Video & Transcript Research : 'Congress'
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AL
Transcript Highlights:
- look availability of uh congress look availability of uh congress look availability of uh different
- and available on the Library of Congress and available on the Library of Congress and available on the
- Library of Congress website.
- A local Library of Congress website. A local Library of Congress website.
- and available on its Library of Congress and available on its Library of Congress and available on its
US
Transcript Highlights:
- work for me, and I know that he takes. the obligation of the Department of Justice to work with Congress
- I don't know which committee in the House, but I spoke that it's a right of all 535 members of Congress
Keywords:
nomination, Patrick Davis, Assistant Attorney General, Ed Martin, January 6th, public testimony
Summary:
This meeting focused primarily on the nomination of Patrick Davis to serve as Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legislative Affairs. Members discussed Mr. Davis's qualifications and experience, emphasizing his commitment to effectively serving the American public and working collaboratively with Congress. The committee also briefly revisited the nominations of John Eisenberg and Brett Shumate but decided to hold them over until the next meeting. Additionally, concerns regarding the nomination of Ed Martin as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia were raised, particularly regarding his past statements and conduct related to the January 6th insurrection and its aftermath. The discussion highlighted the importance of reviewing Mr. Martin's responses to various questions before proceeding with a vote on his nomination.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (11/12/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- on a federal level, and that comes from the power of the big agriculture industry on our federal Congress
- And<00:58:12.400>
we <00:58:12.640>have <00:58:12.880>here our federal congress - And we have here our federal congress.
- on a federal level, and that comes from the power of the big agriculture industry on our federal Congress
- this way, it could very well come down to the fact that federal law gets scrapped not because the Congress
Summary:
The Environment and Agriculture Committee held a work session and then executive session on HB 396, which would allow processing of beef cows, swine, sheep, and goats at facilities not certified by USDA. Representative Comtois presented a revised amendment after prior drafting issues were corrected. The changes narrowed the bill to cuts of meat rather than meat food products, clarified labeling for amenable and non-amenable species, removed an exemption from federal law, struck a seasonal date range at Representative Bixby’s request, and reinstated a previously removed section. Supporters said the amendment now had clearer language and better safeguards, while some members still expressed reservations about the underlying policy.
Testimony from DHHS food safety officials emphasized that the department does not inspect custom-exempt facilities and would have little oversight unless there were a complaint or foodborne outbreak. They noted concerns about removing the September 1 to April 30 date range, explaining it had been included in the original bill because of temperature and storage concerns for large animals, and they also said the amendment appeared to focus documentation requirements on bison, elk, and red deer. Committee members and witnesses debated whether the proposal would create food safety risks, whether farmers should instead be educated and helped to aggregate processing capacity, and whether the bill would expose farmers, retailers, and restaurants to federal enforcement risk.
Rob Johnson of the New Hampshire Farm Bureau said the organization had recently voted down a policy opposing state regulations that would allow uninspected meat sales at retail, and he said he needed to consult further with Farm Bureau leadership before taking a position on HB 396. He suggested the bill should use the broader term “dairy and beef cattle” rather than “beef cows” for consistency. Supporters argued the bill would help small farmers, expand local food access, and reflect an intrastate policy choice despite conflict with federal law. The committee then moved into executive session and voted to approve amendment 2025-3090H, with members stating they would likely have different views on the bill itself.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/25
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Finally, Congress passed a really big deal in 2018 called the Corporate Transparency Act.
will <01:17:04.800>appropriate <01:17:05.440>money <01:17:05.679>to Congress- will appropriate money to Congress will appropriate money to secretaries<01:17:06.400>
of <01: - , uh batch, let's say, from Congress, uh batch, let's say, from Congress, which<01:17:24.560>
- So, Congress debated this for about almost 20 years. It was a post-9/11 piece of legislation.
