Video & Transcript Research : 'voting integrity'
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US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, June 9, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And vote for it. It says, Mr.
- The first electronic vote will be conducted as a 15-minute vote.
- Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a 15-minute vote.
- Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a five-minute vote.
- Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a five-minute vote.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, March 3, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a 15-minute vote.
- Miss Kelly of Illinois votes. I miss Presley votes. Mr. Larson of Connecticut votes. Mr.
- Arrington votes. Mr.
- Goldman of New York votes. Mr. Goldman of New York votes.
- Berer votes. Miss Moore of Wisconsin votes.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I urge a green vote on this. committee. I urge a green vote on this. Thank<00:06:07.600>
you. - Minneapolis is seamlessly integrated Minneapolis is seamlessly integrated with<00:29:37.040>
- I'm I'm I voted<00:53:56.520>
I <00:53:56.600>voted <00:53:57.040>Republican <00: - 53:57.720>
for <00:53:57.920>so <00:53:58.160>many voted I voted Republican for - integral to the success of Minnesota. integral to the success of Minnesota.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm gonna vote for the bill because I think something absolutely needs to be done.
- I'm so excited to vote for when your bills.
- Chair diciglie yes. >> By your vote CS for Senate Bill 1318 is reported favorably.
- Chair diciglie yes. >> By your vote.
- Any Senator wish to be recorded as voting on bills before the committee today.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance (9-16-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- um and keep their structural integrity um and keep their structural integrity um<00:13:48.079>
- and their historical integrity um and their historical integrity intact.<00:13:50.320>
But <00- I mean, I voted for it, so I or bad.
- integrates care across and it integrate integrates care across all<01:07:44.000>
providers, <01- What we offer is basically integrated health care, where we try to integrate behavioral health care into
- and their historical integrity um and their historical integrity intact.<00:13:50.320>
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:23
Kentucky Bankers Association 00:02:32
How to Read and Understand KRS 6.948 Health Mandate and Federal Cost Defrayal Impact Statements 00:25:40
Proposed Amendments to Kentucky's Essential Health Benefit-Benchmark Plan 00:50:18
Proposed Health Insurance Legislation for the 2026 Session 01:04:22
Reimbursement for Covered Benefits Delivered Through the Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model 01:01:46
Coverage of Eating or Feeding Disorders 01:18:47
Coverage of Hearing Loss 01:25:31, 958, all
Summary:
The Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance met for its first interim meeting, established a quorum, approved routine opening items, and welcomed a new committee assistant and a legislative intern. The committee first heard a Kentucky Bankers Association presentation from Tim Shank and John Cooper focused on the state’s housing shortage, which they described as affecting all 120 counties and especially low- and moderate-income and workforce housing. They urged support for a proposed $20 million banker-backed revolving fund, paired with tax credits, to finance new housing construction; they said the program would be flexible, could support alternatives such as manufactured housing, and would use below-market loans with tax credits vesting over five years only after units are completed. They also asked for extension of the historical tax credit carryforward from five to seven years and for continued support of new market tax credits, arguing that supply-chain delays make the longer period necessary for historic rehabilitation projects.
The bankers also raised concerns about credit unions, arguing that because credit unions do not pay the same taxes as banks, they should not be allowed to acquire healthy state-chartered banks or hold state and local deposits. They cited the recent purchase of First State Bank of Middlesborough as an example, saying the transaction would reduce state, county, and city tax revenue and weaken local tax bases. In response to committee questions, the presenters said local regulations, zoning, parking, sidewalk, and utility easement issues can significantly delay housing projects, and they emphasized that state policy and infrastructure support are needed to help address affordability and development barriers.
The committee then shifted to a Department of Insurance presentation by Commissioner Sharon Clark on how to read KRS 6.948 health mandate and federal cost defrayal impact statements. Clark explained that the mandate statements were created in 1998 so legislators would have actuarial estimates of how proposed health insurance mandates would affect administrative costs, premiums, and total costs, and she noted that later legislation added federal cost-defrayal analysis. She also reviewed the background of the Affordable Care Act’s essential health benefits framework and said the department’s statements are intended to help lawmakers make informed decisions on proposed health coverage mandates. No votes or formal actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes bill to create an independent Office of the Inspector General to tackle fraud May 8th, 2026
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I urge an I vote. Any further forward. I urge an I vote.
