Video & Transcript Research : 'Congress'
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US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Paul Lawrence, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Feb 19th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Senate Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- These are all decisions that were made by Congress that are undermining some of our ability to actually
- Ensure VA provides Veterans with the health care choices and options Congress promised them as part of
- the issues we experienced last year came due to the breakdown in communication between the VA and Congress
- Last Congress, I co-led the Not Just a Number Act, which requires VA... to examine and identify key data
Keywords:
veterans affairs, VA modernization, employee layoffs, mental health, suicide prevention, transparency, senate committee, bipartisan support, oversight
Summary:
The meeting involved detailed discussions on various veterans' issues, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amidst a backdrop of significant staffing changes. Members expressed deep concerns over the recent layoffs of over 1,000 VA employees, emphasizing the crucial nature of these positions in the context of mental health support for veterans, particularly amid rising suicide rates. Senators articulated the need for transparency and effective communication between the VA and Congress to avoid further breakdowns in services. The session also spotlighted the ongoing modernization of VA systems and the urgent need to streamline processes to benefit veterans effectively.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the posture of United States Northern Command and United States Southern Command in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program; to be immediately followed by a closed ses Feb 13th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel
Transcript Highlights:
- As this Department sharpens its warfighting edge, I am grateful for the continued support of Congress
- DOD reports to Congress missed more than half the actual total cost for entire physical years.
- Will you at least commit to provide that estimate to Congress? As soon as you have it?
- Partisan support both in the Congress and in the administration for a substantial increase quickly in
Keywords:
national security, China, Russia, cybersecurity, border security, military deployment, transnational crime, defense modernization, military strategy
Summary:
In this meeting, key topics included national security concerns with an emphasis on threats from China, Russia, and transnational criminal organizations. Senior military officials provided testimony on the evolving risks posed by these adversaries, particularly focusing on cybersecurity and advancements in weaponry. The discussion highlighted the importance of a cohesive strategy among government departments to effectively respond to the challenges presented by these threats, emphasizing the need for modernization in defense capabilities. Committee members grilled the witnesses on border security and the implications of deploying military resources in domestic operations.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Jan 27th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I GRANT YOU BUT THAT'S NOT OUR ISSUE, THAT'S FOR THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO ADDRESS.
- KNOW THIS WELL, THERE IS NO ARTICLE 3 JUDGE WHICH IS A JUDGE OR MAGISTRATE THAT CAN ISSUE A WARRANT CONGRESS
- PEOPLE HAVE ISSUES WITH THAT BUT THAT'S AN ISSUE FOR CONGRESS AND THE SUPREME COURT IN US VERSUS OR BELLOW
- IT IS FOR CONGRESS TO CHANGE IT AND NO JUDGE CAN ISSUE A WARRANT OUT TODAY WHEN THE IMMIGRATION DETAINERS
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nomination of Linda McMahon, of Connecticut, to be Secretary of Education, and other pending calendar business. Feb 20th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- What I think should be of great concern to every member of this committee, every member... of Congress
- Congress created the Department of Education to address these deep divides and prioritize educational
Keywords:
Department of Education, Ms. McMahon, educational reform, public testimony, federal responsibilities, local governance
Summary:
The meeting of the legislative committee encompassed discussions on key bills including HB22, SB4, and HB2214, with significant focus on the implications surrounding the Department of Education. Members expressed varying opinions on the nomination of Ms. McMahon to lead the department, underlining the need for reform and accountability. The committee witnessed passionate exchanges regarding educational values and the responsibilities of the federal government versus local authorities. Public testimonies contributed to the discussions, highlighting the community's concerns about educational policies and their impact on students from diverse backgrounds.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- In 1952, Congress renamed the holiday to its original purpose, title proposed: Citizenship Day, and moved
- In 1956, Congress, to encourage Americans to learn more about the Constitution, established Constitution
- <01:22:33.400>
approved <01:22:33.840>American <01:22:34.320>day 1940 Congress - <01:22:49.960>
day <01:22:50.800>in <01:22:51.080>1952 <01:22:52.080>Congress - to I am an American day in 1952 Congress to I am an American day in 1952 Congress renamed<01:22:
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Elections panel considers redistricting commission bill, HF550 2/24/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Independence from other members of Congress and others who may have a stake.
