Video & Transcript Research : 'confirmation'
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VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-05-29 - 10:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, I request that we pass over S. 313, move on to JRH 12, and then move to confirmations after that,
- That they be taken up together and without debate and they be confirmed by the Senate.
- We will confirm that at a later point today, but that the other three, Annick Paul, Michelle Phelps,
- and Gwenna Peter, be confirmed.
- The ayes have it, and you have confirmed Annick Paul, Gwenna Peters, and Michelle Phelps.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- We have a little bit of a different agenda today in confirmations.
- This is five legislative days for me, 540 people confirmation.
- This is five legislative days for me, 540 people confirmation.
- Any other business for the confirmations committee? Yes, sir. Confirmations committee? Yes, sir.
- With that, hearing no more business for the confirmation committee, we are adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 26th, 2026 at 11:01 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Your committee recommends that the Senate confirm this reappointment.
- Your committee recommends that the Senate confirm this reappointment.
- Your committee recommends that the Senate confirm this reappointment.
- Your committee recommends that the Senate confirm this reappointment.
- Confirmation: Senator Hario. Mr.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- If not, is there a motion to recommend confirmation?
- This is my third executive appointment and Senate confirmation.
- So I really appreciate you considering my confirmation.
- And by your action, you have voted to confirm Ashley Ross.
- Kissel is not confirmed, and his name will not be forwarded to the Senate.
Summary:
The Committee on Ethics and Elections met to consider a large slate of gubernatorial appointees, with 127 nominees on the agenda. The committee first approved the grouped nominees in Tabs 1 through 54 by unanimous roll call vote after brief public testimony in support of several appointees. The committee then took up individual University of West Florida and Pensacola State College-related nominations, including noting that Dr. Joel Rudman had resigned from the Pensacola State College board before appearing, leaving no action to take on that tab.
Several UWF trustees were confirmed after testimony focused on their qualifications and priorities for the university. Paul Bailey emphasized his local ties, legal background, and interest in UWF’s military connections and pre-law program; Rebecca Matthews highlighted her education and public service background, current role as UWF board chair, enrollment growth, fundraising, and alignment with state directives; Rachel Moyah discussed her education leadership experience, finance role, and positive enrollment and fundraising trends; Ashley Ross described her fundraising and higher education background and stressed workforce, advancement, cyber, and military partnerships; and Christopher Young spoke about his Panhandle roots, business experience, audit and compliance work, and support for military and student opportunity. Each of these nominees was confirmed by roll call and forwarded to the full Senate.
The most contentious nomination was Adam Kissel for the UWF Board of Trustees. Kissel described his background in higher education policy, free speech, philanthropy, and federal education work, and said he would focus on free speech, accreditation, military/veteran support, honors programming, and graduation rates. Committee members questioned him closely about prior writings on privatizing public higher education, his views on free speech versus Senate Bill 266, Project 2025, AI in administration, and his fit for UWF. Public testimony was split, with supporters praising his free-speech credentials and reform views, while opponents, including former UWF leaders, warned he was too ideological and not sufficiently grounded in the university community. After debate, the committee voted 5-4 not to confirm Kissel, so his name will not be forwarded to the full Senate.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, we have three judges up for confirmation today.
- Given my extensive litigation confirmed.
- And we have one more judge confirmation to address today.
- ,<01:20:34.560>
my lie in the future if I'm confirmed, my lie in the future if I'm confirmed - So, um, if you're confirmed, best of luck because I think it would be a lot of work.
Summary:
The committee hearing covered three judicial confirmations for the First Circuit family court. The first nominee, Maria F. Penn, was introduced for confirmation to a six-year term as a district family court judge. Testimony from family law attorneys and the Hawaii State Bar Association was strongly supportive, emphasizing her courtroom demeanor, preparation, knowledge of family law, respect for litigants and counsel, and ability to manage emotionally difficult family court matters. Judge Penn also spoke about her background, including her legal career, prior service as a PDM family court judge, and her view that family court requires both legal judgment and empathy. The chair noted that the committee would not vote that day and would take up votes the next morning.
The second nomination was Wilson Aunga for a district family court judgeship. Supporters described his character, community involvement, and suitability for family court, including testimony from the Honolulu prosecutor, longtime friends, classmates, community members, and others. Speakers highlighted his work with youth, his leadership in the prosecutor’s office, his calm and impartial temperament, and his commitment to education and public service. The chair reported 105 supporters, no opposition, and one comment from the Hawaii State Bar Association. Additional testimony continued from members of the public, including a speaker discussing mental health and personal support for Aunga.
