Video & Transcript Research : 'foreign influence'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services Feb 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- States, the goal of **LULAC** is to advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence
- of all residents and seventy-seven percent of the adults within the Asian-American community are foreign
- part of our administration's efforts to advance the inclusion, integration, and economic mobility of foreign-born
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- employers, medical products, religious exemption; SB 1017, informed consent signatures; SB 1018, foreign
- employers, medical products, religious exemption; SB 1017, informed consent signatures; SB 1018, foreign
- limits, bicycle sidewalk pass; SB 1074, classroom management, students temporary removal; SB 1075, foreign
- exemption, virtual currency; SCR 1004, photo enforcement systems prohibition; SCR 1005, elections foreign
- exemption, virtual currency; SCR 1004, photo enforcement systems prohibition; SCR 1005, elections foreign
Summary:
The Arizona Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a roll call showing 28 members present and two excused. The journal from January 12 was approved, and several guests were introduced, including representatives from CSG West and NCSL, Tucson Electric Power/UniSource Native business resource group members, Yaqui community guests, students from Marcos de Niza High School, and the mayor of Guadalupe. Senators also offered remarks honoring former Attorney General Mark Brnovich with a moment of silence.
A major ceremonial item was a proclamation and flag presentation honoring the life and service of Amaya Curley, presented by Senator Hatathlie. The proclamation recognized Curley’s Navy service, her cultural values, and her impact on family and community, and her family was introduced in the gallery. The Senate also recessed briefly for the presentation of an Arizona state flag flown over the Capitol in her memory, accompanied by a certificate from the Secretary of State.
On floor business, the President Pro Tem announced extended deadlines for opening Senate folders and for bill introduction sets. The Senate received a House message consenting to adjourn the legislature from January 15 until January 20, and the chamber adopted a motion to accede to that request. The clerk then read a long list of second-reading bills and resolutions covering elections, education, health care, firearms, taxation, transportation, immigration-related reporting, public records, and other topics. No bill votes were taken during this portion beyond the adjournment-related motion, and the Senate later adjourned until January 15, 2026, at 10 a.m.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Commerce and Tourism Feb 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- SO, I AM CURIOUS HOW MUCH DOES THIS INDUSTRY RELYING ON FOREIGN LABOR PARTICULARLY THOSE WHO HAVE WORK
- SERIES LLC AND HOW THEY MAKE CLAIMS OR HAVE RIGHTS WITH RESPECT TO THE ASSETS OF RELIABILITY OF THE FOREIGN
- PUTTING IN THERE HOW FORIEGN SERIES LLCS CAN ALREADY TRANSACT BUSINESS IN FLORIDA AND WE CAN STILL HAVE FOREIGN
- AND THAT IS HOW FORIEGN SERIES LLCS CAN ALREADY TRANSACT BUSINESS IN FLORIDA AND WE CAN STILL HAVE FOREIGN
- IT IS PRETTY LENGTHY BECAUSE IT HAS ALL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR HOW THIS FOREIGN SERIES WOULD OPERATE AND
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Economic and Rural Development Aug 11th, 2025
Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- FDI means foreign direct investment. So I know in economic development we use a whole acronym.
- I have been with the partnership for almost eight years now, and every foreign direct investment event
- Coming from a business background and from a foreign country making the U.S. my home, I have realized
- It kind of fills in the gaps and adds that new level targeted for foreign direct investment.
- This service that they're talking about helps mitigate the challenges that any foreign company might
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Indian Affairs Jul 17th, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- guess the ask for us today is on the very last page we do recognize that there's some legislative influence
- We strongly support, especially the interagency convening, which we have direct influence over.
- Because special ed is a whole, I mean it's a foreign language to most people, and many of my colleagues
- It's who we have control over, or we should have control over and influence over. and make sure that
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Rules Apr 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- think the baseline idea is we want to ensure that candidate-specific polling doesn't in any way influence
- institutions, particularly in the space of candidates, that that type of polling doesn't end up in any way influencing
- It's something with foreign trained physicians and our PAs, and you probably have heard that already.
- That's something that will have to help influence, if necessary, discussions with and answers to questions
Summary:
The committee first took up CS/SB 1606 on patient access to records. The sponsor explained that the bill, as amended, would align Florida law more closely with HIPAA by defining “designated record set,” requiring providers to furnish requested records within set timeframes, allowing a limited extension with notice, and requiring records to be produced in the requested form if readily producible. Several members asked about patient portals, legal representatives, and whether the bill affected meaningful-use rules or post-mortem access. Multiple witnesses opposed the bill, arguing it could create cybersecurity risks, conflict with existing privacy rules, and burden providers; supporters said it would improve patient access and consistency. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably.
