Video & Transcript Research : 'border security'
Page 79 of 500
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- securely. There's no looking for papers. securely. There's no looking for papers.
- still this underconfidence of how secure still this underconfidence of how secure it<00:46:08.079
- is something a security or is it not. is something a security or is it not.
- backed up by something safe and secure. backed up by something safe and secure.
- giving them a false sense of security giving them a false sense of security just<01:41:20.880>
Summary:
The Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection held an informational briefing on digital assets, blockchain, and related regulatory developments. Chair Jarrett Keohoko said the committee was focusing on national and state policy issues around digital assets, while leaving the separate issue of Bitcoin kiosks and fraud to the House Consumer Protection Committee, which had already noticed a similar briefing. No public testimony was taken; the session was for informational updates and member questions.
Representatives from the Aptos Foundation, including JC Yun and Michael Cheng, gave a detailed presentation on blockchain basics and Aptos’s technology. They described blockchain as a tamper-resistant digital ledger, explained proof-of-work and proof-of-stake systems, and argued that proof-of-stake networks are faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly. They also emphasized smart contracts and potential uses beyond speculation, such as car titles, college transcripts, collectibles, digital IDs, real estate, and other tokenized assets.
The presenters highlighted Aptos’s Hawaii connections and said the technology could help local residents and businesses participate in the digital economy. They cited adoption statistics, including billions of transactions on Aptos, tokenized money market funds from major financial firms, micro-lending applications, decentralized cloud infrastructure, and the rapid growth of stablecoins. They acknowledged concerns about scams and consumer protection, but argued that the answer is stronger regulation and education rather than avoiding the technology altogether.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- of acquisition and secure storage of uranium 233 in Alabama.
- These efforts are crucial in maintaining the security of our southern border and protecting our citizens
- , and well-being. nation's economy, security, and identity.
- There are five states that border the Gulf of Mexico.
- It would make communities less safe, not more secure.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Elections Committee Apr 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Agency, in particular, that you brought into law, has been invaluable to election security.
- You hear me talk about how I represent the border region.
- You hear me talk about how I represent the border region.
- California voters have embraced voting by mail because it is safe, secure, and reliable, and it allows
- Safe, secure, and reliable option for voting. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
Summary:
The Assembly Elections Committee met as a subcommittee until quorum was established, then heard a series of election- and public-trust-related bills. Early items included AB 2592, which would move lobbyist training from legislative ethics committees to the FPPC starting in 2029 and make it available online on demand; it drew support from the FPPC and an oppose-unless-amended request to make the training public and ensure lobbyists pay fees. AB 2573 would refine California’s confidential voter registration protections for candidates and elected officials, with support from the Secretary of State and county election officials after amendments narrowed some family-member coverage. AB 2753 would bar registered sex offenders from running for or holding local or state office; it prompted extended debate about public trust, second chances, and where to draw the line, but was ultimately advanced on a 5-0 vote with one member not voting. AB 2691 similarly would expand disqualifying felony convictions to include sexual assault and human trafficking, and it also passed 5-0 after testimony from victim advocates and discussion about survivors, restorative justice, and the power dynamics involved in public office.
The committee also advanced AB 2413, which would prohibit public funds from being used for large-format ads featuring elected officials, and AB 2281, which would direct the Office of Election Cybersecurity to assess replacement resources after federal cybersecurity support cuts and allow consultation with academic researchers. AB 1664 would require local election officials to notify the Secretary of State and Attorney General within one business day of warrants, subpoenas, or investigations involving election records or voting systems; supporters said it would help the state respond quickly to improper seizure of election materials, and it passed 5-0. AB 2484, concerning San Diego MTS, would let voters authorize a local sales tax initiative for transit funding and exempt it from an existing cap; it drew support from transit leaders and labor, opposition from the Realtors, and a lengthy exchange over Prop. 13, Prop. 218, and whether the measure created a special deal, before passing 6-1.