- >> Baker votes no. Baker votes no. >> Baker votes no. Baker votes no. McDonald.
- >> Vote<00:37:32.560>
no. >> Vote no. >> Vote no. - McDonald votes no. Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley votes aye. Schultz votes no.
- Vote green.
Summary:
The House took up Senate File 856, which would create an Office of the Inspector General to combat fraud in state public programs. Representative Norris described the bill as the product of a long bipartisan, bicameral working group and emphasized the office’s independence, five-year term, Senate confirmation, removal-for-cause protections, authority to investigate entities receiving public funds, prevention-focused duties, and required public and annual reporting. Representative Anderson PE also thanked the bipartisan authors and staff, saying the bill was the result of extensive negotiations and should move forward without reopening the agreement.
Members then considered several amendments. Norris offered a technical cleanup amendment, A44, to clarify language about embedding employees at the Department of Education, distinguish civil and criminal investigative authority, and update law-enforcement terminology; it was adopted. Anderson PE then offered and secured adoption of a technical amendment, A45, to correct a drafting error. Representative Cleorne offered A37 to add prepayment review procedures for all agencies, but it failed on a roll call, 65-67. Cleorne also offered A38 to appropriate $15 million for OIG modernization and data-sharing improvements, but withdrew it after noting it would be out of order. A39, which would have renamed the proposed law enforcement unit from an anti-fraud and waste bureau to an anti-fraud and enforcement unit, failed on a roll call, 66-67, after debate over whether “waste” should be included in the title and scope.
During debate on the naming amendment, supporters argued the title should better reflect law-enforcement work and avoid implying the office was a “waste” agency, while opponents said the existing language reflected the bipartisan working-group agreement and that changing it could jeopardize the bill’s progress. Representative West cited inspector general standards that include waste among their duties, and Representative Pinto questioned the substantive basis for opposing the change. Later, Representative Mhler offered A41 to eliminate the future law-enforcement agency entirely, arguing it would be duplicative and unfunded; the transcript cuts off before the vote on that amendment.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Natural Resources Committee Jun 8th, 2026
Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- So if you were counting on that, vote.
- Respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- It has 13 votes. It's out. Is Ellis? Ellis aye. It has 13 votes. It's out. SB 1229. No. Nice and I.
- That has nine votes. It is out. No, that has nine votes. It is out.
Summary:
The committee heard several climate, coastal, and air quality measures. Senator Laird presented SCR 136 marking the 50th anniversary of the Coastal Act and Coastal Conservancy Act, and SJR 12 opposing the federal offshore oil and gas leasing program; both drew broad support from environmental groups, local governments, and other advocates, with no opposition on the record. Senator Padilla presented SB 10, which would require certain state agencies to include gender impact assessments in climate planning, with supporters arguing climate harms fall disproportionately on women and LGBTQ+ communities; it also drew support from environmental and equity organizations and no formal opposition at the hearing.
Padilla also presented SB 675 to restructure the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District board and expand public disclosure of permits, enforcement actions, and related information. Supporters, including the City of Imperial, residents, and environmental groups, said the district needs more representative governance and transparency because Imperial County faces severe air pollution and health burdens. Opponents, including the district, business groups, and agricultural interests, argued the bill would impose unfunded mandates, create administrative burdens, and could slow investment and permitting in the county. The bill was amended to remove a Title V permitting prohibition, and the committee ultimately approved it on a roll call vote.