The committee then considered CS/SB 712 on construction regulations. The bill would direct DEP to establish rules for synthetic turf and limit local governments from banning it if state rules are followed, while also addressing change orders, public works bidding, elevator rails, alarm contractor work, building code updates, spaceport exemptions, permit document limits, and single-trade inspections. Amendments removed the pool and spa contractor provisions and the tall mass timber language. Testimony on the bill centered heavily on the pool industry, with contractors and the Florida Swimming Pool Association opposing expansion of scope to general and building contractors, while some speakers supported other parts of the bill. After adopting the amendments, the committee reported the bill favorably.
Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 1288 on parental rights. The bill would allow minors to be tested for STDs without parental consent but require parental consent for treatment, expand parents’ rights to access records and control certain health decisions, and restrict health care services, medical procedures, and biofeedback devices for minors absent consent or an exception. An amendment moved survey and questionnaire provisions into the education code, added an explicit court-order exception, clarified DNA and biofeedback provisions, and added emergency behavioral health exceptions. The committee heard extensive public testimony both for and against the bill, with supporters emphasizing parental authority and opponents warning it could delay STI treatment, mental health care, and other services for vulnerable minors. The transcript ends during public testimony on the bill, before any final committee action is shown.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (4-14-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Substituting a foreign exam into a series constructed for a different health care system compromises
- Substituting a foreign exam into a series constructed for a different health care system compromises
- Substituting a foreign exam into a series constructed for a different health care system compromises
- Substituting a foreign exam into a series constructed for a different health care system compromises
- >
as <00:19:38.000>a <00:19:38.160>valid foreign licensing exam as a valid foreign
Keywords:
0:22 – Roll Call
0:30 – Approval of minutes
1:04 – Department of Veterans Affairs
2:06 – Board of Pharmacy
3:20 – Board of Optometric Examiners
39:26 – Board of Nursing
40:07 – Board of Emergency Medical Services
41:52 – Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources
44:36 – Transportation Cabinet: Department of Vehicle Registration
45:36 – Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
47:00 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services: Department for Medicaid Services
49:59 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services: Department for Community-Based Services, 958, all
Summary:
The subcommittee approved the minutes from the previous meeting and then took up several regulations. The first was a Department of Veterans Affairs regulation, with a staff amendment, to allow nurse practitioners to apply for the Veterans Affairs nurse loan repayment program year-round and to make technical drafting changes. The committee heard from the Office of Kentucky Veteran Centers, then adopted the staff amendment and approved the regulation without objection.
The main item of the meeting was the Board of Optometric Examiners’ proposed amendment to 201 KAR 5:010, which would allow applicants to use the Optometry Examining Board of Canada written exam in place of part one of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam for licensure. The board said the change would improve access to care, provide an additional pathway for Canadian-trained candidates, and still require applicants to pass the remaining national board parts. Opponents, including NBEO officials, ARBO, Pearson VUE, and several optometrists, argued the Canadian exam is not equivalent, does not test the same biomedical science content, is not validated for U.S. scope of practice, and raises concerns about test security, transparency, and portability across states. They urged the committee to find the amendment deficient or vote no.
