Video & Transcript : '119th Congress' :
Page 58 of 237
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 16th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- benefit from an area wage index have much larger populations, which means they have more members of Congress
- do not have a better wage index, they still cannot get more than half of the 435 votes needed in Congress
- lot more members of index have a lot more population, which means they have a lot more members of Congress
- altogether, we can't climb that hill to where we have more than half of the 435 votes that we need in Congress
Summary:
The subcommittee met to review Arkansas DHS hospital spending and reimbursement methods, with Secretary Janet Mann and Deputy Secretary Misty Eubanks explaining Medicaid hospital payments. They described fee-for-service per diem payments, cost settlements, and the upper payment limit (UPL) program, noting that SFY 2025 hospital payments included $688 million in inpatient/outpatient claims, $473 million in UPL payments, $248 million in cost settlements, and about $47 million in other payments such as graduate medical education and disproportionate share hospital funds. Members asked about why per diem rates vary, how cost settlements work, why UPL applies mainly to private hospitals, and how assessment fees are structured and funded. DHS said the hospital assessment fee is broad-based and uniform, used as the state share to draw federal funds, and that supplemental hospital payments after federal match totaled $548 million with no general revenue used.
The Arkansas Hospital Association’s Jody Ann Tritt then gave a broader overview of the hospital landscape, explaining the different hospital types in the state, including critical access hospitals, rural emergency hospitals, PPS hospitals, and specialty hospitals. She said Arkansas hospitals face financial strain, citing a negative 5.18% patient service margin statewide and lower reimbursement than surrounding states. She argued that Arkansas hospitals are paid less than hospitals in neighboring states for similar services, that commercial payer rates and administrative burdens are a major problem, and that Medicaid and Medicare rates remain below cost even with UPL support. She also said hospitals are the backbone of community care, provide emergency and public health functions, and are looking for ways to invest in technology and telehealth but often lack the revenue to do so.
Members pressed for clearer data on hospital finances, reimbursement adequacy, and the impact of commercial insurers. Tritt said the association had just authorized a statewide survey to gather updated financial information from hospitals, which she said would take about a year to complete. She also explained that Medicaid pays weekly, Medicare and commercial plans can involve delays and denials, and that hospitals often spend significant resources on revenue cycle work. The discussion ended with a brief update on assisted living reimbursement: DHS said one facility, The Pillars of the Community in Crossett, had announced closure, nine Living Choices waiver clients were being transitioned, and the updated rate study would be available after cost reports are collected, likely before the end of the fiscal year. The meeting then adjourned.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Congress.
- c><00:05:13.760><c> US</c> Congressional Gold Medal by the US Congressional Gold Medal by the US Congress
- 15.440><c> Today,</c><00:05:15.880><c> we</c><00:05:16.120><c> honor</c><00:05:16.480><c> these</c> Congress
- Today, we honor these Congress.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Press Conference 2/19/26
Transcript Highlights:
- With the big beautiful bill that passed through Congress, there is now going to be consequences for states
- . the big beautiful bill that passed the big beautiful bill that passed through<00:03:46.720><c> Congress
- 47.920><c> is</c><00:03:48.080><c> now</c><00:03:48.400><c> going</c><00:03:48.640><c> to</c> through Congress
- , there is now going to through Congress, there is now going to be<00:03:49.120><c> consequences</c><
Summary:
Representative Nolan West and Representative Pam Oldenorf introduced and defended a bill aimed at tightening Minnesota SNAP eligibility rules. They said the measure would move the net income test to the front of the application process, add asset testing similar to other state programs, and exclude vehicles over $100,000. They argued these changes would reduce overpayments, improve “good governance,” and help the state avoid future financial penalties tied to SNAP error rates.
Oldenorf said Minnesota’s SNAP error rate has risen from about 4% in 2013 to about 9% now, and warned that if it stays above 6% the state could owe about $86 million in 2027. She cited a GAO report saying broad-based categorical eligibility is a major driver of payment errors, and pointed to examples she described as fraud or improper enrollment, including a millionaire receiving benefits and a recent Minneapolis SNAP fraud conviction. West and Oldenorf said the bill would not significantly increase county workloads, because counties already do similar eligibility and asset checks in other programs.
