Video & Transcript Research : 'legislative communications'

Page 4 of 500
AL
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee Feb 18th, 2026

Public Safety and Homeland Security

KY
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

Public Pensions Oversight Board (4-24-23)

KY
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Legislative Session Day 7 (1-14-26)

Kentucky House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • This order of business is motions, petitions, communications, and announcements.
  • c><00:11:12.720> and motions, petitions, communications, and motions, petitions, communications
  • legislative citation. legislative citation.
  • I would like to call legislative I would like to call legislative citation<00:11:31.920> number
  • Communicate to the body. Yes, sir. Mr.
Keywords: Video Starts 00:00 Convene 05:16 Report of Committees 10:27 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 11:07 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 18:04 Recess for ConC and Rules Meeting 20:57 ConC and Rules Report 26:01 Adjournment 31:55, 958, all
Summary: The House convened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 95 members present. Members approved excusing absent members, suspended rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications, and approved the journal from January 13, 2026. The Banking and Insurance Committee reported House Bills 176, 184, and 265 favorably, and those bills were placed on the calendar as having had first reading. The chamber then took up several announcements and citations. A legislative citation was adopted honoring Tatum Elizabeth Dale, with remarks from members describing her kindness, service, and impact on the community. Another citation was adopted recognizing Emily Bingham for her book My Old Kentucky Home: The Astonishing Life and Reckoning of an Iconic American Song. Members also announced upcoming committee meetings, including Tourism and Outdoor Recreation, the House Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Health Services, and Oversight and Investigations. The House received a large batch of new bill introductions covering topics such as criminal law and minors, electric utilities, daylight saving time, veterans’ treatment and benefits, transportation, outdoor recreation, human trafficking, licensed professionals, automated license plate readers, postsecondary education, utility disconnection protections, electric metering, virtual currency kiosks, mental health facilities, perinatal mood and anxiety disorder screening, controlled substances, prescription drugs, and literacy in schools. Two resolutions were also introduced, one encouraging a school naming honor for Jose Marte and another recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The Committee on Committees then referred numerous bills to standing committees, and the House adjourned until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
KY
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Legislative Session Day 6 (1-13-26)

Kentucky House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • ,<00:05:58.639> and motions, petitions, communications, and motions, petitions, communications
  • Communicate with >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Communicate with the<00:07:40.960> body.
  • >> Communicate with the body. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Um, Kucky's Community Action Network will host a legislative
  • Um, Kucky's Community Action Network will host a legislative reception tonight from 5 to 7 at 311 West
  • ,<00:11:01.519> and motions, petitions, communications, and motions, petitions, communications
Keywords: Convene 00:00 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 00:55 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 11:09 Motion to Act on HR 21 15:13 Recess for ConC and Rules Meeting 23:52 ConC and Rules Report 29:29 Adjournment 31:04, 958, all
Summary: The House opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 96 members present. Routine business followed: absent members were excused, the rules were suspended to allow co-sponsorship and vote modifications, and the journal from January 12, 2026 was approved. No bills were taken up on second reading, and there were no committee reports or orders of the day at that point. During announcements, members recognized the Frederick Douglass High School cheerleading squad for winning a state title, and several members noted visits or upcoming events involving Kentucky firefighters and fire chiefs. Multiple committee meeting notices were also shared, and House Bill 244 was withdrawn by its primary sponsor. The clerk then read a long list of newly filed bills and resolutions covering topics including pharmacist reimbursements, immigration enforcement, housing, identity documents, sex-based classifications, school choking prevention, local minimum wages, rental property, labor standards, wages, veterans issues, homelessness prevention, real property appraisers, jury duty, paramedic education, adult performances, sanctuary policies, charitable gaming, court costs, National Guard benefits, child care coverage, and several resolutions. The chamber then considered House Resolution 21, honoring the victims of the UPS Airlines Flight 2976 crash in Louisville and commending first responders. The sponsor described the crash, named the victims, and detailed the extensive multi-agency response. The House opened the board for additional co-sponsors, observed a moment of silence, and adopted the resolution without objection. Afterward, the House recessed briefly for Committee on Committees and Rules Committee meetings, then received committee referrals for numerous bills to standing committees. No floor amendments were introduced, and the House adjourned until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
KY
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

Public Pension Oversight Board (1-16-26)