Committee members questioned both sides about prior communication with the board, whether Kentucky would be the first state to adopt such a change, the rationale for the proposal, and the cost difference between the exams. Supporters said the board had received some written comments and one phone call, and that the proposal was driven by access concerns and the presence of Canadian students. Opponents said they had not had direct discussions with the Kentucky board before the hearing. No final vote on the optometry regulation is reflected in the transcript excerpt, but the committee heard extensive testimony and rebuttal before moving on.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/03/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #3
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 2009, constitutional amendments, foreign contributions prohibited, just by way of background
- A few years ago, the Federal Election Commission ruled that the federal law that prohibits foreigners
- House Bill 2009, constitutional amendments, foreign contributions prohibited, just by way of background
- A few years ago, the Federal Election Commission ruled that the federal law that prohibits foreigners
- Last year, an attempt to prohibit the use of contributions from foreign individuals for ballot measure
Summary:
The caucus reviewed a long list of bills and resolutions, with members frequently asking to pull measures from consent and noting party-line or unanimous votes. Topics included medical and vaccination restrictions (HB 2248, HB 2086), state investment and conflict-of-interest rules for the treasurer (HB 2303), budget and reporting requirements (HB 2688, HB 2015), procurement limits involving China-linked companies (HB 2170, HB 2134), homelessness administration (HB 2533), traffic and transportation measures (HB 2109, HB 2574, HB 2210), school testing and education policy (HB 2032, HB 2033, HB 2075, HB 2266, HB 2395, HCR 2003), and several health-care bills involving lactation services, gender-transition care for minors, abortion-related restrictions, and hospital immigration-status reporting (HB 2072, HB 2085, HB 2364, HB 2689, HB 2796). Members also discussed water policy, including desalination, groundwater transport, and water-use limits (HB 2052, HB 2056, HB 2098, HB 2758, HB 2328), as well as food and agriculture measures such as SNAP restrictions, cultivated-cell food labeling and bans, and the Beef Council extension (HB 2396, HB 2762, HB 2791, HB 2155). Several members criticized bills as unconstitutional, costly, or harmful to affordability, while sponsors described them as clarifications, consumer protections, or administrative fixes.
The caucus also considered a number of bills affecting labor, property, and consumer issues, including unemployment eligibility changes, mobile home park submetering fees, appraisal management company rules, digital goods seller requirements, property tax clarifications, and protections for minors in online content creation (HB 2690, HB 2459, HB 2501, HB 2010, HB 2120, HB 2192, HB 2261, HB 2279). Other measures addressed sexual extortion penalties, name-change procedures for sex offenders, and restrictions on abortion-inducing drugs and gender-transition procedures for minors (HB 2666, HB 2223, HB 2364, HB 2085). Members repeatedly raised concerns about federal preemption, constitutional issues, implementation costs, and unintended consequences, and several sponsors or members indicated they were working on amendments or stakeholder discussions.
At the end of the meeting, the caucus also heard memorials and resolutions, including a proposal to limit voting centers and precinct voting, and memorials urging withdrawal from the United Nations and defunding the IMF (HCR 2016, HM 2001, HM 2004). The meeting concluded with caucus announcements, including an affordability-themed award recognizing Rep. Betty Villegas, a Black History Month sign-up request, and reminders about upcoming affordability and Latino Caucus events. No final floor votes were taken in the transcript, but multiple bills were pulled from consent or noted for opposition.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development May 12th, 2026
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- And a lot of it's driven by labor and the costs, and then the foreign competition from foreign crab meat
- and foreign crawfish.
- There's 20 years ago to eight now, and a lot of it's driven by labor and the costs, and then the foreign
- competition from foreign crab meat and foreign crawfish.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development met on May 12, 2026, approved the April 28 minutes, and heard extensive testimony on House Concurrent Resolution 77, which urges federal action to address labor shortages affecting Louisiana’s crawfish industry and other seasonal employers. Representative Butler, Commissioner Strain, industry representatives, landscapers, nursery operators, and Farm Bureau supporters argued that H-2A/H-2B visa limits and processing delays are hurting crawfish processors, landscapers, nurseries, and related businesses, causing lost production, higher costs, and broader economic harm. Members emphasized that the workers discussed are legal guest workers, not illegal immigration, and several senators voiced support. HCR 77 was reported favorably, with a motion to co-author also noted.
The committee then considered House Bill 81 on property rights and accountability for violations. Representative Boyer presented the bill, but Senator Long asked that it be voluntarily deferred so he could work on possible amendments and improve the measure before it advances. The author agreed, and the bill was deferred.
The committee also heard and acted on several bills related to agricultural policy and food systems. House Bill 512, concerning cell-cultured meat, was presented as a measure to protect livestock producers and allow continued research while prohibiting the product; after questions about research and labeling, it was reported favorably. House Bill 717, a labeling companion measure for cell-cultured meat, was also reported favorably. House Bill 1194, which would direct the LSU AgCenter to study food deserts and develop a plan, drew concern from the AgCenter over capacity and funding; members agreed to report it without action so it could be recommitted to finance and worked on further. Finally, House Bill 663, revising the membership of the Delta Economic Research and Sustainability District board, was presented on behalf of the absent author and reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- of the Internal Revenue Code and clarifies the income included in the income tax subtraction for foreign
- of the Internal Revenue Code and clarifies the income included in the income tax subtraction for foreign
- And then I would just add real quick, I also don't think we need the foreign tax or foreign dividends
- — And then I will just add real quick, I also don't think we need the foreign tax or foreign dividend
Bills:
SB1638
Keywords:
taxation, income tax, internal revenue code, deductions, tax benefits, retroactive, standard deduction, 1182, all
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee took up SB 1638, a tax conformity bill that would update Arizona’s tax code to the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026 and incorporate federal changes from 2025. The bill also included individual income tax subtractions for tips, overtime, seniors, and auto loan interest, along with changes to the standard deduction and charitable contribution deduction. Committee discussion focused heavily on whether Arizona should conform broadly to federal changes or limit the bill to more targeted, temporary provisions.