Keywords:
Compensation Council, salaries, state officials, judicial compensation, legislative process, public funds, misuse, law enforcement, accountability, state government, legislative auditor, compliance, transparency, retirement benefits, health insurance, dependents, state employees, Medicare, legislative studies, government oversight
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Alejandro Mayorkas lied to the American people about secure borders, lied to Congress about secure borders
- administration, Alejandro Mayorkas, who lied to the American people about secure borders, lied to Congress
- And now, Congress about secure borders.
- Plus, what Congress deems as good I don't. For us.
- Plus, what Congress deems as good is not what I might deem as good.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-06-16 (7:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, there's a bill being debated right now in Congress that could impact revenue that states receive
- I mean, there's a bill being debated right now in Congress that could impact revenue that states receive
- Right now, in the big, beautiful bill that's being debated in Congress, there's a cut proposed for SNAP
- Right now, in the big, beautiful bill that's being debated in Congress, there's a cut proposed for SNAP
- Right now, in the big, beautiful bill that's being debated in Congress, there's a cut proposed for SNAP
Summary:
The House convened on the final day of session, observed a moment of silence for the Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and for Representative Rosenwald’s father, then swore in and seated new members Boyles and Hodgers. The Speaker also outlined the chamber’s end-of-session priorities, including action on the budget and related conforming bills. The House then took up H.J.R. 5019, a constitutional amendment to expand Florida’s budget stabilization fund by raising the cap, requiring annual transfers, and allowing withdrawals for critical state needs. After sponsor explanations and questions about what would qualify as a critical need and how the fund might respond to possible federal funding cuts, the House adopted an amendment that added more flexibility for suspending transfers and withdrawals. The joint resolution then passed on final passage.
Members next considered HB 7031, the tax package conference report. The bill repeals the business rent tax and aviation fuel tax, delays the natural gas fuel tax, creates or extends several sales tax exemptions and holidays, and makes changes affecting property taxes, local taxes, pari-mutuel taxes, and revenue distributions. Debate focused heavily on the new permanent exemption for ammunition and hunting-related items, the elimination of recurring housing trust fund and transit-related distributions, and the shift of some funding from recurring to nonrecurring status. Supporters argued the package provides tax relief and preserves annual budget flexibility, while opponents criticized the ammunition exemption and the reductions in recurring housing and transit support. The conference report was adopted and the bill passed.
The House then passed HB 5017, which creates a debt reduction program funded by a recurring transfer from general revenue to retire state bonds early, and HB 5015, the state group insurance conforming bill, which directs DMS to develop a formulary management plan and codifies the administrative health insurance assessment. Finally, the chamber began explanation and questions on the General Appropriations Act conference report for fiscal year 2025-26, described as a $115.1 billion budget that is down from the current year and includes more than $12 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs summarized major budget areas, including K-12 education, health care, transportation and economic development, agriculture and natural resources, higher education, state administration, justice, and information technology, highlighting funding for school choice, Medicaid, housing, transportation infrastructure, Everglades restoration, workforce programs, cybersecurity, and technology modernization.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Tribal and State Relations Committee May 13th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Tribal and State Relations Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I think something we can all agree on is that Congress doesn't move very fast, and I don't have a lot
- And just to remind you of what is the IMD exclusion in Medicaid: when Medicaid was established, Congress
- Congress wanted to prevent states from shifting the entire cost of long-term care, psychiatric hospital
- at the last meeting, there was a motion for the committee to... ...draft a letter to members of Congress
- , to the North Dakota delegation of Congress, to support the payment in lieu of tax provisions in federal
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Tribal and State Relations Committee May 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I think something we can all agree on is that Congress doesn't move very fast, and I don't have a lot
- And just to remind you of what is the IMD exclusion in Medicaid: when Medicaid was established, Congress
- Congress wanted to prevent states from shifting the entire cost of long-term care, psychiatric hospital
- this is: at the last meeting, there was a motion for the committee to draft a letter to members of Congress
- , to the North Dakota delegation of Congress, to support this in-lieu-of-tax provisions in federal law
Summary:
The committee met at Spirit Lake Tribe and first heard welcoming remarks and introductions from tribal leaders and program directors. Chairwoman Street and other tribal representatives outlined a range of concerns and requests for state action, including taxation of reservation lands, support for non-beneficiary students at the tribal school, homelessness funding, Indian-managed health care, gaming and e-tabs, Feather Alert improvements, industrial farming near waterways, tourism, and better state-tribal consultation. Committee members responded that the meeting was intended to improve understanding and communication, and several members suggested future legislation or resolutions could be used to advance some of the issues. The tribe also offered to provide training on treaties, IHS 638, and compact services to legislators and staff.
