Video & Transcript : 'troop withdrawal' :
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Molly Murphy, and I'm from Troop 502 in Woburn, Massachusetts.
- It was my first glimpse into the challenges that women face in troops.
- My second year as a scout, my troop decided to try a new summer camp.
- I met people from different troops all around the country.
- The moment when I age out of the troop.
Summary:
The Senate held an informal session centered on its annual scouting recognition program, led by Senator Tarr and other Senate leaders. Scouts from several Massachusetts councils recited the Pledge of Allegiance, the Scout Oath, and the Scout Law, and the chamber heard a report on Scouting America in Massachusetts from Eagle Scout Molly Murphy of Woburn, assisted by other scouts and flag bearers from across the Commonwealth. Murphy described her own scouting experience, leadership roles, Eagle Scout project, and the challenges and benefits of scouting, emphasizing leadership, service, and community impact.
Murphy also presented statewide scouting statistics for 2025, including 19,761 youth in 872 units, 9,402 adult volunteers, more than 23,500 merit badges earned, 482 Eagle Scouts, and over 203,000 hours of community service valued at more than $3 million. The Senate voted to print the scouting report in the Journal. Senators then read and presented a gubernatorial proclamation declaring April 23, 2026, as Scout Appreciation Day in Massachusetts, citing scouting’s service, character-building, and conservation values.
In addition to the scouting program, the Senate transacted several routine matters. It passed to be enacted two local bills: one authorizing Marblehead to establish a means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption and another further regulating the appointment of a special police officer in Malden. The Senate also adopted a resolution commending the IBS patient support group for recognizing April 19, 2026, as World IBS Day, and it engrossed a bill allowing retired police officers to serve as special police officers in Fairhaven after adopting an amendment, as well as a bill increasing the Haverhill Board of Health from three to five members. The Senate adopted an order to reconvene on Monday at 11 a.m. and then adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Apr 23rd, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They are Jack Knobber, a Life Scout from Troop 22 in Taunton of the Narragansett Council.
- My name is Molly Murphy, and I'm from Troop 502 in Woburn, Massachusetts.
- It was my first glimpse into the challenges that women face in troops.
- My second year as a scout, my troop decided to try a new summer camp.
- I met people from different troops all around the country.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/15/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> here is that if you decide to withdraw here is that if you decide to withdraw from<00:48:27.119>
- I know that you can delete and withdraw from the platform.
- I know that you can delete and withdraw from the platform.
- I know that you can delete and withdraw from the platform.
- The uh I and withdraw from the platform.
Committee:
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Apr 23rd, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They are Jack Knobber, a Life Scout from Troop 22 in Taunton of the Narragansett Council.
- My name is Molly Murphy, and I'm from Troop 502 in Woburn, Massachusetts.
- It was my first glimpse into the challenges that women face in troops.
- My second year as a scout, my troop decided to try a new summer camp.
- I met people from different troops all around the country.
Summary:
The Senate met in an informal session that mixed brief legislative business with a special program recognizing Scouting America. Early in the session, senators recited the Pledge of Allegiance and Scout Oath/Law with visiting scouts, and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr helped lead the chamber through the scouting presentation. The Senate also adopted an order to adjourn to meet again on Monday at 11 a.m. and to dispense with printing a calendar.
On legislative matters, the Senate gave final passage to House No. 4225, authorizing Marblehead to establish a means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption, and House No. 4584, further regulating the appointment of a special police officer in Malden. The chamber also adopted a resolution commending the IBS patient support group on recognition of April 19, 2026, as World IBS Day. In addition, the Senate considered and adopted amendments and then engrossed House No. 4234, providing for the appointment of retired police officers as special police officers in Fairhaven, and engrossed House No. 4057, increasing the Haverhill Board of Health from three to five members.
