Transcript Highlights:

• I cover the Americas and Oceania.
• It's how North America competes together.
• It's how North America competes together. And that brings me.
• It's how North America competes together.
• When you buy something made in Mexico, you're still buying American value added.

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• And my son-in-law, also, who works at Cerberus today, buying companies that help America, which is a
• There's plenty of leaders in America that have done this.
• buy LIDAR. technology, we stop buying Chinese garlic that's made in sewer water in our commissaries.
• So do you think we ought to be buying Chinese computers for our military? No.
• buy in for our military? a difficult problem.

Committees: Senate Subcommittee on Cybersecurity , Senate Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: Steven Feinberg, Deputy Secretary of Defense, national security, budget cuts, military readiness, global threats, Department of Defense

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the nomination of Steven Feinberg as Deputy Secretary of Defense. The committee emphasized the urgent need for strong leadership in response to a complex array of global threats posed by adversarial coalitions, including China, Russia, and Iran. The discussions highlighted concerns regarding budget cuts and personnel reductions within the Department of Defense, showcasing the challenges posed by the current economic context and the pressing need to maintain military readiness and capabilities. Various members expressed their apprehensions about how impending layoffs and budget reductions would impact the defense workforce and national security.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> leaving them without enough money to buy leaving them without enough money to buy food<00:17:04.880
• </c> inherently America inherently America first<00:40:38.760><c> we</c><00:40:38.920><c> have</c><00
• </c> buying a new car or the business buying buying a new car or the business buying new<04:39:26.240
• providing</c> buying food buying clothing providing buying food buying clothing providing shelter<05
• America needs them. America wants them. We just have to pass this legislation.

Bills: HR23 , HR22 , HR21

Keywords: proxy voting, remote voting, parental leave, House of Representatives, committee meetings, committee appointments, representation, legislative committees, elections, HR21, legislative process, government structure

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands
• I've always believed the people in America spend their money better than Washington, D.C., does.
• May God bless America. Without objection, a gentleman from Florida, Mr.
• And we went into that store and my mom saw something that she thought that I should buy.
• She said, ' Randy, you never know buy.

Transcript Highlights:

• God bless you and God bless America. Thank you.
• They are going to make America even better.
• America flourish. Mr.
• that going to mean to business in America?
• And that allows you to do made in America. Absolutely it does.

Committee: Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee

Keywords: joint hearing, small business, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, economic recovery, tax relief, job creation

Summary: In this joint hearing of the House Committee on Small Business and the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, the primary focus was on the importance of making the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) permanent. The chair emphasized that small businesses are crucial for the nation's economic recovery, especially in the wake of current federal policies perceived as detrimental. Witnesses shared their experiences and highlighted how the tax cuts facilitated job creation and business expansion, stressing the need for continued support through ongoing tax relief measures. The meeting included discussions about the economic implications of the TCJA's potential expiration, with members voicing their concerns regarding how this could impact small businesses and the broader economy.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:41.120><c> Anna</c> our community and across America Anna our community and across America
• America.
• America is worth the fight.
• America is worth the fight. Mr.
• Apparently he wants to buy Greenland, and he's looking for a source of funds to buy Greenland.

Bills: HR26

Keywords: domestic terrorism, Antifa, law enforcement, criminal activity, violent protests, political ideology, federal response, socio-political conflict

Transcript Highlights:

• you're going to buy it.
• Mexico and America into the same plant.
• We in America produce the highest quality.
• And I'm... ...buy is the hamburger.
• He says, well, we better buy a farm then.