- of independence and it being independent from the conflict that exists in the legislature and in Congress
- in the legislature and in Congress in the legislature and in Congress frankly<00:15:31.600>
whose - We barely hung on to eight members of Congress this last cycle.
- We barely hung on to eight members of Congress this last cycle.
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
- Award Gold Certificate, the highest recognition for young Americans presented by the United States Congress
Summary:
The Assembly met in session after a quorum call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through routine procedural business including journal approval, bill re-referrals, and consent actions. Several guest introductions were made, including family members of members and two CIF Scholar Athletes of the Year, Ryan Liu and Mona Sugawara, who were recognized for academic, athletic, and community achievements.
The main floor action was on ACR 191, which designated June 5 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in California. Assemblymember Stephanie presented the resolution and described the ongoing toll of gun violence, citing Hadea Pendleton and recent shootings, while numerous members from both parties and regions spoke in strong support, sharing personal and district-level experiences with gun violence and urging continued state and federal action. The resolution received 55 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote.
The Assembly also adopted several consent calendar resolutions, including ACR 206 on elder and dependent adult abuse awareness month and ACR 211, along with multiple Senate concurrent resolutions, all by unanimous roll-call votes. The chamber then heard an adjournment in memory for Michael George Savan, a longtime Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department commander, Marine Corps Reservist, former Lomita mayor and council member, and volunteer coach. The Assembly adjourned until Monday, June 8 at 1 p.m.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/05/2026 - House Rural Economic Development
Rural Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- That is why I applaud President Trump and the bipartisan coalition from Congress for increasing the federal
- Madam Chairman, respectfully, that's not the way Congress works and the way these... ...respectfully,
- that's not the way Congress works and the way these lobbies work and the way these things get deliberated
Keywords:
HB2388, Arizona Commerce Authority, ACA, small modular reactor, SMR, nuclear energy, advanced nuclear, data center, data centers, economic development, study, appropriation, general fund, jobs, wages, tax revenue, broadband, infrastructure, secondary businesses, tertiary businesses
Summary:
The committee began with short presentations highlighting historic sites in Prescott, including the Arizona Pioneer Home and the First Territorial Governor’s Mansion/Charlotte Hall Museum, framed as ways to showcase rural districts and Arizona history. Members discussed the importance of using committee time to feature district-specific projects and tourism assets before moving to legislation.
The main action was on HB 2804, a bill creating a state rural development and housing tax credit tied to the federal low-income housing tax credit for projects in counties under 800,000 population. Supporters, including the sponsor, the mayor of Flagstaff, housing developers, and other local officials, argued the credit would help finance affordable housing for seniors, veterans, and low-income residents in rural areas where projects are otherwise not feasible. Opponents, including the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, argued the program is inefficient, difficult to police, and disproportionately benefits intermediaries and developers. After extended questioning and debate about whether the bill truly helps veterans and seniors, the committee passed HB 2804 on a 7-0 vote.