The main feature of the session was the annual scouting report to the Commonwealth. Eagle Scout Molly Murphy delivered remarks describing her experience in scouting, including leadership roles, an Eagle project, and the challenges and benefits of being one of the early female scouts in the program. She and other scouts presented statewide statistics for 2025, including 19,761 youth in 872 units, more than 23,500 merit badges earned, 482 Eagle Scouts, and over 203,000 hours of community service valued at about $3.06 million. The Senate voted to enter the scouting report into the Journal and received a gubernatorial proclamation designating April 23, 2026, as Scout Appreciation Day in Massachusetts.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- He called them his troops, and they took that as a responsibility and a sign of honor.
- Let me lay it out and withdraw it, and then we'll leave it pending. Is there a second? Second.
- We're going to withdraw the committee substitute at this point. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, members.
Bills:
HB767 , HB 1242 , HB1373 , HB1404 , HB1708 , HB1936 , HB2041 , HB2198 , HB2270 , HB2315 , HB2415 , HB2427 , HB2455 , HB2457 , HB2522 , HB2523 , HB2686 , HB2763 , HB2775 , HB2944 , HB3034 , HB1683 , HB1695
Committee:
House Transportation
Keywords:
highway designation, memorial, Montgomery County, Paul P. Mendes, transportation, HB 1242, Texas Transportation Code, U.S. Highway 281, Brooks County, Ernesto Soliz Cantu, memorial highway, road naming, TxDOT, road signage, commemorative resolution, memorial markers, county road 304, Huppergate Road, Los Robles Trail, Farm-to-Market Road
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education Mar 5th, 2025
S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education
Transcript Highlights:
- J.D., this bill is going... will help those kids in Troop, Texas, right? Yes, sir. And Palo Alto.
- Okay at this time we'll withdraw the committee substitute.
- If there's no further questions, we will withdraw the committee substitute.
Keywords:
applied sciences, career education, high school diploma, certificate program, work-based learning, job placement, high-growth jobs, technical training, career readiness, education reform, workforce training, public schools, financial aid, fraudulent solicitation, disaster relief, nonprofit organizations, criminal penalties, consumer protection, fraud prevention, charitable donations
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, January 22, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:13:04.880><c> from</c> Biden his disastrous withdrawal from Biden his disastrous withdrawal from
- They oversaw the catastrophic withdrawal of Afghanistan with no more for failures.
- In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues.
- In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues.
- </c> the full skill Retreat of withdrawing the full skill Retreat of withdrawing from<04:24:09.640><c
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, June 12, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Our military and revolutionary mindsets have given the American Haitian Americans the Haitian troops
- American Haitian Americans<00:14:35.199><c> the</c><00:14:35.440><c> Haitian</c><00:14:35.839><c> troops
- the Haitian troops during the Revolutionary<00:14:37.519><c> War.
- Now, Prime Minister Netanyahu should be proclaiming victory and indicating his readiness to withdraw
- </c><04:20:58.319><c> and</c> trade routes shut down, our troops and trade routes shut down, our troops
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Aren't these adults, that if they are unhappy, will withdraw from the union?
- I utilized Troops to Teachers. I actually just had a procedure to remove some cancer off my face.
- After my time in the Navy, running water plants for fellow troops, I worked for KBR, where I went over
Summary:
The committee took up several bills and confirmations. It reported favorably SB 332, as amended, on a narrow public-meetings/public-records exemption for legal strategy and settlement communications during the pre-suit period in Burt Harris claims; SB 464, requiring K-12 schools to formally observe Veterans Day; SB 984, clarifying firefighter cancer/death-benefit provisions and related prevention language; SB 576, expanding and codifying the local government cybersecurity protection program under Florida Digital Service; SB 964, revising how certain gifts and honoraria are reported to the Commission on Ethics; SB 1612, requiring local governments to accept electronic payments with exceptions and a delayed effective date; SB 830, creating public-records exemptions for certain local government administrators and their families; SB 1096, clarifying the filing deadline for Florida Civil Rights Act complaints; and SB 1656, designating the SS American Victory as Florida’s official state flagship.
