Video & Transcript : 'diplomatic engagement' :
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FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-05-29 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- include an estimate of property taxes for residential listings, the provision allowing certain diplomatic
- The provision allowing certain diplomatic intelligence, consular, and foreign service agents to keep
- And so we want to recognize that that's an activity that our citizens like to engage in, and it's important
- We are, on Monday, about to engage in a special session on property taxes that’s going to have impact
- We should want to engage with companies that engage in fact-checking.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former Senator Donnell C. Childers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Officer Antonio Richardson as law enforcement officer of the day. A quorum was announced, the journal was approved, and the Speaker said the chamber would take up 11 budget conference reports, with debate and final votes on each report. The first report considered was HB 7031E, the tax package, followed by HB 501E, the state budget appropriations bill.
On HB 7031E, Chair Duggan explained that the conference report included a range of tax reductions and tax-related changes, including sales tax holidays, property tax and homestead-related provisions, reductions in certain taxes and fees, and new exemptions or administrative clarifications. He said the package also added items such as sales tax relief for certain university construction projects, a tennis admissions exemption, and changes to agricultural property tax treatment, and that the amendment reduced state and local tax revenues by $272.2 million. Members questioned the bill about the child care tax credit reduction from three years to one, the homestead exemption provision for certain diplomats and foreign service personnel, the absence of gas tax relief and combined reporting, and the inclusion of firearm accessories and tennis tickets in sales tax holidays. After structured debate, the House adopted the conference report and passed HB 7031E by a vote of 88-11.
The House then began the conference report on HB 501E, the $114.5 billion budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, which was described as below the prior year’s spending level and leaving more than $14 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs outlined major allocations across education, higher education, IT, health care, transportation and economic development, justice, state administration, and agriculture/natural resources. Highlights included increased FEFP funding and veteran teacher raises, full funding for Bright Futures, major IT modernization projects, Medicaid and behavioral health funding, transportation and local infrastructure spending, correctional and law enforcement investments, fire station and emergency response funding, and large environmental and water-quality appropriations. Members asked detailed questions about school voucher fraud oversight, scholarship funding, teacher raises, preeminence funding, ADAP changes, SNAP data tools and error rates, Medicaid rate changes, prison wastewater monitoring, and other budget items, but the transcript ends during the budget questions before final action on HB 501E is shown.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 44 (3-11-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:49:34.560><c> Consul</c> diplomacy and public engagement.
- Consul diplomacy and public engagement.
- </c><00:49:36.880><c> of</c><00:49:37.120><c> the</c> General Grant is a diplomat of the General Grant
- is a diplomat of the highest<00:49:37.720><c> caliber</c><00:49:38.520><c> and</c><00:49:38.720><c>
- It will be an engaging reception including light refreshments. You might want to stop by.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 95 members present, excused absent members, and adopted a legislative citation honoring Dave Buzz Baker for his long career with WKYT and the UK Sports Network. The Senate clerk then reported several Senate bills passed by the Senate and requested concurrence. The House approved the journal and received committee reports advancing a wide range of bills on agriculture, banking and insurance, judiciary, licensing and regulations, education, and information technology, covering topics such as agricultural procurement, pesticide labeling, vehicle financial protection products, proxy advisory services, financial exploitation, status offenses, firearms liability protections, school administrator salaries, sick leave, school safety, and data privacy.
The chamber then considered House Bill 468 on civil rights. The bill would update the Kentucky Civil Rights Act to align the definition of disability with the federal ADA, and it would remove the Kentucky Human Rights Commission’s adjudicative powers over employment and public accommodations disputes while preserving investigative functions. House Floor Amendment 1 was adopted; it removed language barring attorney’s fees, preserved local commissions’ investigative powers, authorized local commissions and private plaintiffs to file civil actions in circuit court, and extended the probable-cause determination period from 30 to 180 days. The bill, as amended, passed 72-22.
House Bill 757, the session’s revenue bill, was then debated. Its sponsor described provisions including moratoriums on certain local school district taxes, Internal Revenue Code conformity, new taxes on data brokering, fantasy contests, and predictive markets, EV charging station inspection fees, elimination of some tax expenditures, Department of Revenue cleanup provisions, and process changes for inheritance tax, property tax delinquencies, and other measures. Members raised concerns that the bill would limit local school boards’ taxing options and could affect bonding and school construction; the sponsor said TIF-related provisions would sunset future participation, not existing projects, and that the bill had been developed with agency input. House Bill 757 passed 69-18. The House also passed House Bill 727, creating the Kentucky Education Placement Service System for teacher applicants and district job postings, by a vote of 94-0. The chamber then took up House Bill 776, a modernization of the Dental Practice Act, with changes to board authority, licensure renewal, hygienist and assistant rules, and telehealth standards; the sponsor noted an ownership-related issue and presented House Floor Amendment 1 for consideration, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that amendment and the bill.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cabo Verdean Cultural Center Apr 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And then community engagement at existing Cape Verdean events.
