Video & Transcript Research : 'fiscal transparency'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Jul 8th, 2025
Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact
Transcript Highlights:
- But we've also had major reforms like fiscal and car reporting. And AB 15.
- protecting the state and will ultimately provide California with a stronger foundation for policy and fiscal
- SB 769 is fiscally responsible, aligns with our climate and work enforcement development goals and ensures
- and we've worked really hard at trying to get this right. say that I'm a big believer in public transparency
- The more transparency we can have, the better off we are.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 195 provides more transparency and taxation. I like to call it tax parency.
- It provides information and transparency to taxpayers about the school property taxes that they pay.
- Um, I, I'm looking at your fiscal note and it, and it shows no anticipated, uh, implication, but if we
- move it to the Comptroller's office, will that We're still, we still don't anticipate any fiscal note
- Uh, fiscal note on it. Yeah, yeah, it's, it's nominal. That's right.
Keywords:
HB 195, Texas Controlled Substances Act, Schedule IV, controlled substances, mifepristone, misoprostol, carisoprodol, Health and Safety Code, drug scheduling, pharmacy regulation, prescription drugs, reproductive health, abortion medication, medication abortion, women's health, prescribing, dispensing, law enforcement, drug control, education reform
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services Oversight Committee (02/20/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- I believe this afternoon at fiscal we have an item to be able to officially accept and expend the money
- but there's not a really transparent but there's not a really transparent book<00:24:42.640>
- Um, and so, we're going to review the waitlist report like we usually do for quarter 2 for fiscal year
- And this is um as it fiscal year 26.
- So it's very<01:11:00.960>
transparent <01:11:01.520>where <01:11:01.840>before <
Summary:
The meeting opened without a quorum, so approval of the prior draft minutes was deferred until later. The committee then heard a DHS update from Commissioner Lori Weaver and COO David Weers, who described the recent flood at the Brown building and the relocation of nearly 400 DHS staff while operations are restored. They also outlined New Hampshire Care Connections, a privacy- and consent-focused closed-loop referral platform intended to improve referrals among providers, reduce duplication, and support continuity of care, with an Upper Valley implementation partnered with Dartmouth Health and an Epic integration already underway.
Members asked whether the system would merge medical records or simply track referrals. DHS said it is not intended to store or transmit full medical records, but to integrate with providers’ electronic health record systems so referrals can be sent, received, and tracked, with consent controls limiting what information can be shared. Officials said the project will be tested over the coming months, with metrics, governance, and advisory committee oversight, and that it is tied to broader rural health transformation efforts and statewide implementation after the regional pilot.
The committee also received the annual report from the Child Care Advisory Council. Maryanne Barter and Jessica Carver said the council worked with licensing to streamline the child care licensing rules, reducing the handbook by about 30%, and is now helping develop an informal dispute resolution process, revising the Granite Steps for Quality system, and creating a clearer handbook for providers handling state scholarship audits. They reported ongoing concern about child care closures and workforce shortages, said there is currently no wait list for child care assistance, and discussed questions about federal CCDF immunization requirements, which DHS said it would follow up on with federal technical assistance partners. After quorum was established, the committee moved to approve the minutes from the prior meeting.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 40 Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:51 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The fiscal note is $8,295,000. Mr.
- Even in these challenging fiscal times, this budget protects these vital programs.
- Importantly, this is a matter of transparency as well as affordability.
- back. ...left over at the end of the fiscal year, and then we'll revert back.
- We must ensure that they are accountable, transparent, and protected from abuse.
Summary:
The House began with routine business, including the Pledge of Allegiance and adoption of three congratulatory resolutions honoring Eagle Scouts Charles Goodman, Jack Goodwin, and Liam LaCrooy. Members also adopted a House-Senate concurrence on House 4359, a Milford alcohol-license bill, after amending it to repeal Chapter 289 of the Acts of 2022 and set an effective date. The chamber then passed Senate 2596, establishing maintenance of private roads in Gloucester, and engrossed House 4887. The House also observed moments of silence for former Lynn City Councilor Richard Rick Ford, Louise M. Pedroso, and Mildred “Millie” Cox, and welcomed several guests, including students, civic visitors, and British Minister of State Stephen Doughty.
The bulk of the session focused on budget amendments related to housing and emergency assistance. Amendment 1579, which would have tightened HomeBASE eligibility by requiring citizenship-status inquiries, was debated at length and defeated 26-130. Amendment 1582, which would have barred Housing and Livable Communities from conditioning grants on MBTA Communities Act compliance, was also rejected 27-126. Amendment 1583, which would have limited right-to-shelter eligibility to U.S. citizens with six months’ Massachusetts residency, was defeated 26-122. Supporters argued these changes would reduce costs and prioritize taxpayers; opponents said they would exclude lawful residents and undermine existing housing and shelter reforms.
The House then adopted Consolidated Amendment F, covering energy, environmental affairs, and housing, by a vote of 154-0. Speakers highlighted major funding for rental vouchers, emergency shelter, HomeBASE, public housing, clean water, climate and agricultural programs, and food assistance. The chamber also considered and defeated Amendment 1218 on creating a data center commission, Amendment 1234 on eliminating certain energy surcharges, and several education-related amendments from Ms. Sullivan-Almeida: changes to special education reimbursement thresholds and rates, and a proposal to make regional school transportation funding mandatory rather than subject to appropriation. Those education amendments were all rejected after roll-call votes. Amendment 1580 on ending vocational school lottery admissions was withdrawn by its sponsor before a vote. The transcript ends as debate continues on Amendment 1308, which would increase a budget line item, but no final action on that amendment is shown.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- and then another 3 or 4% fiscal year 2027.