The committee also considered a large confirmation package. Jeffrey Aaron’s appointment to the Public Employees Relations Commission was discussed separately after Senator Polsky raised concerns about his political connections and prior work; the committee still recommended him favorably. The remaining appointees on tabs 12 through 30 were also recommended favorably in one vote.
The longest and most contentious item was SB 1296, with a committee substitute, on the Public Employees Relations Commission and public-sector unions. The PCS would change union certification/recertification rules, require a recent showing-of-interest form, create different voting thresholds for public safety and non-public safety employee organizations, limit paid union leave for non-public safety unions unless reimbursed, require equal access to certain employer communication spaces, and speed up impasse procedures for legislatively funded salary increases. Senators raised constitutional concerns, especially about the single-subject rule and collective-bargaining rights, and many speakers opposed the bill as union-busting and harmful to teachers, bus drivers, nurses, utility workers, and other public employees. Supporters argued it would improve accountability, ensure genuine member support, and prevent taxpayer-funded union activity. The committee continued debate on SB 1296 after extensive testimony, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that bill.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Mayflower flag bearer is Colton Craftley from Scout Troop 9 in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
- The Narragansett flag bearer is Josiah Ford, a Tenderfoot Scout from Troop 40 in Taunton.
- And be surrounded by so many scouts, so many adult leaders, so many troop committee members on the floor
- And I'm going to ask Casey Crannell from Troop 75 in Chelmsford to join me up at the rostrum to lead
- Hello, my name is Jimmy Poyer, and I'm an Eagle Scout with Troop 79 in Maine or Mass.
Summary:
The Senate convened for a ceremonial session centered on the annual scouting report to the Commonwealth and a recognition of April as Public Health Month under state law. The chamber welcomed scouts and adult leaders from across Massachusetts, with Senator Tarr introducing the program and recognizing flag bearers, the Pledge of Allegiance, the Scout Oath, and the Scout Law. A keynote address was delivered by Eagle Scout Jimmy Porrier, who highlighted scouting’s role in leadership development, community service, outdoor education, and conservation, and noted his own achievement of earning all 139 merit badges.
The annual scouting report, presented by Theodore Borden, summarized statewide scouting participation and service. The report cited 21,469 youth members, 10,236 adult volunteers, 10,461 youth participating in summer activities, 4,467 non-scouts served, 689 Eagle Scouts, 200,098 hours of community service, and 28,406 merit badges earned. Membership figures were also broken down by program, including Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Exploring.
After the report, Senator Collins moved that it be printed in the Senate Journal, and the motion was adopted without objection. The Senate then concluded the ceremonial proceedings, thanked the scouts and organizers, and adjourned to meet again on Thursday at 11:00 a.m.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee Jan 21st, 2026
Public Safety and Homeland Security
Bills:
HB1 , HB198 , HB11 , HB32 , HB33 , HB34 , HB56 , HB68 , HB72 , HB101 , HB102 , HB110 , HB154 , HB166 , HB168 , HB274 , SB114 , HB1 , HB198 , HB11 , HB32 , HB33 , HB34 , HB56 , HB68 , HB72 , HB101 , HB102 , HB110 , HB154 , HB166 , HB168 , HB274 , SB114
Committee:
House Public Safety and Homeland Security
Keywords:
DUI, driving under the influence, ignition interlock, interlock device, driver license suspension, restricted license, motor vehicle, alcohol offense, first offense, repeat offender, blood alcohol concentration, BAC, license revocation, Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, ALEA, public safety, traffic safety, chemical dependency, substance abuse, court referral program
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs Apr 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- He said, I'm going to pull the troops together.
- I'm going to pull the troops together.
- Chairman, it just sounds like to withdraw my motion and yield to the member at the table. Okay.
