Transcript Highlights:

• <01:19:01.840> intelligence important role in combat intelligence important role in combat
• This would be my first combat deployment to be followed by many others.
• He said you learn the smell of a farm, the smell of a city, and the smell of combat.
• And you learn the smell<02:22:00.479> of<02:22:00.720> combat.
• smell of combat. smell of combat.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened for Military Appreciation Day with a color guard presentation, the national anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance led by military veterans, and a quorum call. The journal from the prior day was approved, and the chamber then moved out of order to consider a series of resolutions honoring military service and veterans. All of the resolutions taken up in this segment were adopted by recorded vote, generally with unanimous support and no opposing votes, with several members named as co-sponsors after passage. The first resolutions recognized military service broadly and by community: HJR 1004 honored military members, veterans, POWs, MIAs, and Gold Star families; HJR 1005 recognized African-American veterans; HJR 1006 recognized Latina and Latino veterans; HJR 1007 honored Native American veterans and communities; HJR 1008 honored women veterans and women serving in the armed forces; HJR 1009 focused on veterans mental health awareness and proclaimed Military and Veterans Appreciation Day; HJR 1010 honored Colorado veterans of the Vietnam War; HJR 1011 marked the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II and honored Colorado veterans who served in that war; and HJR 1012 honored Korean War veterans. Each was adopted with overwhelming support, typically 59 or 60 ayes and no no votes. The chamber also adopted HJR 1013 honoring Persian Gulf War veterans, HJR 1014 honoring post-9/11 veterans, HJR 1015 recognizing the 58th anniversary of the capture of the USS Pueblo and calling for its return, and HJR 1016 honoring the 10th Mountain Division and Camp Hale. After the votes, the House recessed for sponsor remarks. Speakers from both chambers and invited guests gave tributes emphasizing sacrifice, family service, historical discrimination faced by African-American and Latino veterans, the contributions of Native American code talkers and tribal communities, the importance of mental health support for veterans, and remembrance of Gold Star families and those lost in war.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not a budget year, but we can pass good policy on combating fraud in the state of Minnesota.
• It's not a budget year, but we can pass good policy on combating fraud in the state of Minnesota.
• And we have over a dozen proposals that we have put forward to try to combat fraud, which is taking away
• forward<00:14:59.160> to<00:14:59.280> try<00:14:59.440> to<00:14:59.560> combat
• we have put forward to try to combat we have put forward to try to combat fraud,<00:15:00.280>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• able to use the tools at their disposal, specifically prior authorization and prepayment reviews, to combat
• And the first, you're at first. to combat the immediate crisis.
• But I do want to say that the by-report codes were a really important tool to combat the fraud that we
• But I do want to say that the by-report codes were a really important tool to combat the fraud that we
• wasn't there—but there was a desire to have some open dialogue about what was happening and how to combat

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services held another oversight hearing on Access, focusing on fee-for-service behavioral health management, prior authorization and claims processing, the Targeted Investment Program (TIP), and network adequacy. The chair and other members criticized Access for repeated transparency failures, including missing records related to the Covered Behavioral Health Services Guide, lack of public comment, unanswered questions about ARPA compliance, and concerns about ghost networks and delayed payments to providers, especially in Native communities and rural areas. Interim Director Roberta Harrison said Access had improved fraud controls after the sober living scheme crisis and acknowledged the need for modernization. She reported faster prior authorization processing, fewer denial codes, real-time dashboards, additional staffing, and claims processing under 30 days. She also said the agency wants more fraud referrals and is working to strengthen internal systems and communication. On the TIP program, Access officials explained that payments are delayed because of complex data validation and allocation across many provider sites; they said year one of TIP 2.0 was paid, but years two and three had not yet been distributed. The committee requested a formal plan within 30 days for paying the estimated $122 million in delayed TIP funds and asked for CMS-related documentation. Committee members also questioned Access about a direct contract with Constellation for claims processing, noting language in the proposal suggesting higher ROI from denying more claims; Access said that language was not part of the contract scope and was verbally rejected. On network adequacy, officials described time-and-distance standards, annual MCO reports, and internal review processes, but could not immediately confirm whether a fiscal year 2025 report had been submitted to CMS or whether any corrective action plans had been imposed. The chair concluded that Access’s improvements appeared to be driven by legislative pressure, said the committee would review the information received, and announced that Access would be sent detailed monthly reporting directions before the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• coordinate with the Army Air Force and our joint staff counterparts to provide ready forces to our combat
• We have 2 Army Combatant Command, armed combat arms brigades to combat support groups and armies.
• Deploying Florida National Guard is would be deployed in 5 combatant commands around the world since
• deploy additional 21, 59, 2159 service members in support of federal mission requirements and our combatant

