Video & Transcript : 'Democrat' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Republicans Members Announce New Ethics Complaints Against Senator Nicole Mitchell - 02/18/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Unfortunately, Democrats have shielded Senator Mitchell and the serious consequences to advance their
- </c> reality is that the Senate Democrats reality is that the Senate Democrats have<00:16:15.040><c>
- "Have you talked to any of the Senate Democrats who have called on her to resign and had interactions
- well it certainly does I mean Democrats well it certainly does I mean the<00:19:50.520><c> reality</
- "Have you talked to any of the Senate Democrats who have called on her to resign and had interactions
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Leadership Media Availability on Last Day of Session Progress - 05/19/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Some of which, you know, Republicans accused Democrats of not giving full vetting.
- </c><00:04:26.479><c> of</c> know, Republicans accused Democrats of know, Republicans accused Democrats
- there was confusion about or Democrats there was confusion about or Democrats maybe<00:07:21.360><c>
- Uh, the Democrats in the House took 23 days off in the beginning of session.
- Most of our members are ready to engage with Democrats, both in the House and the Senate.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee Sep 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Clara County Democratic Central Committee.
- Clara County Democratic Central Committee.
- Democratic Club, Davis Jews for Justice, Defending Rights and Dissent, Democratic Socialists of America
- East Bay, Democratic Socialists of America Santa Barbara, Democratic Socialists of America San Francisco
- Coalition of the Bay Area; Jewish Democratic Coalition of the Bay Area; Jewish Democratic Coalition
Summary:
The Assembly Education Committee held an informational hearing on AB 715, followed by discussion of SB 48. AB 715 was presented by Assembly Members Zbur and Addis as a response to rising anti-Semitism in California schools. They described incidents involving harassment, swastikas, biased classroom materials, and students feeling unsafe, and said the bill would create an Office of Civil Rights with coordinators to address anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination, provide prevention resources, and support school districts. Witnesses in support, including a rabbi and a student who described personal experiences with anti-Semitic harassment, urged immediate action to protect Jewish students.
Opposition testimony came from the California Teachers Association, county superintendents, school board groups, labor organizations, civil liberties advocates, ethnic studies educators, and many community members. Their main concerns were that the bill was rushed, had not been fully vetted in the Assembly Education Committee, and could chill classroom speech or create constitutional problems, especially around language requiring instruction and materials to be “factually accurate” and not based on advocacy, bias, or partisanship. Several opponents argued that anti-Semitism should be addressed through education, training, and restorative practices rather than new statutory restrictions. Some witnesses also raised concerns about the bill’s impact on ethnic studies and free speech.
Committee members then debated the bill’s process and substance at length. The authors said the bill had been narrowed through negotiations with education stakeholders and the Senate, that some disputed provisions would be revisited in cleanup language, and that the urgency of anti-Semitic incidents required action now. Several members expressed support for the bill’s goal but criticized the late release of the final language and the lack of consultation with the Assembly committee. Others emphasized the need to protect Jewish students immediately and argued the bill was a necessary response to a real crisis. The transcript does not show a final vote on AB 715 in the portion provided.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Republican Leaders Media Availability Feb 17th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- And again, House Democrats voted against it. So today's cutoff.
- And there's a number of bills, both Republican and Democrat.
- And in response, House Democrat leadership want to talk about, And in response, House Democrat leadership
- We had three Democrats join us in voting no.
- And Senate Democrats refuse to. Really delineate: is this really for millionaires or not?
Summary:
At this Republican media availability, Senate and House GOP leaders focused on affordability, taxes, and government accountability as the session approached cutoff. Senate Republican Leader John Braun criticized the Senate’s income tax bill and a range of other tax proposals, arguing they would raise costs for food, health care, prescription drugs, data centers, startups, grocery bags, and employers of Apple Health/Medicaid users. House Republican leaders Peter Abbarno and April Connors echoed those concerns, saying the latest revenue forecast did not justify new taxes and that Democrats were relying on tax increases rather than relief for families and small businesses.
A major topic was the income tax bill that had passed the Senate and was headed to the House. Republicans said they opposed it on constitutional and policy grounds, argued it would eventually expand beyond high earners, and said the bill should be amended to remove the necessity clause so it could be referred to voters. They also said any meaningful tax reform should include broader relief such as property or sales tax reductions, not just narrow carveouts. Braun also said he hoped Governor Inslee would reconsider support for the measure, while House Republicans said they would try to stop it from advancing.