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Summary: The committee first took up executive action on Senate Bill 890. Members explained that the House committee substitute combined provisions from related bills, changed the title to accommodate an amendment, and restored language that had been unintentionally repealed in section 217.550. The amendment was adopted, the substitute was adopted, and the House Committee Substitute for SB 890 was voted do pass by a roll call of 11 ayes and 1 no. The committee then heard Senate Bill 945 from Senator Carla May, which would raise the civil filing surcharge in the city of St. Louis from $15 to up to $20 to support the law library and related court services. Senator May and a representative of the Law Library Association of St. Louis testified that the surcharge had not been raised since 1996, that costs had increased, and that the increase would help maintain legal research resources and public access. Questions focused on whether the amount was sufficient and what other funding sources existed; there was no opposition testimony. Finally, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 29, which urges Congress to restore mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork. The sponsor and supporters argued that consumers should know where meat comes from, that independent cattle producers are harmed by consolidation in the packing industry, and that voluntary labeling is inadequate. Opponents from the Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Chamber of Commerce, and Missouri Pork Association argued that mandatory labeling adds regulatory burden, is not supported by consumer purchasing data, and should remain voluntary. The hearing included extensive testimony from cattle producers and consumers, but no vote on HCR 29 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gun Owners of America fully supports HB 133.
• It's irresponsible to give them the right to buy the guns.
• It's irresponsible to give them the right to buy the guns.
• There was relief after the legal age to buy a gun was raised to 21.
• they’re buying a gun for hunting purposes.

Summary: The committee first heard HB 133, which would lower the minimum age to purchase a long gun from 21 to 18. The sponsor said the bill restores the rights of law-abiding 18-year-olds. Public testimony was sharply divided, with supporters from Gun Owners of America and Florida Carry arguing that adults 18 and older should have equal Second Amendment rights and that current law is inconsistent with other adult responsibilities, while opponents, including gun violence prevention advocates, students, parents, and Parkland-related speakers, said the bill would reverse a post-Parkland safety measure and increase risks of suicide, accidental shootings, and school violence. Several members debated the bill, with opponents emphasizing Parkland, the Florida State shooting, and public polling showing broad opposition; supporters stressed parental responsibility, mental health, and constitutional rights. HB 133 was then reported favorably on a roll call vote of 13 yeas, with several members voting no. The committee then took up CS/HB 289, which would revise Florida’s wrongful death law to allow parents to recover damages for the death of an unborn child. The sponsor said the bill is intended to let grieving parents seek civil remedies, and members questioned how it would apply in situations involving surrogacy, rape, ectopic pregnancy, medical care, and damages calculations. The sponsor said the bill would not allow suits against the mother, would not apply to lawful non-negligent medical care, and would be handled through ordinary wrongful death damage proof before a jury. Public testimony was again split: supporters from pro-life and faith groups said the bill recognizes unborn children and aligns Florida with many other states, while opponents from civil liberties, reproductive rights, and advocacy groups warned it could be used to target abortion providers, helpers, and even families or businesses in miscarriage-related cases, and could be weaponized by abusive partners. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 289, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're buying and selling. They have to sell the product as they're buying, right?
• he's buying it with the label or she, whoever.
• No, if the box says America and they're represented as America, great.
• They're coming and buying our land for housing divisions.
• They're coming and buying our land for housing divisions.

Bills: HB43 , HB519 , HB 1275 , HB1592 , HB2842 , HB3088 , HB3479 , HB4163 , SB823 , HB609

Committee: Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Keywords: agriculture, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, honey production, beekeeping, food safety, local regulation, bovine producers, dairy farms, permits, bovine tuberculosis, public health, wildlife management, disease prevention, alert system, Texas A&M, white-tailed deer, public safety