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of collaboration that needs to happen between both the state counties um and federal partners to combat
• of collaboration that needs to happen between both the state counties um and federal partners to combat
• of collaboration that needs to happen between both the state counties um and federal partners to combat
• of collaboration that needs to happen between both the state counties um and federal partners to combat
• federal partners to combat invasives. federal partners to combat invasives.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint AEN-HRE hearing focused on HCR 130, HD1, which urges increased and sustained funding for the island invasive species committees and the Hawaii Ant Lab within the University of Hawaii’s Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit. The Department of Agriculture said it supported the intent and noted that ISC funding flows through the Hawaii Invasive Species Council budget item via DLNR, while also describing ongoing collaboration with DLNR and efforts to support ant control work. Testifiers from CAPS, the University of Hawaii, the Oahu Invasive Species Committee, and CARES all supported the resolution, emphasizing that invasive species work is underfunded, that the island committees and Hawaii Ant Lab do critical control, research, outreach, and eradication work, and that sustained resources are needed to plan effectively and respond to priority pests such as little fire ant, coconut rhinoceros beetle, and coqui frog. A lengthy exchange followed over whether the resolution was meaningful, since it would be urging the state to fund work the Legislature itself controls. Several members argued that a resolution alone has no legal effect and that funding should come through bills and appropriations instead. In response, the Department of Agriculture said its top biosecurity needs are personnel and chemicals, and noted it is building up its plant quarantine and plant pest control divisions with prior funding and HB 427. Oahu Invasive Species Committee representatives said they rely heavily on Hawaii Invasive Species Council grants, have limited soft funding, and need more stable resources; they also pointed to annual reports and prior testimony as documentation of their work. After a brief recess, the chairs announced they would pass the resolution with amendments to make it more relevant. The amendments changed the title and text to urge the counties, Congress, and other relevant agencies—not the state alone—to provide increased and sustained funding, and added language urging all of those bodies to seek federal grants. The AEN committee then voted to pass HCR 130, HD1, as amended, and the HRE committee also voted to pass it with amendments. The motion was adopted in both committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is you, O Lord, who brought him through the bitter cold and brutal combat in the battle of Canori,
• 00:05:35.440> brutal through the bitter cold and brutal through the bitter cold and brutal combat
• 05:36.160> in<00:05:36.400> the<00:05:36.479> battle<00:05:36.720> of combat
• in the battle of combat in the battle of Canori,<00:05:38.479> revealing<00:05:38.960> to<

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, May 29, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We should have been combating it a long time ago."
• I think Visa has spent upwards of $10 billion to combat fraud, leveraging technologies.
• I think Visa has spent upwards of $10 billion to combat fraud, leveraging technologies.
• I think Visa has spent upwards of $10 billion to combat fraud, leveraging technologies.
• I think Visa has spent upwards of $10 billion to combat fraud, leveraging technologies.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And how would you combat the malpractice lawsuits? Representative McGruder. What purpose?
• He's a combat veteran.
• So how would you combat that? Combat that, Representative, you again.
• This bill was being created to combat the growing issue of food insecurity in our great state.
• I'm bringing a bill forward to combat the cost of living crisis.