A major portion of the discussion focused on Spirit Lake fish and wildlife jurisdiction and the lake boundary. Tribal representatives asked for an MOU or co-stewardship agreement with the state to clarify hunting and fishing rights, recognize tribal licenses, and reduce recurring disputes over “gray areas” on the reservation and lake. Committee members discussed whether to draft a bill or resolution directing the executive branch and state agencies to negotiate such an agreement, and asked that North Dakota Game and Fish be invited to a future meeting. Related concerns included aquatic nuisance species prevention, with both sides agreeing that more aggressive boat inspection and cleaning measures would be beneficial.
The committee also discussed taxation and county relations. Tribal leaders raised concerns about county resistance to fee-to-trust transfers and about property and vehicle taxation affecting members living on or near reservation lands. Committee members and tribal counsel reviewed federal treaty principles and court cases, and one member noted that the committee had previously taken no formal action on similar issues. Later, Benson County’s tax equalization director explained how the county values taxable land, handles inundated land applications, and tracks land coming off the tax rolls when the tribe repurchases acreage. The discussion ended with a presentation from the president of Sisseton Wahpeton College, who described the college’s programs, economic impact, and funding needs, followed by an HHS presentation on 1115 Medicaid waivers and the IMD exclusion as the committee moved to its next topic.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment Apr 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- As API and others have stated, Congress and state legislatures should act to reaffirm consistent national
- When you're dealing with all these states, all these different jurisdictions, certainly of Congress and
- So, all these different jurisdictions, certainly of Congress and congressional issues, it's not there
- You guys, federally, and at this agency in Congress... Give us a report on all of it.
- You guys, federally, and at this agency in Congress, can conduct these types of surveys and look at it
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 804, the Louisiana Energy Protection Act, which was presented as a narrowly focused ban on climate-change damages lawsuits rather than a measure affecting emissions claims, pollution claims, or private property rights. The author and supporters said the bill was intended to stop speculative suits targeting energy producers, farmers, truckers, manufacturers, and other businesses for global climate impacts, while preserving claims for actual legal violations under state or federal environmental and safety laws. After a substitute amendment was adopted to clarify and streamline the bill, the committee heard extensive support from oil and gas, chemical, business, port, and legal reform groups, along with a few opposition speakers who argued the bill could still be read to shield industry too broadly or weaken climate accountability. HB 804 was reported favorably as amended.
The committee then considered HB 802, as amended, which creates a watershed conservation fund tied to the Amite River Basin. The author explained that the bill was narrowed from a statewide proposal to a basin-specific program to reduce flood risk and restore watershed areas using existing severance revenue from sand mining, modeled in part on coastal restoration funding. Supporters from the concrete industry, landowners, levee boards, and conservation groups described it as a practical, low-cost, non-government solution to help remediate old sand and gravel pits and improve flood control. With no opposition cards and no objections, HB 802 was reported favorably as amended.
Finally, the committee heard HB 934, as substituted, which would allow licensed wildlife rehabilitators to possess white-tailed deer fawns under specific conditions, including disease monitoring, release only within the same management zone, and other handling requirements. The author said the bill was meant to prevent the euthanizing of orphaned fawns that could be rehabilitated and to create a lawful pathway for licensed care. A supporter described her experience rescuing an orphaned fawn that was later confiscated and killed, while the Louisiana Wildlife Federation opposed the measure, warning it could effectively create a captive deer program, undermine wildlife conservation principles, and lead to dangerous or inhumane facilities. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 934, before final committee action is shown.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, that is because of the action taken by this president and his Republican Congress last July.
