Video & Transcript Research : 'war declaration'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So a declaration of war, or a lack of a declaration of war by the Congress, is this bill suggesting..
- So a declaration of war, or a lack of a declaration of war by the Congress, is this bill suggesting that
- We have not declared war on Russia.
- No declaration of war.
- No declaration of war.
Summary:
The committee held a hybrid public hearing on seven House bills and seven Senate bills related to the Massachusetts National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserves. Opening remarks covered hearing procedures, livestreaming, testimony limits, and expected reporting dates, and chairs noted the committee’s focus on Guard and Reserve issues. Testimony then moved through several bills, including S. 2465 to expand the National Guard welcome-home veterans bonus to all deployed Guard members regardless of residency, H. 3876/S. 2462 to authorize military-style headstones for long-serving or deceased Guard members, and S. 2482/H. 3833 to establish a Massachusetts National Guard Museum in Salem. Supporters of the bonus and headstone bills argued they would correct inequities and better honor service; Senator Lovely described the museum proposal as a way to preserve the Guard’s history in Salem and potentially support federal funding for the project.
A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 3829/S. 2471, the “Defend the Guard” proposal that would bar Massachusetts National Guard deployments into active combat absent a formal congressional declaration of war. Supporters argued the bill would restore constitutional war powers, reduce repeated undeclared deployments, and protect Guard members’ mental health and state readiness. Opponents, including retired Guard leaders and current service members, warned it could conflict with federal law and Title 10 authority, undermine federal funding and training, and harm readiness, force structure, and unique Guard capabilities. Committee members repeatedly questioned the bill’s legal authority, constitutional basis, and practical effects under the Supremacy Clause and Title 10, and several witnesses were asked to submit additional written legal support.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 3831, which would extend Chapter 115 benefits to currently serving Guard and Reserve members who do not meet federal veteran-status thresholds, and on related proposals to clarify Guard command structure and the duties of the Adjutant General. Supporters said these changes would improve access to benefits, reduce confusion in the chain of command, and strengthen discipline and responsiveness. Separately, the National Guard Association of Massachusetts backed H. 3860/S. 2458, the Guard Enlistment Enhancement Program, as a recruiting tool, while opposing the Defend the Guard bills. No votes were taken during the hearing.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Mar 17th, 2025
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Under Article One, Section 8 of the US Constitution, Congress alone holds the power to declare war.
- They would get a formal declaration of war.
- And again, If Congress declares war, we go on the next plane over.
- The last time we declared war was in 1942.
- This is why declarations of war are essential.
Keywords:
public school finance, property values, homestead exemptions, funding allocation, education policy, HB227, kratom, Mitragyna speciosa, kratom products, kratom processor, kratom retailer, controlled substances, Texas Controlled Substances Act, Health and Safety Code, Penalty Group 1, tianeptine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, mitragynine, synthetic kratom, kratom alkaloids
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 19th, 2026 at 08:16 am
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Bills:
HB145, HB279, HB292, SB35, HJM1, HM7, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM32, HM51, HM1, HM39, HM29, HM43, HM30, HM52, HM64, HM65, HM66, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HM17, HM46, HM13, HM20, HM54, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM59, HM2, HM16, HM47, HM53
Keywords:
high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, healthcare privacy, electronic medical records, reproductive health, gender-affirming care, data protection, location tracking, confidentiality, sexual abuse, prison safety, correctional facilities, inmate rights, investigation procedures, judgeship, judiciary, court system
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, March 4, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- can declare war. can declare war.
- There is authority to declare war.
- <05:42:02.798>
war It's why the power to declare war It's why the power to declare war was - So but again let us let us declare war.
- All we're voting on declare war today.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs (01/17/2025)
State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- unarticulated missions and no declarations of war from Congress, certainly it is getting harder and
- Wars with unarticulated missions<04:36:04.799>
and <04:36:04.959>no <04:36:05.240>Declarations - <04:36:05.920>
of <04:36:06.080>war <04:36:06.320>from missions and no Declarations - of war from missions and no Declarations of war from Congress<04:36:07.439>
certainly <04:36:08.039 - HB 104, an act relative to requiring an official declaration of war for the activation of the New Hampshire
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- He linked the losses of the war to the Declaration of Independence by offering our nation a second founding
- the purpose of the Civil War. the purpose of the Civil War.