Summary: The meeting opened with remarks to Arkansas Boys State delegates about leadership, public service, and the significance of the Capitol, followed by prayer, attendance, and announcements that both chambers were organized and ready for business. The House then considered House Bill 1001, which would have increased funding for rural health care through a 10% tax on people earning at least $300,000; supporters argued it would improve access and quality in rural areas, while opponents raised concerns about fairness, funding, and driving away doctors and taxpayers. The bill failed, 24 yeas to 51 nays. House Bill 1002, aimed at funding more teachers for rural school districts and limiting how many subjects a teacher could be assigned, drew debate over teacher burnout, funding, and whether it would improve outcomes; it passed after immediate consideration, 38 yeas to 36 nays, though the transcript later includes a conflicting note that it failed. House Bill 1003, the Arkansas Data Centers Act of 2026, would let counties restrict data centers and impose a 10% tax for conservation; supporters emphasized local control and resource protection, while opponents warned about jobs, economic loss, and federal issues. It passed 62 yeas to 7 nays. House Bill 1004, reducing motor vehicle registration fees, was debated as a way to ease costs for families but criticized for reducing transportation funding; it failed, 20 yeas to 46 nays. The chamber then moved to Senate bills. Senate Bill 1 proposed incentives tied to SNAP benefits and healthier food purchases, including a Double Bucks-style program; supporters said it would help address food insecurity and obesity, while opponents objected to taxing junk food and burdening non-SNAP users. It passed 43 yeas to 27 nays. Senate Bill 2 would require reading tests in earlier grades and provide state tutoring for students who fail; supporters said it would address literacy problems early, while opponents wanted clearer provisions for older students and more detail on implementation. It passed 67 yeas to 6 nays. Senate Bill 3, the Freedom to Earn Act, would lower the individual income tax rate from 3.7% to 3.0%; supporters said it would help working families and attract business, while opponents argued the benefits would mostly go to corporations and wealthy executives. It passed 53 yeas to 15 nays. Senate Bill 4 created a zoning grant program to encourage mixed-use development in growing cities, funded by a 1% hotel tourism tax up to $50 million; supporters said it would promote housing, small business growth, and downtown revitalization, and it passed 51 yeas to 7 nays. The session ended with a motion to adjourn, which carried.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, combating foreign funding of political activity and protests designed to influence policy decisions
• Second, combating foreign funding of political activity and protests designed to influence policy decisions
• Second, combating foreign funding of political activity and protests designed to influence policy decisions
• Second, combating foreign funding of political activity and protests designed to influence policy decisions
• Second, combating foreign funding of political activity and protests designed to influence policy decisions

Bills: HB358, HB358

Keywords: juvenile justice, detention, age of majority, jurisdiction, child welfare, foreign influence, political activity, transparency, registration, civil penalties, hostile foreign principals, state ethics, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ACR 9 will further express California's commitment to combating all forms of human trafficking.
• In 2005, California was one of the first states to enact legislation combating human trafficking, and
• and I urge my colleagues and I take you at your word that you're sincerely interested in competing combating
• the leaders, according to our governor, funding for lawyers to make it harder for the president to combat
• I believe everyone in this body is sincerely interested in combating human trafficking, but it's not

Transcript Highlights:

• At its core, combating Medicaid fraud is about fighting for working families, protecting vulnerable Oregonians
• fund our Medicaid fraud control units, which are critical to ensuring that we are investigating and combating
• When it comes to combating fraud, whether that's Medicaid fraud or just generic criminal fraud, that
• When it comes to combating fraud, whether that's Medicaid fraud or just generic criminal fraud, that

Summary: Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield held a press event marking National Health Care Fraud Takedown Day to highlight the state’s Medicaid fraud enforcement work and announce four new criminal filings. He said the Oregon Department of Justice’s Medicaid Fraud Unit, which includes investigators, auditors, attorneys, data analysts, and a nurse investigator, has secured hundreds of convictions and settlements since 2010 and recently received additional staffing from the legislature. He framed the work as bipartisan and aimed at protecting vulnerable Oregonians, recovering taxpayer dollars, and deterring fraud. The announced cases involved alleged provider or vendor fraud rather than Medicaid recipients: Ed Morgan of Beaverton was charged in connection with housing assistance funds tied to a health-related social needs program; Linda Thomas and her company, Gateway of Willamette Valley, were charged with billing Medicaid for day support services not provided; and Amanda Thorne, a former Lane County employee, was charged with using a government credit card for personal purchases. Rayfield also noted recent progress in other cases, including a nurse who pleaded no contest to false billing and theft and was sentenced to jail, probation, and restitution, and a medical transportation company owner recently charged with billing for services not provided. In response to questions, Rayfield said Oregon staff attended a federal meeting on Medicaid fraud despite late notice and political tensions, emphasizing that fraud enforcement should remain bipartisan. He said the federal landscape is complicated by cuts to enforcement staff even as there is talk of increased enforcement, and that states have had to step up. He also said Oregon’s managed care system has not been a major barrier to investigations, which typically begin with complaints and are developed with partner agencies. No votes or formal legislative actions were taken at the event.