The lawmakers also discussed child welfare and public safety bills, especially efforts to force votes on legislation related to DCYF and child deaths. They criticized House Democrats for not hearing or advancing several Republican-backed bills and said process objections were being used to avoid accountability. Braun noted that a bipartisan bill to add fentanyl to the endangerment statute, HB 5071, remained alive in the House. Other bills mentioned as priorities to oppose included an environmental crimes bill, a juvenile release bill, a real estate excise tax measure, and a bottle bill, all of which Republicans said would increase costs or expand state authority.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Republican Leaders Media Availability Feb 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And again, House Democrats voted against it. So today's cutoff.
- And again, House Democrats voted against it. So today's cut off.
- And there's a number of bills, both Republican and Democrat.
- And in response, House Democrat leadership want to talk about...
- We had three Democrats join us in voting no yesterday.
Summary:
Washington Senate and House Republican leaders held a media availability focused on affordability, taxes, and government accountability as cutoff day approached. Senator John Braun and Representatives Peter Abbarno and April Connors criticized the Senate-passed income tax bill, arguing it is unconstitutional, would eventually expand beyond high earners, and should be stopped in the House. They also warned about a range of other tax proposals they said would raise costs for groceries, prescription drugs, data centers, startups, and businesses that employ people on Apple Health or Medicaid.
The lawmakers also highlighted concerns about energy policy, saying past decisions have driven up utility costs and forced more spending on low-income energy assistance. Abbarno criticized a bill affecting L&I funds and said money was diverted to CCA instead of education or health care. They also objected to several agency-expansion and enforcement bills, including an environmental crimes bill and an Attorney General investigations bill, saying they would centralize power in Olympia and discourage investment.
A major portion of the discussion centered on child welfare and DCYF accountability. Republicans said House Democrats blocked motions to bring child welfare bills to the floor, including measures tied to the Keeping Families Together Act and a bill to clarify “imminent harm,” and argued the Legislature should focus on child safety rather than process objections. In closing, Braun noted that a bipartisan fentanyl/endangerment bill, HB 5071, remains alive in the House, while Republicans said they would continue trying to stop tax increases and other bills they view as harmful before the cutoff deadline.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Press Conference 12/29/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Democrats have been unwilling to do that.
- Democrats have been unwilling to do that.
- Republicans have 67, Democrats have 66.
- </c><00:18:19.840><c> and</c> And so, we will be working Democrats and And so, we will be working Democrats
- blocked by Democrats. We need to work blocked by Democrats.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Republican Members Propose New Legislation Addressing Fraud - 02/19/26
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Democrats to join us and pass this bill. Democrats to join us and pass this bill.
- It's what Republicans and Democrats.
- The House Democrats need to change course and do better.
- The House Democrats need to change course and do better.
- </c><00:54:46.559><c> argument</c> Um so for uh the Democrats argument Um so for uh the Democrats argument
Summary:
Senate Republican leaders held a press event to roll out a package of anti-fraud proposals focused on state welfare and human services programs. Mark Johnson opened by citing recent fraud scandals, including a shuttered housing program and reports of vulnerable adults being left without care while providers billed for full services, and said Republicans want top-down reform, stronger accountability, new technology, and tighter oversight of taxpayer dollars. Michael Kreun said Republicans support an independent Office of Inspector General and argued the Senate-passed bill should not be weakened in the House; he also said the Senate should restore its role in confirming agency commissioners, especially at DHS, which he described as central to the fraud problem.
Jordan Rasmusson outlined a plan to stop “blank checks” for DHS and DCYF services by requiring legislative audit review when a program exceeds budget by 5 percent and legislative approval for additional spending at 10 percent over budget. He also said DHS should adopt basic integrity tools such as electronic visit verification and client sign-off. Steve Drazkowski described two bills: a statewide “do-not-pay” list to block payments to ineligible people or entities, and an “I’m Not a Robot” proposal for Medicaid managed care that would require enrollee verification forms, with a 2 percent payment withhold used to encourage compliance and potentially fund county system upgrades. Mark Krueger said the state should improve technology and data use for eligibility determinations, citing other states’ rapid fraud-fighting systems, and proposed penalties for false reporting to the Legislative Auditor after a DHS audit found falsified site-visit records.
