Video & Transcript Research : 'border wall'
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MN
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/26
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- You had Matt Gaetz praising her in the Wall Street Journal.
- <00:23:11.440>
Street Gates praising her in the Wall Street Gates praising her in the Wall - The margins are so without walls. The margins are so tight.
- And the average farmer can't compete on price against this Wall Street-backed acquisition.
- compete on price against this Wall compete on price against this Wall Street<01:01:31.200>
back
Bills:
HF3718
Keywords:
veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, animal care, licensing, client consent, continuing education, emergency services, teletriage, 1183, house
Summary:
The Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee met with quorum present, approved the March 2 minutes, and then heard a presentation on economic consolidation in agriculture from Austin Ferk, who said he was not taking additional public testimony. Ferk argued that consolidation in meat, dairy, and grain markets has squeezed farmers on both input and output prices, raised consumer prices, and reduced product quality. He used charts and examples to claim that concentrated markets lead to price gouging, that farmers now receive a historically low share of each food dollar, and that industrial production has contributed to environmental problems, especially in Iowa.
Ferk focused on several large agribusiness firms, especially JBS and Cargill. He described JBS as a dominant meatpacker with a history of bribery allegations and market power across beef, pork, poultry, and leather, and said its ownership of brands can obscure who is actually selling the product. He also criticized Cargill as an opaque, privately held company with enormous influence over grain and food markets, and said the farm bill and crop insurance system have been shaped to favor overproduction of corn and soy rather than diversified farming. He argued that these policies, along with ethanol demand and export-oriented livestock production, have harmed rural communities, increased manure and nitrate pollution, and contributed to health problems.
In the latter part of the presentation, Ferk discussed antitrust and policy responses, including concentration studies, a proposed packer ban that would prevent meatpackers from owning the animals they slaughter, and restrictions on slotting fees and other pay-to-play practices in grocery retail. He also referenced the failed Kroger-Albertsons merger as an example of consolidation harming local communities. No committee vote or formal action was taken on the presentation beyond approving the minutes.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- On a separate note, have you looked to the bordering states and see where we relate to there in this
- Yeah, being on the western border, that's kind of where I was just to be... ...in their laws.
- Yeah, being on the western border, that's kind of where I was just to be competitive.
- But yeah, being on a border county, obviously you've got to play it apart to be at the table for industries
- You know, they're built on the border of the county or wherever they're built because of different laws
Summary:
The Missouri House Legislative Rules Committee held a rare public hearing on House Bill 2243, sponsored by Rep. Bryant-Wolfen, which would repeal a local sales tax exemption for certain industries that was enacted in a prior omnibus bill tied to the Wayfair-related tax changes. The sponsor argued the exemption shifted revenue away from counties and onto local residents, and said the bill would restore local tax collections that had been lost without a guaranteed replacement. Several members questioned whether the proposal amounted to a tax increase on manufacturers and whether it could deter investment or job growth; the sponsor responded that the tax burden had already been shifted to Missourians and that other pro-business reforms could address competitiveness.
Supporters from Iron County, St. Genevieve County, and Adair County testified that the exemption had reduced local revenue for roads, law enforcement, ambulance, and 911 services. They described budget shortfalls, service cuts, and the impact on counties that had already approved local sales or use taxes by voter approval. One Iron County commissioner said the loss of revenue had forced higher property tax levies and reduced ambulance coverage, while St. Genevieve officials cited large drops in monthly sales tax receipts and rising costs. Adair County officials said the exemption affected revenue from large solar and wind projects and argued that the taxes were intended to support local infrastructure and schools.
Opponents, including Associated Industries in Missouri, argued the exemption was originally adopted to keep Missouri’s tax system uniform and compliant with the U.S. Supreme Court’s Wayfair framework for out-of-state sellers. They warned that removing the exemption could create a $35 million annual burden on manufacturers and potentially jeopardize broader local use-tax collections if the state’s system were challenged again. Committee members also discussed the possibility of requiring local voter approval or a replacement revenue source before changing the exemption. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the chair said he planned to execute the bill later in the week.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Special Session C Feb 11th, 2025
Florida Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and subsequently enacted several executive orders relating to immigration, including securing our borders
- additional sworn law enforcement and support positions to enhance interdiction activities and protect the borders
- In total, this legislation rigorously implements President Trump's plan to secure our border, protect
Summary:
The Florida Senate convened in special session with an opening prayer and pledge, then the Secretary read the joint proclamation calling the session. The proclamation stated the session was called to address immigration-related legislation, including measures to coordinate with federal immigration enforcement, create a state immigration board, restrict benefits for undocumented immigrants, create offenses related to non-citizen voting, strengthen detention and bail rules, require identification in state interactions, and provide funding and penalties related to enforcement and officials.
