Video & Transcript : 'Democrat' :
Page 77 of 312
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Joint Conference Committee - SF0028, March 5, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm really lucky in my county; most every time I tested, I have a Republican and Democrat.
- 08.120><c> and</c> time I tested, I have a Republican and time I tested, I have a Republican and Democrat
- </c> Democrat. This has been for years. Democrat. This has been for years.
Summary:
The conference committee met on Senate File 2028, an elections-related bill concerning public logic and accuracy testing of voting equipment. The House explained its changes: extending notice from two to four days, removing language that limited the number of people in the room so the testing could be more open to the public, and adding language about resealing equipment after testing. The Senate side said the bill was largely technical but focused on balancing transparency with security and suggested a middle-ground notice period and a minimum number of people in the room rather than an open-ended crowd size.
County clerks Mary Langford and Julie Freeze testified in support of maintaining strong security and discretion during testing. They said clerks already notify party chairs and candidates through email, social media, and other means, and argued that two days’ notice is workable because election logistics can change at the last minute due to weather, missing materials, or equipment issues. They emphasized that testing should remain public, but that clerks need flexibility to manage room size and protect equipment and chain of custody, especially in smaller or more secure spaces.
Other members discussed whether the bill should be delayed, but witnesses said clerks would continue to make testing publicly available even without the bill and that the Senate version better preserved the balance between visibility and security. The committee ultimately moved to the Senate position, and the conference committee report passed on a roll call vote with all members voting aye, including Representatives Lock, Lucas, and Yen, and Senators Dockter and Erlandson; Senator Keiser was recorded as no.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Public Safety Previews New Weapons Screening at State Capitol - 02/13/26
Transcript Highlights:
- the Minnesota State Capitol, whether they're visiting, working, learning, or participating in our democratic
- c><00:03:34.000><c> our</c> learning, or participating in our learning, or participating in our democratic
- <00:03:34.799><c> process,</c> democratic process, democratic process, can<00:03:36.640><c> do</c><00
Summary:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson and State Patrol Colonel Christina Bogoich announced that weapon screening will begin Tuesday at the Minnesota State Capitol, at the start of the 2026 legislative session. They said the change is based on an independent security assessment and the Axtell report’s top recommendation, and is intended as an added layer of protection rather than a weapons ban or a change in state law. Both officials emphasized that the Capitol should remain open, accessible, and welcoming while reducing preventable risks, citing increased threats nationwide and the recent murders of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Mark Hortman and the shootings of Senator John Hoffman and Yvette Hoffman.
Officials said visitors will enter through four public access points, with all other exterior doors closed to public entry. The primary entrance will be the south ground-level entrance, with additional access through tunnels connecting to the Senate building, State Office Building, Parking Lot C, and the Judicial Center. They said the screening process should take only seconds for most people, with bags scanned separately and additional checks only if needed. Prohibited items will not be stored by the Capitol, and the public was told to plan ahead, carry fewer items, and follow staff instructions. The Capitol will close to the general public at 4:30 p.m. on weekdays unless legislative business is still underway, in which case accommodations will be made.
In questions, officials said people with valid permit-to-carry authorization may still bring a firearm if it is otherwise legal, but they must declare the permit, show government ID, and go through screening. Elected officials are exempt and will have a separate lane, while staff will be screened. They also said the tunnels will be locked with restricted key-card access, and that the Senate is implementing its own screening, with questions about Senate doors referred there. Jacobson said the State Patrol will cover the costs within its existing budget, and that the process will be evaluated and adjusted as needed to keep it efficient and not a deterrent to visitors.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- An essential component of a democratic society in a republican system of government is accountability
- <00:12:59.839><c> component</c><00:13:00.320><c> of</c><00:13:00.560><c> a</c><00:13:00.720><c> democratic
- </c> An essential component of a democratic An essential component of a democratic society<00:13:01.839
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment & Energy Jan 27th, 2026 at 04:00 pm
Environment & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, so I think Republicans will go into that room and Democrats. We do have rooms available.
- I think Democrats can go down to B12. Okay. And we should be back within five to ten. Okay.
- But that means Democrats have to bust one, go quickly, walk quickly. All right, thanks.
- And I don't think that the Democrats will caucus.