The committee then heard AB 2230, which would create buffer zones around voting centers and child care facilities to keep immigration enforcement away from those locations. The author said the bill was meant to reduce fear and intimidation for voters and families, while the opposition argued it was unenforceable, lacked evidence of a problem, and would interfere with federal officers doing their jobs. Members supporting the bill cited reported ICE profiling and intimidation in California communities, while others raised jurisdictional and practical concerns. The transcript ends during this debate, with no final vote shown for AB 2230.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- mean, today is the last day that hopefully my son makes it out of survival training on the Canadian border
- And nothing that Senator Leek's bill, when it passes, will change one thing outside the borders of Florida
- When it passes, it'll change one thing outside the borders of Florida, not one thing.
- Above all, the bill seeks to modernize CPA licensure in Florida, strengthening the profession and securing
- Above all, the bill seeks to modernize CPA licensure in Florida, strengthening the profession and securing
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions recognizing guests and visiting groups, including the Challenger Learning Center, the Florida Dental Hygienists Association, Zeta Phi Beta, Pine Forest High School students, and others. Senators also noted President Albritton’s recovery and upcoming caucus and appointment announcements. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar.
The main floor debate centered on Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 156, which increases penalties for crimes against law enforcement officers and other personnel, including making manslaughter of an officer punishable by mandatory life imprisonment without release and clarifying resistance to officers. Senator Leek described the bill as a compromise intended to honor Officer Jason Rainer, while Senators Rouson and Bracy Davis offered and then withdrew amendments. Senators Pizzo, Berman, Smith, Polsky, and others questioned the bill’s impact on self-defense, officer conduct, jury instructions, prosecutorial discretion, and the removal of language regarding unlawful force by officers. Supporters argued the bill corrects confusion and strengthens protections for officers; opponents said it removes civilian protections and imposes disproportionate mandatory sentencing. The bill passed 31-4.
The Senate then passed SB 168 on public nuisances, expanding nuisance law to include gambling establishments and increasing penalties; SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives; SB 292 and SB 298 creating public records protections for appellate clerks and dating-violence victims; SB 296 establishing the HAVEN alert platform study and expanding address confidentiality protections for domestic violence victims; SB 364 modernizing CPA licensure; SB 386 creating protections for farm equipment purchasers; and several Open Government Sunset Review bills preserving or extending public records and meeting exemptions, including SB 7000, SB 7202, SB 706, SB 708, SB 7012, SB 7014, and SB 7016. Most passed with little or no opposition, though some of the public-records measures drew a few nays. At the end, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify passed bills to the House and adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Consumer and Public Affairs Feb 4th, 2025
House Consumer & Public Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- we went to the border.
- I don't know how many of you have gone to the border, and the border agents told us about the human trafficking
- It's usually within a quarter mile of the border.
- But it is a big issue on the border because there's so much money.
- of Border Patrol, the child has to be attended to mandatorily by Border Patrol.
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:
- security. missions.
- Congress passed the Social Security Fairness Act in the last session, ending a similar unjust offset
- for Social Security recipients.
- security, and other missions.
- To take this, to secure this nation, and we deserve to have the VA fully funded, fully staffed. so we
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.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HRE-AEN, HRE Public Hearings 01-30-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We're in a unique environment and situation, whereas, as mentioned, food security is such an important
- We're in a unique environment and situation, whereas, as mentioned, food security is such an important
- is such an mentioned food security is such an important<00:05:32.800>
matter <00:05:33.680> - <00:41:51.839>
of right and it goes before border of right and it goes before border of regions - education will advance way food security education will advance way food security and<00:53:40.960
Summary:
The joint Committee on Higher Education and Agriculture heard Senate Bill 1158, which would authorize general obligation bonds and appropriations for a controlled environment agriculture research and demonstration facility at the Magoon Research and Teaching Site in Manoa. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive from the University of Hawaiʻi, Department of Agriculture, Farm Bureau, Maui County, MetroGrow Hawaiʻi, and other agricultural groups, who said the project would strengthen food resilience, support year-round production, create clean jobs, and provide a demonstration site for urban vertical farming. University representatives said the project would include demolition of an existing condemned building, a research and lab component, and a multistory vertical farm, with an estimated cost of $6 million and a projected two-year build time.