In response to questions, the sponsors said they had not yet formally consulted many stakeholders because the bill had just been drafted, but they expected bipartisan support and said they had reached out to counties for input. They also said counties would retain some administrative costs, but the bill should not add major new burdens. The discussion then shifted to a separate topic when West raised concerns about access to Hennepin County voter rolls and alleged irregularities in voter data; he said he had obtained some county records and believed the Secretary of State was improperly limiting access, though no bill action or vote was taken on that issue in this transcript.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- I think what we see in Congress, the idea that you do what was intended back in the foundation of our
- country, where it was a citizen-led Congress where you come off the farm, you come off your small business
- And unfortunately, especially we see it in Congress, not so much.
- That's why there's a huge push for, you know, make Congress eight years.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/17/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #6
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Whip, members, House Concurrent Memorial 2006 requests the President and the Congress of the United
- they're over the migratory bird path, they've been prohibited from grazing, and so we're urging Congress
- to change the Endangered Species Act... ...and so we're urging Congress to change the Endangered Species
- We'll have an amendment on this one, and we're working with the cities. and so we're urging Congress
Summary:
The meeting was a rapid review of a very large bill package, with the chair repeatedly asking staff to keep descriptions high level and many bills placed on third-read consent or consent calendars. A major theme was artificial intelligence: bills would require minors to be told when they are interacting with AI, allow AI-assisted divorce arbitration by consent, create an AI education program, privilege certain AI communications, and require K-12 instruction on ethical and practical AI use. Other education measures addressed school district superintendents, health instruction, anti-Semitism prohibitions, fetal development standards, and school safety, including a bill allowing concealed firearms on school grounds under specified conditions.
Several health and public safety bills were also discussed. These included funding and oversight measures for childhood cancer research, nursing care complaint timelines, firefighter cancer data collection, limits on pharmacy penalties, and a bill making it a felony to administer abortion-inducing drugs without consent. Members also heard bills on overtime wage enforcement, domestic violence evidence standards in parenting cases, probation limits for dangerous crimes against children, and a measure expanding manslaughter liability to online encouragement of teen suicide. One sponsor strongly opposed a provisional medical licensing bill for foreign-trained applicants, while other sponsors emphasized rural health access, nurse anesthetist reimbursement parity, and the need for a dental board member who is an oral surgeon.
A large portion of the meeting focused on water, land, energy, and state agency oversight. Bills would streamline or change rules for small modular reactors, new power plants, water supply determinations, groundwater transportation fees, water hauling, and state land disposition. Members also considered measures affecting the State Land Department, including audits, oversight boards, continuation, land-use maps for data centers and energy projects, and rules for mineral leases and solar or wind siting. Other topics included wildlife and ranching, Mexican wolf policy, annexation, housing and development incentives, transportation and towing rules, digital driver licenses, and a proposed four-year moratorium on municipal and county fee, tax, and utility-rate increases, which drew questions about stakeholder input and the impact on enterprise funds and local utilities. No recorded roll-call votes were taken in the transcript; most items were simply presented, briefly discussed, and left on consent or calendar status, with one bill noted as held in rules and another pulled for further discussion.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- In fact, a study that was by Congress...
- In fact, a study that was by Congress that came out last month stated that $100 billion are paid by undocumented
- That is the impacts of the federal H.R. 1 bill that was passed last summer by Congress, only supported
- by Republicans in Congress, including my representative, Juan Ciscomani.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call showing 27 present, and approval of the prior journal. Members then introduced guests, including representatives of the Arizona Fair Association, Mohave County fair staff, a constituent guest, a physician candidate shadowing a senator, Father David Myers, and the Doctor of the Day. The chamber also received messages and read a long list of bills placed on second reading.
The Committee of the Whole considered three measures. SB 1268, a veterans property tax exemption cleanup bill, was explained as clarifying that the exemption applies to a veteran’s primary residence and, if jointly owned, still counts as 100 percent; it received a do pass recommendation. SB 1051, requiring hospitals to collect and report patient immigration-status information for accounting purposes, drew extensive debate. Supporters said it would improve accountability for hospital spending and taxpayer costs, while opponents argued it would intimidate patients, discourage care, burden hospitals, and target immigrants unfairly. Despite repeated points of order and appeals over germaneness and remarks, the bill advanced on a 16-13 vote. SB 1316, creating a rural health transformation fund process with public hearings and JLBC involvement, was presented as a transparency measure for roughly $167 million in federal rural health funds; supporters favored legislative input, while opponents said it added bureaucracy and could delay care. It advanced 17-13.