Steve Gruenhagen said his bill would require DHS and DCYF to resume annual fraud-prevention and oversight reports to the legislature, which he said had stopped after 2017 despite rising fraud cases. Michael Holmstrom proposed unannounced site visits for all DHS and DCYF providers before enrollment, reenrollment, and revalidation, funded through provider service fees, and cited a recent case involving a woman with autism who was billed for far more care than she received. In the Q&A, Kreun said House Democrats’ delete-everything amendment to the inspector general bill removed the law enforcement division and stripped the bill of its “teeth,” and he suggested the governor’s office may have been involved in efforts to replace the bill with a weaker coordination council model. No votes were taken in the press conference.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Republican Leaders Media Availability Feb 24th, 2026 at 09:15 am
Transcript Highlights:
- And it is nice to be talking with Democrats over, you know, security and verification when it comes to
- Again, we have record revenues in this state and the majority party, the Democrats, don't seem to be
- The operating budget, it's just majority-party Democrat budget writers in the room.
- So a little bit of a different scenario than what's being proposed in this budget by the Democrats.
- Democrats absolutely need to answer for that. That is on their shoulders.
Summary:
House and Senate Republican leaders held a media availability focused on the final stretch of the legislative session, with repeated criticism of Democratic budget proposals and several policy bills. They said they were especially concerned about an environmental crimes bill they argued would impose excessive penalties for workplace mistakes, as well as bills they described as anti-law-enforcement, including measures related to police face coverings and sheriff qualifications. They also discussed a proposed income tax, calling it unconstitutional and urging that it be sent to referendum if it advances.
A major topic was the operating, transportation, and capital budgets. Republicans said the operating budget relies on one-time fund sweeps, raids the rainy day fund and pension assets, and assumes future income-tax revenue while cutting Medicaid, child care, schools, and other services. They said the transportation budget has some positive emphasis on road preservation but criticized ferry funding and the proposed sweep of the Public Works Trust. On the capital budget, they were less specific and described it as generally bipartisan.
The lawmakers also addressed reports of fraudulent or duplicate sign-ins on the income-tax bill, saying any abuse should be investigated but that many duplicate entries may have been accidental rather than malicious. They said the system should be improved with better verification, but maintained that more than 100,000 unique people had signed in opposition. Other issues discussed included opposition to using pension funds to balance the budget, criticism of a Sound Transit proposal for 75-year bonds, concerns about a bill requiring arbitration before lawsuits against the state or local governments, and objections to child care budget changes they said would hurt rural and property-poor communities without broader regulatory reform.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting Aug 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- These voices are Republican, Democrat, and independent.
- I appreciate your time. ...of the Texas Young Democrats.
- I support our Texas Democrats for breaking quorum.
- Texas Democrats, we see you and your fortitude. Hold the line.
- For Texans, we are not Republicans or Democrats. We are Texans.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Media Availability 4/22/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- What we've heard right now from Democrats is that is a non-starter for them.
- What we've heard right now from Democrats is that is a non-starter for them.
- What we've heard right now from Democrats is that is a non-starter for them.
- Um, you know, we right now have the agreed-upon Democrat and Republican House targets.
- upon Democrat and Republican House<00:08:24.639><c> targets.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider S.331, to amend the Controlled Substances Act with respect to the scheduling of fentanyl-related substances, and the nomination of Kashyap Patel, of Nevada, to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Departmen Feb 13th, 2025 at 08:00 am
Senate Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- And for my Democrat colleagues, you've heard me talk about Thiebaud.
- A fourth FBI whistleblower and a registered Democrat.
- So why aren't my Democrat colleagues running to defend them?
- He's called Democrats, quote, vindictive, evil, and vicious.
- That's not Democrats. That's a judge in Colorado.
Bills:
SB331
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
fentanyl, controlled substances, drug trafficking, public health, research regulations, law enforcement, Kash Patel, FBI director nomination, S331, Fentanyl Act, committee meeting, legislative discussion
Summary:
In this committee meeting, the primary focus was on the nomination of Kash Patel for the position of director of the FBI, which had sparked considerable debate over the past week. Members discussed the extensive vetting process Patel underwent, including a lengthy hearing where he addressed numerous questions, which emphasized his qualifications and the support he received from various law enforcement organizations. The meeting included significant arguments from both sides, reflecting the polarized nature of the nomination, especially regarding the allegations made against Patel by some committee members. As discussions continued, the committee decided to hold off on the Fentanyl Act, listed as S331, until the next meeting, indicating a prioritization of the nomination vote over new legislative measures at this time.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 06/03/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We had a Democrat governor at the time, we had Democrat IF THE SPONSOR WOULD CONTINUE TO YIELD?