The committee then heard HB 2388, which directs the Arizona Commerce Authority to study the economic benefits of small modular reactors and data centers and report findings to the governor and legislature. The sponsor described it as a data-gathering measure to inform future policy, while supporters said it could help assess energy and job impacts, especially for Hispanic workers. One member suggested adding information on utility-rate impacts and waste/storage issues through amendment. The bill passed on a 6-1 vote, and the committee adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 20, 2026 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- There's a lot of federal things that may require Congress to do this, that the state can't just arbitrarily
- There's a lot of federal things that may require Congress to do this, that the state can't just arbitrarily
- mean, the Pentagon, the Secretary of the Navy, the Department of Transportation, I think it was Congress
Summary:
The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee met to consider several bills, beginning with HB 335 by Representative Kendall, which sought to recognize space as a fifth mode of transportation, give voting rights to ex officio Space Florida board members, and reduce what the sponsor described as unnecessary state oversight of spaceport operations. The bill was presented as a response to feedback from NASA, Space Force, and other federal partners about clarifying the state’s role at federally owned facilities like Kennedy Space Center. Members raised questions about terminology, authority over federal property, and the role of Space Florida; the sponsor said an amendment would remove the voting-rights provision and instead require spaceports to provide an annual list of shovel-ready projects. The amendment was adopted, and HB 335 passed favorably.
The committee then unanimously passed HB 885, which designates a road in Baker County near the courthouse in honor of former Representative and Judge John Cruz, and HB 403, which names a portion of the road leading into NAS Pensacola as Warriors Way to honor the sailors killed in the 2019 Pensacola attack and the broader naval community there. Both bills drew brief supportive remarks and no opposition. The committee also considered HB 25, a bridge designation for Coach Wilks, a longtime local basketball coach, and adopted a Senate amendment adding the Dickey Betts Memorial Highway designation on U.S. 41 in Sarasota County. HB 25, as amended, passed unanimously. The meeting concluded with adjournment after all measures on the agenda were reported favorably.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
November 4, 2025 - 01:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- IT WAS PASSED BY CONGRESS IN 1999 AND BEGAN BEING IMPLEMENTED IN 2000.
- SO CONGRESS AUTHORIZED A DIKE AROUND LAKE OKEECHOBEE.
- QUESTION, BASICALLY EVERGLADES RESTORATION IS A NOMENCLATURE THAT WE USE BECAUSE WHEN IT WAS PASSED IN CONGRESS
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- has hasn't even McBride and Congress has hasn't even McBride and Congress has hasn't even passed is
- person did just because this Congress person did just because this Congress person did just because
- can't set it for us in the it Congress can't set it for us in the it Congress can't set it for us in
- people black legislators and Congress people black legislators and Congress people to serve in this
- person store of what they this Congress person store of what they this Congress person did I read off
Bills:
SB 2
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (02/05/2025)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- acts of Congress enacted in pursuance thereof<01:33:00.639>
and <01:33:00.840>I <01:33: - <02:14:22.320>
you Constitution and acts of Congress you Constitution and acts of Congress - it suggests that acts of Congress it suggests that acts of Congress enacted<02:14:54.320>
in< - <02:14:58.679>
for it gives the authority to Congress for it gives the authority to Congress - You could have said in any and all acts of Congress enacted in pursuance thereof, which, you know, I
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Joint Transportation, Highways and Public Works May 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So with a plan that we can bring to our partners in Congress and say this is what the state's looking
- So with a plan that we can bring to our partners in Congress and say this is what the state's looking
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works met to receive public testimony and act on port priority applications for inclusion in the FY 2027-2028 Port Priority Construction and Development Priority Programs. After a roll call showing 18 members present, the committee adopted the March 9, 2026 minutes without objection. Commissioner Andrew Killshaw of the Office of Multimodal Commerce explained the Port Priority Program criteria and presented two applications from the Avoyelles Harbor and Terminal District: a $3.4 million building addition and infrastructure project requesting $2.853 million in state funds, and a $1.5 million Workforce Training Center redevelopment requesting $1.287 million. He said the projects were projected to create 265 jobs and generate substantial state benefits, with very high benefit-cost ratios.
Members expressed support for the projects and for strengthening the port program overall. Chairman Boriak moved to approve the applications, and Senator Carter and others discussed the need to increase investment in ports and develop a statewide strategic plan to better compete for federal dollars. DOTD Multimodal Commerce staff, including Molly Bergoin, testified that the program has more than $200 million in backlog, that annual Transportation Trust Fund financing has made it difficult to reduce, and that the department hopes to clear 10 to 12 low-balance projects this year. They also said the request cap had been increased to $7 million per project this year and up to $21 million going forward, and that most projects are proceeding under reimbursement agreements because construction costs have risen sharply.