Throughout the hearing, the chair enforced a two-minute limit on oral testimony and explained that the committee was short on time and would recess as needed. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair announced that voting would occur the following day in the same room.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 25th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Now we're going to go into our confirmations.
- Now we're going to go into our confirmations.
- We are now going to ask: Is there a motion to confirm, to vote for confirmation on all of the individuals
- Those will be recommended for confirmation.
- We confirm, we approve Mr.
Keywords:
missing persons, special needs, autism, search-and-rescue, Florida, voluntary program, funding, genetic counseling, education grants, state universities, faculty recruitment, student financial assistance
Summary:
The committee heard and approved two bills before moving to a long confirmation agenda. SB 1570, by Sen. Gates, would restore Project Leo, a previously sunset program that helps locate missing persons with special needs through voluntary tracking devices and coordination between CARD centers and local sheriffs; it was praised as a proven tool for families and first responders and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1376, by Sen. Burgess, would create grants to support genetic counseling education and help address Florida’s shortage of genetic counselors; testimony noted the state’s limited supply of licensed counselors and the need to expand clinical training, and the bill also passed favorably.
The committee then considered a block of reappointments to university and college boards of trustees, including institutions such as UWF, Broward College, Chipola College, FIU, Pasco-Hernando, Polk State, St. Petersburg, Valencia, FAMU, FAU, UCF, FSU, New College, UNF, USF, and others. No one requested separate votes on the reappointments, and the block was confirmed unanimously for recommendation to the next committee.
A series of new appointees then appeared and largely emphasized workforce training, nursing, military support, and local economic development at their institutions. Witnesses included appointees to Pensacola State, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, UNF, FIU, UWF, Valencia, the College of the Florida Keys, and others; several highlighted strong NCLEX pass rates, dual enrollment, and partnerships with employers or military communities. One nominee, Florida Poly reappointment Ilya Shapiro, faced pointed questioning from Sen. Bracey Davis about past comments regarding race and the Supreme Court; he said his remarks were about hiring criteria, not a specific justice, and reiterated opposition to race- or sex-based selection. The committee also briefly struggled to reach Sherry Young by phone before hearing her testimony for Chipola College, where she said she wanted to give back as an alumna and nurse practitioner. Most new appointees were recommended for confirmation in a block, while Thomas Zachary Smith of UWF was pulled for separate consideration.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-05-22 - 10:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- confirmed as chief uh in June of 2023. confirmed as chief uh in June of 2023.
- Department of Corrections be confirmed Department of Corrections be confirmed by<01:36:06.880>
- Green Mountain Care Board be confirmed Green Mountain Care Board be confirmed by<01:51:47.360>
- <01:53:07.200>
Sarah have it and you have confirmed Sarah have it and you have confirmed Sarah- as<02:04:19.680>
the confirmed Jenny Samuelson as the confirmed Jenny Samuelson as the Secretary - Green Mountain Care Board be confirmed Green Mountain Care Board be confirmed by<01:51:47.360>
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- There was no organized opposition to your confirmation.
- So our work doesn't end today with your confirmation.
- I hope to, once confirmed, give my 30-day notice and begin. Mr.
- I hope to, once confirmed, give my 30-day notice. And so that is my hope.
- I hope to, once confirmed, give my 30-day notice and begin. Very good.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Understand we've got some confirmations.
- So we're going to go to the confirmations.
- The committee recommends the Senate confirm this reappointment.
- Confirmation, Senator Jaramillo. Thank you. Mr.
- I believe that takes care of all our confirmations today.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of William Briggs, of Texas, to be Deputy Administrator, and Casey Mulligan, of Illinois, to be Chief Counsel for Advocacy, both of the Small Business Administration. Mar 12th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- This is why advocacy needs a confirmed chief counsel and I want to thank you both for being here and
- We hope to confirm them very soon. But we have made the request, Senator.
- Here's what SBA does well, and what the focus, if I'm confirmed, is going to be.
- Senator, if I'm confirmed, I will follow the law and focus on the court.
- Can you additionally confirm that SBA will keep Congress informed of any changes?
Keywords:
SBA, small business, nominations, Bill Briggs, Casey Mulligan, regulations, capital access, public support
Summary:
The Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship convened to consider the nominations of Bill Briggs for Deputy Administrator of the SBA and Dr. Casey Mulligan for Chief Counsel for Advocacy. The discussions highlighted the critical role of the SBA in promoting small businesses, with emphasis on overcoming challenges posed by excessive regulations and the need for improved access to capital. Several committee members expressed their concerns over recent layoffs within the SBA and the closure of district offices, which they believe undermine support for small businesses across the nation. The committee meeting saw extensive dialogue about the implications of regulations on small business operations and how the nominees plan to address these issues if confirmed. Public support for the nominees was acknowledged through letters from various stakeholders who advocate for small business interests.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Mar 25th, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Confirmations, perfect. Okay, give me just one second here.