The Committee of the Whole reported all three bills do pass, and the Senate adopted the report. HB 2792 was substituted for SB 1268 as an identical measure and passed with the emergency clause by a 29-1 vote. SB 1123 and SB 1145 also passed, and SB 1125, dealing with child safety and communication with tribal nations regarding group homes, passed unanimously 30-0. SB 1316 passed 17-13, and SB 1051 passed 17-13 after a lengthy floor debate in which supporters framed it as a fiscal/accountability measure and opponents called it harmful, anti-immigrant, and likely to deter medical care. The Senate then announced committee meetings for the next day and adjourned until Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- In fact, a study that was by Congress...
- In fact, a study that was by Congress that came out last month stated that $100 billion are paid by undocumented
- That is the impacts of the federal H.R. 1 bill that was passed last summer by Congress, only supported
- by Republicans in Congress, including my representative, Juan Ciscomani.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Transportation Subcommittee Jan 20th, 2026 at 09:30 am
A&B Transportation Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- The earliest time an FAA grant will go out is typically March if Congress passed a full-year appropriations
- What I will say is that the biggest challenge we have with the federal government is Congress' CRS, where
- What we are seeing now is that we are in a process where Congress is passing the full-year appropriations
- For Oklahoma, the impact of federal funding is that when Congress provides the appropriations to the
Committee:
House A&B Transportation Subcommittee
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session, Day 1 (1-6-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Constitution of the United States to set a limit on the number of terms of office for members of Congress
- office<00:27:46.960><c> for</c><00:27:47.279><c> members</c><00:27:47.600><c> of</c><00:27:47.840><c> Congress
- </c><00:27:48.720><c> Senator</c> office for members of Congress.
- Senator office for members of Congress.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
October 8, 2025 - 08:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- My testimony today will mirror that that I've presented to Congress a few weeks ago.
- I've had the opportunity to present before Congress four times in the last year and had three trips to
- So I'm happy to say that in one of my presentations to one of the committees in Congress, I said we need
- And you speaking to Congress and informing the other states, you know, I observed a straw poll in Iowa
Summary:
The Government Operations Subcommittee met to hear a lengthy presentation from Secretary of State Cord Byrd on Florida election administration, with a focus on how elections are handled during natural disasters, election security, and preparations for the 2026 cycle. Byrd described Florida’s response to hurricanes in 2022 and 2024, saying the state works directly with county supervisors of elections to tailor executive orders to local conditions, add or relocate polling sites, extend deadlines, and help displaced voters and emergency workers cast ballots. Members from affected areas echoed that local supervisors had managed storm disruptions well and that turnout remained strong despite major damage.
A large portion of the meeting covered election integrity and security. Byrd emphasized Florida’s use of paper ballots, pre-election logic and accuracy testing, post-election audits, public canvassing, standardized voter-intent rules, and strict vote-by-mail request and signature-match requirements. He said the Department of State’s Office of Election Crimes and Security investigates complaints and refers matters to law enforcement, and that Florida has expanded access to the federal SAVE database to verify citizenship. Members asked about threats to election workers, staffing vacancies, cybersecurity, ballot design, vote-by-mail address changes, and how the state coordinates with county supervisors, emergency management, and other agencies.
Several members raised questions about voter eligibility and returning citizens, and Byrd said the department provides free information to help people determine whether their rights have been restored, while noting that court and clerk reporting practices still create challenges. He also said the department is considering additional legislative proposals, including more safeguards tied to driver’s license and citizenship verification and a possible statewide 100% audit of races before certification. The meeting ended with the chair encouraging members to visit supervisors of elections offices and submit specific ideas for future elections legislation; no votes were taken and the committee adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Fraud Committee Meeting - 2025-07-08
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- now, and I'm sure we'll talk about this throughout the hearing, but there's been recent action in Congress
- In the spring of 2023 Congress passed legislation requiring states to return to standard Medicaid eligibility
- Congress is still assessing the fiscal and enrollment impact of the bill on Minnesota health care programs
- The reason we, you know, all session tried to talk about what was happening in Congress is the reality
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Radioactive and Hazardous Materials May 29th, 2025
Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Per congressional Congress, uh, caps. What, what does DOE plan to do?
- Are they asking Congress for money? Are they doing design studies?