Transcript Highlights:
  • If you'll recall last year, we passed a piece of legislation codifying the language from the court ruling
  • Uh, I'll be glad to answer any questions. >> Well, I will ask you one: Is your legislation written tight
  • I just want to make sure that we're covering the folks that this legislation is targeted to. >> It will
  • be written tight enough your legislation be written tight enough that<00:02:58.000> it<00:02:
  • year with another piece of legislation year with another piece of legislation to<00:09:22.240>
Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:11 Legislative Proposal: Representative Blanton: 01:12 • House Bill 220 Approval of Minutes: 10:07 Legislative Proposal: Senator Nunn: 10:24 • Sick Leave Flexibility for School District Employees Adjournment: 34:35, 958, all
Summary: The committee first took up Representative John Blanton’s bill on pension spiking and Kentucky Public Pension Authority administration. Blanton said the measure would make a prior court-related pension-spiking fix retroactive to July 1, 2022, so employees who retired between that date and the court ruling would be treated the same as those covered by the earlier legislation. KPPPA staff said they did not think the bill would go beyond the Court of Appeals ruling, but noted it could prompt requests from people who retired before July 1, 2022. Members asked about how many retirees might be affected, whether the language was narrow enough, and whether the bill could open the door to additional claims; Blanton estimated roughly 1,000 retirees would need review, with fewer actually impacted. No vote was taken on the bill in the excerpt. The committee then heard Senator Matt Nunn and Scott County Schools Superintendent Billy Parker present a proposal allowing school districts to offer teachers and other employees a voluntary payout for unused sick days. Supporters said the idea could improve attendance, reduce substitute costs and classroom disruptions, help retain younger teachers, and potentially lower long-term retirement-related costs because the payout would not count toward pension compensation. They emphasized the program would be optional for districts and employees, would require teachers to keep at least 15 sick days in reserve, and would be district-funded rather than a state cost. Members raised questions about budget impact, tax treatment, pension effects, and whether the incentive would actually change behavior; the bill sponsor and witnesses said the payout would be taxed like other compensation and would not affect TRS or CERS benefits. One member requested reporting on how the program would be used, and the sponsor said he would be open to adding that. The sponsor also noted a later committee-substitute change would allow use of accumulated sick leave for observance of religious holidays not otherwise on the school calendar, with a personal statement from the employee.
US
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

Hearings to examine the nominations of Brian Burch, of Illinois, to be Ambassador to the Holy See, Brandon Judd, of Idaho, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Chile, and Nicole McGraw, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia, all of t Apr 8th, 2025 at 09:00 am

Foreign Relations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Her work has created jobs, attracted tourism, and strengthened communities.
  • His expertise has been sought out by many elected officials, not just in the legislative branch, but
  • My work is involved engaging voters, legislators, and faith leaders, and to give Catholics a voice in
  • Each of us have a firm belief and commitment to service to our country, family, faith, and community.
  • We also share a belief in the international community.
Keywords: legislative process, public involvement, community engagement, transparency, introductions
Summary: The meeting was characterized by a series of introductions and personal anecdotes shared by the committee members, with a focus on the importance of community engagement and transparency in legislative processes. Members expressed their commitment to open hearings and the necessity for public involvement in discussions impacting constituents. Several members remarked on how personal experiences shape their legislative priorities, thus reinforcing the human element of governance. However, there was a noticeable absence of discussion regarding specific bills, indicating that the session may have been more exploratory or introductory in nature.
TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session Jan 14th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have the greatest legislative body in the country. Members, a quorum is present.
  • It's model legislation in the country.
  • It's model legislation by the American Legislative Exchange Council.
  • He'll be there again this year with more blockbuster legislation.
  • Members, may I now present to you the President Pro Tempore of the 89th Legislative Session.
Bills: SCR7
Keywords: legislature, adjournment, permissions, Texas Constitution, session, legislative authority
Summary: The Texas Senate convened for the opening of the 89th Legislature with an invocation, roll call, and certification of the newly elected senators. Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock administered the oath of office to the senators-elect, and Governor Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott addressed the chamber, emphasizing priorities such as foster care, the budget, border security, school choice, and maintaining Texas’s economic growth and constitutional principles. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick also welcomed members and guests, noted the Senate’s bipartisan culture, and highlighted the chamber’s organization for the session. The Senate then held its organizational election for President Pro Tempore. Senator Tan Parker nominated Senator Brandon Creighton, and Senator Paul Bettencourt seconded the nomination, both praising Creighton’s background, legislative record, and leadership. The chamber voted by standing vote to elect Creighton, who was then escorted to the front and sworn in as President Pro Tempore by State Minister Scott Wall. Creighton delivered remarks about his family, his time as a Senate messenger, and his priorities for the session, including education, border issues, energy, and Texas sovereignty. After the leadership election, the Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7, granting permission for either house to adjourn for more than three days during the specified January period. The resolution passed by a recorded vote of 31 ayes and no nays. The Senate then adopted a motion by Senator Zaffirini to recess until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, after a caucus at 10 a.m. in the Betty King Room.
US
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