Two amendments were considered. The chair’s amendment was described as clarifying only, addressing retroactivity and foreign dividend language, and it was adopted. Senator Epstein’s amendment would have removed the broader conformity provisions and the modified charitable deduction, limited the standard deduction change to tax year 2025, and kept the individual subtractions; she argued the business-related conformity items mainly benefited corporations and should be negotiated in the budget. Opponents said the amendment would create unnecessary recalculations and uncertainty for taxpayers and businesses, while supporters of the underlying bill said conformity was needed quickly to match Department of Revenue forms and avoid filing-season confusion. Epstein’s amendment failed.
Public testimony split along similar lines. Business and tax group representatives supported prompt conformity, saying taxpayers and small businesses needed certainty and that the department’s forms should be codified. Opponents argued the bill would reduce state revenue substantially and mainly benefit higher-income taxpayers and corporations, while diverting money from education, child care, and health care. After debate, the committee voted to move SB 1638 as amended with a do-pass recommendation, passing it by about 4-3, and then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Vets Committee Meeting - 2025-03-19
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Barry Hendrickson, the State of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars Adjutant Quartermaster.
- I am the Director for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Claims Office here in Minnesota and the Departmental
- As the members know, to do business in the state of Minnesota as a foreign corporation— say, if you're
- None of these organizations that are speaking today are registered as a foreign corporation.
- One with the Disabled American Veterans, and last but not least, Veterans of Foreign Wars.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (01/13/2026)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- So you'll see some projects moving forward, but this is a lot of foreign investment that's coming in,
- foreign vessels that are doing the installation on these projects.
- So you'll see some projects moving forward, but this is a lot of foreign investment that's coming in,
- foreign vessels that are doing the installation on these projects.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
A joint hearing with the House Committee on Small Business to examine prosperity on Main Street, focusing on keeping taxes low for small businesses. Apr 8th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- is taking us back to the days of smooth holly, herbert hoover and the eve of the great depression foreign
- from organizations like the International Monetary Fund and the Tax Policy Center have found that foreign
- move along with this tariff issue, would you rather see an increase on, let's call them taxes, on foreign
- and foreign companies, but I think if you set the stage for American companies to be successful, we will
- on their businesses, their farms, their ranches to themselves and they may choose to sell that to foreign
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.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint hearings with the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs to examine the legislative presentation of The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and multi VSOs: Paralyzed Veterans of America, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Student Veterans Mar 4th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Senate Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So may I now recognize the 116th National Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Al Lippard, for
- Everyone who served honorably, like every member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, met our end of this
- First off, thank you to our distinguished guests from the Veterans of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Wars.
- Thank you very much, and please know that the Veterans of Foreign Wars has changed direction.
- Thank you. again, for Veterans of Foreign War for being here. There you go. Look at that.
Keywords:
veteran services, Secretary Collins, healthcare provisions, contract cancellations, transparency, accountability, committee meeting, legislation
Summary:
During this committee meeting, various bills were discussed with a specific focus on veteran services and healthcare provisions. Notably, the cancellation of critical contracts under Secretary Collins sparked significant debate, with representatives emphasizing the adverse impact on veteran care. The meeting featured testimonies from veterans and stakeholders who expressed their concerns regarding the potential fallout of these cancellations, demonstrating the urgency of transparency and accountability in management decisions. Discussions also delved into various legislative proposals aimed at improving services for veterans amidst these challenges.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee May 6th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- been the law that that meant that everyone born in the U.S. was a citizen except for children of foreign
- the part of the bill I feel really good about is the part where, if you negotiated the lease in a foreign
- I find out someone speaks a foreign language. I find out someone speaks a foreign language.