Keywords:
emissions, climate commitment act, environmental regulation, trade regulation, facility compliance, consumer-owned utilities, clean energy, port districts, market customers, energy transformation, distributed energy, renewable energy, energy resources, sustainability, energy policy, 904, all
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 21 January, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Indeed, we are extremely grateful that you have given to these United States of America a democratic
- ><c> of</c><00:11:19.839><c> America</c> States of America States of America a<00:11:22.000><c> democratic
- </c><00:11:22.720><c> form</c><00:11:23.120><c> of</c><00:11:23.440><c> government</c> a democratic form
- of government a democratic form of government through<00:11:25.600><c> which</c><00:11:25.920><c> our
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House State Government Committee Jan 14th, 2026
State Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Eighty-nine percent of Republicans and 75% of Democrats and independent voters.
- Republicans<00:12:46.800><c> and</c><00:12:47.040><c> 75%</c><00:12:48.000><c> of</c><00:12:48.240><c> Democrats
- </c><00:12:48.639><c> and</c> Republicans and 75% of Democrats and Republicans and 75% of Democrats and
Keywords:
firearms, possession, Class 1 municipalities, criminal penalties, federal law, stolen firearms, prohibited persons, HB114, Alabama Sunset Law, sunset bill, Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama, dental board, dental licensing, dentist regulation, professional licensing, occupational licensing, healthcare regulation, licensure board, state agency continuation, agency sunset review
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And when I tell you all I'm just a 1990s Democrat, that's because that's how I was raised by people like
- I don't know if he was a Democrat or a Republican.
- Member: And I was just kind of curious, are you aware of this priority legislation for either the Democrat
- Simmons: You know what, you can just call me a lowly Democratic freshman member of the House trying to
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Child Committee Meeting - 2025-04-09
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Number one priority, and it was agreed upon by every one of us, Democrats and Republicans.
- Taken out by leadership from the Democrats.
- Cost was, but I feel I think the cost concerns—which I sound like a Democrat saying this—small business
- you think, but... like I said, I think it's always good when Republicans come with regulations and Democrats
Bills:
HF2436
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Press Conference 2/19/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Two years ago the Democrat majority tied the charities' hands behind their back and said, still do all
- Two years ago the Democrat majority tied the charities' hands behind their back and said, still do all
- Two years ago the Democrat majority tied the charities' hands behind their back and said, still do all
- when it's their election season, our senators are now in an election season, and there is a couple Democrats
Summary:
State Representative Bjorn Olson opened by discussing House File 733, which he said would roll back restrictions placed on electronic pull tabs and charitable gambling two years earlier. He argued the 2023 changes hurt charities, veterans groups, and local communities by reducing revenue for donations to fire departments, youth activities, and veterans services. Olson said the bill had just been heard in the Veterans Committee and had been sent on to Commerce, and he expressed optimism about advancing it further.
Several charity and gambling representatives testified in support of the bill. Amanda Jackson of the Spring Lake Park Lions Club said the new rules stripped entertaining features from electronic pull tabs and reduced revenue, citing a drop in January EAB sales from $947,000 in 2024 to $816,000 in 2025. She described how Lions Club gambling funds local equipment, eyeglasses, clothing, school programs, food shelves, and shelters. Rachel Keller of the Bloomington Kennedy Activities Foundation and Tim Angstrom of the Bloomington American Legion said reduced gambling revenue would hurt school support, student needs, and community programs; Angstrom said the Legion had funded a $3,000 English program and other local services.
Rachel Jenner of Allied Charities said the group was also working on sports betting legislation, but that any sports betting revenue would not make up for the losses from the electronic pull tab changes. She said the 2023 law took effect January 1 and that no current game on the market fully matches the features now required, forcing manufacturers and charities to adapt. In response to questions, Olson said the bill’s path would depend on further House and Senate action, and he suggested a possible compromise could involve restoring some playability features while continuing to seek tax relief for charities.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
January 15, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Democratic Ranking Member Joseph? Here. Representatives Alvarez? Here. Aristide? Here. Fasabi?
- I mean, every month or so, whether it's Democrat administration or Republican administration, there's
- I mean, every month or so, whether it's Democrat administration or Republican administration, there's
- additional sanctions that are being Month or so, whether it's a Democratic administration or a Republican
Summary:
The Government Operations Subcommittee met with a quorum and began with member introductions and remarks from the chair emphasizing the committee’s focus on government efficiency, accountability, and oversight of executive branch agencies. Members shared their districts and backgrounds, with several noting hurricane recovery in their communities and a shared interest in reducing bureaucracy and improving service to Floridians.