- the losses of the war to the Declaration<00:24:04.240>
of <00:24:04.480>Independence <00 - constitutional majority declared task. constitutional majority declared task.
- majority is declared passed. majority is declared passed.
Summary:
The Senate convened with 39 members present, heard the invocation from Reverend Meredith West, and journalized her remarks. The chamber then recognized several guest groups and observances, including Omega Psi Phi Fraternity’s Second District Corridor 1 for “100 Q’s in Annapolis Day,” the Kent Island High School boys lacrosse team for winning the Maryland 2A state championship, Arts Day participants, Rural Maryland Council members, Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition advocates, and visitors from the Maryland Judiciary. Senators also spoke about the meaning of Kente cloth during Black History Month, and the chamber recognized a birthday and thanked protocol staff for Valentine’s Day decorations.
The Senate’s featured presentation was the annual Lincoln Day speech by the Senator from the 37th District. The senator reflected on Abraham Lincoln’s life, political career, and moral leadership, emphasizing his self-education, opposition to the expansion of slavery, the Emancipation Proclamation, Gettysburg, and the idea that the nation’s founding principles of liberty and equality guided Lincoln through the Civil War. The minority leader praised the address, and the Senate agreed without objection to journalize the remarks.
After the ceremonial portion, the Senate moved to business. Bond initiatives on the calendar were read and referred to the Capital Budget Subcommittee. The Executive Nominations Committee reported favorably on a list of recess appointees, including gubernatorial secretaries, district court judges, and a state board appointee, and the report was special ordered to Monday, February 16, 2026. The chamber then began second-reader consideration of Budget and Taxation bills: Senate Bill 25, altering the cyber security technology and service tax credit, was amended and ordered printed for third reading; Senate Bill 58, creating a property tax credit for retail service station conversions, was discussed with questions about who would receive the credit and why the incentive was needed, and consideration was ongoing when the transcript ended.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, June 24, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- war: "The Congress shall have the power to declare war."
- <02:16:34.319>
war, the sole power to declare war, the sole power to declare war, quote,<02 - power to declare war." End quote. power to declare war." End quote.
- /c> declaration of war against the United declaration of war against the United States<03:32:35.760><
- The Congress shall have the power to declare war.
NH
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing: Committee on Education Policy and Committee on Education Finance - 05/06/26
Transcript Highlights:
- /c><00:03:58.600>
the Declaration of Independence, the Declaration of Independence, the original - :50:32.400>
of <00:50:32.480>the reading of the Declaration of the reading of the Declaration - >
read <00:50:40.280>widely Declaration was first read widely Declaration was first read - Or we've got the Iraq-Afghanistan War, where I served.
- ,<01:07:17.840>
adjutant Veterans of Foreign Wars, adjutant Veterans of Foreign Wars, adjutant
Summary:
The committee held a joint hearing recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and focusing on civic education, free speech, voting, and Minnesota’s America 250 commemorations. Opening remarks emphasized the importance of education, Indigenous land acknowledgement, and the idea that democracy depends on informed and engaged citizens. The chair then invited student debaters from the Minnesota High School League to testify about how debate, free speech, and evidence-based reasoning have shaped their education and civic participation. The students argued that debate teaches critical thinking, helps young people engage with difficult issues, and should be protected as part of a healthy democracy; one also urged lawmakers to move beyond empty promises and take action on issues such as eviction moratoriums, ICE collaboration, and protest protections.
Commissioner Willie Jett of the Minnesota Department of Education testified that public education is where citizenship first becomes real, and that schools, libraries, and educators help students learn to listen, question, debate respectfully, and understand both the ideals and failures of American history. He said democracy is something each generation must learn and strengthen, and thanked the committee for convening the hearing. Former students Sarah Griffin and Charlie Crocker then offered tributes to Senator Swedzinski, describing how his teaching encouraged civic engagement, disagreement, and action, and how his classroom shaped their lives and public service. Their remarks emphasized that democracy is not a spectator sport and that ordinary people build it through small, courageous acts.