- WE HAD A DEMOCRAT GOVERNOR AT THE TIME, WE HAD DEMOCRAT control of the Assembly chamber, but you had
- more Democrats in that election cycle?
- more Democrats in that election cycle?
- And that's what the Democrats did.
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the journal, and then moved through a large number of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills for third reading. The chamber also received and accepted a Finance Committee report on nominations for Kathleen Mosier as Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Terrence O’Leary as Commissioner of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and John Kagia as Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management. All three nominees were confirmed, with Mosier and O’Leary confirmed unanimously and Kagia confirmed 57-1, with Senator Walczyk voting no.
The Senate adopted previously approved resolutions recognizing June 2026 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and mourning the death of Susan Irene Wright of Harlem. Senators Brisport and Bottcher spoke at length in support of Pride Month, emphasizing LGBTQ+ history, resilience, and ongoing threats to the trans community. On the Susan Wright resolution, Senators Cleare, Bailey, and Bottcher praised her community leadership, philanthropy, and family legacy, and Assembly Member Jordan Wright was recognized in the chamber.
The body then considered and passed many bills on the calendar, including measures on insurance, environmental conservation, public health, education, business law, labor, social services, highway law, and local tax exemptions. Several bills drew brief explanations of vote, including a measure to end higher insurance premiums for widows, a bill to prohibit correctional facilities from denying visitation because of menstrual products or IUDs, and a Medicaid-related bill to expand access to blood pressure monitors for pregnant people. Most bills passed with broad support, though some had notable opposition from a small group of senators.
Late in the session, the Senate took up a proposed constitutional amendment on redistricting. Senator Stewart-Cousins sponsored the measure, and Senator Walczyk questioned it extensively, arguing voters had previously approved an independent redistricting process and objecting to changes that would remove the Legislature’s two-thirds map-approval requirement and alter the commission’s role. The sponsor said the changes were needed in response to aggressive partisan redistricting in other states and would still require voter ratification in future sessions. The transcript ends during that debate, with no final vote on the amendment shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/16/26 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- roles in shaping Somalia's foreign policy, supporting security transition efforts, and promoting democratic
- of the platform for political dialogue and accommodation, and county director for the National Democratic
- </c> efforts, and promoting democratic efforts, and promoting democratic processes.<00:04:30.840><c>
- - democratization and elections, managing<00:04:35.760><c> director</c><00:04:36.080><c> of</c><00:04
- </c> Democ- Democratic Institute in Nairobi. Democ- Democratic Institute in Nairobi.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Suspend rules to take up HF16 3/16/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We heard a lot of discussion about the Democrat-created immigration crisis that happened in our state
- Thank you. which was supported by Democrat which was supported by Democrat Congresswoman<00:03:16.080
- </c><00:04:38.240><c> president,</c><00:04:39.360><c> my</c> under a Democratic president, my under a
- </c> Metro Surge under a Democrat Metro Surge under a Democrat administration,<00:09:14.880><c> all</
- </c><00:09:22.720><c> administration</c> nation where a Democrat administration nation where a Democrat
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/20/25 - Part 4
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:14:39.920><c> accept</c> Democrat le bill in the Senate. accept Democrat le bill in the Senate
- Democrats. And if we assume that those Democrats.
- It is a Democrat-led bill that you are saying is so good.
- It is a Democrat-led bill that you are saying is so good.
- The authors in the Senate, the chief author, is a Democrat. The author in the House is a Democrat.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Media Availability on Tab Fee and Bonding Bill Agreement - 05/14/26
Transcript Highlights:
- Democrats raised taxes by over $10 billion.
- Democrats raised taxes by over $10 billion.
- Democrats raised taxes by over $10 billion.
- </c> you Today I had four Democrat you Today I had four Democrat legislators,<00:03:31.400><c> some</
- They wanted it done from the Democrats.
Summary:
Legislators and reporters discussed the final contours of a Minnesota bonding and tax package centered on a $1.2 billion capital investment bill. Supporters said the bill would fund state and local infrastructure projects, maintain state assets, and include anti-fraud measures such as electronic verification for service providers and a 100% excess tax on fraud proceeds to prevent offenders from profiting. They also said the package would backfill road-and-bridge funding so the fee reduction would not reduce transportation dollars.