- shipments, that we talk about it in volume, because 80 shipments doesn't, when, when the denomination Congress
- skinny budget deal he's going to get hit, but NNSA is going up, so it'll depend what happens in Congress
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Closed hearings to examine the posture of United States Indo-Pacific Command and United States Forces Korea in review of the Defense Authorization Request for fiscal year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program; to be immediately followed by an ope Apr 10th, 2025 at 07:00 am
Subcommittee on Personnel
Transcript Highlights:
- well-informed witnesses and having a candid conversation about what this committee and this Senate and this Congress
- The DPRK and the DPRK will continue to develop the capabilities to complete its 8th Party Congress goals
- You talked about contractors and we use them extensively, but how can Congress help accelerate the improvements
- Do you agree that there needs to be stability and a commitment from Congress, the DOD, and the Navy to
Committee:
Senate Subcommittee on Personnel
Keywords:
Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. military strategy, China military drills, Taiwan, Philippines, North Korea, defense budget, military modernization
Summary:
The meeting focused on significant strategic discussions regarding the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and its military posture in the region. Admiral Paparo and General Brunson were commended for their services, with the Chair noting an alarming shift in the balance of power towards China. Key topics included China's aggressive military drills near Taiwan, the increasing coercion against the Philippines, and the need for the U.S. to reaffirm its commitments to its allies in the region. Concerns were raised regarding China's military modernization and its implications for U.S. forces, alongside discussions on North Korea's threats and its burgeoning nuclear capabilities. The committee emphasized the urgent need for military and defense appropriations to counteract these growing security challenges.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division Apr 3rd, 2025 at 09:00 am
Appropriations - Human Resources Division
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, it would take an act of Congress to change the FMAP formula.
- Okay, but the annual changes don't require an act of Congress. Mr.
- Chair, no, the annual changes are not something that's acted on by Congress.
- I've heard rumors that Congress might act on that rule and maybe change some things, but as of today,
Summary:
The Senate Appropriations HR Division met with all members present to review the medical services portion of the HHS budget. Sarah Aker, Executive Director of Medical Services, walked the committee through several budget items, including HCBS cost-to-continue adjustments, the DD bed assessment, expansion of value-based purchasing, targeted rate increases for home health and QSP services, and the cross-disability waiver. Members generally supported the targeted increases for home health and QSP, and Aker explained that the cross-disability waiver funding would support startup work, service design, and infrastructure ahead of a planned July 1, 2028 implementation.
The committee spent significant time on rate-setting and provider payment issues. Members discussed ambulance rate rebasing, with several senators expressing concern that the proposed increase was too high relative to peer states; the committee ultimately moved toward reducing that item to $1 million rather than zero so it could be revisited in conference committee. They also discussed a House-added critical access hospital networking grant and similarly leaned toward reducing it to $1 million. Aker explained the department’s value-based purchasing plans, including use of a vendor selected through RFP, and clarified how the department’s existing Medicaid managed care and hospital value-based programs work.
A major portion of the meeting focused on long-term care and basic care payments, including a House-added extension of the $5 per day basic care add-on and a proposed shift in nursing facility incentive grants toward a withhold-based model. Senator Mathern indicated he would bring an amendment to delay or modify the withhold change, and Aker said the department would prefer language that directly addresses whether a withhold may be implemented. Members also discussed 1915(i) services, FMAP changes, the Medicaid legacy system modernization carryover, and a House-added legislative intent section on medical assistance. The committee adjourned for the morning with plans to return later to continue Human Services budget work and revisit unresolved items in conference committee.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Mar 5th, 2025
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- of the challenges experienced by people exposed to radiation. and encouraging the United States Congress
- This memorial has been carried through this body since the early 1990s when Congress initiated the RICA
- Materials Committee, asking Congress to support this, and they have made great efforts in doing that
- This report was prepared for members of Congress in 2021.