- Chuck O'Neill, you're recognized to speak against a confirmation. Thank you.
- Okay, by your vote, the confirmation is recommended favorably.
- vote no on the confirmation of Rodney Barreto to the FWC.
- Okay, by your vote, the confirmation is recommended favorably.
Summary:
The committee heard and acted on a long agenda of environmental and natural resources bills. It reported favorably SB 1784 on sewer collection systems, allowing municipal sewer revenues to be used for expansion; SB 1388 on vessels, which prohibits random vessel inspections without probable cause, creates a five-year safety decal, bars local fuel-type boat bans, and expands funding options for boat ramps and marinas; and SB 880, which designates the American flamingo as Florida’s state bird and the Florida scrub jay as the state songbird. SB 946, as amended, was also reported favorably; it restricts certain waste facilities and incinerators near the Everglades, with the amendment narrowing the focus to the Broward/Miami-Dade area near the C-9 impoundment project. SB 1792 on dry sandy beaches was reported favorably after amendment, creating a pilot and process to inventory beaches and explore voluntary public access or conservation arrangements with private owners. SB 866 on anchoring limitation areas was reported favorably despite opposition from cruisers and boaters who argued existing law should be used instead of new county-specific restrictions. SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands was reported favorably with amendments that removed language about the necessity of phosphate mining and clarified that landowners requesting a radiation study must pay for it. The committee also reported favorably SB 1326 on hurricane evacuation clearance times and permit allocations in the Keys, and SB 1580, after a delete-all amendment, which authorizes DEP to use public-private partnerships for coastal resiliency projects. Finally, SB 1300 on oil and gas drilling permits was introduced to require DEP to consider potential harm from accidents or blowouts to natural resources when reviewing drilling permits, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill. The committee also took up confirmations, temporarily postponing the vote on Rodney Barreto’s FWC reappointment after public criticism of his leadership, while recommending favorably the other listed appointments.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Mar 31st, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- This would be my fourth confirmation with Fish and Wildlife.
- Is there a motion to recommend confirmation? Senator Broder moves to recommend confirmation of Mr.
- By your vote, the confirmation is recommended favorably.
- Is there a motion to recommend confirmation? No move.
- Is there a motion to recommend confirmation? No move.
Summary:
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met to consider confirmation appointments, beginning with Rodney Barreto’s reappointment to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Barreto described his background and defended his record, saying the commission has expanded public access, conserved land, supported youth conservation programs, and maintained strong law enforcement and wildlife management. Senators questioned him about public opposition to his confirmation, his role in supporting Amendment 2, a proposed use of submerged land near Singer Island, the Split Oak land swap, and whether FWC may reopen a bear hunt. Barreto said he saw no conflict in his Amendment 2 involvement, denied that any condo application existed for the Singer Island property, defended the Split Oak deal as a conservation and land-acquisition tradeoff, and said bear-hunt options would be presented later by staff and biologists.
Several members of the public spoke against Barreto’s reconfirmation, arguing that FWC needs reform, term limits, and more scientific leadership, and criticizing his real estate and lobbying ties as conflicts of interest. Speakers also objected to his positions on development, habitat protection, trap use, herbicide spraying, and the handling of bear management and public notice at FWC meetings. Senator Avila spoke in strong support of Barreto, citing FWC’s role in Biscayne Bay restoration, juvenile redfish releases, invasive species control, and community involvement. The committee then voted to recommend Barreto’s confirmation favorably, with Senator Smith voting no.
The committee next considered tabs 2 and 3, the reappointments of Kathy Chapman and Michael Kennedy to the Florida Inland Navigation District. With no separate vote requested and no public opposition, the committee recommended both confirmations favorably by voice roll call. The meeting concluded with thanks to staff and adjournment.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Hawaii Retirement Savings Board.
- >
the <00:01:19.040>Hawaii and confirmation to the Hawaii and confirmation to the Hawaii - Okay, GM717 consideration and confirmation.
- Uh again for the Workforce confirmation.