A major point of emphasis was a temporary reduction in tab fees, described as a $254 million savings for taxpayers in 2027. Republicans said the reduction was a top priority and that it was secured through negotiations, though they acknowledged it is only a one-year reprieve unless changed in a future session. They estimated the average savings at about $145 on a $50,000 vehicle, with larger savings for households with multiple vehicles. They also noted that the first proposal had included both a depreciation change and a rate change, but only the rate cut remained in the final compromise.
In response to questions, lawmakers said the tab fee cut was driven by constituent complaints and that they would try to extend it next year. They also discussed related transportation issues, including accelerating collection of an auto parts sales tax and concerns about greenhouse gas-related costs for roads and bridges. On other topics, one lawmaker said gun control proposals in the House were not part of these negotiations and urged continued movement on the broader package. No formal vote was taken in the exchange, but participants expressed confidence that the bonding portion of the deal was largely settled, while some details of the full package still needed to be finalized.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, February 11, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> merits of the bill my Democrat merits of the bill my Democrat colleagues<02:23:06.960><c> spent<
- </c> election and I'm glad my Democrat election and I'm glad my Democrat colleagues<02:47:35.479><c>
- </c> people do not want what the Democrats people do not want what the Democrats are<03:07:40.080><c>
- Democrats I am alarmed by the illegal Democrats I am alarmed by the illegal impoundment<04:12:44.080>
- </c><04:54:58.878><c> nor</c> are neither Democratic nor are neither Democratic nor Republican<04:55:
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate DFL Press Conference 1/29/26
Transcript Highlights:
- ,</c> 80% of Americans, that is Democrats, 80% of Americans, that is Democrats, Republicans,<00:20:58.880
- We have a Democratic mayor and Democratic power. But that does not make you immune.
- We have a Democratic mayor and right?
- We have a Democratic mayor and Democratic<00:34:02.399><c> power.
- </c> typically Democratic led. typically Democratic led.
Summary:
The meeting was a multi-state press event and hearing focused on alleged federal immigration enforcement abuses in Minnesota and other states. Minnesota lawmakers and invited legislators from Montana, Illinois, North Dakota, Tennessee, and elsewhere described ICE and Border Patrol activity as warrantless, masked, and violent, citing detentions of residents and U.S. citizens, school lockdowns, hospital disruptions, chemical munitions, and the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Brady. Speakers said the actions were terrorizing immigrant communities, communities of color, Native Americans, and families, and argued that the federal government was using Minnesota as a testing ground for broader authoritarian overreach.
Several lawmakers tied the situation to constitutional and civil-rights concerns, saying the conduct violated protections related to due process, free speech, and equal treatment. They urged state and federal officials to resist cooperation with ICE, protect schools, hospitals, churches, and courthouses as safe spaces, and support sanctuary policies. One speaker said Minnesota had never before needed a select committee on federal impacts, but that the current situation justified it; another said a coalition of 27 states was coordinating 85 bills to require coordination with local law enforcement, increase transparency, protect against warrantless arrests and racial profiling, and impose consequences for federal misconduct.
During the press question period, lawmakers from North Dakota and Tennessee said similar enforcement activity was spreading beyond Minnesota, including reported abductions in Fargo and a large federal presence in Memphis that had led to deportations and business closures. Illinois lawmakers said their state had already passed sanctuary laws and would continue pushing back. The event ended with calls for continued organizing, state-level legislation, and collective resistance to federal immigration enforcement practices described by speakers as unlawful and abusive.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to markup an original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034. Feb 12th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Senate Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- To my Democratic colleagues...
- There will be another Democratic president.
- There will be Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress.
- Concerned from Democrats now about IGs being fired.
- So I just... to my Democratic colleagues.
Committee:
Senate Senate Budget
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, March 25, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The majority of Democrats aliens. The majority of Democrats remained<02:26:19.840><c> seated.
- 26:26.800><c> interests</c><02:26:27.120><c> of</c> Democrats are putting the interests of Democrats
- </c> directly impacted by the Democrats directly impacted by the Democrats shutdown.<02:27:35.439><c>
- </c> This is the root of democratic This is the root of democratic opposition. opposition. opposition
- In fact, every Democratic majority.