The Senate read the filed bills first time: SB 2C and SB 4C, both relating to immigration, and SM 6C, a memorial urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance and training for 287(g) agreements. The President and several senators discussed the immigration package, emphasizing support for President Trump’s immigration agenda, funding for law enforcement, and cooperation with the governor and House. The President also condemned threats and violent rhetoric directed at Commissioner Simpson and his family, and Senator Pizzo echoed concerns about threats and urged senators to discourage inflammatory social media behavior.
The Rules Chair announced the Appropriations Committee would meet the next day, and the Senate adopted motions waiving rules to place SB 2C, SB 4C, and SM 6C on the special order calendar for Thursday, with an amendment deadline tied to the Appropriations Committee meeting. Another motion sent bills filed outside the call to the Rules Committee for review. Senator Burgess recognized USF Health medical and resident students in the gallery. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, February 13, or upon the call of the President.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And I'll point this out: if we had a secure border this whole time, this wouldn't be an issue, right?
- -Mexico border under my role as vice chair of the Texas Border Coalition for over 10 years.
- We're a border state, after all. We used to be Mexico.
- You bring up border issues, but this is not what we're here to discuss.
- We have long prioritized border security and border protection, and eliminating the magnets that draw
Keywords:
higher education, tuition rates, financial support, immigration status, Texas law, SB 1835, resident tuition, nonresident students, scholarship students, public higher education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Education Code Section 54.213, tuition waiver, in-state tuition, out-of-state students, higher education finance, enrollment cap, capacity limit, workforce development area, nonimmigrant visa
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- not worked. ...the alternative is an interpretation that extends Minnesota's policies beyond its borders
- I think Minnesota attempting to shut off the power line at the border with North Dakota, I don't know
- at<00:36:38.319>
the <00:36:38.640>at <00:36:38.760>the <00:36:38.839>border - <00:36:39.119>
with power line at the at the border with power line at the at the border with - Smith whether Minnesota has the authority to regulate electricity generation within its own borders,
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Revised Apr 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- about someone who lives across the line that isn't working in Oklahoma, but they live right on the border
- about someone who lives across the line that isn't working in Oklahoma, but they live right on the border
- He's wanting this, and this is a business owner in a border town in rural Oklahoma.
- This brings people into our state, spending money in these small towns along these border towns.
Summary:
The committee considered and advanced a series of bills, beginning with House Bill 3834, which creates a revolving fund at the Department of Health for ibogaine research. The author said the measure is limited to clinical trials, has support from several tribal nations, and would not have an immediate fiscal impact, though retirement-related costs were discussed as roughly $1 million based on prior estimates. HB 3834 passed 20-0. House Bill 3940, updating Oklahoma Military Department provisions, National Guard retirement benefits, and some Uniform Code of Military Justice language, also passed after questions about the same estimated retirement cost and the effect of changing the date for implementation; it passed 21-1.
Members then approved House Bill 4346, with an amendment aimed at addressing fraud concerns in agricultural sales tax exemptions. The bill would extend reciprocity to holders of ag sales tax exemption cards from Texas and other surrounding states, allowing them to use those exemptions in Oklahoma border communities. Opponents argued the change would place too much burden on retailers to verify out-of-state cards and could increase liability, but supporters said it would help rural businesses. The bill passed 17-4. House Bill 2947, allowing clinical interns and accredited behavioral health graduate programs to bill Medicaid for supervised services, passed 21-0, and House Bill 3257, extending state benefits for 100% disabled veterans to those similarly disabled due to negligence at a VA hospital, also passed 21-0.