- continue working with the opposition on that piece of it, where the lease was not negotiated in a foreign
- continue working with the opposition on that piece of it, where the lease was not negotiated in a foreign
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills. AB 416 would allow emergency room physicians to initiate 5150 mental health holds, with supporters saying it would reduce emergency room bottlenecks and speed care for patients in crisis. County and behavioral health representatives opposed the bill, and some members raised broader concerns about the 5150 system and juvenile placements. The bill was ultimately approved on a do-pass as amended vote.
AB 446, the Surveillance Pricing Act, drew extensive testimony. The author and supporters argued it would prohibit businesses from using personal data to charge different prices for the same product or service, describing the practice as discriminatory and exploitative. Business and industry groups opposed the bill, warning that its language was too broad, could affect discounts and loyalty programs, and would create litigation risk through a private right of action. After discussion about enforcement and possible amendments, the bill passed on a do-pass motion.
AB 632 would give local governments a faster way to collect penalties for serious code violations, including unsafe housing, fire hazards, and illegal cannabis activity, by allowing certain fines to become money judgments and clarifying lien authority. It had support from county and city groups and no opposition was voiced in the hearing; the bill passed as amended. ACA 7, a constitutional amendment intended to clarify and limit misuse of Section 31A, also moved forward after brief support testimony. The committee then took up AB 649, which would extend protections for businesses that proactively obtain certified access specialist inspections and fix accessibility violations; the author, a small business owner, and others testified in support, while disability rights groups moved to neutral after amendments. Members discussed the balance between access enforcement and reducing predatory litigation, and the bill was still under consideration as the transcript ended.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (04/08/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- And the majority of it's made in foreign countries, and the synthetic form at the really high doses,
- countries and the synthetic in foreign countries and the synthetic form<01:36:27.040>
at <01:36 - He added that even if Narcan does work on it, that should not influence how he would support this policy
- how that's not going to not influence how that's not going to influence<01:49:25.119>
how <01: - how I would support this influence how I would support this policy. policy. policy.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Natural Resources Committee Apr 28th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And, as was mentioned, we import most of that from foreign nations that don't share our environmental
- And so is it your belief that, you know, bringing in foreign oil or other sources of oil is going to
- and foreign-supplied tanker, coming into a California port to deliver oil.
- and foreign-supplied tanker, you know, coming into a California port to deliver oil.
- So it is, by nature, going to decrease the 75% number of reliance on foreign oil.
Summary:
The committee heard several climate, environmental, and housing bills. AB 1425, dealing with pit dewatering near the San Joaquin River Parkway, drew extensive testimony. The author and supporters argued the bill was needed to protect the river, groundwater, floodplain conditions, tribal and cultural resources, and public access from a proposed mining project near the river. Opponents, including Cemex, labor representatives, and industry groups, said the bill would bypass the CEQA process before it was complete, threaten jobs, and create uncertainty for an existing operation. Members questioned both sides about hydrology, blasting, dewatering, and the adequacy of the ongoing environmental review. The bill was moved, but several members expressed concern about preempting CEQA and some did not vote or voted no.
AB 881, which would allow California to move forward with carbon capture and sequestration pipelines, was presented as a way to advance state climate goals and capture federal funding. Supporters, including SMUD, labor, and industry groups, said the bill would help deploy carbon capture safely and preserve jobs. Environmental justice opponents supported stronger safety direction and warned that CO2 pipelines pose serious risks and that the state should not move ahead without clearer standards. The bill received a due-pass recommendation to Appropriations.
AB 1207, on the cap-and-trade allowance price ceiling and the social cost of carbon, was presented as a science-based update to California’s climate policy. The author and EDF said the bill would keep the program aligned with current economic and climate data and protect it from federal political interference. It received broad support and a due-pass recommendation. AB 1106, creating a coordinated network of air quality incident response centers, was also approved after testimony about wildfire smoke, toxic emissions, and the need for better real-time monitoring during disasters. AB 28, the Landfill Fire Safety Act, focused on the Chiquita Canyon landfill fire and related health impacts in Castaic and Val Verde; residents described serious illnesses and contamination concerns, while landfill and county representatives warned about costs and asked for more study. The committee nonetheless advanced the bill with a due-pass recommendation. The committee also heard AB 357, which would speed Coastal Commission review of student and faculty housing projects, with supporters citing student homelessness and opponents urging caution but acknowledging the need for more housing; the bill was presented and discussed, with the committee emphasizing the need to balance housing production and coastal oversight.