Members questioned whether Manoa was the best location, whether the project fit the university’s broader strategy, and whether the request would displace other priorities. The University said the site is tied to SEAR activities, close to students and faculty, and intended to support hands-on training and commercial-scale production. In response to concerns about soil testing and stakeholder needs, the University said it would restart the soil testing lab using internal funds, though not as part of this bill, and would request additional staff for efficiency. The committee then recessed and later reconvened in decision-making, where the chairs recommended and the committee adopted amendments to SB 1158, including a name correction and deferral to July 31, 2050, and the bill passed with amendments.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 663, relating to the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources and SEAR research and experiment stations. The University testified that the stations are important for locally relevant agricultural research but are short staffed, with 34 positions down since 2005, and that the bill requests eight new positions, including agricultural technicians and four county community coordinator positions, to improve station operations, community engagement, and workforce development. The Farm Bureau supported the measure, saying the positions are needed to revamp extension services and that Manoa is an appropriate urban location for the vertical farming component. Members questioned why vacant or existing positions could not be used instead of new ones, and the University explained that some listed vacancies reflected old federally funded positions or inaccurate counts, promised a written update, and said it was working to fill current openings. No final vote on SB 663 was reached in the portion provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota Latino Caucus Press Conference 4/29/26
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:14:33.560>
know, <00:14:33.800>we <00:14:34.040>support <00:14:34.959>secure - <00:14:35.400>
borders <00:14:35.800>and You know, we support secure borders and You - know, we support secure borders and ports. ports. ports.
Summary:
House Republicans announced the formation of the Minnesota Latino Caucus as a sub-caucus of the House Republican Caucus. Chair John Koznick said the group is intended to give Latino conservatives a voice, promote “common sense” and right-of-center policies, and reach Latino communities across Minnesota, especially around affordability, lower taxes, less regulation, and government accountability. Representatives Bedell Duran and Erica Schwartz joined Koznick as founding members and described the caucus as a response to the diversity of Latino communities and the need for representation beyond a single political viewpoint.
The members emphasized personal backgrounds and constituent outreach. Koznick discussed his adoption from Colombia and his long involvement with Latino advocacy groups, while Duran and Schwartz spoke about their districts, family histories, and experiences that shaped their politics. They said Latino Minnesotans live throughout the state, work in many fields, and should not be viewed as a monolithic voting bloc. They also highlighted issues such as education, postsecondary achievement, entrepreneurship, public safety, and the economic impact of immigrants and Latinos.
In response to questions, the lawmakers said the caucus was not created solely because of recent Latino voting patterns, but they acknowledged Republican gains among Latino voters and said they want to continue competing for Latino support. They also said immigration policy should be clearer and more transparent, while supporting secure borders and reform. Koznick said he has bipartisan relationships with Latino legislators and pointed to support for a Hispanic or Latino art museum in St. Paul as an example of possible cross-party cooperation. No formal votes were taken; the event was a caucus launch and press availability, and the members said they would hold a celebratory kickoff later that evening.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary (9-17-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- It's more secure.
- It's more secure.
- It's more secure.
- It's more secure.
- >
security limited security security security limited security security security queuing<00:58
Summary:
The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary met without a quorum and heard an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on the judicial branch budget. AOC Director Zach Ramsey and budget director Carol Henderson outlined the branch’s current funding structure, noting that fiscal year 2026 general fund support is about 2.77% of the state general fund, below the National Center for State Courts’ typical 2% to 4% range. They emphasized Kentucky’s unusual responsibility for courthouse facilities, with the judicial branch directly involved in construction, maintenance, and operations across 229 facilities in all 120 counties.
AOC said nearly 91% of its general fund is spent on personnel and other non-discretionary costs, and that the branch has long relied on agency revenue, restricted fund carryforwards, and vacancy credits to balance court operations. Members were told that Senate Bill 25 required a $34.5 million transfer into a reserve account, part of which was used to purchase the Chamberlain Avenue building in Frankfort. AOC reported that only $11.9 million remains in restricted funds, while it projects needing about $13.5 million to cover fiscal year 2026 obligations, not including roughly $9 million in flood-related remediation costs for Hardin and Franklin counties, much of which it expects to recover through insurance and FEMA.