Senator Allen presented SB 1229, which would limit use of the Coastal Act’s disaster-rebuild exemption when a replacement structure would newly impede coastal public access, aiming to prevent investors from exploiting post-disaster rebuilding rules. Support came from Sierra Club, Surfrider, and other coastal advocates, who said the bill protects public access and sensitive coastal resources while still allowing homeowners to rebuild. The committee also took up the consent calendar, which included several measures such as ACR 157, SB 899, SB 949, SB 963, SB 1008, SB 1207, SB 1428, and SJR 5. Final roll calls showed SCR 136, SJR 12, SB 10, SB 675, and SB 1229 all advancing out of committee, along with the consent items.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/03/26
Commerce and Consumer Protection
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-29 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senators will proceed to vote. All senators voted.
- Senators will proceed to vote. All senators voted.
- Proceed to vote. All senators voted. As the sponsor voted, there we go.
- Senators will proceed to vote. Have all senators voted? Name Martin voted.
- Vote. If all senators voted, lock the board and announce the vote. 32 yeas, 3 nays, Mr. President.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 2 May 5th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In 2024, there were 33 votes. Of those 33, 31 votes passed and two votes failed.
- The clerk will call the name of the member voting remotely. Acom votes no.
- I'm not going to vote for that, to vote twice. Why would I do that?
- The clerk will call the name of the member voting remotely. Acom votes no.
- will vote no.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Any members voting no? >> No vote. No vote. Thank you, Mr. Alcos. >> No vote. No vote.
- Any members voting? No. Any members voting? No. >> No<02:01:52.239>
vote. - >> No vote. No vote. Thank you, Mr. Alos. >> No vote. No vote. Thank you, Mr.
- any members voting no vote. any members voting no vote. >> No<02:17:32.399>
vote. - >> No vote. >> No vote.
Keywords:
accessible parking, disability, kupuna, public accommodations, small business exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, parking permit, blind, deaf, accessibility, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, emergency services, commercial driver's license, first responders, public safety, authorized emergency vehicle
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 1871, establishing a maternal health monitoring pilot program, drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaii State Commission on Status of Women, and the Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives, with testimony urging provider-neutral language so midwives and other qualified providers would not be excluded. HB 1977, requiring a maternal and infant health information mobile app, received support from ACNM and Philips, which said similar apps in other states improved awareness of services and helped families navigate care; a member asked the Department of Health about implementation time. HB 1858, relating to certificates of fetal deaths, was supported by the Department of Health and clinicians, who said the current statute is outdated and inconsistent with CDC guidance; the department and a physician testified that the bill should shift documentation responsibilities to physicians and APRNs, and members discussed optional versus mandatory issuance language and whether the bill would improve data on home births and transfers.
The committee also heard HB 1591, expanding definitions for preceptor and volunteer-based clinical training to improve income tax credits. The Department of Health supported the measure but preferred a similar, broader bill; Taxation suggested clarifying terms; the University of Hawaii and the State Center for Nursing supported it. ACNM asked that midwifery preceptors and Hawaii-based students enrolled in mainland programs be included, while the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported expansion of the program as a workforce solution. HB 1574, on the health care education loan repayment program, also drew broad support, including from the governor, SHPDA, OHA, and health organizations, but ACNM raised concerns that the bill’s 30% Medicaid-client threshold could exclude many providers and limit participation.
For HB 1575, creating a feasibility committee on Parkinson’s patient air transport, the Department of Health supported the intent but said transportation is more likely an insurance or benefit issue and suggested redirecting funds to Parkinson’s research; the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Hawaii Parkinson Association supported the bill, citing inter-island travel barriers and high costs for patients and caregivers. HB 1854, establishing certification of community behavioral health clinics, was supported by the Department of Health and DHS, which said certification would help clinics qualify for enhanced Medicaid reimbursement and expand access; the Attorney General’s office raised a legal concern about the special fund language and recommended a purpose section, and the committee discussed whether the fund would be self-sustaining and noted a possible amendment to change membership language and reduce the board size if the amendment moved forward.
NJ
Transcript Highlights:
- Please record your vote. Please record your vote. All votes were properly recorded.
- Please record your vote. All votes were properly recorded. Please record your vote.
- Please record your vote. Please record your vote. All votes were properly recorded.