Transcript Highlights:

• now online, and welcome to the 16th and last meeting of the Massachusetts Special Commission on Combating
• We are the first legislatively created special commission on combating anti-Semitism in the United States
• We are the first legislatively created special commission on combating anti-Semitism in the United States
• Dear Chair Cotaldo and members of the Special Commission on Combating Anti-Semitism, I am writing to
• Massachusetts must combat antisemitism in a way that distinguishes, et cetera.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission held its 16th and final meeting to review and vote on revisions to its draft report on combating antisemitism. After roll call, members approved the prior meeting minutes, adopted a procedure for handling substantive and technical edits, and authorized limited technical corrections after the meeting. Senator John Velis’s letter was read into the record noting his military deployment and support for the final report, and the commission discussed the scope of the report, including its 118 findings and recommendations and the large volume of testimony received over the year. Members then worked through a series of amendments to the report. The chair’s prefatory statement was revised to restore language and data about Massachusetts Jews’ relationship to Israel and the impact on the commission’s work. Commissioner Liken’s proposal called for DESE guidance and teacher training to support intellectually diverse K-12 classrooms; members debated how to ensure it could not be used to justify biased or false material, and the amendment passed with discussion about existing guardrails. Commissioner Hay’s technical edits were adopted, and commissioners also discussed whether DESE’s new reporting system should anonymize data; the language was revised to specify anonymized data and approved. Additional amendments were adopted on public safety and higher education, including clarifying support for nonprofit security grants and personnel grants, refining language on academic boycotts, and adding references to Zionist identity and presumed Zionist identity as possible bases for antisemitic treatment. Commissioner Kipnis’s revisions to the prefatory statement were also considered, with some members objecting to the removal of language about minimization and traumatic invalidation and others supporting a more concise, fact-driven tone. The commission also approved language strengthening recommendations by changing several “should” statements to “must.” Treasurer Deborah Goldberg then delivered closing remarks praising the commission’s work and sharing personal family history to illustrate the persistence of antisemitism in Massachusetts. She said the report offers a practical roadmap, including bias reporting in schools, security coordination, and broader anti-discrimination training, and emphasized that the recommendations will help all communities. Commissioners thanked her for her leadership and testimony. The meeting continued with further amendments, including one on law enforcement security grants and another on higher education findings and recommendations, and the commission repeatedly voted by roll call, generally approving the revisions unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• At its core, combating Medicaid fraud is about fighting for working families, protecting vulnerable Oregonians
• fund our Medicaid fraud control units, which are critical to ensuring that we are investigating and combating
• When it comes to combating fraud, whether that's Medicaid fraud or just generic criminal fraud, that
• When it comes to combating fraud, whether that's Medicaid fraud or just generic criminal fraud, that

Keywords: 907, all

Summary: Oregon Attorney General staff held a press event on National Health Care Fraud Take Down Day to announce new Medicaid fraud enforcement actions and highlight the work of the state’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The attorney general said the unit, created in 1986, has secured 348 criminal convictions, 156 civil settlements and judgments, and significant recoveries since 2010, and noted the legislature recently approved additional staffing. She framed the work as protecting vulnerable Oregonians and taxpayer dollars, and said the unit is a small multidisciplinary team of investigators, auditors, attorneys, data analysts, and a nurse investigator. The office announced criminal filings in four cases involving alleged fraud by providers or public employees, including charges against a Beaverton man tied to housing assistance funds, a Corvallis provider and company accused of billing Medicaid for services not provided, a former Lane County employee accused of improper personal purchases on a government credit card, and a Tigard man in a medical transportation-related case. The attorney general also cited recent outcomes in other cases, including a Portland nurse who pleaded no contest and was sentenced to jail, probation, and restitution for billing for services not provided. She emphasized that the defendants are presumed innocent. In response to questions, the attorney general said Oregon staff attended a recent federal meeting on Medicaid fraud despite late notice to many Democratic states, describing the issue as bipartisan even amid broader disagreements with the Trump administration. She said federal staffing cuts have made state enforcement more important and that Oregon is already evaluating how to adapt to a more complex fraud landscape. She also said the cases announced are primarily against providers and entities rather than Medicaid recipients, and that Oregon’s managed care system is not currently a major barrier to investigations.