- As well as community engagement at existing Cape Verdean events.
- We had a career diplomat.
- He was super Creole, but he could not engage with the American K.
- But as commissioners, you guys do not have to wait to engage with us.
Summary:
The commission met to approve prior minutes, note attendance, and discuss updates on its work to plan a Cape Verdean Culture Center/Museum in Massachusetts. The minutes from the March 11 meeting were reviewed and accepted by motion and vote, with one correction noted about duplicate section numbering. Members also discussed a vacancy left by Julius Brito’s inability to accept appointment, and the need to potentially extend the commission’s deadline and broaden the window for adding commissioners.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on funding and legislative strategy. Staff reported that an amendment to extend the commission’s sunset date from December 31, 2026 to December 31, 2027 was filed in the Senate’s fair share budget but was not accepted. Commissioners and legislators discussed other possible vehicles for the extension, including the regular budget, supplemental budgets, or other moving bills, and also reviewed past and possible future funding sources for a feasibility study, including House and Senate earmarks, a bond bill, and eventually a nonprofit structure that could fundraise. Members emphasized the need for a consultant to support a feasibility study and for public pressure or commissioner advocacy if needed.
The bulk of the meeting was a brainstorming session on community engagement and outreach. Commissioners discussed a three-part approach involving site visits, traditional listening sessions, and outreach at existing Cape Verdean events, with possible additions of social media, a website, surveys, recordings, and canvassing. Suggested locations included New Bedford, Cape Cod, Boston, Brockton, Taunton, and potentially Rhode Island sites such as Pawtucket, with several members stressing the historical importance of New Bedford and Cape Cod. Participants also raised the importance of historical accuracy, youth engagement, visibility, and involving existing Cape Verdean organizations and museums. The meeting ended with agreement to continue refining the engagement framework, compile event lists, and return with more concrete dates and plans at the next meeting.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Mon Mar 30, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 35
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Bills:
HR208 , HR50 , HCR54 , HR102 , HCR110 , HR103 , HCR111 , HR114 , HCR122 , HR152 , HCR162 , HR20 , HCR19 , HR98 , HCR106 , HR49 , HCR53 , HR53 , HCR57 , HR93 , HCR101 , SB3225
Keywords:
Boys & Girls Club of Hawaiʻi, Youth of the Year, Military Youth of the Year, House Resolution, HR 208, keiki, youth recognition, student achievement, leadership award, community service, youth development, after-school programs, teen center, military families, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Legislature, commendation, congratulation, positive youth development, Boys & Girls Clubs of America
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Andrew Hughes, of Texas, to be Deputy Secretary, David Woll, of Virginia, to be General Counsel, both of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Michelle Bowman, of Kansas, to be Vice Chairman for Super Apr 10th, 2025 at 09:10 am
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Before that, I spent five years as a U.S. diplomat, again, including at U.S.
- So I wouldn't think that we would have challenges with any rulemakings that we might like to engage in
- So that's one of the things that we've engaged in over the last year or so is to work with our Reserve
- Does that sound like a... a potential place where FinCEN can get engaged in?
- We engaged in a number of conversations with state bank commissioners.
Keywords:
legislation, housing affordability, financial regulation, public testimony, accountability, oversight
Summary:
The meeting involved significant discussions around key legislative proposals, primarily focusing on various bills such as HB2 and SB5. The committee examined the implications of these bills on issues like housing affordability and financial regulation. Notable members engaged in debates, providing differing perspectives on the potential economic impacts of the proposed bills. The meeting witnessed public testimony, which included a call for accountability in government actions and oversight of current financial policies. Members echoed concerns about following through on commitments to address critical issues affecting everyday Americans.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, September 2, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><04:57:53.280><c> with</c> nation the ability to fully engage with nation the ability to fully engage
- </c> extending to them the same diplomatic extending to them the same diplomatic privileges<04:58:12.160
- </c> through real consistent engagement. through real consistent engagement.
- This bill is not just about diplomatic immunities.
- </c><07:42:49.040><c> in</c> will not respect anybody that engaged in will not respect anybody that engaged
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, I think this is the more diplomatic way to do it.
- So I think that this is the more diplomatic way to go about it and I hope that you support it.
- Um, I think this is the more diplomatic way to do it.
- Um, I think this is the more diplomatic way to do it.
- Um, I think this is the more diplomatic way to do it.
Committee:
House Housing
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, June 12, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The security, and diplomatic services.
- </c> Civic engagement is alive and well.
- The purpose of public media is to inform, educate, and engage.
- </c><04:22:05.359><c> This</c> engagement. That's not theoretical. This engagement.