- Please cast your vote. All votes were recorded. I ask you to cast your vote.
- Secretary, open the machine for a vote. All votes recorded. All votes recorded.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- , registering to vote, in the process of voting, scanning.
- to vote.
- Like the actual number of people that are not allowed to vote that accidentally vote or try to vote is
- Voting is a privilege if you want to vote.
- Right to vote.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It was an up-or-down vote.
- Durant votes, yes. Thank you, Madam President. Peter J. Durant votes, yes.
- Paul Feeney votes yes. The Senator from Cape and the Islands, Senator Cyr. Julian Cyr votes yes.
- Rush votes yes. The senator from Middlesex and Suffolk, Senator DiDomenico, votes yes.
- O'Connor votes yes. Thank you.
Summary:
The Senate took up Senate House No. 4010, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill funded largely by surplus Fair Share revenues. The Ways and Means chair described the bill as a $1.28 billion package, with major investments in education and transportation, including special education circuit breaker aid, higher education deferred maintenance, career technical education capital grants, school construction relief, high-dosage tutoring, English language learning grants, MBTA reserve replenishment and safety training, commuter rail maintenance, Chapter 90 local road aid, regional transit authority support, ferry and micro-transit funding, and a small World Cup transportation appropriation. Members from both parties generally praised the bill’s one-time, regionally balanced approach while emphasizing fiscal discipline and the limited, surplus-based funding source. The minority leader and others questioned the fund balances and the use of the education and transportation innovation and capital fund, the Student Opportunity Act trust fund, and the transitional escrow account; the chair said the bill would zero out the innovation and capital fund, leave about $430 million in the SOA trust, and about $200 million in the escrow account.
Several members highlighted specific priorities. Senator Cronin and Senator Feeney strongly supported the $100 million career technical education investment, arguing it would expand vocational opportunities in comprehensive high schools and help meet workforce needs. Senator Feeney also emphasized MBTA funding, special education, local road repairs, English language learning tied to workforce needs, and World Cup preparations in Foxborough. Senator Comerford praised the bill’s regional equity, higher education maintenance funding, special education support, and transportation investments, while also noting the need for broader future work on Chapter 70 and school finance. Senator Tarr supported the bill but repeatedly stressed that the spending was a unique one-time opportunity and that the Commonwealth should preserve fiscal reserves and continue to address school funding inequities and MBTA finances more broadly.
The chamber then considered numerous amendments. Amendment 1 on tariff pricing transparency was withdrawn after brief remarks, and Amendment 14, proposing a DESE study on educational outcomes for young men and boys, was rejected. Amendment 182, funding Worcester Regional Transit Authority capital expenses, was adopted. Amendment 228, adding $500,000 for Free Period to expand access to menstrual products in schools, was adopted. Amendment 257, funding Springfield Public Schools communication and safety systems, was also adopted. Other amendments, including Tarr amendments on supplemental district aid, MBTA reporting, and the Foundation Budget Review Commission, were rejected. Amendment 308 concerning MBTA Communities and Milton was withdrawn, after which Senator Driscoll began a presentation arguing Milton was being misclassified under the MBTA Communities Act and should be treated fairly under the law.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- 69 for an up or down vote. 69 for an up or down vote.
- up or down vote. up or down vote. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes.
- I recommend a green vote.
- I recommend a<00:47:23.040>
green <00:47:23.280>vote. a green vote. a green vote. - vote on them. vote on them.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, quorum call, and approval of the previous day’s journal, then received Senate Bill 890 and several House committee reports. The first major measure taken up was House Bill 627, which establishes a Commission on Histories, Culture, and Civics in Education. Committee amendments clarified the commission’s purpose, membership, and charge to review curriculum materials and school calendars and make recommendations to the State Board of Education and the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Additional amendments added a disability community expert and preamble language. The bill prompted extended debate about whether the commission would promote diversity in curriculum, how it would address religious and ethnic representation, and whether it would include Christian or Catholic perspectives; supporters said it was meant to reflect communities that had requested inclusion and to improve the completeness of Maryland history, while critics questioned the need for a new commission and raised concerns about identity politics and curriculum control. The bill was ordered printed for third reading after second-reader consideration.