- taken by this president and his action taken by this president and his Republican<00:42:42.440>
Congress - Republican Congress last July. Republican Congress last July.
- As we continue to press the Congress to change the trajectory that they have taken, or we will change
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- research continued through the continuing resolutions and when the recent health bill was passed out in Congress
- research continued through the continuing resolutions and when the recent health bill was passed out in Congress
- 00:27:31.679>
in recent health bill was passed out in recent health bill was passed out in Congress - <00:27:34.720>
Uh Congress in this past January. Uh Congress in this past January.
Keywords:
cannabis, marijuana, Hawaii Cannabis Law, legalization, decriminalization, adult use, hemp, taxation, social equity, public health, primary care, health insurance, health carrier, insurance commissioner, Med-QUEST, Medicaid managed care, provider reimbursement, downcoding, prior authorization, utilization review
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 1864, which would require health insurance coverage for standard fertility preservation services for people undergoing medically necessary treatment, drew broad support from SHIPA, the Department of Health, HMSA, the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, and others. Testifiers emphasized that fertility preservation is routine coverage on the mainland and important for patients facing infertility from cancer or other treatment; one patient described incurring more than $20,000 in costs. The Insurance Division flagged possible Affordable Care Act issues, a potential conflict in the bill’s language about using patient history to determine limits, and a mismatch with state medical-necessity standards. Committee discussion also focused on whether the bill should apply to all women of childbearing age rather than a narrower age-based category.
HB 2305 would require nutrition and metabolic education as part of physicians’ continuing medical education. The Hawaii Medical Board opposed the measure, arguing that CME should remain flexible and tailored to each physician’s specialty and warning that topic-specific mandates can expand over time. The Office of the Governor supported the bill, saying it would help the state’s rural health transformation application and could improve federal funding prospects, though the exact impact was unclear. Members questioned whether nutrition is already covered in medical training and whether the requirement should be limited to primary care physicians; the board said Hawaii currently has no topic-specific CME mandates and that physicians can already choose relevant courses.
The committee also heard strong support for HB 1597, which would establish an Alzheimer’s disease research center at the University of Hawaii. Supporters from the university, the Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, and others said the center could attract federal research dollars, expand clinical trials, and help address the state’s high Alzheimer’s-related health costs. HB 2159, which appropriates funds for health care workforce development, also received broad support from the University of Hawaii, health systems, and advocacy groups, with no opposition noted. Finally, HB 2121, which would prohibit the sale and distribution of disposable electronic smoking devices, drew support from the Department of Health, youth advocates, and public health groups citing youth addiction, environmental waste, and fire hazards; the department said a separate bill, HB 1573, would be more comprehensive and better defined for enforcement and penalties. The committee ended with HB 1913, creating a veteran services mental health coordinator position at Tripler Army Medical Center, which was supported by veteran services officials and others who said veterans need better navigation and coordination for behavioral health care.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/09/2026 - House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- delegation when the federal government has the opportunity to get that mammoth moving through the federal Congress
- why I'm moving this bill on a nullification basis, and we will have a HCR going to the President, Congress
- Chair, members, House Concurrent Memorial 2006 requests the President and the Congress of the United
- The current Memorial 2006 requests the President and the Congress of the United States work to reform
- Okay, again, this one goes hand-in-hand with what's happening in Congress right now, with Senator Boebert's
Keywords:
land division, property disclosure, real estate, affidavit, Arizona Revised Statutes, small land subdivision, land use, real estate regulation, county ordinance, water supply requirements, property access, civil penalties, wildlife management, deer permits, private land, landowner rights, human-wildlife conflict, predatory animals, hunting regulations, game and fish
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- In July of last year, Congress allocated more than $170 billion for the federal government's immigration
- contract, which the federal government tried to shut down itself, and which the entire delegation in Congress
- The delegation in Congress is supporting its shutdown, and it is vital to make sure that New Mexicans
- local agencies' involvement in immigration-only detention while maintaining traditional police in Congress
- currently active litigation because ICE is unlawfully prohibiting unannounced visits by members of Congress