Transcript Highlights:

• participants and spectators, upholding strong regulatory practices and fostering an environment where combat
• So, I don't know if you guys know much about combat sports, but you know, there is a lot that goes into
• Also, we definitely need some training, as there are always new combat sports happening.
• 40, yeah, 40 combat events. And then, we have wrestling every single weekend.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also combat opioid use in a number of ways in this bill through education, antagonists, and opioid
• We also combat opioid use in a number of ways in this bill through education, antagonists, and opioid
• We also combat opioid use in a number of ways in this bill through education, antagonists, and opioid
• We also combat medical school graduates.
• We also combat opioid<00:10:40.800> use<00:10:41.040> in<00:10:41.279> a<00:10:41.519

Bills: HF2436, HF2435

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, healthcare, dementia services, public health funding, opioid prevention, women's health, community health boards, mental health, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The mission of the Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission is to combat and confront hatred, prejudice
• And it's helping us because we have to combat bullying and bullying of children at all stages.
• Their bravery fuels our collective resolve to work tirelessly to combat this crime.
• While Texas has made great strides in combating sexual assault, our work on this topic is far from complete
• Thank you, members, for your support in attacking and combating this horrific situation in our state

Bills: SJR36

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, and approved the previous day’s journal. The chamber received a House message announcing passage of H.C.R. 54, and then took up a series of recognitions and resolutions honoring visiting groups, including Texas Society of CPAs Advocacy Day, the Texas A&M System Chancellor’s Student Advisory Council, Dimmit County officials, the Doctor of the Day, and Leadership Frisco. Senators also recognized the Senate’s memorial and ceremonial guests throughout the day. The main floor business centered on two commemorative resolutions. Senate Resolution 15 marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the start of Texas Holocaust Remembrance Week. Senators King, Menendez, Bettencourt, Perry, Hughes, Hinojosa, Campbell, Hall, Cook, Paxton, West, Parker, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Holocaust education, opposition to anti-Semitism and denial, remembrance of victims and survivors, and the importance of teaching students to stand up against hatred. The resolution was adopted, and the names of all senators and the lieutenant governor were added. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 17 designating January 28 as Sexual Assault Survivors Day. Senator Parker described the prevalence and underreporting of sexual assault, the impact on survivors, and the need for prevention, support services, and stronger responses; Senator Cook spoke as a survivor and emergency room nurse and highlighted rape-kit backlogs and the need for victim support. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 14 honoring Brazoria County Sheriff’s Deputy Jesus Jesse Vargas, who was killed in the line of duty, with Senators Middleton and Huffman urging action against violent offenders and stronger protections for law enforcement. Several additional resolutions were adopted, including SRs 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, and 12, and SR 54 granting permission for the Legislature to adjourn for more than three days was approved by roll call, 31 ayes and 0 nays. The Senate later adjourned until 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in memory of Deputy Vargas and Sergeant Mark Allen Butler, whom Senator Kolkhorst also honored in remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the night meeting of the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism.
• present problem in Massachusetts and that we have the capacity as a state to make some progress in combating
• present problem in massachusetts and that we have the capacity as a state to make some progress in combating
• hate in a meaningful way and combat antisemitism.
• anti-Semitism, and that the state... ...national strategy for confronting and combating anti-Semitism

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism met to review and discuss draft preliminary recommendations, with the co-chairs explaining that the draft had been released publicly and that the meeting was intended for open discussion and edits rather than a final vote. They emphasized the urgency of addressing antisemitism in Massachusetts, especially in K-12 schools, while noting that the recommendations are preliminary, may be revised, and will be supplemented by further testimony and a final report later. Several members also referenced recent allegations and incidents in local schools as examples of why the commission’s work is needed. Commissioners broadly supported the draft but proposed numerous refinements. Common themes included clarifying the distinction between antisemitic incidents and hate crimes; strengthening reporting systems and privacy protections; adding clearer guidance from DESE and the Attorney General on First Amendment issues, curriculum, and investigations; expanding Holocaust and genocide education; and improving professional development for educators, school committees, and administrators. Several members urged better links to mental health and victim services, more support for the Genocide Education Trust, and stronger language on bystander training, digital literacy, and the role of school committees in addressing bias. There was also discussion of how to frame antisemitism as a distinct form of hate, how to address antisemitism related to Israel and Zionism without restricting legitimate political speech, and how to avoid unfunded mandates for school districts and municipalities. Some commissioners suggested adding timeframes, a centralized reporting or investigative mechanism, and more explicit model policies for schools. The meeting ended with the chairs thanking participants and the public for their input, and the commission then moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• NATO, we must maintain our current posture, which will serve as a bridge to the planned build-up of combat
• decades, you have stepped forward time after time to lead American service members, including in combat
• Recent press reports that suggest President Trump may soon remake the entire U.S. combatant command structure
• So for a combat commander, it would be a daunting task for integration. So would you agree that...
• There will be a challenge locating all of it later, you know, all of us in. been in combat, realized