- <00:16:43.279>
Workforce confirmation to the Hawaii Workforce confirmation to the Hawaii Workforce
Summary:
The Labor and Technology Committee met on April 4, 2025, to consider four governor’s messages involving nominations to the Hawaii Retirement Savings Board and the Hawaii Workforce Development Council. Barbara Creek, nominated to the Retirement Savings Board for a term ending June 30, 2029, testified that she had already served two years on the board, had prior experience with deferred compensation plans, and wanted to help operationalize the program quickly and efficiently. In response to a question about Senate Bill 855, she explained that an opt-out auto-enrollment model is the gold standard for retirement savings programs, would increase participation and contributions, and would help Hawaii avoid being an outlier and improve the chances of joining a multi-state compact for a cost-effective program. Amber Aana, nominated to the Workforce Development Council for a term ending June 30, 2029, emphasized her maritime-industry background and commitment to diversity, inclusion, and training opportunities for women and underrepresented groups. Scott Collins, nominated to the same council for a term ending June 30, 2028, said he had served on the board since 2022 and could contribute public-sector and union experience to help address government workforce challenges. Pane Mayonga II, also nominated to the Workforce Development Council for a term ending June 30, 2029, was absent due to union travel, but the committee heard extensive testimony in support from labor, industry, and community representatives.
Support testimony was recorded for all four nominees, including from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, United Public Workers, Hawaii State AFL-CIO, Hawaii Nurses Association, Hawaii Ports Maritime Council, and other organizations and individuals. For Pane Mayonga II, the committee noted support from a broad coalition including labor unions, maritime and construction groups, and community advocates. No opposition testimony was presented, and members did not raise substantive questions on the Workforce Development Council nominees.
After a brief recess, the committee reconvened for decision-making and voted to recommend advice and consent on all four governor’s messages: GM 727 for Barbara Creek, GM 744 for Amber Aana, GM 717 for Scott Collins, and GM 728 for Pane Mayonga II. Each recommendation was adopted unanimously, and the committee congratulated the nominees before adjourning with no further business.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Confirmation is the excellent testimony, your opening statements.
- So I'm going to hold off on the confirmation today on voting aye.
- We are here in support of the confirmation of Ms.
- And so I would just urge you to confirm her. Thank you. All right.
- Senate floor for confirmation with the 5-0 vote. Congratulations.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules established a quorum and first approved several items without required appearances, including the appointments of Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Trinidad Solis, M.D., and Gerald Talbert, M.D., to the Medical Board of California, along with references of bills to committees and floor acknowledgments. The committee then heard testimony on two State Bar of California appointments requiring appearance: George Cardona, J.D., for Chief Trial Counsel, and Laura Enderton Speed, J.D., for Executive Director.
Cardona described his first four years as chief trial counsel, emphasizing reforms after the Girardi matter, including stronger conflict-of-interest and gift rules, tighter trust-account investigations, more data tracking, and efforts to reduce case backlogs and discipline disparities. Senators questioned him about the John Eastman disbarment case, the office’s role and jurisdiction, racial and Latino discipline disparities, unauthorized practice of law by notarios, staffing vacancies, and the use of AI in pleadings and internal work. Public witnesses from the State Bar, SEIU Local 1000, and others supported his confirmation, and the committee voted 3-0 to advance his appointment to the full Senate.
Enderton Speed said she sought the executive director role to help restore public trust, strengthen discipline and admissions, and address the February 2025 bar exam problems. Senators asked about the State Bar’s budget deficit, hiring freeze, long-term fiscal stability, the bar exam audit and litigation, safeguards against conflicts and gifts, and the decision to move the February exam largely remote before returning to in-person administration for July. Public witnesses also supported her confirmation, citing leadership, accessibility, and a focus on core functions. The committee voted 5-0 to advance her appointment to the full Senate. The meeting ended with remarks honoring Senator Jones on his final day on the committee and a cake presentation before adjournment to executive session.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., of California, to be Secretary of Health and Human Services. Jan 29th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Finance Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- If I'm privileged to be confirmed, that's exactly what I'll do. Thank you.
- I intend to make that a priority if I'm privileged to be confirmed.
- So if you're confirmed, when you're confirmed, will you commit to working with me on repealing this discriminatory
- I asked you to confirm your support for the Affordable Care Act.
- I think that you have come through well and deserve to be confirmed.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- strongly supports her confirmation. strongly supports her confirmation.
- I also bring nine years of confirmed.
- And if if confirmed, I judge of the ICA.
- Also, I will be taking over if confirmed Also, I will be taking over if confirmed Judge<01:39:38.159
- , so I'm looking into it and if confirmed, so I'm looking into it and if confirmed, I<01:48:52.960
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard Governor’s Message 790, the nomination of Karen T. Nakasone to serve as chief judge of the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals for a 10-year term. The chair announced that no vote would be taken that day and that the committee would vote on Thursday. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with the chair reading that there were 103 supporters, zero opposed, and one comment.