Secretary of State Steve Simon followed with testimony on Minnesota’s civic culture and voter participation. He said Minnesota has long ranked near the top nationally in voter turnout, including youth turnout, and attributed that to a combination of good election laws and a strong pro-voting culture. He highlighted school-based civic education efforts such as pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds and the Students Vote mock election program, and noted that Minnesota’s congressional delegation was unanimous in supporting the Voting Rights Act in 1965 as an example of the state coming together on major moral questions. The Minnesota Historical Society then began its presentation on America 250, with Kent Whitworth describing the organization’s role, the new edition of the Northern Lights curriculum, and broader commemorative activities; Dr. Bill Convery introduced historical context about how Americans have celebrated independence and how the semiquincentennial can leave a legacy for future generations.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't think that there's been a declaration of war by... ...going to glean from the War Powers Act,
- I don't think that there's been a declaration of war by the Congress.
- ..but technically speaking, under the War Powers Act, it's a hostility until the Congress declares it
- Well, Congress hasn't declared it a war, so it's not technically... ...a war.
- Under the Constitution, the Congress has not declared war yet.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
05/11/2026 - Senate Director Nominations
Transcript Highlights:
- that there's been a declaration of war by the Congress.
- Powers Act, it's a hostility until Congress declares war.
- Well, Congress hasn't declared it a war, so it's not technically a war.
- Under the Constitution, Congress has not declared war yet.
- at war.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Director Nominations held a confirmation hearing for John Connolly, the current Adjutant General and Director of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA). Connolly described his background in the Army, National Guard, and military law, and outlined DEMA’s dual mission of supporting the Arizona National Guard and emergency management. He emphasized readiness, modernization of aging aircraft and facilities, growth in capabilities such as drones and electronic warfare, partnerships to restore helicopter training at Silver Bell, and stewardship of resources. He also discussed DEMA’s border-related missions, including Task Force Safe at Nogales, counter-drug operations, and use of artificial intelligence to monitor drone activity and build a common operating picture for law enforcement.
Committee members questioned Connolly about his interview and vetting process, his role in emergency management, disaster response in Gila County, support for rural counties and tribes, and services for Guard members and families through the Integrated Resilience Operations Center. Several members pressed him on military discipline, lawful orders, classified information, and the distinction between war and hostilities. Senator Rogers focused on chain of command, combat readiness, and whether Connolly’s JAG background prepared him to lead a combat-oriented force; Connolly responded that his role is to provide ready forces, follow civilian authority, and ensure troops have training, equipment, and family support. He also said he had experience advising commanders and teaching lawful versus unlawful orders.
A major point of contention came when members questioned Connolly about the 2021 COVID-19 vaccination mandate for the Guard and whether he had treated it as unlawful or unconstitutional. Connolly said it was a lawful order at the time and that exemption processes existed under the regulations. The hearing also turned to immigration enforcement, emergency powers, and whether the Guard should support ICE; Connolly said the Guard is a support function and would respond to a direct request through the governor, but he could not identify a specific scenario in the abstract. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the committee appeared to continue its review after testimony and questioning.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Feb 25th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I declare the bill to be advanced.
- I declare the bill to be advanced.
- I declare the bill to be advanced.
- I declare the same to have passed.
- I declare the bill to be advanced.
Bills:
HJR1032, SB1314, SB1257, SB1326, SB1365, SB1932, SB169, SB1991, SB1992, SB1204, SB1339, SB182, SB1847, SB1360, SB1346
Keywords:
HJR1032, House Joint Resolution 1032, Service Oklahoma, administrative rules, rule repeal, joint resolution, Oklahoma Administrative Code, OAC 670:15-1-10, OAC 670:15-1-14, agency regulation, legislative oversight, Secretary of State, Oklahoma Register, rulemaking, permanent rules, administrative code, groundwater, indemnity fund, well drilling, pollution prevention
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Feb 4th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I declare the same to have passed.
- I declare the same to have passed as an emergency. Madam, we thank you, Mr. President. I yield.