- Trump doesn't want a country of engaged, informed Americans.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, January 14, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It puts American businesses first, prioritizing diplomatic engagement to favorably resolve commercial
- It puts American businesses first, prioritizing diplomatic engagement to favorably resolve commercial
- It puts American businesses first, prioritizing diplomatic engagement to favorably resolve commercial
- </c><04:25:26.000><c> engagement</c><04:25:26.800><c> to</c> prioritizing diplomatic engagement to favorably
- </c><04:45:26.240><c> It</c> diplomatic and security tools. It diplomatic and security tools.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TCA-HRE, HRE Public Hearings 03-20-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:04:14.760><c> uh</c> US government both in as diplomatic uh US government both in as diplomatic
- I know that we have a diplomatic residents in East-West Center right now who's representing the State
- I know that we have a diplomatic residents in East-West Center right now who's representing the State
- I know that we have a diplomatic residents in East-West Center right now who's representing the State
- I know that we have a diplomatic residents in East-West Center right now who's representing the State
Summary:
The meeting covered several Senate resolutions related to the University of Hawaiʻi system, the East-West Center, and related education and workforce issues. On SCR 178 and SR 48, testifiers strongly supported the East-West Center, describing it as an important Hawaii asset that promotes cultural exchange, global citizenship, diplomacy, and ties to the University of Hawaiʻi. Speakers said the Center has helped train leaders and bring international connections and investment to Hawaii, and they urged continued funding despite federal cuts. The chairs then recommended passage with technical amendments, and both resolutions were adopted by the committees.
The committee also heard testimony on resolutions calling for audits of University of Hawaiʻi operations. On SR 32 and SCR 50, the University of Hawaiʻi said it supported the resolution and had already begun work on establishing a Bachelor of Science in nursing at the UH Maui campus, with additional staff available on Zoom to answer questions. On SR 160 and SCR 142, which sought a financial and performance audit of UH Mānoa facilities, UH Athletics said it already undergoes annual financial audits required by NCAA bylaws but not performance audits, and discussed its internal evaluations, contingency planning, and efforts to address concerns raised by student athletes and staff.
The committee then took up SCR 138 and SR 55, requesting a management and performance audit of the UH Office of the Vice President for Academic Strategy. Vice President Deborah Halbert and P20 Director Steve Shotz said they did not oppose the audit and believed it could provide clarity, while explaining that the office is relatively new and works collaboratively across campuses on articulation, transfer, grants, and workforce alignment. They described grant programs including Perkins, GEAR UP, preschool development, and data-sharing efforts, and said they are focusing more resources on teaching, health care, and skilled trades. The discussion also touched on SR 54, a proposed performance audit of the UH Foundation, where foundation representatives said they already undergo annual financial audits, acknowledged some donor communication issues, but emphasized improved stewardship and growth in fundraising over recent years.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-05-29 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The provision allowing certain diplomatic, intelligence, consular, and foreign service agents to keep
- The provision allowing certain diplomatic intelligence, consular, and foreign service agents to keep
- We should want to engage with companies that engage in fact-checking.
- We should want to engage with companies that engage in fact checking.
- We should want to make sure that we are that engage in fact checking.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- that phase two feasibility analysis—but on the right side you can see that we've also already begun engaging
- phase two feasibility analysis, but on the right side you can see that we've also already begun engaging
- So we're doing this in parallel processes, and this is again not the extent of our community engagement
- There will be opportunity for public engagement and transparency as these projects proceed through the
- It needs a public actor in the mix here, both to provide some of the stability for diplomatic relationships
Committee:
Senate Natural Resources
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine certain pending nominations. Apr 29th, 2025 at 02:00 pm
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- family member for most of her life and her willingness to embark upon this next phase of civic engagement
- This will not be the first time I've served as an American diplomat.
- We on every one of those trade missions also engaged the foreign agricultural service staff in country
- We'll engage with across the Treasury, Commerce, USTR functions.
- I've engaged their staff in sending them referrals from South Dakota to help promote products overseas
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We continue to remain thoroughly engaged in ensuring our water cyber infrastructure is prepared.
- For the past four and a half years, I've been actively involved in diplomatic negotiations concerning
- Commissioner, what federal engagement do we have? How engaged?
- I think they are. are, they're engaged.