Supporters included current and retired judges, public defenders, bar association representatives, former elected officials, and community members. They described Nakasone as intelligent, fair, hardworking, well respected, and a strong leader with deep legal experience. Several speakers emphasized her judicial temperament, her work as an advocate and judge, and her community involvement, including leadership in civic and civil rights organizations. One pro se litigant also testified that she had been treated kindly and respectfully by Nakasone in prior interactions.
The Hawaii State Bar Association reported that it had conducted an interview and review process and found her qualified for the position. In her own remarks, Nakasone introduced family and colleagues, described her 30-year legal career, and said her first job after law school was as an ICA law clerk. She highlighted the court’s backlog reduction efforts under Acting Chief Judge Katherine Leonard, saying the number of older pending appeals had dropped significantly through team-based reforms, and stated that she would continue that work if confirmed. The hearing ended without questions from the committee and with the nomination held for a later vote.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 2/18/26
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- Four members of the board are before you today for their confirmation. >> Is your mic on, or just want
- today for their confirmation. today for their confirmation.
- house and the senate for confirmation. house and the senate for confirmation.
- <00:04:47.759>
Um, three-fifth vote to be confirmed. - Um, three-fifth vote to be confirmed.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Dean Sauer, of Missouri, to be Solicitor General of the United States, and Harmeet Dhillon, of California, and Aaron Reitz, of Texas, both to be an Assistant Attorney General, all of the Department of Justice. Feb 26th, 2025 at 09:15 am
Senate Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- If confirmed, she will serve every American with integrity and dedication.
- If I'm confirmed by the Senate...
- And if confirmed, I will follow the rule of law. Thank you. Mrs.
- Consequently, in that position, if confirmed, you'll have a client.
- I think you're going to get confirmed.
Keywords:
Department of Justice, nominations, Assistant Attorney General, civil rights, enforcement, committee discussion
Summary:
The meeting covered important discussions surrounding key nominations in the Department of Justice, specifically for the roles of Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights and the Office of Legal Policy. Various committee members took turns to express their views on the nominees, emphasizing the implications of their potential confirmation on civil rights enforcement in the country. Alongside the committee discussion, the nominees provided insights into their professional backgrounds and how their experiences align with the responsibilities of the positions for which they have been nominated.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JDC, JDC Public Hearings 03-31-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We ask this Committee to confirm her.
- Thank you for the confirm her.
- <00:10:57.720>
her committee to support and confirm her committee to support and confirm her - <00:37:41.000>
of for uh the support of confirmation of for uh the support of confirmation - him to, and will this you're confirming him to, and will this person<01:04:42.480>
confirm <01
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the confirmation of Kursha Kauahi Kani Mililani Durrant to the District Court of the First Circuit, but announced it would not vote until April 2. The chair also noted a backup plan if Zoom failed. Testimony was limited to two minutes per speaker. The hearing focused on Durrant’s qualifications, judicial temperament, and readiness for the bench, with no opposition presented.
Support came from the Office of the Public Defender, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, Native Hawaiian Bar Association, Hawaii State Bar Association, Hawaii Women’s Lawyers, and numerous individuals. Witnesses described Durrant as highly experienced in both criminal and civil practice, including district, family, circuit, appellate, ICA, and Supreme Court work. Several speakers emphasized her legal reasoning, mentorship, civility, cultural grounding, and ability to listen and treat litigants with dignity. Personal supporters also highlighted her public service, hula background, and character.
Committee members questioned Durrant about how she would approach district court cases involving repeat offenders, mental illness, substance abuse, houselessness, and diversion. Durrant said she would follow the law, consider the full range of sentencing factors, and use available probation, diversion, and treatment options where appropriate. She said she would be committed to using legislative tools such as Act 26 and other diversion powers, and to looking beyond advocacy toward practical justice and reducing recidivism. She also said her clerkship with Judge Marsha Waldorf, including exposure to drug court and mental health court, shaped her approach to problem-solving on the bench.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Ethics and Elections Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- IF NOT IS THERE A MOTION TO RECOMMEND CONFIRMATION? SENATOR BERNARD.
- THIS IS MY SECOND STOP AND THE CONFIRMATION PROCESS FOR APPOINTMENTS.
- THIS IS MY THIRD EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENT AND EXECUTIVE CONFIRMATION.
- I APPRECIATE YOU CONSIDERING MY CONFIRMATION.
- IF NOT IS THERE A MOTION TO RECOMMEND CONFIRMATION?