After discussion, the committee voted without objection to accept the port priority applications received through March 1, 2026, for the FY 2027-2028 program. The committee then adjourned without objection.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- It is a sustainability mechanism specifically designed by Congress to support providers like federally
- We cannot afford to wait for Congress. It is urgent that the Commonwealth act now.
- this legislation maintains the status quo of the program, ensuring that it continues to operate as Congress
- think we all know that there's a lot of dysfunction in Washington, and I don't think we can wait for Congress
- think we all know that there's a lot of dysfunction in Washington, and I don't think we can wait for Congress
Summary:
The committee held a lengthy hearing on a large docket of pharmacy and drug-pricing bills, with most testimony focused on PBM reform, 340B drug discount program protections, specialty medication access, and medication adherence. Chair James Murphy and Senator Paul Feeney opened the hearing and took testimony from legislators, patient advocates, pharmacists, health center leaders, industry representatives, and policy groups. Several speakers described delays, denials, high out-of-pocket costs, and pharmacy closures tied to PBM practices, while others emphasized the importance of community health centers and independent pharmacies in serving patients.
On the 340B program, supporters including Senator Eldridge, Senator Payano, Community Care Cooperative, Fenway Health, the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, and several community health center leaders argued that bills such as H. 1107 and S. 819 would stop discriminatory PBM and manufacturer practices, preserve contract pharmacy access, and protect safety-net providers that say they reinvest savings into care, pharmacy expansion, interpreter services, behavioral health, and other services. Opponents including PhRMA, the Community Liver Alliance, and a public policy analyst argued the program lacks transparency and accountability, has grown beyond its original purpose, and may benefit large hospitals and for-profit entities more than low-income patients. They urged more reporting and oversight rather than expanding protections.
On PBM reform, testimony supported bills including H. 1157, H. 1234, S. 724, S. 831, and related measures that would require rebate pass-through, ban spread pricing, limit steering to PBM-owned pharmacies, and improve reimbursement for community pharmacies. Independent pharmacists and patients said current PBM practices raise costs, create administrative burdens, and threaten access to local pharmacies. PCMA, representing PBMs, opposed the reforms, arguing PBMs lower costs, that plan sponsors choose to contract with them, and that the Health Policy Commission and CHIA should complete their ongoing study before new mandates are adopted. The committee also heard support for H. 1322 and S. 734 on specialty medications, and for H. 781 and H. 1305 on medication synchronization to improve adherence. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- reading: Senate Concurrent Resolution 70 by Senator Cloud is a concurrent resolution urging the Congress
- Resolution 79 by Representative Butler is a concurrent resolution to memorialize the United States Congress
- concurrent resolution number 70 by Senator Cloud as a concurrent resolution and more or less the Congress
- President the Congress of the United States and the administration of the United States.