Business meeting to consider the nomination of Arielle Roth, of the District of Columbia, to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information. Apr 9th, 2025 at 09:00 am

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Communications Agency. First, Mr.
  • Initiatives that fall squarely within the federal communication. Commission's jurisdiction.
  • On technology party, she's helped us pass legislation to improve maps.
  • She was instrumental in advancing legislation. to free our domestic networks from communications equipment
  • It's a part of the Communications Act to advance and preserve universal service generally.
Keywords: state policy, governance, legislative processes, public concerns, policy improvement
Summary: During the committee meeting, various issues surrounding state policy and governance were deliberated. Although the specifics of bills under discussion were not highlighted, comments from several committee members indicated a focus on improving legislative processes and addressing public concerns. The chairman facilitated discussions that included several points of critique as well as suggestions for enhancement of existing laws. The atmosphere remained constructive despite the complexity of the topics at hand.
TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate of the 89th Legislature Apr 1st, 2025 at 11:00 am

Transcript Highlights:
  • However, wireless communication device is not defined.
  • committees and to provide legislative recommendations.
  • I know this piece of legislation will be on.
  • And I worry deeply that the impact it's going to have on our our community, the community that I represent
  • To all communities, all races in our state.
Keywords: HCR65, HCR19, Senate resolutions, memorial, community impact, legislative proceedings
Summary: The recent Senate meeting primarily covered two resolutions, HCR65 and HCR19, both of which were passed unanimously with little to no opposition. HCR65 was introduced in memory of Tracy Lee Vincent of Longview, while HCR19 was presented to honor the late Terrell Lynn Roberts of Angleton. The meeting included brief addresses from several senators, who shared personal reflections on the impacts of the individuals being honored and expressed gratitude for their contributions to the community. This collaborative atmosphere showcased the members' capacity for camaraderie and respect, emphasizing the importance of human connection in legislative proceedings.
US
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

Hearings to examine housing roadblocks, focusing on paving a new way to address affordability. Mar 12th, 2025 at 09:00 am

Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • or a large community.
  • You know, we talked a bit today about suburban and urban communities and tribal communities as well.
  • But it is important to make sure that we focus on urban communities. communities.
  • I think the sort of nudging against local legislation the legislation that we have been discussing would
  • . our surrounding communities.
Keywords: affordable housing, government investment, barriers, legislative solutions, public testimony
Summary: The committee meeting focused on addressing the significant issue of affordable housing in America. Members expressed concern over the persistent barriers faced in the housing sector, despite substantial government investment aimed at alleviating these issues. It was highlighted that government interference plays a critical role in complicating the housing landscape, and discussions revolved around potential legislative approaches to mitigate these challenges. Several witnesses provided testimony, contributing to a thorough exploration of the topic.
FL
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

House in Session Jun 5th, 2025

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • for the life and health You provide to us each day, and we pray Your blessings upon this body of legislators
  • Garrison: HCR 1635 extends the session to 11:59 PM, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, and provides legislation
Keywords: legislative session extension, General Appropriations Act, budget process, session deadlines
Summary: The Florida House of Representatives convened for a brief session focused on procedural matters. Representative McClure moved to waive rules and introduce House Bill 5017 and House Joint Resolution 5019. The primary business was Representative Garrison's House Concurrent Resolution 1635, which extends the 2025 regular legislative session until 11:59 PM on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The resolution specifies that only the General Appropriations Act (GAA), its implementing bill, and an enumerated list of conforming bills, joint resolutions, and general bills may be considered during the extension. All other legislative measures will be indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration as of 12:00 AM on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The resolution was adopted.
MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Rules Committee Meeting - 2025-05-14

Rules and Legislative Administration

Transcript Highlights:
  • The committee on Rules and Legislative Administration will come to order. A quorum is present.
  • The committee on Rules and Legislative Administration will adopt the calendar for the day and establish
Bills: HF3321
Keywords: legislative corrections, technical errors, legal consistency, Minnesota statutes, overhauling laws
TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) Apr 10th, 2025

Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Middleton followed, mentioning the positive impact of recent tax reforms in the community.
Keywords: Senate Committee, local government, SB2183, SB2046, committee substitute, legislative measures
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Government was characterized by the passage of several significant bills, including SB2183, SB2046, SB434, and others with recommendations for further consideration. Discussions involved voting on committee substitutes and the implications of various legislative measures. Senator Paxton and other members provided insights and moved bills forward with emphatic support, leading to their successful passing out of committee. Importantly, the bills addressed various local government concerns, showcasing the committee's focus on practical legislative solutions.
MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee 3/10/25

Rules and Legislative Administration

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:25:48.520> needs Lines reflect changing Community needs Lines reflect changing Community
  • <00:27:04.320> the groups or preserve their communities the groups or preserve their communities
  • Constitution about the um legislative Constitution about the um legislative salary<00:41:19.240>
  • or the spouse of a former legislators or the spouse of a current<00:41:26.079> legislator<00:
  • <00:42:00.720> than setting the salary of legislators than setting the salary of legislators
Bills: HF550
Keywords: redistricting, Bipartisan Commission, Minnesota Constitution, census, legislative districts, 1183, house
US
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

Business meeting to consider an original resolution authorizing expenditures by the committee during the 119th Congress; to be immediately followed by a hearing to examine eliminating waste by the foreign aid bureaucracy. Feb 13th, 2025 at 09:00 am

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's a big part of what we do every week as we come together to consider legislation and deal with the
  • They've cut off funding for community health centers.
  • He is the community-based research chair of politics, censorship, and free speech at the University of
  • Granite Staters not knowing how much longer their community health center will remain open or if their
  • And then he illegally took funding away from law enforcement and community groups.
Keywords: fiscal responsibility, government waste, foreign aid, funding resolution, legislative oversight
Summary: The committee meeting addressed government spending and foreign aid, with a particular emphasis on perceived wasteful expenditures. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing a funding resolution for the committee, which received unanimous support from the members present. The chair noted a quorum at the beginning of the meeting, signaling that the committee was ready to conduct its business. Discussions highlighted ongoing debates concerning fiscal responsibility and the necessity of legislative oversight, notably regarding foreign aid allocations and their implications for domestic fiscal health.
AL
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate State Governmental Affairs Committee Apr 9th, 2025

State Governmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • This piece of legislation deals with the emergency management agency of Alabama.
  • This allows us to tear this building down and dispose of the things that are in it by the legislative
  • , this is only my third session, but I've already noticed he's been a wrecking ball on a lot of legislation
  • So, it's not just legislation. So, it's not just them at the state house. Hey, Grinch Jr.'
Bills: HB207, SB269, SB279, SB291, SB266
Keywords: cybersecurity, Office of Information Technology, data management, telecommunications, state government, emergency management, public awareness, promotional materials, education, state funding, Alabama State House, Montgomery, Legislative Council, demolition, state capitol, state capitol building, historic preservation, state property, inventory removal, fixtures
MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/26

Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • And there's settings to community.
  • Um, and of course, both legislators.
  • to provide information to legislators. to provide information to legislators.
  • legislators as we can. legislators as we can.
  • creates a fear within our communities. creates a fear within our communities.
Bills: HF3378
Keywords: human services, Optum reports, data privacy, transparency, legislative oversight, 1183, house
ND
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division Apr 9th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

Appropriations - Human Resources Division

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chairman, have we decided on the grant for Community Cultural Center? We put $300,000.
  • And then it requires a report to the next legislative assembly.
  • Okay, so we're good with the legislative intent. I would add that. With legislative intent.
  • So it labels it legislative intent and then requires a report.
  • Did we talk about the community health...
Bills: SB2399
Keywords: mental health, psychiatric treatment, reimbursement, medical assistance, legislative report, 908, all
Summary: The committee reconvened and first reconsidered House Bill 1612, the aerospace medical and mental health support center bill. Senator Cleary offered an amendment to reduce the general fund appropriation from $500,000 to $250,000 and require the university or project sponsors to find the remaining funding from other sources. The amendment passed, and the bill was then recommended do pass as amended, with members citing concerns about university funding, but others supporting the project as a one-time seed investment. The committee also discussed a possible future FMAP increase beginning October 1, 2026, which could reduce general fund costs by roughly $9 million, though members noted the figures were still preliminary and could be addressed later if needed. The committee then returned to Human Services budget items, including early childhood and child care funding, a community cultural center grant, and several other adjustments. Members discussed reducing the “best in class” amount, changes to child care grants and quality/infrastructure funding, and clarifying that prior child care assistance appropriations were in fact being spent. They also agreed to reduce the 1915(i) Medicaid waiver line by $2 million, with the understanding that the entitlement would still be funded as needed. The committee also considered taking guardianship funding out of House Bill 1012 because a separate bill, Senate Bill 2029, would move that funding elsewhere; members agreed that removing it from the budget could help the overall bill and could be restored if the separate bill failed. Several study amendments were discussed. Senator Cleary proposed adding a maternal health study related to prenatal services, doulas, midwives, and Medicaid, and members expressed support. The committee also discussed a software/case-management study proposal, but the department said it had not requested it and would not support it as presented, so members leaned against advancing it unless the department first evaluated it. Another amendment would authorize the department to work with the city of Grafton on a long-term plan for the LSTC campus and require a report back to the legislature; members supported that as legislative intent. The committee also agreed to remove a truancy study section for later conference discussion, and it reviewed other possible study ideas, including assistive technology, before adjourning to await updated long sheets and bill text.
ND
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division Apr 9th, 2025 at 09:30 am