PA
Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Jun 23 2026)
Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Born and raised in Dublin, Katie joined Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 2003.
- Born and raised in Dublin, Katie joined Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 2003.
- Over the course of her foreign diplomatic career, Katie has served as Deputy Director for South Asia
- Katie previously served in the Department of Foreign Affairs from 2015 to 2016, when she worked on Northern
- Gerald joined Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs in 1999 after an initial period working in banking
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, committee reports, and approval of the prior journal. Members also granted several leaves of absence and welcomed a number of guests, including Ireland’s Consul General and Deputy Consul General, student shadows, an intern, and the Neshaminy High School baseball team, which was recognized for winning the 2026 PIAA Class 6A state championship. The chamber then recessed briefly for an Education Committee meeting and party caucuses before returning to session.
On the floor, the Senate advanced several measures. Senate Bill 362, addressing SNAP skimming, passed 49-0 after remarks about protecting food assistance benefits from theft. Senate Bill 469, providing discounted fishing and hunting licenses for current and retired law enforcement, also passed 49-0 after an amendment was withdrawn. Senate Bill 730, codifying Pennsylvania POLST forms for end-of-life medical orders, saw a tabled amendment from Senator Boscola on physician-assisted dying after a 28-21 vote, then passed 49-0. The Senate also adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 1206 clarifying a temporary license pending FDA approval, and sent House Bill 1344 and Senate Bill 1377 to the House after unanimous final passage.
Other bills were moved to appropriations or held in order, including Senate Bill 49, House Bill 96, Senate Bill 535, Senate Bill 536, House Bill 538, Senate Bill 743, Senate Bill 1262, Senate Bill 1273, House Bill 1286, and Senate Bill 1372. House Bill 1862 and House Bill 2017 each received amendments and were re-referred to the Appropriations Committee. The Senate also agreed to consider newly reported committee bills, including measures from Finance, Judiciary, Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness, and Education.
In petitions and remonstrances, Senators Tartaglione and Costa focused on minimum wage and utility affordability, urging action on consumer protections, LIHEAP funding, data center energy costs, and related energy policy. The session concluded with the signing of House Bill 1877 in the presence of the Senate and a recess until June 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., unless recalled earlier.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes omnibus tax package, HF2438 - Part 2 5/17/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- League, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Veterans of Foreign
- ><00:02:46.680>
the <00:02:46.760>Veterans <00:02:47.200>of <00:02:47.280>Foreign - America, and the Veterans of Foreign America, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars,<00:02:48.280>
- The tax bill is named Urgent by the song Foreigner. Uh, look it up. It's very appropriate.
Summary:
The House took House File 2438, the tax bill, from the table and proceeded to third reading on the conference committee report. Representative Olson spoke in support of a disabled veteran homestead market value exclusion increase, arguing that veterans’ organizations had requested the change and that the property tax impact on other taxpayers would be small. He said the bill did not include the increase and urged action next year. Representative Acom thanked the committee for including language to require a thorough, unbiased study of nuclear energy, comparing its life-cycle costs, health and environmental impacts, accident risks, transmission needs, and liabilities against other generation sources, with findings due next year.
Representative Davids also supported the bill, while noting several local projects and provisions that were not included, such as local option sales tax authority for Saint Paul and projects in Blaine, Virginia, Plymouth, and Minnetonka. He thanked Chair Gomez, committee staff, legislative staff, and others involved in the tax process, and said the bill was appropriately named. After discussion, members voted on the conference committee report.
The roll was taken, including remote participation, and the conference committee report on House File 2438 passed with 126 ayes and 8 nays. The bill was repassed as amended by conference, and its title was agreed to.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education Apr 3rd, 2025
S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education
Transcript Highlights:
- of years ago and took Spanish for two years, that's really not either one of these; that's just a foreign
- Yeah, that's foreign language, which is a different type of credit. Okay. Thank you. Yes, sir. Dr.
- The real reason for this, I believe, is to tamp down criticism on one foreign nation-state.
- That one foreign nation-state specifically. ...that doesn't want Texans, even young Texans, some as early
- My students should not fear punishment from their school for critiquing the actions of any foreign nation
Keywords:
bullying, antisemitism, school policies, school discipline, education, education policy, Texas Education Code, hate speech, student rights, civics education, high school curriculum, government, voting process, elected officials, Texas Seal of Biliteracy, biliteracy, bilingual education, multilingual, language proficiency, high school diploma