Bills:
SB100
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- They've been trying to talk to every single official there and to Congress, because it is for us to interpret
- Congress because it is for us to interpret the sunset closed as the best it could be for Mexico, for
- , as we meet with the Department of State, the Department of Commerce, the Secretary of Economy, Congress
- As the supply chain and logistics industry, retailers, and law enforcement are urging Congress to mount
- As the supply chain and logistics industry, retailers and law enforcement are urging Congress to mount
Summary:
The joint hearing of the Assembly Select Committee on California-Mexico Bi-National Affairs and the Assembly Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Committee focused on the USMCA and how the agreement affects California’s economy, jobs, supply chains, and competitiveness. Opening remarks emphasized California’s heavy trade dependence on Mexico and Canada, the importance of stable trade rules, and concerns that tariffs or uncertainty could harm workers, small businesses, agriculture, logistics, manufacturing, and border communities. Members said the hearing would help inform a future legislative report or resolution on California’s priorities for the agreement’s review.
Academic and policy witnesses argued that the USMCA is central to North American economic integration and California’s role in it. Testimony from UC San Diego and CETYS University described California and Mexico as co-producers rather than simple trading partners, highlighting sectors such as medical devices, aerospace, semiconductors, logistics, and advanced manufacturing. Witnesses also warned that the upcoming review could involve not just trade but security and immigration issues, and they urged a stronger, longer-term agreement with more certainty, better border efficiency, and new tools such as specialized technician visas, binational certification standards, innovation zones, and a technology fund.
Go-Biz and chamber representatives said USMCA provides predictability, market access, and support for small and medium-sized businesses, while also creating compliance burdens through rules of origin, labor standards, and customs procedures. They pointed to California’s trade missions, export support programs, and state-level cooperation with Mexico and Canada as ways to help firms participate in regional supply chains. Mexican government and business representatives said the agreement is largely functioning well, that Mexico’s public consultation process received nearly 800 submissions and about 2,000 chapter-specific comments, and that many stakeholders favor maintaining or extending USMCA. No formal votes were taken; the committee heard testimony and asked witnesses for follow-up information to inform its report and future recommendations.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm hearing that at the national level with the new administration and the Congress being what it is,
- Congress has enacted law That makes it somewhat challenging to sue the manufacturers of guns.
- But Congress, even in adopting that immunity, if you will, or that level of immunity to manufacturers
- The exceptions that Congress left to us are when There's a state law that would be essentially in conflict
- back to that because this is where the genesis of the bill really comes from: the recognition that Congress
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Transportation (3-11-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm going to run for Congress in 2038, and I'm going to win. There you go. Very good.
- I'm not running for Congress.
- congress senate Bill 36 would would um congress senate Bill 36 would would um um um um qualify<00:03:
- And Representative Thomas, I think he was thinking about running for Congress there.
Keywords:
Roll Call 00:39
Approval of Minutes 01:45
SB 136 Discussion 02:51
SB 136 Vote 07:14
SB 43 Discussion 08:49
SB 43 Vote 20:02
SB 38 Discussion 20:45
SB 38 Vote 35:50
SJR 66 Discussion only 37:08
Admin. Reg. Review 41:10, 958, all
Summary:
The House Transportation Committee met with a quorum, approved the March 4 minutes, and then took up several Senate measures. Senate Bill 36, dealing with cleanup language for CAVIS and electronic submission of liens and satisfactions, was amended by committee substitute to require lien holders to begin using electronic title and registration systems starting July 1, 2026. After questions from members and testimony from county clerk Jason Denny and title-industry representative Tom Underwood, the committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably with the substitute attached.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 43, which updates the medical review board process under KRS 186.444. Senator Donald Douglas and Senator Jimmy Higdon described the bill as a response to complaints about fairness and transparency in medical review cases, including a constituent example involving a disabled veteran whose VA medical clearance was rejected. The bill changes who may serve on the board, adds flexibility and transparency, shifts reimbursement language to allow the Transportation Cabinet to set costs by regulation, and includes provisions aimed at broadening participation by qualified health care providers. Members discussed the role of school resource officers, the use of family affidavits in reporting, and the need to keep costs down; the committee adopted the substitute, approved a title amendment, and reported the bill favorably.