Keywords: committee meeting, legislation, public testimony, SB4, HB2214, bipartisan support

Summary: The committee convened to discuss various bills and hear testimonies related to legislative matters, including public concerns and implications surrounding the proposed legislation. Notably, the members engaged in a vigorous debate over SB4, where several representatives shared differing viewpoints on its impact on local communities and the environment. Public testimonies were heard, with advocates arguing for the bill's potential benefits, while opponents raised significant concerns regarding the fiscal implications and land use. Following these discussions, the committee moved to vote on HB2214, which passed without issue, illustrating the bipartisan support for certain initiatives tied to public welfare.

Transcript Highlights:

• On the Education Committee, I have been the leader in combating anti-Semitism.
• **Senator McCormick** [member_21486], thank you for your leadership combating anti-Semitism.
• His commitment to combating anti-Semitism, or recognizing Jerusalem as the eternal capital of Israel,
• I appreciate your willingness to serve and the work that you have done to combat anti-Semitism.
• To the UN Ambassador, I have a very strong record when it comes to combating anti-Semitism.

Transcript Highlights:

• The 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team is the largest formation, with over 3,500 soldiers located in Pinellas
• Combating illegal immigration in our state through Operation Vigilant Century, combating illegal immigration
• Over a 60-day period alone, we provided 375 days of manpower, combating illegal immigration and disaster
• breadth, working alongside our directors and secretaries and a whole-of-government approach for combating
• breadth, working alongside our directors and secretaries and a whole-of-government approach for combating

Summary: The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee met to organize for the session, take roll, and hear introductory remarks from members and agency heads. Members briefly introduced themselves and their districts, with several noting transportation, economic development, emergency response, military, and hurricane recovery issues in their areas. Chair Shove then outlined the subcommittee’s jurisdiction and current-year budget, noting a total of about $20.3 billion, with most funding coming from trust funds and only a small share from general revenue. The committee also heard that upcoming meetings would include presentations from major agencies in the subcommittee’s purview. The first agency presentation was from the Department of Military Affairs and the Florida National Guard. Major General John Haas described the Guard’s three missions—supporting national security, responding to state emergencies, and adding value to the state—and highlighted deployments for hurricanes, border security support, and ongoing support to the Department of Corrections. He emphasized that the Guard is understrength relative to Florida’s size and demand, said recruiting is strong, and identified force structure growth as the main challenge. Members asked about aircraft, funding sources, and recruiting; Haas explained the Guard’s helicopter and fixed-wing fleet, said aircraft purchases are funded through legislative appropriations, and reported strong interest in the Florida State Guard’s recruiting pipeline. Executive Director Mark Thieme then described the Florida State Guard’s expansion into air, ground, and maritime capabilities, including Black Hawks, boats, drones, canine search-and-rescue teams, and ground support units. He said the agency supported immigration enforcement and hurricane response, and asked for continued legislative support to expand aviation, maritime, and medical capabilities. Members praised the Guard’s disaster response work and asked about aircraft, funding, and staffing. Secretary Cord Byrd of the Department of State followed, focusing on election administration, election security, the SunBiz and voter registration IT systems, arts and culture, corporations, libraries, and historical resources. He said Florida’s election system remains a national model, reported two prosecutions for non-citizen voting, and discussed modernization needs for legacy IT systems. The committee also asked about voter lookup tools, password privacy for SunBiz, and arts funding vetoes. Secretary Alex Kelly of the Department of Commerce described the agency’s broad portfolio, including workforce, economic, community, and international commerce functions, plus housing recovery, broadband, small business support, rural infrastructure, defense-community grants, and law enforcement recruitment bonuses. He said access to capital is the biggest barrier for small businesses and noted ongoing work with CareerSource, the Department of Corrections, and other partners on workforce and reentry. Secretary Jared Perdue of the Department of Transportation then outlined FDOT’s record budget and five-year work program, emphasizing emergency response, preservation and maintenance, safety, and major investments in roads, ports, airports, transit, and spaceport infrastructure. He said the department has removed millions of cubic yards of storm debris, is ahead of schedule on the Moving Florida Forward initiative, and faces a large unfunded project backlog. Members asked about supply chain issues, project priorities, and workforce needs, and Perdue said FDOT is open to collaboration on recruitment and retention.