- resolution number 79 by Representative Butler is a concurrent resolution to moralize the United States Congress
Bills:
SR125, SCR70, SCR12, HB4, HB251, HB623, HB819, HB944, HB986, HB1098, HB1222, HB1257, HB221, HCR58, SCR22, SCR24, SB29, SB30, SB32, SB41, SB42, SB43, SB47, SB84, SB93, SB113, SB192, SB199, SB219, SB220, SB221, SB222, SB241, SB253, SB255, SB289, SB292, SB306, SB314, SB351, SB399, SB404, SB14, SB102, SB133, SB151, SB165, SB169, SB170, SB200, SB217, SB280, SB291, SB300, SB303, SB330, SB449, SB489, SB521, SB45, SB156, SB181, SB203, SB274, SB304, SB379, SB396, SB410, SB425, SB427, SB436, SB424, SCR61, SCR9, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, HCR31, HB296, HB299, HB322, HB364, HB519, HB535, HB538, HB568, HB571, HB622, HB635, HB676, HB772, HB784, HB1006, HB1018, HB1043, HB1070, HB1134, HB1239, HB62, HB193, HB203, HB210, HB220, HB228, HB246, HB420, HB475, HB486, HB574, HB584, HB750, HB813, HB815, HB826, HB870, HB949, HB953, HB1045, HB1092, HB1151, HB1162, HB1176, HB1177, HB1196, HB1214, HB1241, HB22, HB28, HB33, HB41, HB47, HB87, HB115, HB162, HB195, HB214, HB217, HB233, HB283, HB290, HB319, HB324, HB345, HB362, HB363, HB368, HB377, HB380, HB382, HB386, HB392, HB406, HB431, HB441, HB466, HB503, HB533, HB559, HB575, HB590, HB593, HB618, HB636, HB655, HB664, HB685, HB692, HB707, HB715, HB732, HB738, HB741, HB748, HB776, HB807, HB822, HB856, HB860, HB868, HB887, HB888, HB905, HB908, HB961, HB980, HB990, HB992, HB999, HB1000, HB1010, HB1146, HB1157, HB1233, HB1236, HB1243, HB54, HB137, HB180, HB192, HB310, HB321, HB396, HB512, HB552, HB578, HB638, HB663, HB708, HB717, HB718, HB1009, HB1082, HB1104, HB1107, HB1198, HB1246, HB1250, HB17, HB36, HB73, HB119, HB126, HB129, HB133, HB140, HB159, HB166, HB211, HB226, HB245, HB271, HB280, HB337, HB351, HB354, HB399, HB677, HB712, HB723, HB726, HB728, HB759, HB789, HB844, HB850, HB966, HB1036, SB149, SB382, SB441, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB782
Keywords:
SR125, Senate Resolution 125, MUSV, Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel, MASC, Modular Attack Surface Craft, Conrad Shipyard, Morgan City, Louisiana shipbuilding, U.S. Navy, Department of the Navy, unmanned naval vessels, autonomous ships, defense procurement, military contracting, shipyard jobs, maritime workforce, advanced manufacturing, robotics, software engineering
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee Aug 1st, 2025
Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- This should get appropriated every single year through the appropriation process in Congress.
- There's not a lot of room within the budget at the federal level to meet a lot of the goals that Congress
- Congress has also begun its annual appropriations process, and the Senate Appropriations Committee passed
- And last, we may see more reconciliation bills and rescission packages considered by Congress.
- concern that some form of education funding may be included in the next rescission recommendation of Congress
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House sends governor higher education finance bill, SF1 6/9/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- If the budget that Republicans in Congress are hellbent on getting through comes to pass, more than 70,000
- If the budget that Republicans in Congress are hellbent on getting through comes to pass, more than 70,000
- If the budget that Republicans in Congress are hellbent on getting through comes to pass, more than 70,000
- If the budget that Republicans in Congress are hellbent on getting through comes to pass, more than 70,000
- If the budget that Republicans in Congress are hellbent on getting through comes to pass, more than 70,000
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 29th, 2025 at 11:00 am
Nevada Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Joint Resolution 1, introduced by Senator Krasner, urges Congress to enact legislation allowing
- Senate Joint Resolution 8, introduced by Senator Ohrenschall, urges Congress to protect the public lands
- Resolution 10, introduced by Senators Wynn, et cetera, and Assembly Members Gonzalez, et cetera, urges Congress
- Senate joint resolution 8 introduced by Senator Ornshaw urges Congress to protect the public lands including
- resolution 10, introduced by Senators win, et cetera, and assembly members Gonzalez, et cetera, urges Congress
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Right now, we have Congress that has a mandated solar radiation management framework.
- to Congress in support of H.R. 4097 in the U.S.
- This memorial proposes to send a copy to each member of Congress. Chris.