Senate Bill 38, concerning stop-arm violations on school buses and the use of cameras and enforcement procedures, also received a committee substitute and was reported favorably. Senator Greg Elkins and supporters said the bill is intended to address widespread illegal passing of stopped school buses and to help fund stop-arm cameras, while critics raised concerns about automated enforcement and the role of a live officer. Members cited survey data and personal stories about school-bus safety, and the sponsor explained that school resource officers would work with local law enforcement on citations, which are contemplated as civil penalties. The committee also heard discussion-only testimony on Senate Joint Resolution 66, which would create a task force on aviation, aerospace, and logistics economic development; no vote was taken on the resolution because it had just passed the Senate and had not yet been formally received by the committee.
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:
- anniversary of the United States' first treaty signed in Watertown by members of the Provincial Congress
- , your predecessors, on behalf of the Continental Congress with the Mi'kmaq and Maliseet people.
- anniversary of the United States' first treaty signed in Watertown by members of the Provincial Congress
- , your predecessors, on behalf of the Continental Congress with the Mi'kmaq and Maliseet people.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, adopted a resolution congratulating Grant Marshall on earning Eagle Scout, and then passed two local/private bills to enactment: a sick leave bank for a Department of Correction employee and a measure waiving the Boston Police Department’s maximum age requirement for Luis Cabral. The chamber also received and journalized a communication from Senator Rush stating he would have voted yes on S. 3014 while away on Navy training.
The Senate then took up several committee rule-suspension and extension orders. It approved extensions for the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security on two late-filed matters until July 31, 2026, and approved two Health Care Financing extension orders, one extending 15 bills to March 31, 2026 and another extending six bills to May 1, 2026. Senators explained the delays as needed for hearings, stakeholder input, and mandated benefit reviews. The chamber also advanced local bills for Rutland recall elections, Boxford liquor licenses, Boston police age waivers, and Milton school construction timing, and adopted a resolution recognizing Endometriosis Awareness Month.
A major portion of the session was devoted to H. 3014, the omnibus “Pets Act,” which combined provisions on animal welfare, pet shop sales, housing, insurance, and enforcement. Senators supporting the bill described it as banning the retail sale of dogs and cats from puppy mills, strengthening anti-cruelty enforcement, expanding access for animal control officers, limiting breed discrimination in housing and insurance, and protecting pet ownership in subsidized housing. Several amendments were debated: some were withdrawn or rejected, including proposals on renters’ insurance, nuisance barking, and property damage; others were adopted, including a compromise expanding protections for domestic animals, standards on animal welfare, and reporting/adoption requirements for research animals. The Ways and Means amendment was adopted as amended, and the bill was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed by roll call, with 38 members voting in the affirmative and none in the negative.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 20th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I do think with the farm bill moving through Congress right now, we need to make sure that there's sufficient
- I do think with the farm bill moving through the Congress right now, we need to make sure that there's
- crusade built on unilateral tariffs, reckless emergency declarations, and a fundamental disregard for Congress
- Instead of partnership with Congress, we have unilateral declarations of emergency.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 20th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I do think with the farm bill moving through the Congress right now, we need to make sure that there's
- I do think with the farm bill moving through the Congress right now, we need to make sure that there's
- crusade built on unilateral tariffs, reckless emergency declarations, and a fundamental disregard for Congress
- Instead of partnership with Congress, we have unilateral declarations of emergency.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a delayed quorum call, then moved through routine procedural actions, including unanimous-consent requests on guest seating and committee referrals. A motion by Assembly Member DeMaio to withdraw AB 2624 from committee failed on a roll call vote, 14-44. The chamber also heard multiple guest introductions and held an Armenian Genocide Remembrance ceremony with a prayer, pledge, and moment of silence.