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs met with only four members initially present, so quorum was not established until later in the hearing. The committee heard several agriculture-, wildlife-, and food-labeling-related bills, including HB 3479 on expanding the Rio Grande vegetative management program beyond carrizo cane to other noxious vegetation, SB 823 on shrimp origin labeling and restrictions on misrepresenting imported shrimp as Texas or Gulf shrimp, HB 3088 on giving Texas Parks and Wildlife more flexibility to procure resale goods for park gift shops, HB 1275 on permits for non-bovine dairy farms in certain TB-affected areas, HB 519 on honey production and packaging rules, HB 609 on cleaning oyster cages in-bay with bay water only, HB 1592 on a voluntary AgriLife pest and disease alert system, HB 2842 on targeted urban deer depredation permits, and HB 4163 on limiting city requirements that agricultural operators maintain roadside rights-of-way. Testimony generally came from industry groups, agency resource witnesses, and affected producers, with most witnesses supporting the bills and several bills drawing questions about enforcement, labeling responsibility, and the scope of local authority. The most extensive discussion centered on SB 823, where Vice Chair Hancock and others questioned why wholesalers would be covered if they cannot relabel products. The bill author and restaurant association witness said the measure was intended to improve transparency and allow enforcement against intentional mislabeling, while preserving a good-faith defense and clarifying that the bill does not create a private cause of action. HB 519 also drew supportive testimony from beekeepers and a family farm, who argued that current rules treat honey extraction and bottling too much like food manufacturing and burden small operations. HB 609 was presented as a way to save time and resources for cultivated oyster mariculture by allowing cage cleaning in the bay without soaps or chemicals, and HB 1592 was described as a voluntary opt-in alert system for pests and diseases coordinated through AgriLife and other state agencies. HB 43 generated the most detailed policy debate. The bill would restructure and expand the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority, update grant and loan programs, and create a pest and disease control depredation program. The committee substitute reduced some funding caps, changed references from predators to depredating animals, and made the financial provisions contingent on appropriations. Supporters from Texas Farm Bureau, cotton growers, grain and feed interests, and young farmers described severe drought, inflation, land loss, rising input costs, and shrinking infrastructure as major threats to agriculture, while one witness urged preserving priority for young farmers. After testimony, the committee adopted the committee substitute and reported HB 43 favorably. The committee also voted HB 519, HB 609, HB 1275, HB 1592, HB 3088, HB 3479, HB 2842, and HB 4163 favorably, with several recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 823 was reported from committee on a 6-2 vote after adoption of the committee substitute. The meeting ended with notice that the committee would tentatively reconvene Friday morning and then recessed subject to the chair's call.

Transcript Highlights:

• or not buy.
• This is our right to buy whatever we want.
• And they can only buy three different types of, folks could only buy three types of cereals and the different
• Folks could only buy three types of cereals and the different, you know, the dairies and such.
• That's why expenses went up for all families across America. Mr. Speaker, this is a good bill.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and a series of guest introductions and proclamations, including recognition of Arizona Statehood Day and National Ballet Day honoring Phoenix Ballet and artistic director Slawomir Wozniak. Members also announced committee substitutions and several bills were placed on the House calendar after second reading. On third reading, HB 2190, which would add an article relating to the Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants, failed on a 20-38 vote after debate over whether it was needed to support licensure compacts and workforce access. HB 2206, relating to SNAP and rulemaking, passed 33-25 after a brief dispute over whether it improperly delegated authority to the executive branch. HB 2396, also relating to SNAP and restrictions on purchases, drew extended debate over food deserts, personal choice, public health, and whether the state should limit what low-income families can buy; it passed 34-25. After announcements about upcoming committee meetings and events, members moved to reconsider the failed HB 2190 vote, and the motion carried. The House then recessed and reconvened later in the day, where it handled additional committee substitutions, withdrew several bills from committees for reassignment, and read HB 2999 for the first time before adjourning until February 17, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• How is that America First?
• HOW IS THAT AMERICA FIRST?
• We are going to fight like hell because I believe in America. We believe in America.
• Credits so tens of millions of people, working-class America, small-town America, the heartland of America
• OF AMERICA.