- reason to break the relationship for this. for this turning point, but I think that Mexico is... engaged
Committee:
House Natural Resources
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- advancing economic opportunity. as well as bilateral policy discussions and meaningful cultural engagement
- It was, in fact, President Sam Houston himself who sent a diplomatic mission... to London nearly two
- hope this caucus serves as a catalyst for further growth and collaboration. in fostering ongoing engagement
Bills:
SJR36 , SJR2 , SB4 , SR45 , SR47 , SR63 , SR66 , SR70 , SR85 , SCR14 , SB10 , SB11 , SB10 , SB11
Keywords:
SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, constitutional amendment, homestead exemption, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, local government, Ways & Means
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPN-EIG, CPN DEFER, CPN DEFER Public Hearings 02-04-2026
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- questions about it, but that's what can be established through the design process that we've been engaged
- questions about it, but that's what can be established through the design process that we've been engaged
- questions about it, but that's what can be established through the design process that we've been engaged
- questions about it, but that's what can be established through the design process that we've been engaged
- questions about it, but that's what can be established through the design process that we've been engaged
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection
Keywords:
renewable energy, grid-ready homes, interconnection process, electric utility, energy independence, surcharge, customer access, energy storage, smart inverters, Public Utilities Commission, PUC, electric utility rates, ratemaking, performance-based regulation, performance-based incentives, performance incentive mechanisms, revenue adjustment mechanisms, cost control mechanisms, reward and penalty mechanisms, alternative ratemaking
Summary:
The committee first reconvened on SB 2471 and SB 2829, both relating to the powers of artificial persons. After discussion with the Attorney General’s office and a prior Q&A period, the chair said the committee would defer decision-making again, with the intent to return with amended versions of both bills that could gain support from the administration and its lawyers. The measures were deferred to Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in Conference Room 229 at 9:30 a.m.
The committee then took up SB 2180, relating to deposits of public funds. Members noted late testimony from the prior day’s joint hearing with the Housing Committee and moved to pass the bill out with amendments, including a defective effective date. The motion carried unanimously among those voting: the chair, vice chair, Senator Lamosao, and Senator Awa voted aye; Senator McKelvey was excused. The measure was adopted.
A joint hearing followed on SB 2033, relating to renewable energy and a streamlined grid-ready homes interconnection process. The PUC supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about the time, resources, and stakeholder input needed to establish the proposed process, and asked for clarification of terms such as “grid-ready homes” and the role of HERA. Hawaiian Electric said it supported the intent but opposed the proposed process and HERA funding use. The Hawaii Solar Energy Association strongly supported the bill, arguing that faster interconnection is needed to meet rooftop solar goals and lower costs over time. Testimony totaled 27 in support, two in opposition, and four with comments. Members questioned costs, consumer protections, and whether the bill would burden low- and moderate-income households; the bill’s supporters said amendments could clarify the definition of grid-ready homes and add guardrails, while acknowledging that upfront costs and interconnection costs would still need to be addressed.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Jan 27th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Early Learning & K-12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- and get registered to vote in the importance of democracy and making... ...students to engage and get
- Washington students are enthusiastic, engaged, and eager to participate in our democracy.
- in engaging other folks in doing that.
- There was no meaningful attempt to get youth civically engaged.
- Glad to have you engaged, and we'll move to Tyler.
Committee:
Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education
Keywords:
voter registration, elections, national holiday, civic engagement, government initiative, school funding, financial management, budgeting, transparency, district governance, SB 6260, public education, K-12, Washington State, OSPI, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, education finance, school transportation, school buses, zero-emission bus
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- She launched an extraordinary diplomatic career in 2005 with the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs
- And in the summer of 2017, she joined the Élysée Pallas as diplomatic advisor to the National Intelligence
- I want to commend the delegation for their commitment to progress, community engagement, and the preservation
Keywords:
teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- Ambassador Yui brings extensive diplomatic experience and has played a key role in strengthening U.S.
- Ambassador Yui brings extensive diplomatic experience and has played a key role in strengthening U.S.
- Ambassador Yui brings extensive diplomatic experience and has played a key role in strengthening U.S.
- has strengthened academic opportunities, expanded career and technical education, and deepened engagement
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the posture of United States Northern Command and United States Southern Command in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program; to be immediately followed by a closed ses Feb 13th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel
Transcript Highlights:
- They exploit the permissive environment and engage in brutal violence. trafficking, and other criminal
- As a trusted partner, we must be credible, present, and engaged.
- The PRC has continued to do their expanded their economic engagement to having more influence and diplomatic
- Hard at every opportunity to come in and engage. So we can't take that for granted.
- With regard to our partners and engaging in the counter drug piece, they're very resilient.
Keywords:
national security, China, Russia, cybersecurity, border security, military deployment, transnational crime, defense modernization, military strategy
Summary:
In this meeting, key topics included national security concerns with an emphasis on threats from China, Russia, and transnational criminal organizations. Senior military officials provided testimony on the evolving risks posed by these adversaries, particularly focusing on cybersecurity and advancements in weaponry. The discussion highlighted the importance of a cohesive strategy among government departments to effectively respond to the challenges presented by these threats, emphasizing the need for modernization in defense capabilities. Committee members grilled the witnesses on border security and the implications of deploying military resources in domestic operations.