The committee next passed House Bill 3264, which adds domestic abuse by strangulation to the list of 85% crimes. Supporters emphasized the seriousness of strangulation and its connection to later homicide risk, while questions focused on prison population growth and costs; the bill passed 21-0. House Bill 4326, dealing with Oklahoma Promise homeschool language and the definition of certified classroom personnel, was amended to remove unrelated T-SET restructuring language and then passed 19-2. House Bill 4421, “Leo’s Law,” which requires fentanyl testing in child welfare drug screens when fentanyl use is suspected, drew emotional testimony about a child’s death and had its fiscal estimate discussed as dropping from $125 million to about $16 million; it passed 22-0.
Finally, the committee approved House Bill 3944, a State Finance Act cleanup and modernization measure, after questions about reporting dates and public finance oversight, and House Bill 3979, which raises financing caps under the Oklahoma Economic Development Finance Pool, after an amendment to add an effective date and emergency clause; both passed 21-0. House Bill 4118, updating the family caregiver tax credit and raising the maximum credit while keeping the annual cap unchanged, passed 20-1. The meeting ended with thanks to members and staff and adjournment.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Economic and Rural Development Jun 4th, 2025
Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, the next one I wanted was, and I like that you guys had number 5 for uh federal and military border
- I think where I'll leave it is um the proposed borderplex digital um campus down on the southern border
- bring to those communities, especially because they're in an unincorporated area on the southern border
- Being down in the southern part of the state, Madam Chair, I looked at the border, uh, industrial complex
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- requested an environmental health and safety officer staff position due to some challenges with the border
- some challenges staff position due to some challenges with<00:08:08.720>
the <00:08:08.879>border - with the border water contract for that. with the border water contract for that.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AGR/AEN Joint Info Briefing - Fri Jan 17, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , so our borders are the ports of entry because it does oversee a multi-agency monitoring project that
- And for post-border, where we have existing pests, we have agencies and organizations that work across
- the things where we and for post border the things where we have<00:20:18.880>
existing <00:20 - , border, and post-border activities.
- DAR takes on a holistic role, addressing pre-border, border, and post-border challenges, focusing on
Summary:
The joint House and Senate agriculture committees met on January 17, 2025, for an informational briefing on biosecurity and invasive species; Chair Kahaloa opened by noting there would be no public testimony. Members introduced themselves, and the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council (HISC) program manager Chelsea Arnot outlined the purpose of the briefing and the statewide impacts of invasive species, citing examples such as coconut rhinoceros beetle, little fire ant, coquí frogs, albizia, and mosquito-borne disease. She emphasized that biosecurity requires coordinated action across state departments, counties, federal agencies, universities, and communities, and highlighted HISC’s role in funding interagency projects, island invasive species committees, research, outreach, and early detection efforts.
Arnot and HISC representatives described major funding and program needs, including a requested $4.25 million increase to HISC to raise its baseline budget to $10 million, support island committee operations, research, biocontrol, marine biosecurity, surveillance, and staffing. They also requested $500,000 for the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab, saying it is critical to invasive ant research and little fire ant response. The briefing also noted HISC’s leverage of federal dollars, including a $4.6 million REPI award with HISC providing the match, and cited successful collaborative eradications and responses, including veiled chameleons on Maui, axis deer on Hawaiʻi Island, and a 2023 coconut rhinoceros beetle response on Maui that prevented further spread.
Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture officials then discussed implementation of updated administrative rules effective January 20, 2025, which permanently restrict movement of coconut rhinoceros beetle host material and give the department stronger authority to stop movement of infested material. They reported 2024 import activity of about 50,000 ship and aircraft arrivals, inspection/clearance of 20 million pieces, and 16,000 interceptions, with additional staffing from Act 231 expected to increase interceptions. They also described Act 231 funding and current spending status: about 65% obligated and 52% encumbered, with some funds tied to contracts for CRB and little fire ant response, plus an $800,000 green-waste hauling RFP that had to be reissued because of a flaw. The department said 580 Oʻahu homes and 290 Hawaiʻi Island homes are slated for little fire ant treatment, while Maui and Kauaʻi will focus on survey and outreach.