The House also considered House Bill 1582, the Education Program Accountability, Comprehensive Outcomes and Measures of Progress for Supporting Schools (COMPASS) Act. An amendment removed references to advanced professional certificates and national board certification from school quality indicators and required annual reporting on the relationship between composite scores and concentrations of low-income students. During discussion, members asked whether the bill was changing the scoring system and how much weight academics would carry; the response was that academic indicators would remain a majority of the score, but no single indicator could exceed 20% of the composite. The amendment and favorable report were adopted, and the bill was ordered printed for third reading.
The House then took up House Bill 1514 concerning Calvert County county officials and Board of Education salaries and benefits. Committee amendments were technical and removed a benefit provision related to a former commissioner; both the amendment and favorable report were adopted without opposition, and the bill was ordered printed for third reading. Finally, the chamber moved to special order calendar item Senate Bill 283, the Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loan of 2026. The House Appropriations Committee presented 198 amendments to the capital budget, describing them as balanced across regions and within debt affordability limits, and began moving the amendments in groups, starting with a technical amendment.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Natural Resources Committee Jun 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So if you were counting on that, vote.
- So at the appropriate time, I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- That has nine votes. It is out. No, that has nine votes. It is out.
Summary:
The committee considered several coastal, climate, and air quality measures. Senator Laird presented SCR 136 marking the 50th anniversary of the Coastal Act and Coastal Conservancy Act, and SJR 12 opposing the federal offshore oil and gas leasing program; both drew broad support from environmental groups, local governments, and other advocates, with no opposition heard. Senator Padilla presented SB 10, requiring state climate plans to include gender impact assessments, with supporters arguing climate harms fall disproportionately on women and LGBTQ+ people; the bill also drew no opposition in the hearing. Senator Padilla also presented SB 675 to restructure the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District board and expand public transparency, while supporters cited severe air quality problems and opponents raised concerns about unfunded mandates, consultation, and impacts on local permitting and economic development. Senator Allen presented SB 1229 to limit disaster-rebuild coastal permit exemptions when replacement structures would newly impede coastal access or sensitive protections, with supporters saying it would prevent investor abuse of post-disaster rebuilding rules.
After testimony, the committee took up the measures and recorded votes. SCR 136, SJR 12, SB 10, SB 675, and SB 1229 all advanced on party-line or near-party-line votes, with some members voting no on the more regulatory measures. The consent calendar was also approved, including ACR 157, SB 899, SB 949, SB 963, SB 1008, SB 1207, SB 1428, and SJR 5. All of the listed measures were sent onward, generally to Appropriations, and the committee concluded its hearing after the roll calls.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (01/21/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Sullivan, she won, and there was a State Rep vote on a recount, and she won by one vote on a particular
- State Rep vote on a recount and she won State Rep vote on a recount and she won by<00:15:22.600>
one - I ask that you vote an expedient to legislate on SB 44.
- <00:27:36.520>
an elections I ask that you vote an elections I ask that you vote an expedient - <00:41:02.480>
in voters registered voters who voted in voters registered voters who voted
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/18/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- And with that, I vote aye.
- I vote no. Madam Chair, I'd like to explain my vote. Thank you.
- And I vote no. Senator Sears: I vote no. Senator Werner: Aye. Four aye, three no, zero not voting.
- I vote no. Aye. I vote no. Senator Warner? Aye. Aye. Four ayes, three noes, and zero not voting.
- By a vote of six I, zero knows, and one not voting, you give an SB 1621.