The main floor action centered on H.R. 97, commemorating the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Assembly Member Schultz and numerous colleagues spoke in support, emphasizing historical recognition, solidarity with Armenian Californians, and opposition to denial. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added. Later, H.R. 99 recognizing California Agriculture Day also drew extensive support from members highlighting the state’s agricultural economy, farmworkers, and the need for continued investment in agriculture; it was adopted by voice vote after 65 co-authors were added.
Several bills were also considered and passed: AB 1838 on contractor wage-and-hour disclosure for public works bids, AB 1562 authorizing counties to randomly select poll workers, AB 2297 standardizing restitution rules in diversion programs, AB 1659 improving school re-enrollment support for justice-impacted youth, AB 1974 creating an optional temporary firearm storage program for law enforcement, AB 2402 updating health studio fee rules, and AB 1607 extending the Maddy Emergency Medical Services Fund. AB 1607 drew sharp opposition over fee funding and broader policy concerns, but passed 66-1. The Assembly also adopted ACR 129 establishing a sister-state relationship with Lagos State, Nigeria, and considered a Senate joint resolution on tariffs, with members split over whether tariffs or state policies were the main driver of higher costs; the transcript ends during debate on that resolution.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conf: DFL Leaders Speak on Vote Overturning Boundary Waters Mining Ban - 04/16/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Department of Agriculture, or Representative Stauber regarding any process of which the Department of Congress
- which the regarding any process of which the Department<00:04:42.400>
of <00:04:42.480>Congress - /c><00:04:43.640>
uh <00:04:43.880>commenced <00:04:44.400>to Department of Congress - uh commenced to Department of Congress uh commenced to rescind rescind rescind >> [snorts] >
Summary:
Minnesota legislators held a press event responding to a U.S. Senate vote that they said would remove federal protections and allow copper-nickel mining activity that could affect the Boundary Waters. Senator Foung Hawj opened by condemning the vote as favoring corporate interests over Minnesotans, and Representatives Leach Kozlowski and Shelley Buck, along with Senator Jen McEwen and Senator Ann Johnson Stewart, framed the Boundary Waters as both an environmental treasure and, for Native communities, homelands with treaty-protected rights. They argued that copper sulfide mining poses irreversible risks to water quality, wildlife, and tribal fishing, gathering, and hunting rights, and said the federal action lacked adequate government-to-government consultation with affected tribes.
The speakers highlighted several state bills they said are intended to fill the gap left by the federal vote. McEwen described her “Prove It First” bill, which would require a mine of the same type to have operated in the U.S. for 10 years and closed for 10 years without pollution before a similar project could be permitted in Minnesota. Johnson Stewart outlined three measures: a permanent protection bill for state-owned lands in the Rainy River watershed, a taxpayer protection/financial assurance bill requiring non-iron mining companies to fully fund cleanup guarantees in cash up front, and a “bad actor” bill barring permits for companies with records of corruption, bribery, or environmental destruction. The speakers said these bills need hearings and discussion and urged Governor Walz and state agencies to take action now, including possible permit revocations.
In response to questions about economic arguments for mining, McEwen said she understood why some Northland residents might hope for jobs but argued that mining companies exploit economic desperation with propaganda and that most Minnesotans oppose this type of mining near the Boundary Waters. She said there is limited Republican support for some narrower bills, especially financial assurance, and suggested the issue could become a political liability for Rep. Pete Stauber. The event ended with a call for bipartisan action, state-level enforcement, and continued public pressure to protect the Boundary Waters.