The committee’s only presentation was from Chris Spencer, Executive Director of the State Board of Administration, who gave an overview of the SBA’s governance structure, investment responsibilities, and divestment policies. He explained the SBA’s management of more than $257 billion in assets, including the Florida Retirement System, the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, and Florida PRIME, and reviewed the Protecting Florida’s Investments Act restrictions covering Northern Ireland, Cuba, Venezuela, Israel, Sudan, Iran, and China. He also described the implementation of HB 7071, including the required divestment from direct holdings in Chinese companies, and said the SBA had reduced its direct Chinese holdings from 33 companies totaling over $172 million to 13 companies totaling about $64 million, with completion expected ahead of the September 1, 2025 deadline.
Members asked detailed questions about the Israel boycott list, Morningstar and MSCI, how the SBA gathers information, whether Cuba’s federal designation changes affect Florida law, how companies are removed from scrutinized lists, and whether divestment timing could affect returns. Spencer said the SBA uses public and paid research sources, gives companies a 90-day cure period in some cases, and brings list changes to the trustees for approval. He also explained that the China benchmark change is intended to reduce passive exposure while still allowing active investment decisions, and said the PFIA restrictions have had a modestly positive overall effect on pension performance. The chair also asked about the Florida Retirement System funded ratio and the CAT Fund’s capacity; Spencer said the pension fund is at 80.7% funded, that actuarial assumptions are reviewed regularly, and that the CAT Fund currently has more than $10.5 billion in liquid claims-paying capacity and is expected to remain well positioned for hurricane losses. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 022 Feb 5th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Black Democratic Legislative Caucus, which has made history in recent years as the largest Black
- :06.079><c> C</c><01:08:06.480><c> caucus,</c> Black Democratic Legislative C caucus, Black Democratic
- And I’m also honored to be the vice chair of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus.
- And I’m also honored to be the vice chair of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus.
- the vice chair of the Black Democratic Legislative<01:10:11.120><c> Caucus.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:17:19.600><c> Um</c><00:17:20.799><c> my</c> Um, so since January 20th, the Democratic Attorneys
- Uh, so since January 20th,<00:18:18.080><c> the</c><00:18:18.240><c> Democratic</c><00:18:18.799><c>
- Attorneys</c><00:18:19.200><c> General</c> 20th, the Democratic Attorneys General 20th, the Democratic
- </c><00:19:00.960><c> AGs</c> the staff of the other Democratic AGs the staff of the other Democratic
- Is there any word democratic republic.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing on the State of Hawaii’s affirmative litigation against the federal administration, with no public testimony. Attorney General Lopez and deputies said the office’s goal is to enforce the rule of law, not make partisan points, and noted that Hawaii is involved in 27 ongoing cases. They grouped the cases into four broad areas: immigration, funding freezes and grant terminations, federal agency dismantling/reductions in force, and protecting elections, health, and safety.
Several immigration-related cases were discussed in detail. These included a challenge to the federal sharing of Medicaid data with DHS for immigration enforcement, a similar challenge to USDA’s demand for SNAP applicant and recipient data, and litigation over immigration-enforcement conditions attached to federal grants. The office also described the birthright citizenship executive order, saying it conflicts with the 14th Amendment and Supreme Court precedent; lower courts granted preliminary relief, and the U.S. Supreme Court later addressed only the scope of nationwide injunctions, not the merits. In the Department of Transportation case, the court granted a preliminary injunction against the “Duffy directive,” finding the immigration conditions lacked statutory authority, were arbitrary and capricious, and violated the Spending Clause and APA.
The briefing also covered multiple funding disputes. In the education funding freeze case, the Department of Education and OMB withheld about $6 billion in formula funds, including roughly $33 million for Hawaii; after suit was filed, the funds were released. Other cases included the termination of over $11 billion in public health grants, which affected Hawaii Department of Health grants, the NIH indirect cost cap case, and NIH grant terminations tied to DEI, transgender issues, and vaccine hesitancy. The speakers said some cases have already resulted in preliminary or permanent injunctions, while others remain on appeal or are still being litigated.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WTL, WTL-HHS Public Hearings 02-10-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- There was a resolution adopted by the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi last year in support of this very idea
- I saw that environmental caucus of the Democratic Party and support.