Bills:
SB1014, SB1094, SB1146, SB1177, SB1192, SB1194, SB1214, SB1372, SB1390, SB1398, SB1399, SB1494, SB1557, SB1561, SB1564, SB1602, SB1603, SB1621, SB1628, SB1629, SB1713, SB1752, SB1776, SB1813, SB1814, SB1821
Keywords:
gender transition, gender detransition, health insurance, medical procedures, insurance claims, official documents, Arizona law, gender reassignment, civil liability, minors, medical consent, detransition, dependent children, foster care, periodic review, court hearings, child welfare, public funds, prohibition, Arizona legislation
Summary:
The committee heard and acted on several health-related bills, with the longest discussion centered on SB 1214, the Arizona Stem Cell Therapy Act. The bill would regulate stem cell and birth tissue therapies, bar use of tissues derived from aborted fetuses or embryos, require informed consent and disclosure for non-FDA-approved therapies, and create civil and criminal penalties for violations. Supporters framed it as a patient-safety and bioscience-innovation measure, while opponents objected to the abortion-related language and felony penalties. The committee approved SB 1214 on a 4-3 vote.
The committee also advanced SB 1194, which would prohibit health professionals and institutions from denying care or reducing care quality based on vaccination status, and SB 1814, which creates a study committee on substance use disorder treatment standards and oversight. SB 1602, increasing monthly stipends for kinship foster care parents, and SB 1603, expanding child-only cash assistance eligibility for certain foster and relative placements, were both amended and passed unanimously. SB 1177, barring public funds from being used for gender transition procedures, and SB 1014, requiring insurance coverage for detransition care and related reporting, both drew strong support and opposition and were each approved on 4-3 votes.
Later, the committee unanimously passed SB 1628, requiring insurers and health plans to report claims-denial and prior-authorization data to DIFI for public reporting, and SB 1629, requiring AHCCCS managed care organizations to give advance notice and network-adequacy documentation before terminating high-volume providers without cause. Supporters of both bills emphasized transparency and patient access, while opponents argued the measures duplicated existing federal or state oversight. The committee then heard SB 1752, which would criminalize commercial harvesting or sale of mescaline while preserving a religious-use defense; the sponsor said it was intended to address improper sales of peyote-derived substances, but no final action on that bill was taken in the portion provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- to stay grounded, the imagination to envision what has not yet been, and the clarity to act with integrity
- The clerk will call the name of the member voting remotely. Kozlowski, go ahead. Lee can't hear it.
- on behalf of all act with Integrity on behalf of all those<00:02:49.560>
we <00:02:49.720> - > the clerk will call the name of the the clerk will call the name of the member<00:06:37.280>
voting - member voting member voting remotely<00:06:39.319>
kazlowski <00:06:39.960>go ahead
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Congress vote against that increase in funding, correct?
- requested that Republicans in the US Congress vote against that, uh, increase in funding, correct?
- this resolution forward, and I will vote yes.
- the reason of maintaining the integrity of, of law and order in our state.
- So I want to thank you very much for bringing this resolution forward and I will vote yes.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Border Security met to consider SCR 39, authored by Senator Creighton, which urges the federal government to take immediate action on border security and calls for Texas to be reimbursed for roughly $11 billion spent on border-related efforts. Creighton argued the federal government has failed to secure the border, leading to illegal crossings, fentanyl trafficking, and the need for Texas to step in through Operation Lone Star. A DPS chief financial officer was present as a resource witness, though no public testimony was taken.
Several senators spoke in support of the resolution while also noting broader context. Senator Hinojosa of Nueces said border security has been neglected by multiple administrations, not just the Biden administration, but supported the measure and emphasized the need for lawful immigration and border enforcement. Senator Hinojosa of Hidalgo and Senator Flores also supported the resolution, highlighting cartel activity, trade impacts, and Texas’s role in maintaining border integrity. Senator Eckhardt questioned the author about what specific federal actions were meant by “immediate action,” and Creighton pointed to more staffing, better radio interoperability, stronger drug interdiction, and renewed federal responsibility for wall construction and enforcement.
After questions and discussion, public testimony was closed. Senator Flores moved that SCR 39 be favorably recommended to the full Senate, and the committee approved the motion by a vote of 4 ayes and 1 nay. The chair then announced that SB 36, creating a border security division within DPS, would be the committee’s primary focus at the next meeting.