Looking ahead to the next biennium, AOC said it will seek full funding of court operations at $341 million annually, a $13.5 million increase to bring current services into the base appropriation rather than relying on reserves. It also previewed additional requests, including a 15% across-the-board pay parity plan for Kentucky Court of Justice personnel, replacement of declining master commissioner fee revenue tied to 141 deputy circuit court clerk positions, funding for technology subscription and case management system costs, JAV audiovisual system upgrades, AEDs and medical kits for courthouses, and other staffing and operational needs. Senator Funky Frommeyer asked whether the 15% salary proposal was included in the $13.5 million increase; AOC said it was not, and that it would be an additional request. No votes or formal actions were taken.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (01/14/2026)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- AARP New Hampshire is dedicated to advocating for the well-being and financial security of older adults
- financial security of older adults. financial security of older adults.
- You get a job that you'll have Social Security and retirement savings in the years to come.
- You get a job that you'll have Social Security and retirement savings in the years to come.
- You get a job that you'll have Social Security and retirement savings in the years to come.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- the gift of salvation, for your presence that never leaves us, and for a future that is completely secure
- an act amending Title 41, Chapter 14, and section 41-1971, relating to the Department of Economic Security
- raise the plight of my constituents from Sanders and Chambers, Arizona, right before the New Mexico border
- Right before the New Mexico border along I-40.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, attendance, and routine journal and communication actions, including a temporary committee replacement appointment and confirmation of Todd D. Haney to the State Board of Education. The chamber then moved into the Committee of the Whole to consider House Bill 4001, which concerns vaping/nicotine product regulation. Members debated a committee amendment and a floor amendment offered by Senator Bolick; supporters described the bill as a first step toward regulating harmful products and keeping them away from children, while opponents argued it was too weak, lacked retail licensing and enforcement, and did not adequately protect public health. The Committee of the Whole adopted the amendments and recommended the bill do pass, and the full Senate later passed HB 4001 on a 24-0-1 vote after additional debate on the same public health and enforcement concerns.
The Senate then took up several other measures on final reading. House Bills 2720, 2078, 2501, 2686, and 2574 all passed, with votes ranging from 17-7 to 26-0. The chamber also concurred in House amendments to several Senate bills, including SB 1067, SB 1172, SB 1232, SB 1214, and SB 1478. During debate on HB 2078 and other bills, members used points of personal privilege to recognize staff and explain votes, but no additional amendments were adopted on those measures.
On final readings, SB 1566, dealing with residential construction and delay enforcement, passed 17-9 despite concerns that its definition of malicious delay was too broad and could invite litigation. SB 1067, SB 1172, SB 1232, SB 1426, and SB 1478 also passed, with some members speaking in support of homeowner protections, administrative changes, or liquor policy updates, while others opposed the liquor bill and raised public health concerns about alcohol access in border communities. The Senate concluded by announcing party caucuses and adjourning until June 1, 2026.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Military Affairs and Border Security. SB 1422, credit enhancement eligibility.
- Transportation, Transportation Technology, and Military Affairs and Border Security.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and an electronic roll call showing 30 members present. The body approved the previous journal and then paused for several memorial and guest recognitions, including a moment of silence for former Representative Noel Campbell, who died in a motorcycle accident. The chamber also welcomed visiting school district leaders, Grand Canyon University Government and History Club students, and Food Bank Day at the Capitol participants.
Members then adopted a proclamation recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day, with remarks emphasizing the history of the Holocaust, the rise in antisemitism, and the importance of education and remembrance. A guest shared a personal family story about escaping Germany in 1938. Senator Bolick also read a proclamation for National School Choice Week, highlighting Arizona’s public, charter, private, homeschool, and microschool options and urging members to engage with schools in their districts.