- party of Hawaii last by the Democratic party of Hawaii last year<01:37:29.040><c> in</c><01:37:29.280
- </c> environmental caucus of the democratic environmental caucus of the democratic party<01:38:01.080
- party fa so um we're going to Democratic party fa so um we're going to accept<01:43:05.760><c> that<
Summary:
The Water and Land Committee heard several measures related to DLNR, coastal management, and public lands. SB 561, which appropriates funds for conservation enforcement equipment for the Oʻahu branch of DOCARE, drew broad support from DLNR and multiple organizations, with the chair noting 18 supporters and no opposition. SB 465 would require DLNR to study the carrying capacity of Kīkiʻola Small Boat Harbor on Kauaʻi and report to the Legislature; DLNR supported the intent but suggested the study be timed with an ongoing $41 million capital improvement project. Senator Kouchi explained the bill was meant to close a permit loophole that has allowed operators to increase passenger capacity without additional approval, while one testifier opposed the measure as unnecessary and late. Supporters included county and community representatives, while some written testimony opposed it.
The committee also heard SB 1456, which broadens the definition of beach restoration to include work on eroded beaches and degraded dune systems, including sand management, native vegetation, and removal of abandoned materials. DLNR, the University of Hawaiʻi, and other testifiers supported the measure as an administrative update. SB 1460 would require BLNR lease extensions to use updated forms reflecting current leasing practices; DLNR supported it as an administrative bill. SB 1517 would authorize public land leases for recreational residential use by public lottery limited to county residents. DLNR supported the bill, and Chipper Wiman and others testified that it would help preserve Kauaʻi’s historic recreational cabins and create fairness for local families; the committee also heard concerns about older cabins, market-based auction prices, and the need to keep these leases affordable for residents.
The committee then heard SB 1511, which would prohibit vessels longer than 75 feet from entering Honoliʻi Bay, with an exemption for government vessels; DLNR and at least one additional testifier supported it. SB 1019 would allow the Ocean Stewardship Special Fund to be used for beach restoration planning and grants to nonprofits for cleanup, but DLNR said that purpose fit better under the separate Beach Restoration Special Fund, and the Ocean Tourism Coalition opposed the bill on that basis. Finally, SB 1457 would authorize DLNR to issue interim rules on commercial and recreational water sports equipment use for up to two years; DLNR described it as an adaptive-management tool for changing conditions, while multiple water-sports operators and residents opposed it, arguing it would reduce public participation, expand agency power, and target the foiling community. The hearing closed with the chair noting heavy opposition to SB 1457, including 88 written testimonies against it and only a few in support.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, April 30, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- in an amicus of my Democratic colleagues in an amicus brief<00:23:38.720><c> to</c><00:23:38.960><c>
- House Democrats are doing everything we can to stop Trump and Republicans from destroying our economy
- </c> top Democrat on the banking committee. top Democrat on the banking committee.
- People buy EVs whether they're Republican or Democrat, whether they're liberal or conservative.
- Therefore, we must act with urgency to democratically reverse that which was unilaterally imposed.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Unions are a democratic institution with leadership elected to guide the bargaining process, and in order
- What we know from political scientists studying democratic backsliding and authoritarianism is that with
- advocacy group with chapters across the state committed to fighting for a more equitable, just, democratic
- same local as the first speaker, City of Somerville, and I want to make a frankly partisan talk to Democrats
- voting, and that is, in its largest segment, ...from the Republican Party and into Democratic voting
Summary:
The hearing focused on employment rights legislation, especially the Protect Labor Act (H. 2086/S. 1327), which would create state-level labor protections if federal private-sector labor law is weakened or struck down, and would also add protections such as bans on captive audience meetings, virtual elections, stronger misclassification rules, and protections for health care workers and immigrant workers. Supporters from the AFL-CIO, nurses, SEIU, UAW, building trades, teachers, graduate workers, and policy groups argued that the bill is needed because of Trump administration actions, Project 2025, and threats to the NLRA and NLRB. They described the bill as a “trigger” law meant to preserve organizing and bargaining rights in Massachusetts if federal protections disappear or if the NLRB declines jurisdiction over certain workers.
