Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas in 2011, Jeff Osterdock went to active duty for the Army Reserve as an AGR soldier after
• 9/11 and became an Army recruiter for 79R out of Muskogee for three years.
• And whereas Jeff Osterdock retired from active duty on June 1, 2023, with a combined active duty Army
• During this time, he was awarded one Meritorious Service Medal, four Army Commendation Medals, two Army
• Achievement Medals, six Army Good Conduct Medals, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including Veteran of the Week First Sergeant Jeff Osterdock, Nurse of the Day Madison Lehman, Psychologist of the Day Dr. Jennifer Steber, and a large group of student pages and visitors. Members also made personal announcements and welcomed guests from schools and community groups. On the floor, the House considered and adopted Senate amendments to House Bill 1484, a schools measure, and passed it 96-1; the emergency clause also passed 96-1. The House then took up House Bill 1085 on contracts, which would standardize service warranty fees with a delayed phase-in schedule, adopted the Senate amendments, and passed the bill 8-1. The House also considered Senate Bill 133 on groundwater permits. After an amendment and debate, members discussed how the bill would apply to commercial water wells and how it would interact with marijuana-related licensing and notification to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. The bill passed 85-12, and the emergency clause also passed by the same vote. The chamber then adjourned until February 24, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• today... ...committee, we will be looking at Colonel Todd Wheeler to the rank of Brigadier General, Army
• And today we will be hearing his confirmation to the rank of Brigadier General, Army.
• Rig of Birmingham... ...hearing Colonel David Rig of Birmingham to the rank of Brigadier General, Army
• , and also Colonel Robert Griggs to the rank of Brigadier General, Army.
• Matthew Bailis to the rank of Major General, Army.

Committee: Senate Confirmations

Transcript Highlights:

• . army. army.
• </c> country's army. country's army.
• If you were in the Thai royal army or the Cambodian army or any other regular force, you would not be
• If you were in the Thai royal army or the Cambodian army or any other regular force, you would not be
• Thai royal army or the Cambodian army or Thai royal army or the Cambodian army or the<00:09:42.120><c

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• approved our 401 certification that this came out said that it's not listed anywhere but since the Army
• In Idaho, the Army Corps of Engineers, in conjunction with the EPA, can show up on any private ground
• The Army Corps of Engineers and the EPA, they are not honoring the Supreme Court’s rulings right now.
• We get very few appointees when it comes to the EPA and Army Corps.
• Army Corps, we actually, Trump only gets two.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• The Army Guard just came back from a big deployment.
• Army guard just came air guard side.
• </c><00:32:30.880><c> Um,</c> attrition on that on the army side.
• Um, attrition on that on the army side.
• </c> the Air Army National Guard. the Air Army National Guard.

Bills: HB0122 , SF0004 , SF0012 , SF0013 , SF0067 , SF0070 , SF0124

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• President, of experience from his distinguished service in the Army, as well as really terrific insight
• Of course he's Army.
• And, you know, I was Army back in the day, too, and I was an intellectual MOS; I was infantry.
• Army action is real military out there.
• But I just want to point out what Army actually stands for, Mr.

Bills: SCR8410 , SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution

Transcript Highlights:

• As an example, my two sons are West Point graduates, so they're Army officers. I was enlisted.
• So they're Army officers. I was enlisted.
• David Kuda, Army veteran, commander of the VFW of California, I wholeheartedly...
• I'm a West Point graduate, a 23-year Army veteran, a paratrooper, with six combat deployments.
• , Army vet, a current partner of a Navy Navy.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs met with a quorum and first approved its consent calendar, which included AJR 15, SB 56, SB 296, and SB 855, with the roll left open for absent members. The committee then heard SB 694 by Senator Archuleta, a bill aimed at protecting veterans from unaccredited claims representatives and other for-profit entities that charge fees to assist with VA disability claims. The author and supporters, including county veterans service officers and veterans organizations, argued the measure would curb predatory practices, restore accountability, and steer veterans toward free, accredited assistance through CVSOs and other authorized representatives. Testimony in support emphasized that veterans are often targeted online and may pay large fees for services that are available for free, while supporters said unaccredited firms lack transparency and can exploit vulnerable veterans. Opposition witnesses, including representatives of claims-assistance companies and individual veterans, argued the bill would eliminate choice and that some contingency-based firms provide useful services, better outcomes, and faster claims processing. Committee members debated whether the bill would unlawfully bar legitimate assistance or whether it was needed to stop illegal business practices, with several members noting the issue is also being litigated in federal court and that an accreditation process already exists through the VA. After discussion, the committee voted to pass SB 694 and refer it to the Committee on Judiciary. The final vote was 6 ayes, with some members not voting. The committee then completed the consent calendar vote, which passed with eight votes, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, Minnesota Army National Guard members that have been honorably discharged after serving their
• All military members volunteer to serve, and they volunteer to serve in the entity of their choice: Army
• Pence continued: Currently, Minnesota Army National Guard members that have been honorably discharged
• Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force, etc. Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force, etc.
• </c> I volunteered with Minnesota Army I volunteered with Minnesota Army National<00:07:57.880><c> Guard

Summary: The committee heard an introductory presentation from Sam Daily of Believe It Canine Service Partners, a nonprofit that trains service dogs free of charge for disabled veterans. Daily described the organization’s work with veterans, including placements with MACV and a service dog at Veteran Village in Eagan, and said the group has placed 80 teams so far. Senator Howe asked whether the organization had pursued Support Our Troops grants, and Daily said it had received two SOS grants. The first bill taken up was Senate File 4172, as amended, which would expand eligibility for burial in Minnesota state veterans cemeteries to honorably discharged reservists, National Guard members, and Air National Guard members, and would allow some honor guard use for eligible people. Senator Howe said the bill corrects an inequity for Guard and reserve members who served honorably but are not currently eligible. Glenn Pence testified in support, saying the bill recognizes National Guard service and should allow those veterans to be buried with others they served alongside. MDVA’s David Swantek supported the concept but warned that expanded eligibility would increase demand, especially at Little Falls, and could shorten its projected capacity timeline from about 48 years to about 30 years. The committee adopted the A1 amendment and then laid the bill over for inclusion in the Veterans and Military Affairs Finance Omnibus Bill. The committee then heard Senate File 4026, which sets standards for MDVA competitive grants and adds accountability and residency requirements. Senator Koran said the bill would help the department review grants and ensure funds serve Minnesota veterans and families. MDVA chief of staff Dave Belfi supported the bill, saying it reflects agency feedback, aligns with existing residency rules, and does not affect CVSO, VSO, or Support Our Troops grants. The A1 amendment was adopted, and the bill was laid over for inclusion in the omnibus bill. Next, Senate File 4807 was heard, a bill to update pay for National Guard soldiers and airmen called to state active duty. MDVA and National Guard officials said the bill would simplify statute language and raise the minimum base pay for lower ranks to the E5 level, with future adjustments tied to federal pay tables. Senator Kunesh asked about funding, and staff explained the cost would come through an open general-fund emergency appropriation, estimated at about $30,000 annually but varying with activations. The committee adopted amendments to incorporate SF 4172 and SF 4026 into SF 4807, made technical corrections, and then recommended SF 4807, as amended, to pass and be referred to the full committee. Finally, the committee heard Senate File 3603, which would create a program allowing school districts to issue high school diplomas to Minnesota veterans who left school to serve during the Korean conflict or Vietnam War. Senator Rasmussen said the bill recognizes veterans who interrupted their education for service. MDVA’s John Kelly supported the bill, noting it reflects input from MDVA and the Department of Education and that similar programs exist in other states. The committee voted to recommend the bill to pass and refer it to the full committee. The meeting also began discussion of Senate File 4560, which would formalize the Commander's Task Force, but the transcript cuts off before that bill was acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whatever branch you served—Army, Navy, Air Force... We thank you for your service. God bless you.
• Whatever branch you served—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, or the
• I'm an Army veteran, resident of South Central California, and I support the bill. Thank you. Hi.
• My name is Janelle Gordon, and I'm an Army veteran, and I'm in support of this bill, 623, I believe.
• William Taylor, I'm also a 23-year Army veteran in support of SB 623 and better access for veterans.