The Senate received numerous governor communications and introduced a long list of first- and second-reading bills covering topics such as education, water, energy, public safety, elections, health care, taxes, housing, and border issues. The chamber also received House Concurrent Resolution 2045 honoring the late Congressman Raul Grijalva; it was adopted unanimously, and the Senate observed a moment of silence. The session ended with committee announcements for the next day and adjournment until Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 1:15 p.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Feb 3rd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I can see this bill funding litigation to stop DNA testing of migrant children at the border so that
- The claim, the false claim that somehow a secure border and deporting criminals from our country to keep
- It's about putting security first. It's about putting sustainability first.
- The papers carried across borders that showed that they were the next to go to the death camps.
- That opportunity comes with a risk, crossing the border. Imagine you leaving your children.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Um the you um and safety and security.
- Having been a council member and mayor of a border community in a border county, I have seen myself the
- of a border community in a border of a border community in a border county,<01:11:20.560>
I Capital Security um watching out for us. Capital Security um watching out for us.- When we meet in this room, we feel safe because we have Capital Security watching out for us.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- if we were serious about addressing the invasion that happened at our southern Texas border?
- The border security was the number one issue and so I'm doing what I can. had not gotten a hearing yet
- One, it will assume cyber security responsibilities currently under DIR.
- Guard take lead on all cyber security issues.
- It's bordering on an emergency for our schools and our educators across the state.
Bills:
HB 120, HB20, HB150, HB6, HB 100, HB 124, HB210, HB215, HB1393, HB1587, HB 1151, HB 1268, HB142, HB451, HB39, HB 102, HB 126, HB290, HB300, HB2143, HJR2, HB147, HJR6, HB 120, HB20, HB150, HB6, HB 100, HB 124, HB210, HB215, HB1393, HB1587, HB 1151, HB 1268, HB142, HB451, SB1
Keywords:
career readiness, education reform, workforce training, public schools, financial aid, applied sciences, career education, high school diploma, certificate program, work-based learning, job placement, high-growth jobs, technical training, cybersecurity, state command, information resources, data protection, incident response, mental health, telehealth
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 06:00 pm
Massachusetts Joint Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- massive influx of people into our emergency shelter system, an influx due to a failure of federal border
- The federal government needs to fix this at the source by passing a border security bill.
- invest $8 billion over the next 10 years to make transportation in every corner of our state more secure
- Of our state, more secure, more safe, more reliable.
- every one of them return home to their families, and may everyone be able to live with dignity, security
Summary:
The House and Senate met in joint convention for the Governor’s annual State of the Commonwealth address. Before the address, the chamber handled routine organizational motions, including recesses, the appointment of committees to escort the Lieutenant Governor, constitutional officers, and the Governor into the chamber, the posting of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, and an invocation and benediction. The joint convention then heard Governor Maura Healey’s address, followed by remarks from legislative leaders and a closing benediction.
In her speech, Governor Healey said the state is strong and highlighted accomplishments from the past session, including tax cuts, expanded child care support, the Affordable Homes Act, transportation improvements, federal funding gains, veterans’ services, and health care measures. She also emphasized ongoing priorities such as reducing housing costs, improving transit and infrastructure, expanding primary care and mental health services, supporting education and career pathways, strengthening clean energy and AI investment, and protecting reproductive health care. She called for abolishing tenant broker’s fees, creating a statewide graduation standards council after the MCAS requirement change, and continuing efforts to address the emergency shelter system and other cost pressures.
No roll call votes were taken on legislation during the address itself, but the convention adopted the various ceremonial orders and motions by voice vote. After the Governor’s remarks and the benediction, the joint convention adjourned, and the House later adjourned to meet the following Tuesday in informal session.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 28th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I rise in support of H.R. 23 on behalf of the Republican Caucus, which supports a secure southern border
- southern border.
- He fought for the rights of players and helped secure the Alexander Rule, a policy to ensure players
- that labor was always poignant and on target when it came to labor rights, union rights, family security
- He continued to have a service. union rights, family security, wages, and benefits.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, pledge, and a moment of silence for Marysville Police Officer Osmar Rodarte. Members then handled several procedural motions, including re-referring bills and moving items on the file, with AB 567 re-referred by a recorded vote of 42-17 and the remaining referral requests approved without objection. The chamber also heard a brief personal statement from Assembly Member Macedo thanking colleagues and staff for support during a health episode.