Appropriations - Human Resources Division

Transcript Highlights:
  • , to the 70th Legislative Assembly.
  • Together with any legislation necessary to implement its recommendations to the 70th Legislative Assembly
  • What services are that gets families communicating with us.
  • It's important with some of these communities, but again, we've got a list of 300-some communities, and
  • You know, Lincoln is a growing community.
Bills: SB2399
Keywords: mental health, psychiatric treatment, reimbursement, medical assistance, legislative report, 908, all
Summary: The Senate Appropriations HR Division met to work through amendments and budget items in House Bill 2012/HB 1004, focusing first on long-term care, disability services, and behavioral health. Members discussed competing approaches to a four-plex for medically complex individuals, a value-based care payment withhold for nursing facilities, accreditation requirements for providers, a study of developmental disability services, and funding for Family Voices and Ann Carlson-related services. Several amendments were accepted or set aside after discussion, including a study amendment for disability services and a Family Voices grant amendment that was adjusted to remove “one-time” language so it could continue as an ongoing grant. The committee also agreed to keep or defer some items for conference committee, including the youth crisis stabilization pilot and other long-term care proposals. A major discussion centered on the state hospital project. Members debated whether the $330 million project should remain in the DHS budget or be moved to the OMB budget for construction management. After discussion of costs, alternates, and the role of a steering committee and BND loan language, the committee agreed to remove the state hospital funding and related loan language from the DHS budget while leaving the steering committee language in place. The committee also considered a proposed Altru grant for additional beds and settled on a smaller planning-focused approach, with a $1 million grant and a line of credit concept to be refined later. The committee then turned to behavioral health items, including QRTP funding, nursing home behavioral health training, and a youth crisis stabilization pilot. Members generally supported keeping the QRTP funding level, but were divided on the nursing home behavioral health training and the crisis stabilization pilot, with some preferring to leave those issues for conference committee. The division also reviewed the HHS block grant and underfunding structure, with Donna Ackland explaining salary, vacancy, and flexibility calculations; the committee discussed adjusting the underfund and revenue assumptions but did not finalize every number before moving on. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 1577 on wastewater treatment grants. Senator Davison moved to hoghouse the bill into a study-focused version using the proposed amendment language, and the motion passed. The committee then moved HB 1577 as amended with a do pass recommendation; the roll call passed with Senators Cleary, Davison, Dever, and Mathern voting yes, and Senator Magrum not recorded as voting. The meeting adjourned with plans to return later in the day to continue budget work.
US
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

Business meeting to consider an authorization to subpoena the production of memoranda, documents, records, and other materials from the Massachusetts Port Authority, and an authorization to subpoena the production of memoranda, documents, records, an Mar 5th, 2025 at 09:00 am

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Both of which engaged and provided requested documents and communications.
  • Yet the Chairman first requested these documents and communications just last week.
  • That's what he's saying to our community. We could have another accident. It's dire.
  • Seeking communications as well was never made in this letter.
  • You made the request last Monday for these documents for the communication.
Keywords: oversight, subpoena, illegal immigrants, Massachusetts Port Authority, O'Hare Airport, legislative practices
Summary: The meeting was convened by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, where robust discussions were held regarding the need for improved oversight within the Senate. The chairman emphasized the historical decline in oversight activities and proposed motions to authorize subpoenas related to an ongoing investigation involving the Massachusetts Port Authority and allegations of illegal immigrant sheltering at airports. This prompted a detailed examination of the current practices and measures needed to address such issues effectively, particularly in light of recent reports from O'Hare Airport. The committee engaged in deliberations that highlighted the importance of maintaining legislative oversight to safeguard national interests.