Bills: HR874 , HB5371 , HR873

Keywords: Richard B. Cheney, Congress, House of Representatives, respect, resolution, continuing resolution, appropriations, fiscal year 2026, omnibus, government funding, federal budget, USDA, Department of Agriculture, FDA, Food and Drug Administration, Veterans Affairs, VA health care, military construction, legislative branch, Congress funding

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:34:52.440><c> we</c> should be treating people in America we should be treating people in America
• </c> participating in re for Across America participating in re for Across America at<00:56:55.760><c
• </c><02:08:44.559><c> has</c> Congressman Lincoln di Valor America has Congressman Lincoln di Valor America
• </c> to buy with the new regulation is to buy to buy with the new regulation is to buy regenerative<02
• </c> be able to comparison shop when they buy be able to comparison shop when they buy a<03:25:33.359

Bills: HR189 , HJR42 , HJR61 , HR191

Keywords: censure, Congress, interruption, decorum, Representative Al Green, energy conservation, appliance standards, Department of Energy, consumer products, commercial equipment, regulation disapproval, HJR61, H.J.Res. 61, Public Law 119-14, Congressional Review Act, CRA, EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, air pollution, hazardous air pollutants

Transcript Highlights:

• So the direct impacts are directly from activity at Spaceport America.
• Then they will ferry flight over here to Spaceport America for flight.
• I buy a lot of equipment all the time, a lot of years, and all that.
• Flight operations headquarters are here at Spaceport America, correct?
• I mean, we're looking at Americas, we're looking at Santa Teresa.

Committee: House New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Mexico and America into the same process and plant.
• No kid, you know, he talked about buying land and, you know, $4.
• We in America produce the highest quality.
• I bet you're all mine and never buy any, so I don't know.
• He said, well, we better buy a farm then.

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Transcript Highlights:

• Lewis Valdez, Gun Owners of America, speaking for...
• Lewis Valdez, Gun Owners of America, speaking for... We'll do 90 seconds. Thank you, Mr.
• So again, Gun Owners of America fully supports this bill.
• Our next speaker is Jed Carroll, Gun Owners of America. Jed Carroll, Gun Owners of America.
• Hi, I'm Jed Carroll, representing Gun Owners of America. I 100% support this bill.

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee heard and acted on several criminal justice, public records, nuisance, and firearms bills. SB 1168, by Sen. Leak, would create a second-degree felony for aggravated installation or use of a tracking device or application when done in furtherance of a dangerous crime; it passed unanimously. SB 1054, by Sen. Garcia, would increase penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring devices, require immediate revocation of pretrial release for tampering, and bar further pretrial release on the current charges; after testimony raising concerns about unintended consequences and proof issues, it was reported favorably unanimously. SB 1198, by Sen. DeSigley, addressing fraudulent use of gift cards, was substantially revised by a delete-all amendment and a technical amendment, then reported favorably with support from retail and industry groups. SB 710, by Sen. Osgood, would create a public records exemption for personal identifying and location information of current and former Crime Stoppers employees, board members, and volunteers; it was reported favorably unanimously. SB 1022, by Sen. Wright, would strengthen nuisance abatement enforcement by raising fines, allowing tax-collector collection and special assessments, and authorizing foreclosure on unpaid liens; it was reported favorably after support from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. SB 716, by Sen. Martin, would impose mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offenses by registered sexual offenders or predators and bar early release; after an amendment to tie the penalty to prior convictions rather than registration status, it passed favorably. SB 878, also by Sen. Martin, would extend probation supervision for certain misdemeanor controlled-substance offenses and align them with existing alcohol-related probation rules; it passed unanimously. Finally, SB 952, by Sen. Guglia, would repeal the statute allowing firearm and ammunition sales restrictions during certain declared emergencies; after extensive testimony from gun-rights advocates and debate about local emergency ordinances, it was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is my reality and that of so many emergency physicians across America.
• Does it make America stronger? Does it make America more prosperous?
• All he did was buy a pill off Snapchat and he thought it was a Percocet.
• These dealers are buying burner phones.
• No company in America has the liability shield that these companies have.

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• , Central America.
• 38% of its imports from America.
• And why shouldn't we be standing there as cheerleaders for America saying, you should be buying a lot
• More LNG from America.
• France and America are very aligned.

Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Keywords: diplomatic nominations, foreign policy, ambassadors, U.S.-European relations, Bilateral relationships, security, trade

Summary: The meeting focused primarily on diplomatic nominations, featuring discussions about the implications of these roles on U.S. foreign policy. Notable was the introduction of nominees for key ambassadorial positions, including ambassadors to the Dominican Republic, France, and the Netherlands. Senator Shaheen emphasized the importance of U.S.-European relations, particularly in light of current global challenges, while other members voiced their concerns regarding the nominees’ qualifications and the impact on bilateral relationships. Public support for these nominations was evident, as was the committee's commitment to fostering stronger connections with allied nations, particularly in addressing security and trade issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• If we had that, we could buy more fly traps, we could buy some bait, we could buy some test kits and
• It buys time.
• We've had conversations on a weekly basis with producers, both down in Central America and in South America
• That's how they handle this in Central America and how they handle it in South America.
• In South America, you can buy those products off of any website down there.

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Transcript Highlights:

• In May, the House in rural America.
• It was the most remarkable America.
• </c> program that buys from American farmers. program that buys from American farmers.
• </c> taking action against adversaries buying taking action against adversaries buying farmland.<02:55
• </c> we can't help families here in America we can't help families here in America get<09:29:26.400><

Bills: HCR84 , HR518 , HCR86 , HB7726 , HB2860 , HB8872 , HR1333 , SB254 , HB7618

Keywords: War Powers Resolution, Lebanon, troop withdrawal, U.S. Armed Forces, military deployment, foreign policy, congressional war powers, executive authority, Middle East, troop removal, concurrent resolution, defense policy, overseas deployment, Ukraine, support, foreign affairs, military aid, international relations, War Powers, military action

Transcript Highlights:

• People are buying devices and plugging them in, and we need more energy.
• People are buying devices and plugging them in, and we need more energy.
• I mean, you can buy a mattress for $100 or $10,000."
• Not an inexpensive mattress to buy, but a good mattress.
• Not an inexpensive mattress to buy, but a good mattress.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions, including students from Brooklyn and St. John’s University, followed by adoption of the resolution calendar with exceptions for two items. The chamber then took up a series of previously adopted resolutions recognizing Black Maternal Health Week, Workplace Violence Prevention Month, the one-year anniversary of the Jet Set nightclub tragedy in the Dominican Republic, New York Constitution Day, and the Month of the Military Child. Senators speaking on the maternal health resolution emphasized racial disparities in maternal mortality and the need for culturally competent care; the workplace violence resolution highlighted hospital safety programs; the Jet Set resolution was adopted in memory of the victims; and the Constitution Day speech reviewed New York’s delayed but eventual support for independence in 1776. The military child resolution stressed the sacrifices of military families and support for children of service members. All of these resolutions were adopted, and the resolutions were opened to co-sponsorship. The Senate then moved through the third reading calendar, passing several bills and laying others aside. Measures passed included bills on public health, environmental conservation, executive law, public authorities, and consumer protection. One notable debate involved a bill to require transparency from private arbitration organizations handling consumer cases; supporters argued it would provide basic public data and guard against conflicts of interest, while opponents said it would burden a useful dispute-resolution process and intrude on privacy. The bill passed after debate. Another debated bill would phase out number 4 heating oil statewide; supporters said cleaner alternatives exist and the fuel is harmful to public health, while opponents raised cost and transition concerns, especially for colder regions. That bill also passed. The chamber also considered a bill to create a rebate program for battery-powered landscaping equipment, funded through utility-related mechanisms administered by NYSERDA. Supporters said it would reduce air and noise pollution and help companies transition, while opponents argued ratepayers should not subsidize landscaping equipment. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar. Finally, the Senate began discussion of a housing-related bill aimed at preserving manufactured home parks by enabling nonprofits or municipalities to acquire development rights and keep the land dedicated to that use, with the sponsor explaining that the goal is to protect affordable housing and help residents remain in their homes.