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs

Summary: The committee met with one item on the agenda: Senate Bill 623 by Senator Archuleta. The bill would implement a related constitutional amendment to provide property tax relief for veterans and their families by allowing eligible veterans to combine, or “stack,” the homeowners’ exemption with the disabled veterans’ or veterans’ exemption, and by removing certain property limitations tied to the exemption. The author and chair framed the measure as recognition of veterans’ service and a way to expand access to tax relief for veteran homeowners. The committee heard extensive testimony in support from veterans and advocates, including disabled veterans, combat veterans, representatives of veterans’ organizations, and county and health care advocates. Supporters said the bill would meaningfully improve benefits for veterans and their families. No opposition testimony was presented, and no committee member raised objections during the hearing. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to the Committee on Appropriations. The roll call vote was 3-0 in favor, with the bill held on call pending Senator Menjivar’s return so she could vote as well. The meeting then adjourned after the chair thanked the veterans and attendees.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have worked with the Department of the Army in leadership positions.
• Army Management Staff College, which is the college for all Army civilians in supervisory and management
• I have worked with a Department of the Army in leadership positions.
• Army Management Staff College, which is the college for all Army civilians in supervisory and management
• </c> director of academics at uh the uh Army director of academics at uh the uh Army management<00:42

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Summary: The committees met on February 19, 2025, to hear advice-and-consent nominations, beginning with GM 645/GM 650 for Mike Lambert as Director of the Department of Law Enforcement. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state officials, community leaders, nonprofit representatives, and others, who praised Lambert’s collaboration with communities, communication skills, and practical approach to public safety. Several speakers highlighted his work on homelessness, game rooms, community policing, and his ability to work across public health and law enforcement lines. Lambert told the committee he has 22 years of law enforcement experience, including patrol, community policing, training, narcotics/vice, and work on fentanyl, internet crimes against children, and ghost guns, and said his priorities would include building community trust, improving training and discipline, and addressing fireworks and firearms enforcement. Senators asked about fireworks, federal collaboration, ports and airport screening, recruitment, pay parity, and whether the department should expand into a more formal state police force; Lambert said he would need time to learn the new port/shipping environment and would support a state police class and expanded enforcement capacity. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion of the transcript provided. The committee then heard GM 567 for Jean Dello Jr. as chairperson of the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Supporters, including Hawaii Friends of Restorative Justice and Hawaii Paroling Authority staff, described him as honest, ethical, fair, and experienced in balancing public safety with rehabilitation and re-entry. Dello said he came out of retirement in 2021 to serve on the board, and that his background in federal probation and state corrections led him to favor evidence-based practices over simple compliance monitoring. He emphasized the need to weigh public safety with giving inmates a real opportunity to transition successfully back into the community. No final action or vote was announced in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whatever branch you served—Army, Navy, Air Force— We thank you for your service. God bless you.
• Whatever branch you served—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, or the
• I'm an Army veteran, resident of El Central California, and I support the bill. Thank you. Hi.
• My name is Janelle Gordon, and I'm an Army veteran, and I'm in support of this bill, 623, I believe.
• William Taylor, I'm also a 23-year Army veteran in support of SB 623 and better access for veterans.