- This memorial proposes to send a copy to each member of Congress.
- Even this historically unpopular Congress does not have time for these memorials. I vote no.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, and a series of guest introductions and proclamations, including a proclamation designating March as International Women’s Celebration Month. Members also recognized guests from several school districts and the Arizona Future Farmers of America. The chamber then moved through first readings and procedural motions, including reconsideration of HB 2169 and referral of bills to additional Committee of the Whole sessions.
In the first Committee of the Whole, the House considered HB 2100 and HB 2103, both receiving technical floor amendments and due-pass recommendations. The chamber then took up HB 2048, HB 2364, HB 2415, HB 2775, HB 2833, HB 2862, HB 2870, HB 2995, and HB 4067. HB 2775 drew extended debate over whether Arizona should prohibit state and local enforcement of policies from international organizations such as the WHO, UN, ICC, IMF, WEF, and NATO; supporters framed it as a sovereignty measure, while opponents warned it was overly broad and could cut off useful best practices. HB 2833 focused on private-school student safety and mandatory reporting, with some members urging broader Title 15 coverage for private schools and others warning against regulating private schools further.
HB 2862, which addressed law-enforcement facial coverings, was amended after debate and a division vote on a substitute amendment; the substitute passed 29-20, and the bill then received a due-pass recommendation. HB 2995, the “Alex and Lydia Act,” addressed domestic violence and coercive control in family-court-related contexts and also received a due-pass recommendation. HB 4067, requested by county recorders, added voter-status categories to electronic poll books; supporters said it would help election administration, while opponents argued it could create an unfunded mandate and burden or confuse voters. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, with one later motion to alter the HB 2862 report failing 20-30.
In the Education Committee portion, HB 2040 passed easily, while HB 2093 sparked substantial debate over whether to repeal statutory requirements for mental health instruction in K-12 health education. Supporters said schools should focus on academics and that mental health care belongs with licensed professionals and parents; opponents argued the bill would remove life-saving instruction and support for students. HB 2313, dealing with educator work stoppages and political protests, also passed after debate over whether it would unfairly punish teachers and chill advocacy. HB 2423 passed with an amendment that trimmed reporting requirements, and HB 2478 advanced after a substitute amendment was defeated, the committee amendment was adopted, and an appropriations amendment was withdrawn. The session ended with the House continuing through the calendar after these due-pass recommendations.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- at the What took place in Boston, both prior to and at the nomination of the Second Continental Congress
- currently under renovation, with the support of the National Park Service and the United States Congress
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several ceremonial resolutions. Members adopted resolutions commending Anticoagulation Forum Incorporated for recognizing May 2025 as Hypertension Awareness Month, the New England Chapter of the National Kidney Foundation for recognizing March 2025 as Kidney Disease Awareness Month, and C.R. Lyons and Sons Funeral Direction on its 100th anniversary. The chamber also adopted a resolution commending the South Boston Citizens Association for its observance of the 249th anniversary of Evacuation Day.
Senator Collins spoke at length about the historical importance of Evacuation Day, Boston’s role in the American Revolution, and the South Boston Citizens Association’s long-running efforts to preserve and promote that history. Tom McGrath, president of the association, thanked the Senate and said the holiday should be restored as a state holiday. The Senate also welcomed Irish Cabinet Minister for Tourism and Employment Peter Burke, who discussed Irish-American ties, Irish companies operating in Massachusetts and the U.S., and the importance of maintaining cultural and economic links.
The Senate further recognized guests including Lieutenant Jeffrey Diyadh, newly appointed legislative liaison to the State Police, the Hamilton-Wenham girls’ cross-country team, 2024 MIAA Division III state champions, and visitors from the North Attleboro Council on Aging. No substantive legislation was debated; the session consisted of recognitions, guest introductions, and ceremonial actions. The Senate adopted an order to meet again on Monday at 11:00 a.m. and then adjourned.