- Chairman, it just sounds like to withdraw my motion and yield to the member at the table. Okay.
Summary:
The committee met on April 15 at 5:13 p.m. with a quorum present and took up several local and municipal bills out of order to accommodate members’ travel. HB 87, which would increase the per diem for the Livingston Parish Gas Utility District No. 1 board, was presented as a local bill with no opposition and was reported favorably without objection. HB 481, dealing with the cost of publishing official proceedings and public notices, drew extensive testimony from the Louisiana Press Association, the Police Jury Association, and committee members. Supporters said a prior agreement intended a 15% to 20% reduction in notice costs, but a calculation error would instead produce roughly a 40% reduction, threatening small newspapers; opponents questioned the process and impact on local governments. The committee ultimately voted 10-5 to send HB 481 to the floor, with members urging further negotiation and possible amendment.
HB 573, a major New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board governance bill by Rep. Hilferty, was amended in committee and then supported by Mayor Helena Moreno and several council members as a way to shift more oversight and accountability to the New Orleans City Council. Supporters argued the current structure diffuses responsibility and that local elected officials need more direct authority over operations, contracts, and transparency. Dr. Tracy Washington of the Louisiana Justice Institute opposed the bill, warning that transferring control could worsen financial strain, blur accountability, and raise equity and human-rights concerns for vulnerable residents. Despite the opposition, the committee voted to report HB 573 favorably to the floor.
The committee also advanced HB 162, allowing the Jefferson Place/Bocage crime prevention and improvement district to impose a fee after local approval, and HB 368, which raises penalties for unauthorized demolition in New Orleans historic districts to the greater of $50,000 or 15% of assessed value. Both were reported favorably after brief discussion. HB 441, a cleanup bill clarifying that New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board employees remain in city civil service rather than state civil service, was also sent to the floor without objection. Finally, HB 257, concerning the powers and duties of the police chief of the city of Central, was amended to require consultation with the city attorney before discipline or dismissal and to delay effectiveness until January 1, 2027; after debate over due process and the chief’s authority, the committee voted to report it favorably.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Feb 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And then do we have a definition of troop here?
- If you Google 'troop,' what comes up is a group of soldiers.
- That troop language is the same language that is in the current federal law.
- , technically troops there?
- And so it's not the troops themselves.
Summary:
The subcommittee heard a bill aimed at protecting New Mexico elections from outside interference and codifying emergency election procedures. The sponsor argued New Mexico already ranks first nationally in election administration, but said the bill was needed in response to threats of federal interference, including possible deployment of federal agents at polling places. The bill would create state prohibitions on stationing troops or armed federal personnel at polling places, interfering with election workers or voters, or changing voter qualifications or election rules contrary to state law. It would also create civil enforcement authority for the Attorney General, Secretary of State, county clerks, or affected voters, with injunctions and civil penalties, and make violations a fourth-degree felony.
A second major section would allow emergency changes to polling locations and voting procedures during declared disasters such as wildfires or floods without first obtaining a court order, including use of mobile voting units and secure online ballot return options for some voters. The Secretary of State’s office said these procedures were already largely in rule and that the fiscal impact would be minimal, with existing voter education materials and law enforcement guides covering implementation. The office also said the bill would extend who may request law enforcement assistance and strengthen existing election offenses by adding “under color of law” language and a new offense for intentionally obstructing access to a polling place.
