitution would be going through Congress
- We believe that the way that we move forward is through Congress already and instead of coming to an
- There should be the way that we move forward is through Congress already, and instead of coming to an
- I drafted and sponsored a bill to try to encourage Congress to repeal the 17th Amendment, and I'm getting
- Vice Chair, I appreciate our partnership working together as co-chairs of the Veterans Congress.
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 2908, which would impose criminal penalties on faithless Arizona Article 5 constitutional convention delegates, require delegates to take an oath, and direct legislative and gubernatorial ratification of any approved amendment. The sponsor argued the bill adds guardrails to any future convention, while Common Cause Arizona opposed it, saying it would not meaningfully reduce the risk of a runaway convention and that any punishment scheme would be difficult to enforce. After discussion, the committee approved HB 2908 on a 5-2 vote for a due pass recommendation.
The committee then took up HB 2608, a military transitional housing grant program with a $7 million General Fund appropriation in FY 2027 and changes to the military transitional housing fund. Testimony from Vets to Gov and the sponsor emphasized veteran-led management, new construction rather than motel/hotel use, and the need for housing support for transitioning service members. Several members raised concerns about similarities to prior versions and unresolved language changes, and the bill was ultimately laid on the table by vote.
Next, the committee considered HB 2805, which creates a secure online portal for nomination petitions for local governing board candidates and sets related Secretary of State responsibilities. An amendment was adopted to require candidates to designate party alignment or lack thereof for portal purposes and to limit Secretary of State modification of the act. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would modernize petitioning and reflect the partisan reality of local races, while some members raised concerns about school board implications and nonpartisan races. HB 2805, as amended, passed the committee on a 5-2 vote.
Finally, the committee heard HB 2775, which would bar state entities from using state assets or money to implement or enforce international organization rules, taxes, or policies, with an amendment adding restrictions on Arizona public universities’ foreign-funded agreements and creating Board of Regents oversight. Members and the sponsor discussed concerns about foreign adversary funding, especially from Chinese entities, and debated whether the oversight mechanism should be created by rule or statute. The committee decided to hold HB 2775 for further work on the language, and then adjourned.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/11/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- and the traditional manner of passing bills or changes to the Constitution would be going through Congress
- We believe that the way that we move forward is through Congress already, instead of coming to an Article
- nothing that indicates that whatever a... ...there should be the way that we move forward is through Congress
- I drafted and sponsored a bill to try to encourage Congress to repeal the 17th Amendment, and I'm getting
- Vice Chair, I appreciate our partnership working together as co-chairs of the Veterans Congress.
Committees:
House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections , House House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference
Keywords:
Arizona political parties, precinct committeeman, precinct committeemen, proxy voting, party bylaws, county committee, state committee, qualified elector, election administration, political party rules, precinct representation, adjoining precinct, county party meeting, proxy attestation, notary public, witnesses, transitional housing, military veterans, grant program, housing services
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Jan 12th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- We’re implementing this partnership because Congress aligned the Every Student Succeeds Act, Carl D.
- And that's part of the problem Congress has with WIOA: it's a low-investment, low-outcome equilibrium
- make the point that we're either going to get these programs performing in the way they need to, or Congress
- can't be done, we'll just say, well, it can't be done for this reason, and here are the members of Congress
- , basically, you know, the ultimate goal, which, you know, has not happened yet because it takes Congress
Summary:
The committee heard testimony from Nick Moore, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Office of Career and Technical Education, on efforts to better align workforce, education, and human services programs. Moore argued that WIOA, Perkins, and ESSA were designed to function as an integrated talent system, but that federal and state bureaucracy has kept them siloed. He said the Department of Labor and OCTAE are working on more integrated state plan guidance, including a 2026 plan modification timeline, combined Perkins/WIOA plans, and greater use of labor market information to align training with in-demand jobs and Workforce Pell.
Moore emphasized reducing overhead, cross-training staff, using common intake and integrated case management, and focusing on the “shadow labor force” of people facing benefit cliffs, child care barriers, or other obstacles to work. He repeatedly urged states to use waivers and flexibility where possible, to consolidate or streamline local workforce structures, and to hold programs accountable through measures such as labor force participation, training-related employment, retention, and cost per successful outcome. Members asked about the balance between flexibility and accountability, the role of employers versus postsecondary institutions, rural “training deserts,” state waivers, and data systems such as Mississippi Spark and Arkansas Launch. Moore said states should use technology and integrated intake to co-enroll eligible participants in multiple programs and better match people to jobs.
In response to questions, Moore said some federal rules cannot be waived, but many reporting and administrative requirements can be streamlined, and he encouraged Arkansas to propose ideas for waivers or state-level integration. He also discussed the need for enhanced wage records and state longitudinal data systems to improve workforce planning and economic development. After Moore’s presentation, DHS Secretary Janet Mann and Director Jay Hill gave a brief update on reimbursement rates, saying the department had compiled more than 100 public comments, recommended holding the current rate, and was awaiting executive review; they estimated the process could take 30 to 60 days. The committee then adjourned, noting a later audit presentation scheduled for the afternoon.