Summary: The committee met with one item on the agenda: Senate Bill 623 by Senator Arreguín. The bill would implement SCA 4 by providing property tax relief to veterans and their families, including allowing eligible veterans to combine the homeowners’ exemption with the disabled veterans’ or veterans’ exemption and removing certain property limitations tied to qualification. The author described the measure as a way to recognize veterans and improve access to tax benefits. The bill received broad support in testimony from veterans and veterans’ advocates, including disabled veterans, combat veterans, and representatives of veterans organizations and health advocacy groups. Supporters said the measure would better honor service members and provide meaningful financial relief. No opposition testimony was offered, and no committee member raised objections during the hearing. The committee voted 3-0 to pass SB 623 as a due pass recommendation to the Committee on Appropriations. The vote was initially held open for Senator Menjivar, and the chair later noted that the committee had established a quorum and the bill had been moved out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• He had to meet the equivalent of the Army... ...flies in direct opposition to the Secretary of War's
• He had to meet the equivalent of the Army... ...it in February, they pointed him to that.
• He had to meet the equivalent of the Army.
• He had to meet the equivalent of the Army.
• We've got Army doctrine. It all says we are counselors, specifically.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Human Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• The king's army was driven from Boston once and for all.
• The king's army was driven from Boston once and for all.
• The king's army was driven from Boston once and for all.
• Knox was the senior officer of the army when General Washington resigned.
• The king's army was driven from Boston once and for all.

Transcript Highlights:

• YOU TOUCHED ON SOMETHING THERE WITH THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS AGAIN, FOR SOMEONE LIKE MYSELF THAT HAS
• ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS BUILT IT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE STATE AND PROCESS TO THE LOCAL SPONSOR AND IF
• ARMY AND THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS TO ACCELERATE THE EAA RESERVOIR INSTRUCTION.
• HE ALSO AGREED WITH THE ARMY AND SAID WHY DON'T YOU TAKE THAT FEDERAL MONEY AND SEND IT TO THE SOUTH
• THANK YOU FOR PRESENTING TODAY AND I ALSO WANT TO COMMEND THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS HAVING BEEN AT

Transcript Highlights:

• So yeah, if they're Army Reserves... depending again if they served on that Title 10.
• I enlisted in 1994, and then I got my commission in 2000, and I've been on active duty Army for the last
• For today, last December, the Army deployed its first operational hydrogen-powered nanogrid at White
• Missile Range Museum, stemming from current discussions regarding the possible closure of several Army
• . museums being closed throughout the Army, so they paused it for now.

Transcript Highlights:

• support federal legislation awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to members of the United States Army
• The Army nurses served in the battlefield without the benefit of tent floors, running water, electricity
• This is why we must award the Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the United States Army Nurse
• This is why we must award the Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the United States Army Nurse
• Marines who served during World War II, but far less attention had been given to the women in the Army

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• support federal legislation awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to members of the United States Army
• The Army nurses served in the battlefield without the benefit of tent floors, running water, electricity
• This is why we must award the Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the United States Army Nurse
• This is why we must award the Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the United States Army Nurse
• In the Army Corps and the Navy Nurses Corps, who stood by our men and women and all those who served

Summary: The Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs heard two resolutions honoring veterans. S.J.R. 14, authored by Senator Gabaldon, urges California’s congressional delegation to support federal legislation awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to members of the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and Navy Nurse Corps who served in World War II. Brigadier General Ruth Wong testified in strong support, describing the nurses’ frontline service, harsh conditions, discrimination, POW experiences, and long-overlooked sacrifices. Senators praised the measure and noted the historical significance of recognizing these women’s service. The committee also heard S.J.R. 17, presented by Senator Choi, which honors Republic of Korea veterans who fought alongside American troops in Vietnam and later became U.S. citizens. The resolution urges Congress and the President to allow states to extend burial and memorial benefits in state veterans’ cemeteries to these veterans without jeopardizing federal cemetery funding. No opposition testimony was offered, and senators emphasized the importance of recognizing allied service members who fought with U.S. forces. Both resolutions were moved on call and later adopted by the committee on 5-0 votes. The chair thanked members for supporting veterans and closed the hearing after announcing the final votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Army, former commander; Danny N., Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, retired; Rick Takeuchi, U.S.
• Army Reserve and scout; and Alexander Bertelsen. Madam Speaker, Mr. Speaker, a quorum is present.
• Army, former commander; Danny N., Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, retired; Rick Takeuchi, U.S.
• Army Reserve and scout; and Alexander Bertelsen from Seattle Buddhist Church Scout Troop 252.
• Army Reserve, and scout Alexander Bertelsen from Seattle Buddhist Church Scout Troop 252.