Bills:
SB1519, SB1775, SB1900, SB1948, SB2080, SB1226, SB1456, SB1462, SB1463, SB1980, SB1479, SB1608, SB1923
Keywords:
municipal zoning, home-based businesses, no-impact businesses, local government, regulation, short-term rentals, municipal ordinance, municipal court, court of record, court not of record, city penalties, fine limits, penalty cap, ordinance enforcement, state statute, traffic offenses, speeding, parking, DUI, DWI
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Feb 3rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Bills:
SB1519, SB1775, SB1900, SB1948, SB2080, SB1226, SB1456, SB1462, SB1463, SB1980, SB1479, SB1608, SB1923
Keywords:
municipal zoning, home-based businesses, no-impact businesses, local government, regulation, short-term rentals, municipal ordinance, municipal court, court of record, court not of record, city penalties, fine limits, penalty cap, ordinance enforcement, state statute, traffic offenses, speeding, parking, DUI, DWI
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Feb 2nd, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Bills:
SB1519, SB1775, SB1900, SB1948, SB2080, SB1226, SB1456, SB1462, SB1463, SB1980, SB1479, SB1608, SB1923
Keywords:
municipal zoning, home-based businesses, no-impact businesses, local government, regulation, short-term rentals, municipal ordinance, municipal court, court of record, court not of record, city penalties, fine limits, penalty cap, ordinance enforcement, state statute, traffic offenses, speeding, parking, DUI, DWI
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- As well as our state constitution and our state declaration of independence.
- Currently, this letter, along with our Constitution and Declaration of Independence, is under the care
- be appropriate to bring the Travis letter and the Constitution to Congress. institution and our Declaration
Keywords:
Texas Constitution, Declaration of Independence, victory or death letter, display, historic preservation, HB 1893, Texas public information law, Public Information Act, Government Code 552.130, Transportation Code Chapter 730, license plate number, vehicle registration, law enforcement video, police body camera, dashcam, redaction, public records request, open records, government transparency, privacy
TX
Keywords:
Medicaid, nutrition support, maternal health, chronic conditions, pilot program, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child protective services, child abuse investigations, child neglect, child exploitation, advisory committee, Family and Protective Services Council, council abolition, foster care, due process, investigative procedures, child welfare, parental rights, family preservation services
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, June 29, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- More than a dozen have declared children's exposure to declared children's exposure to pornography a
- Uh, again, the U.S. is not at war in Lebanon.
- It was the deadliest day for our Marines since World War II.
- Speaker, when Thomas Jefferson wrote those words in the Declaration of those words in the Declaration
- It has taken a civil war, the 13th, It has taken a civil war, the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 19th amendments
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Motion to suspend rules in order to debate gun control, gun violence prevention package 5/14/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's declare an urgency.
- Weapons of war. Let's talk about the ideology of war.
- Weapons of war.
- Weapons of to talk about weapons of war. Weapons of war. war. war.
- They want to remove weapons of war. They want to remove weapons of war.
Summary:
The House took up a motion to suspend the rules so House File 5140 could be recalled from committee, given second and third readings, and placed on passage. Representative Long and Representative Greenman argued the bill was an urgent, comprehensive gun violence prevention package that had already passed the Senate and should be acted on immediately in response to recent shootings, including Annunciation School, Burnsville, and Accent Signage. They said families, students, survivors, doctors, and community members had been pressing legislators to act, and Greenman described the bill as including mental health, intervention, anonymous threat reporting, bans on weapons of war, ghost guns, and binary triggers.
Representative Heintzeman opposed the urgency motion and focused on specific bill language, arguing that parts of the proposal were unclear or overly broad. He questioned whether the language on protruding grips would effectively ban all handguns, whether the penalties section could turn lawful gun owners into felons for possessing multiple noncompliant items, and whether the firearms assembly language could criminalize routine cleaning and reassembly of guns. He said these issues should have been addressed in committee and argued members needed clearer answers before voting on urgency.
Greenman responded that the language was intended to target additional protruding grips, not ordinary handgun grips, and said she was willing to adopt an amendment to clarify that point. On the penalties and assembly questions, she said the bill was aimed at certifying existing weapons, banning ghost guns, and preventing harm, and repeatedly urged members to vote for the urgency motion so the full bill could be considered. The exchange remained focused on the motion to suspend the rules and on the substance of the gun violence prevention package; no final vote or other action is shown in the transcript excerpt.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, January 15, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Congress, the sole power to declare war, goes on to say, "Congress has not yet declared war upon Venezuela
- <02:32:51.200>
war, Congress, the sole power to declare war, Congress, the sole power to declare - <02:33:13.200>
war, not having declared war, not having declared war, a<02:33:15.040>president - <02:34:20.479>
war cannot reclaim its power to declare war cannot reclaim its power to declare - our power to declare war while we can our power to declare war while we can before<02:59:38.399>