Members questioned how homes are selected for subsidized treatment, whether HISC and the island invasive species committees received Act 231 support, and whether the state should direct how contracted funds are prioritized. Representative Martin raised concerns that the RFP limited eligibility to private pest control companies and excluded more experienced entities such as the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab. Department officials said they would follow up on prioritization and funding details, and noted that emergency proclamations and procurement flexibility could help with rapid response and hiring during invasive species emergencies.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (01/14/2026)
Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- That's what He wants, and we put Him—portray Him up on the wall, but He's... ...portray Him up on the
- wall, but He's not portrayed in our hearts.
- We present Him on the wall, but we legislate against everything that is... ...legislate against everything
- That's not carrying out the will of God that you put on the wall.
- So this morning, let us not just... ...the wall.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/22/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, you run to find out anything outside our border. You're running a triple I.
- And they're already starting an operation in Maine, which is right across the border.
- And they're already starting an operation in Maine, which is right across the border.
- And they're already starting an operation in Maine, which is right across the border.
- reporting than under the Northern Border reporting than under the Northern Border Alliance<03:32
Summary:
The hearing focused primarily on House Bill 1087 and House Bill 123, both related to firearms. HB 1087 was introduced as a Second Amendment measure, but after questions from the chair and discussion with law enforcement, the sponsor agreed it should be set aside and referred to a study committee for further review, rather than advanced as written. The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association testified in opposition to the bill as written, while also indicating support for the sponsor’s proposed amendment or a study approach.
The bulk of the discussion centered on HB 123, which would require the return of firearms after a not guilty verdict or dismissal. The sponsor and several members described the bill’s purpose as speeding up the return of property, but law enforcement and judicial branch witnesses raised concerns about federal law, the need to ensure a person is still legally eligible to possess firearms, and the bill’s 24-hour return requirement. Witnesses from the State Police and judicial branch explained the current process, including background checks through the state police gun line, and said the existing procedure already aims to return firearms promptly while allowing time to verify disqualifying information.
Members and witnesses discussed possible amendments, including removing language that would bar background checks and instead tying return of firearms to completion of the check within a set time frame. Judicial branch and State Police witnesses said a process that requires a background check and return within a reasonable period, with notice if there is a delay or denial, would better address safety and legal concerns. The hearing ended without a vote; the committee closed the public hearing and indicated it would continue working on the language before executive session.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 1/23/25
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- 00:02:32.000>
gone <00:02:32.560>since <00:02:32.840>Governor <00:02:33.239>walls - those days are gone since Governor walls those days are gone since Governor walls has<00:02:33.959
- power for years now Democrats and power for years now Democrats and Governor<00:02:38.200>
walls - c><00:02:38.680>
have <00:02:38.840>ignored <00:02:39.400>Republican Governor walls - have ignored Republican Governor walls have ignored Republican pleas<00:02:40.280>
for <00:02:
Summary:
The House State Government Finance and Policy Committee met on January 23, 2025, approved the minutes from January 21, and took up House File 2, a bill on mandatory fraud reporting and grant oversight. Representative Davis described the bill as requiring state agencies to report suspected fraud to law enforcement and legislative leaders, post organizational charts online, conduct unannounced site visits for grant recipients, require reporting of grant violations, and suspend or terminate grant agreements when recipients are charged with or convicted of related crimes. No testifiers were present.
Committee members asked about how the reporting requirements would work, whether the bill should reference inspectors general or other law enforcement channels, and whether whistleblower protections would cover employees making reports. Representative Joy suggested the bill should halt funding immediately when fraud is reported, while Representative Ston raised the possibility of including contract employees. The committee administrator said the general whistleblower statute likely applies, but would follow up if needed.
Representative Anderson noted that the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits was listed as an opponent and asked about any outreach; Representative Davis said he was surprised and had not been contacted directly. The chair said the bill would be laid over because no fiscal note was yet available, and encouraged further discussion with members and the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits before the bill returns. The chair then moved on to a brief discussion of the governor’s budget proposal, noting that several agencies had declined to appear, and the meeting adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- not familiar with what the border not familiar with what the border regions<00:04:26.160>
do. - like to be part of the team the border like to be part of the team the border regions<00:09:16.480
- about the border regions not being<00:21:34.720>
transparent <00:21:35.679>about <00:21 - important, don't you think the border important, don't you think the border regions<00:46:43.760
- members drawn from the uh border members drawn from the uh border regents,<01:30:03.120>
gubanatorial
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 9 (1-16-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I can't do anything without the border. Nothing.