Bills: HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1065 , HB2125 , HB2134 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2245 , HB2283 , HB2406 , HB2501 , HB1544 , HB1834 , HB2188 , HB2206 , HB2478 , HJM4012 , HB1104 , HB1152 , HB1254 , HB1443 , HB1982 , HB2006 , HB2297 , HB2322 , HB2329 , HB2379 , HB2388 , HB2399 , HB2462 , HB2544 , HB2551 , HB2262 , HB2298 , HB2351 , HB2401 , HB2593 , HB2661 , HB1496 , HB1898 , HB2157 , HB2311 , HB2325 , HB2552 , HB1343 , HB1707 , HB2361 , HB2389 , HB2468 , HB2521 , HB2720 , HB1591 , HB2092 , HB2176 , HB2255 , HB2281 , HB2438 , HB2685 , HB1960 , HB2236 , HB2364

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Transcript Highlights:

• Army, former commander; Danny N., Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, retired; Rick Takeuchi, U.S.
• Army, former commander. Danny N., Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, retired. Rick, Takeuchi, U.S.
• Army Reserve, and scout, Alexander Bertelson. First Lieutenant, U.S.
• Army Reserve, and scout Alexander Bertelsen from Seattle Buddhist Church Scout Troop 252.
• ...hospital attached to General Patton's 7th Army.

Bills: HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1065 , HB2125 , HB2134 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2245 , HB2283 , HB2406 , HB2501 , HB1544 , HB1834 , HB2188 , HB2206 , HB2478 , HJM4012 , HB1104 , HB1152 , HB1254 , HB1443 , HB1982 , HB2006 , HB2297 , HB2322 , HB2329 , HB2379 , HB2388 , HB2399 , HB2462 , HB2544 , HB2551 , HB2262 , HB2298 , HB2351 , HB2401 , HB2593 , HB2661 , HB1496 , HB1898 , HB2157 , HB2311 , HB2325 , HB2552 , HB1343 , HB1707 , HB2361 , HB2389 , HB2468 , HB2521 , HB2720 , HB1591 , HB2092 , HB2176 , HB2255 , HB2281 , HB2438 , HB2685 , HB1960 , HB2236 , HB2364

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, the flags were escorted by the Nisei Veterans Committee Color Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Scout Alexander Bertelsen, and Reverend Masao Umoto delivered the invocation. The House then approved the previous day’s minutes and took up House Resolution 4692, recognizing the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 and honoring Japanese Americans who were forcibly relocated and incarcerated during World War II. The resolution recounted the history of the incarceration, the service of Japanese American veterans, the findings of the 1982 commission that the policy was driven by racial prejudice and war hysteria, and the later federal apology and reparations. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and guests connected to the Japanese American community and remembrance observances were recognized. Several members spoke in support of the resolution, emphasizing the constitutional failures of the wartime incarceration, the importance of remembrance, and the need to guard against fear-driven violations of civil liberties. Remarks also highlighted personal family histories, the experiences of camps such as Manzanar and Camp Harmony, and the service of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and other Japanese American units. After adoption, the House agreed to spread Representative Stonier’s remarks upon the journal. The House then considered a motion to re-refer Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 536 to the Community Safety Committee instead of the Environment and Energy Committee. Representative Abbarno argued the bill dealt primarily with criminal penalties and prosecutorial authority, while Representative Fitzgibbon opposed the change, saying the bill’s predominant subject matter remained environmental. The amendment failed on a voice vote. The House then adopted the motion to read and refer the day’s introductions to the designated committees, with SB 6066 sent to Transportation. Finally, the House returned HB 1065, HJM 1412, and ESHB 1819 to the Rules Committee, announced caucuses, and adjourned until 9:55 a.m. Friday, February 20.

Transcript Highlights:

• Army, serving in the 1st Infantry Division prior to his 1976 honorable discharge.
• , serving in the first the US Army, serving in the first infants<00:06:02.320><c> infantry</c><00:06:
• He served many years in the Army.
• His next career many years in the army.
• Right now, we have both Air Guard and Army personnel deployed, with a larger Army unit scheduled to deploy