Committee members raised concerns about definitions, possible effects on military personnel, police, federal officers, county clerks, tribal jurisdictions, and polling places on federal property, as well as the scope of civil penalties and how intent would be proven. Several members questioned whether the bill was rushed, whether all analyses had been received, and whether the emergency provisions could disadvantage rural communities if notice requirements could not be met during disasters. The sponsor and Secretary of State representative responded that the bill would not prevent qualified voters, including military members, from voting, that local police were treated differently from federal personnel, and that courts would determine intent and appropriate defendants. No vote was taken; the chair said the hearing was being held as a subcommittee and would reconvene later, likely the next day, for a vote.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Christopher Landau, of Maryland, to be Deputy Secretary, Michael Rigas, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources, and Matthew Whitaker, of Iowa, to be United States Permanent Representati Mar 4th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Foreign Relations Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The hosts on Russian state television can't believe their luck that the U.S. is withdrawing from the
- Do you believe that withdrawing from regions that need us the most, that ending our engagement in crisis
- The war in Ukraine happened because of Joe Biden's weakness after his withdrawal from Yeah, I don't think
- So do you support the continued presence of U.S. troops on NATO's eastern front?
- At the same time, Joe Biden's weakness in the Afghanistan withdrawal, I think, also gave a green light
Committee:
Senate Foreign Relations Committee
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:
- Our troops just returned from Poland.
- The commander in chief is ordering his troops because he's the commander in chief.
- He has the authority to order his troops. He's ordering his troops.
- And our troops are saying, no, we're not going. The governor is saying that.
- They could only call up troops into service when given the authority of law... ...troops into service
Summary:
The committee held a hybrid public hearing on seven House bills and seven Senate bills related to the Massachusetts National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserves. Opening remarks covered hearing procedures, livestreaming, testimony limits, and expected reporting dates, and chairs noted the committee’s focus on Guard and Reserve issues. Testimony then moved through several bills, including S. 2465 to expand the National Guard welcome-home veterans bonus to all deployed Guard members regardless of residency, H. 3876/S. 2462 to authorize military-style headstones for long-serving or deceased Guard members, and S. 2482/H. 3833 to establish a Massachusetts National Guard Museum in Salem. Supporters of the bonus and headstone bills argued they would correct inequities and better honor service; Senator Lovely described the museum proposal as a way to preserve the Guard’s history in Salem and potentially support federal funding for the project.
A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 3829/S. 2471, the “Defend the Guard” proposal that would bar Massachusetts National Guard deployments into active combat absent a formal congressional declaration of war. Supporters argued the bill would restore constitutional war powers, reduce repeated undeclared deployments, and protect Guard members’ mental health and state readiness. Opponents, including retired Guard leaders and current service members, warned it could conflict with federal law and Title 10 authority, undermine federal funding and training, and harm readiness, force structure, and unique Guard capabilities. Committee members repeatedly questioned the bill’s legal authority, constitutional basis, and practical effects under the Supremacy Clause and Title 10, and several witnesses were asked to submit additional written legal support.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 3831, which would extend Chapter 115 benefits to currently serving Guard and Reserve members who do not meet federal veteran-status thresholds, and on related proposals to clarify Guard command structure and the duties of the Adjutant General. Supporters said these changes would improve access to benefits, reduce confusion in the chain of command, and strengthen discipline and responsiveness. Separately, the National Guard Association of Massachusetts backed H. 3860/S. 2458, the Guard Enlistment Enhancement Program, as a recruiting tool, while opposing the Defend the Guard bills. No votes were taken during the hearing.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Reed Rubinstein, of Maryland, to be Legal Adviser, Mike Huckabee, of Arkansas, to be Ambassador to the State of Israel, and Kevin Cabrera, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Panama, all of the Depar Mar 25th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Foreign Relations Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Getting drawn into this conflict and putting American troops on the ground in Gaza I think would be a
- But thanks to this administration, the Panamanian government's withdrawing from the Belt and Road Initiative
- My friend Steve Angle did a tremendous analysis of the executive's authority to unilaterally withdraw
- Cabrera, I appreciate your calling up the important of Panama withdrawing from the Belt and Road Initiative
Committee:
Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Summary:
The committee meeting was focused on various key issues, including the implications of recent violence in the Middle East and U.S. foreign policy in relation to Israel and Panama. Members discussed the need for diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Israeli officials following the recent attack by Hamas. Governor Huckabee emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and reiterated the need for accountability for terrorist organizations involved in violent acts against civilians. Senators shared their concerns regarding the ramifications of U.S. actions in Panama and the presence of Chinese influence, highlighting the significance of the Panama Canal in terms of trade and security.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, January 14, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Out of 25,000 troops, Sergeant Madin was one of only 13 selected to be honored by President Trump in
- In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues.