On the floor, members presented and passed several measures. AB 310 by Assembly Member Alanis, requiring youth sports organizations to have AED access, emergency response plans, and coach training, passed 56-0. AB 437 by Assembly Member Lackey, expanding CIF reporting to include sports-related injuries and medical problems, passed 59-0. ACR 55 by Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez, commemorating the 40th anniversary of ARC v. DDS and the Lanterman Act, received 62 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote.
The Assembly also adopted HR 28 recognizing Major League Baseball Opening Day 2025, with extended lighthearted remarks about the Dodgers, Giants, and Athletics, and HR 23 honoring Cesar Chavez Day, which drew broad support from caucus leaders and members speaking to Chavez’s labor and civil rights legacy. Both resolutions were adopted by voice vote after adding co-authors. The chamber then approved the second-day consent calendar, including ACR 39 on Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month and ACR 53 on Women’s Equal Pay Day, and later adjourned in memory of Ralph Miller after tributes from Assembly Members Hart and Gibson. The House adjourned until Tuesday, April 1 at 1 p.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 2 May 5th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- lower potency hemp edibles and beverages be treated just like the edibles: they would have to be securely
- We secure a housing support rate for potential federal cuts from this NAP program.
- So far from it being something that, in fact, a yes vote on the amendment would secure the future of
- More importantly, we are trying to secure funding from independent foundations, etc.
- So what Clay County is doing is creating a border-to-border.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Gun Violence Prevention Working Group - 09/17/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That is it is secured somewhere safe.
- <00:57:57.359>
stored, firearms safely and securely stored, firearms safely and securely stored - city wouldn't have to stop at the border city wouldn't have to stop at the border or<02:24:03.600
- In my district and where I represent, I am a border district. I border Iowa.
- officers and security and mental health. officers and security and mental health.
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:
- These matters remind us how closely the committee's work is tied to what happens beyond our state borders
- These matters remind us how closely the committee's work is tied to what happens beyond our state borders
- These matters remind us how closely the committee's work is tied to what happens beyond our state borders
- Of that sum, about $75.9 trillion, approximately 95%, is driven by just two programs: Social Security
- Perform the task of common security for all human beings.
Summary:
The hearing of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs was opened by Chair Joe McGonagle and Vice Chair Senator Mike Rush, who noted that Chair John Velis was deployed with the Massachusetts National Guard. The chairs explained the hybrid format, three-minute testimony limit, live streaming, and filing deadlines, and said the committee would hear 11 House bills and eight Senate bills dealing with federal and overseas issues. Much of the hearing centered on competing resolutions about Article 5 constitutional conventions, along with related resolutions on D.C. statehood, child labor, Citizens United, and Cambodia.
Supporters of H. 4692 and S. 284, a joint resolution to rescind all prior Massachusetts Article 5 convention applications, argued that old resolutions from the 1930s and 1970s could be used to count Massachusetts toward the 34-state threshold for calling a federal constitutional convention. Testifiers from Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, the ACLU, Reproductive Equity Now, labor groups, and others warned that a convention would have no clear rules, could not be reliably limited to specific topics, and could put civil rights, reproductive rights, labor protections, and other constitutional protections at risk. Several speakers also cited a recent federal lawsuit and said the safest course was to remove outdated applications from the books.
A large opposing panel testified in support of H. 3888, a resolution calling for a Convention of States to propose amendments limiting federal power, imposing fiscal restraints, and establishing term limits. Supporters argued that Article 5 provides a lawful way to address federal overreach, debt, and congressional stagnation, and said the process would be limited by state applications and ratification by 38 states. Some committee members and witnesses raised concerns about a runaway convention, broad language in the resolution, and whether Congress could or should set rules for such a convention. Representative Gentile also testified in support of several related resolutions on overturning Citizens United, D.C. statehood, and the child labor amendment, while Representative Howard and Representative Tongue supported a Cambodia resolution condemning political oppression and urging free and fair elections. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.