Committee:
House House Health & Human Services
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Paul Lawrence, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Feb 19th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Senate Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- These are all decisions that were made by Congress that are undermining some of our ability to actually
- Ensure VA provides Veterans with the health care choices and options Congress promised them as part of
- the issues we experienced last year came due to the breakdown in communication between the VA and Congress
- Last Congress, I co-led the Not Just a Number Act, which requires VA... to examine and identify key data
Committee:
Senate Senate Veterans' Affairs
Keywords:
veterans affairs, VA modernization, employee layoffs, mental health, suicide prevention, transparency, senate committee, bipartisan support, oversight
Summary:
The meeting involved detailed discussions on various veterans' issues, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amidst a backdrop of significant staffing changes. Members expressed deep concerns over the recent layoffs of over 1,000 VA employees, emphasizing the crucial nature of these positions in the context of mental health support for veterans, particularly amid rising suicide rates. Senators articulated the need for transparency and effective communication between the VA and Congress to avoid further breakdowns in services. The session also spotlighted the ongoing modernization of VA systems and the urgent need to streamline processes to benefit veterans effectively.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the posture of United States Northern Command and United States Southern Command in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program; to be immediately followed by a closed ses Feb 13th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Subcommittee on Personnel
Transcript Highlights:
- As this Department sharpens its warfighting edge, I am grateful for the continued support of Congress
- DOD reports to Congress missed more than half the actual total cost for entire physical years.
- Will you at least commit to provide that estimate to Congress? As soon as you have it?
- Partisan support both in the Congress and in the administration for a substantial increase quickly in
Committee:
Senate Subcommittee on Personnel
Keywords:
national security, China, Russia, cybersecurity, border security, military deployment, transnational crime, defense modernization, military strategy
Summary:
In this meeting, key topics included national security concerns with an emphasis on threats from China, Russia, and transnational criminal organizations. Senior military officials provided testimony on the evolving risks posed by these adversaries, particularly focusing on cybersecurity and advancements in weaponry. The discussion highlighted the importance of a cohesive strategy among government departments to effectively respond to the challenges presented by these threats, emphasizing the need for modernization in defense capabilities. Committee members grilled the witnesses on border security and the implications of deploying military resources in domestic operations.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Jan 27th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I GRANT YOU BUT THAT'S NOT OUR ISSUE, THAT'S FOR THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO ADDRESS.
- KNOW THIS WELL, THERE IS NO ARTICLE 3 JUDGE WHICH IS A JUDGE OR MAGISTRATE THAT CAN ISSUE A WARRANT CONGRESS
- PEOPLE HAVE ISSUES WITH THAT BUT THAT'S AN ISSUE FOR CONGRESS AND THE SUPREME COURT IN US VERSUS OR BELLOW
- IT IS FOR CONGRESS TO CHANGE IT AND NO JUDGE CAN ISSUE A WARRANT OUT TODAY WHEN THE IMMIGRATION DETAINERS
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- America because we started that program, one of the first states in the country back in 1994 when Congress
- Bush created a program authorized by Congress and the Code of Federal Regulations, which authorized the
Committee:
House Appropriations
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- She wishes that she could be here today but had duties voting down in D.C. in the halls of Congress.
- That is why she introduced the Book Save Lives Act in Congress to allow every Reader to see themselves
- That is why she introduced the Book Save Lives Act and Congress to allow every That is why she introduced
- the Book Save Lives Act and Congress to allow every reader to see themselves reflected in our libraries
- I support the Joint Massachusetts Congress Act regarding free expression. Thank you for your time.
Summary:
The hearing focused on several bills related to access to library materials, including measures addressing book bans and censorship in public and school libraries, as well as legislation on digital library collections and e-book licensing. Committee leaders said testimony would be limited to three minutes and encouraged written submissions. Early testimony from Chair Brian Murray highlighted H. 3595, which would address challenges facing public libraries and digital resource collections by limiting restrictive publisher-library contract terms, protecting patron confidentiality, and creating a special legislative commission to study the issue.
A large number of legislators, librarians, authors, students, publishers, and advocacy groups testified in support of the free expression bills, including H. 3594 and S. 2328, arguing that book challenges in Massachusetts disproportionately target LGBTQ+ and BIPOC titles and that librarians and educators need protection from retaliation and harassment. Witnesses described local incidents of book removals, threats, and pressure campaigns, and several said the bills would create transparent challenge procedures, keep materials available during reviews, and ensure decisions are made by trained professionals rather than political actors. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s office also submitted support, and multiple speakers cited national trends and Massachusetts-specific censorship attempts.
Testimony on the digital access bills emphasized that e-books and audiobooks are essential for readers with disabilities, homebound patrons, students, and others who rely on accessible formats, but that current licensing terms are far more expensive and restrictive than print purchasing. Library representatives said libraries spend millions on digital content, face long wait times for popular titles, and often must repeatedly re-rent the same materials. Legal and library experts supported the proposed commission as a practical step toward fairer licensing and stronger bargaining power for libraries. The hearing ended after extensive testimony; no votes or final committee action were taken in the portion provided.