- In conclusion, God bless<02:10:19.199><c> our</c><02:10:19.440><c> troops</c><02:10:19.920><c> as</c>
- as the global war on bless our troops as the global war on terrorism<02:10:21.360><c> continues.
- the salaries for the staff of withdraw the salaries for the staff of two<02:54:34.880><c> federal</c
Keywords:
appropriations, national security, foreign aid, transparency, democracy, House Resolution 992, H.Res. 992, HR 992, rule resolution, procedural rule, Rules Committee, Committee of the Whole, previous question, motion to recommit, waiver of points of order, closed rule, structured rule, FY2026 appropriations, consolidated appropriations, federal spending
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Courts, Corrections and Justice Sep 22nd, 2025
Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Of troops. It's the governor.
- Now, this is a prohibition that applies to federal troops.
- , conducts oversight on the ground to monitor the use of troops in federal law enforcement.
- Guard or using federal troops. That is one thing we've been talking about today.
- or the National Guard troops of another state if they... come to the state of New Mexico?
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- If there are troops, federal troops, in the state of New Mexico 28 days before an election, in a parking
- If there are troops, federal troops, in the state of New Mexico, 28 days before, in a parking lot, before
- Madam President and Senator, when we arrest these troops, when we arrest these troops, where are we..
- Arrest these troops, when we arrest these troops, where are we going to imprison them, Madam President
- Because that's what we do as soldiers, as troops. Soldiers as troops.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge, and agreed by unanimous consent to allow cameras on the floor and gallery, excuse several senators, and move to announcements and miscellaneous business. The chamber then adopted a ceremonial resolution honoring Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales for his years of service as Senate president and lieutenant governor, followed by extensive remarks from senators and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham praising his leadership, fairness, education advocacy, and personal kindness. Morales briefly responded, thanking members, the governor, and his family, and noting he would offer fuller remarks on his final day.
After messages from the House were read, the Senate adopted several committee reports. These included favorable action on Senate Memorial 31; House Judiciary Committee substitute for House Bill 70; House Bill 124, referred to Finance; Senate Joint Resolution 6, referred to Judiciary; Senate Joint Resolution 7; House Bills 103, 154, 165, and 285 as amended; and the Finance Committee’s amended report on House Appropriations and Finance Committee substitute for House Bills 2 and 3. The Judiciary Committee also reported Senate Bill 104 as duly enrolled and engrossed, and the body noted that SB 104 had been signed in open session.
During personal privilege, Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth discussed a State Ethics Commission advisory opinion on whether legislators who are attorneys may vote on medical malpractice cap legislation, arguing the issue is governed by Senate rules rather than the Governmental Conduct Act. He said he would continue to disclose his interests and vote under Rule 7-5, and also rejected a newspaper suggestion that he had a conflict in sponsoring a judgeship bill for the First Judicial District Court. The Senate then moved into third reading, beginning with Senate Rules Committee substitute for Senate Bill 264, which Senator Duhigg explained as an election-security measure responding to concerns about federal interference, intimidation, and emergency election disruptions; Senator Nava then spoke in support as a co-sponsor.
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
Subcommittee on Personnel
Transcript Highlights:
- Is that using military troops, our troops at the border, that is not going to have an impact on readiness
- Your troops have... done a great job of intercepting these strategic bombers.
- We've seen this before when the first administration deployed troops to the border.
- Political stunts like this can easily damage troop morale.
- The number of troops assigned to the border mission continues to grow.
Committee:
Senate Subcommittee on Personnel
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.