The committee also heard testimony on bills to restore a limited right to strike for certain public employees (H. 2078/S. 1311 or related filings). Supporters, including a representative, educators, and labor advocates, said the current ban on public employee strikes weakens good-faith bargaining and leaves workers without leverage to secure wages, staffing, and student supports. They argued that strikes are used as a last resort and that legalizing them under defined conditions would improve negotiations and better reflect the realities of recent teacher strikes in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Municipal Association opposed the strike bills, warning that public employee strikes are already prohibited by state law, that strikes disrupt students and communities, and that local governments face budget constraints under Proposition 2 1/2.
The committee also took testimony on paid family and medical leave bills (S. 1351/H. 2110 and S. 1352), which would improve notice to workers, expand public reporting on claim denials and demographics, and fix a technical definition issue that has limited access for some covered contract workers. Witnesses from legal aid, policy organizations, and a small business owner said the changes would improve transparency, equity, and access to benefits without imposing major burdens on employers. Additional testimony supported a railroad sick leave bill and a private construction transparency bill, with Senator Keenan urging favorable action on both. No votes were taken during the hearing; members asked questions, and several witnesses and legislators requested favorable reports on the bills.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- So it's only a problem when Democrats do it, though. That's interesting.
- That is why I and the Democrats are voting to overturn the ruling of the chair. Thank you.
- And the Democrats are voting to overturn the ruling of the chair, to talk about affordability, to take
- I rise to address an action that was taken on the House floor today to remove two Democratic members
- I stand with the members of the House Democratic Caucus, and I remain concerned because when it comes
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, members of the committee, the bill weakens the democratic relationship between communities.
- Members of the committee, the bill weakens the democratic relationship between communities and their
- This bill threatens local democratic control by allowing a single appointed state official to override
- And it is used intentionally to say that we are undermining the democratic process, because that's not
- And if it were. the democratic process, because that's not the case. And if it were the case, Mr.
Keywords:
student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, driver education, driver's ed, driving school, motorcycle safety, traffic safety, vulnerable road users, pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, cyclist, bike lane, micromobility, scooter, moped, motorcycle training, DWI prevention
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, March 10, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Correa: My fellow Democrats and I strongly support the intent of this bill, which is to confront our
- CORREA: MY FELLOW DEMOCRATS AND I STRONGLY SUPPORT THE INTENT OF THIS BILL WHICH IS TO CONFRONT OUR GLOBAL
- And because of a Democratic amendment to this bill in the last Congress, this prohibition was expanded
- This bill also includes Democratic language requiring D.H.S. to produce a report on the potential impacts
- THIS BILL ALSO INCLUDES DEMOCRATIC LANGUAGE REQUIRING D.H.S.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Commerce and Economic Development Oversight REVISED: SB1101 and SB1966 - Added Apr 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- it's federal money overseen by the state and controlled and administered and dictated by local democratic
- controlled and administered and dictated by all. and controlled and administered and dictated by local democratic
Summary:
The committee first laid over SB 1101 and SB 1813, then heard and advanced SB 1966 and SB 80. SB 1966, presented by Chairman Johns, was amended with a PCS to incorporate the House’s Memorial Roads and Bridges language after a House-Senate coordination issue; the committee adopted the PCS and passed the bill out unanimously, 9-0. SB 80, presented by Representative Clay Staires, was also amended with a PCS and described as a cleanup bill removing several outdated turnpike provisions; members noted it reflected a negotiated consensus, and it passed unanimously, 11-0.
After the bill votes, the committee received a required informational presentation from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce on the federal Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). Director Marshall Votes explained that Commerce administers the grant, keeps 5% for oversight, and passes 90% to 17 community action agencies serving all 77 counties. He said the program currently manages about $8.9 million, served about 33,000 low-income families last year, and leverages that funding into more than $250 million in broader community impact through services such as employment support, housing, transportation, education, health, and childcare.
Members asked about Commerce staffing and oversight, and Votes said a small team of a few employees handles planning, monitoring, training, and compliance for CSBG alongside other programs. Committee members thanked Commerce for its work and emphasized the importance of the program for rural communities and all 77 counties. The meeting ended with expressions of appreciation and adjournment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- But today we stand united, not as Republicans, not as Democrats, or lawmakers from opposite chambers,
- The people who made that democratic process possible, the people who ensured that... ...freedom that