- telling you, "You can do anything about telling you, "You can do anything about the<00:21:43.600>
border - can't<00:21:44.240>
do <00:21:44.400>anything <00:21:44.640>without the border - I can't do anything without the border. I can't do anything without the<00:21:45.120>
border. - <00:21:45.760>
There's <00:21:46.000>nothing <00:21:46.159>I The border.
Summary:
The Senate convened, opened with invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, called the roll, excused absent members, and approved the prior day’s journal. The clerk then reported second-reading bills, including measures on a residential safe room rebate program, planning commission membership, dual credit scholarship programs, missing persons, school transportation, and behavioral health conditional dismissal, which were referred to the Rules Committee. New bills and resolutions were also introduced, including Senate Bill 103 on prescription drugs and Senate Resolution 44 recognizing Kentucky Arts Day.
The main floor debate centered on Senate Bill 7, which would allow county officials in counties without permanent regional licensing offices to handle driver’s license renewals and duplicates, including Real ID renewals, with a $25 fee on top of the existing license cost. Supporters argued the bill would reduce long drives, long lines, missed work and school, and restore local access and accountability; several members described it as a necessary but imperfect starting point and noted rural residents were especially burdened by the current system. Opponents or skeptics said the bill was only a band-aid, raised concerns about implementation and whether the executive branch should fix the issue administratively, and some noted they would prefer a stronger statewide solution.
After extended debate and several questions about fees, online renewals, and the bill’s limited scope, the Senate voted on SB 7. The bill passed 34-1. Following passage, the Senate recessed briefly for Rules Committee and Committee on Committees meetings, then received committee reports referring additional bills and posting several measures for future consideration. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 43, honoring Graville Reed Jr., and announced it would not meet on Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with the next session scheduled for Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- the most sense since we have an area there that's already a trade port as things come across the border
- Well, there might be a place on I-40 close to the Arizona border.
- The Economic Development Secretary said he wanted this bill because, according to him, The border at
- El Paso is sinking, and they're going to have to move to a different border, is what he said.
- I got elected to the Border Soil and Water Conservation Board based there in L.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine perspectives from the field, focusing on farmer and rancher views on the agricultural economy. Feb 26th, 2025 at 09:30 am
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Around a million pigs cross our border with Canada every single day.
- I ask that you assess the ramifications of the loss of food production from within our borders.
- Not because we shouldn't secure the border. I'm for that.
- We have a lot of on-farm workers close to the border who want to be good Americans.
- Without trade to our customers beyond our borders, we see and feel deep substantial losses.
Keywords:
agriculture, avian flu, bipartisan farm bill, economic challenges, poultry, dairy, specialty crops
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on crucial discussions surrounding the challenges faced by the agriculture sector, particularly concerning avian flu and its impact on poultry and dairy producers. Members provided insights into the economic struggles within the industry, emphasizing the need for a new bipartisan farm bill that addresses the diverse needs of specialty crop and livestock producers. Witnesses from various agricultural sectors spoke about their experiences, illustrating the high costs, regulatory burdens, and emerging diseases that threaten their operations. The meeting underscored a commitment to exploring solutions that will help maintain market stability and ensure food security.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- getting it, a lot of the disagreements, whether they're in my side of the body, or your side of the wall
- my side of the body, or my side<01:48:01.440>
of <01:48:01.520>the <01:48:01.600>wall - your<01:48:02.000>
side <01:48:02.159>of <01:48:02.239>the <01:48:02.320>wall - , side of the wall, your side of the wall, side of the wall, your side of the wall, are<01:48:02.719
- have legalized it, and it's something where, whether we like it or not, people are coming over the border
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- would take him from White Bear Lake all the way to Stillwater and I, where the interstate and the border
- Um, and um it uh removes a reference to the Piney Pine Creek Border Airport, which does not exist any
- /c><00:36:42.400>
Airport, <00:36:43.040>which <00:36:43.359>does Pine Creek Border - Airport, which does Pine Creek Border Airport, which does not<00:36:43.760>
exist <00:36:44.079 - Um, everybody had their half the border.