- and then another 3 or 4% fiscal year 2027.
- and then another 3 or 4% fiscal year 2027.
- and then another 3 or 4% fiscal year 2027.
- <06:24:19.718>
and <06:24:19.920>equal transparency and equal transparency and equal application
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Transparency by making information about governmental activities accessible.
- As Senator Angus said, public notices ensure government transparency.
- Public notices are essential for transparency and civic participation.
- Ma'am, did you get a fiscal note on this? Oh gosh, three years ago. Mr.
- We need better transparency and protections for our manufactured home owners.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Appropriations - Education and Environment Division Apr 3rd, 2025 at 02:30 pm
Appropriations - Education and Environment Division
Transcript Highlights:
- And so that's why on the fiscal note you see that reduction in general fund dollars is that...
- I'm looking at the fiscal note, so...
- The fiscal note on this bill estimates a reduction of $340,000 for the upcoming biennium.
- The fiscal note on the bill estimates a reduction of $310,000 for the upcoming biennium.
- Transparency.
Summary:
The committee met to review fiscal aspects of House Bills 1417 and 1425, both part of a broader criminal justice reentry package. HB 1417 would eliminate the $35 public defender application fee and end court-ordered reimbursement of indigent defense costs, while also removing the $55 monthly community supervision fee. Testimony from the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents and the Department of Corrections said the bill would replace lost revenue with general fund appropriations of about $310,000 for indigent defense and $1.5 million for supervision fees, and that the fees are rarely collected and can hinder reentry. Representative Clemene said the bill is intended to reduce barriers to successful community reintegration and improve data and supervision practices.
HB 1425 would create and fund front-end diversion, deflection, and pretrial services programs. Supporters described it as allowing prosecutors and local jurisdictions to divert appropriate low-level offenders from prosecution, establish deflection programs for people with behavioral health needs, and expand pretrial services. The bill includes a pilot program in three counties, a $1 million appropriation to DOCR for one FTE and contracts with local providers, $750,000 to DHS for treatment services, and $55,000 for a study of pretrial services cost savings. Committee members asked several questions about how the pilot counties would be chosen, how the consultant study would be procured, and what services the DHS funds would cover.
The committee also heard House Bill 1603, which would provide a $500,000 matching grant for Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act compliance, with $100,000 available to each of North Dakota’s five tribes if matched. Sponsor testimony said the funds would support a Historical Society NAGPRA compliance committee and help catalog and repatriate human remains and cultural items in coordination with tribes. After questions about the federal mandate and the difficulty of identifying artifacts, the committee voted 4-0 to give HB 1603 a do-pass recommendation, with Senator Meyer assigned to carry it forward.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation Apr 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- To implement the requirements of Section 94540, the Governor's budget includes $227,000 in fiscal years
- We dedicated an allocation of $20 million for program delivery costs from fiscal year 2025-26 through
- fiscal year 2032-33 and reserved an allocation of $3.5 million for statewide bond costs.
- We chose this vehicle because of the fiscal situation. All right. Great. Thank you.
- So that was a major transparency finding from the auditor.
Summary:
The hearing was an informational budget session on energy agency proposals, with no votes taken. Early discussion focused on Proposition 4 climate bond implementation, including funding for demand-side grid support, offshore wind development, and transmission financing. The Department of Finance said the budget includes allocations for demand-side grid support and offshore wind, but not yet for the $325 million transmission financing piece pending a required study. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the Legislature to consider whether to wait on offshore wind funding, whether to keep shifting funds into demand-side grid support, and how to direct future transmission financing. Members also raised concerns about local technical assistance for offshore wind, Salton Sea priorities, and the need for more information before final decisions.
The California Energy Commission and CPUC then reviewed the broader energy package. The CEC highlighted the demand-side grid support program’s growth, distributed energy backup assets, long-duration storage, hydrogen grants, and the SIRP clean energy reliability program. CPUC testimony emphasized affordability, wildfire mitigation costs, rooftop solar cost shifts, and efforts to reduce rates while maintaining reliability and clean energy goals. Members questioned CPUC staffing, delays in proceedings, coordination with the CEC and CAISO, and the impact of rate increases on customers. The agencies also discussed the AB 3264 transmission financing study, with CPUC saying work on the study had already begun and was on track for the July 1 deadline.
Several trailer bill and implementation items were also discussed. The committee reviewed a proposal to extend the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program surcharge, with members split over whether it should be handled in budget trailer bill language or policy legislation; the administration said the surcharge supports a critical program serving about three-quarters of a million Californians. The committee also heard a CPUC data-sharing proposal to allow nondisclosure agreements for transmission and reliability data, which members generally supported as a technical fix. DWR explained a proposal to clarify language for the Electricity Supply Strategic Reliability Reserve so it can potentially sell three gas-fired units it owns, and the CEC presented a federal transmission grant proposal tied to grid-enhancing technologies and ratepayer cost recovery. Finally, the committee discussed California Lifeline and possible broadband pilot reforms in light of uncertainty around federal Universal Service Fund support, with CPUC saying it is exploring a statewide standalone broadband option for eligible customers.
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- Committee is really one of the steps to complete that process, making sure that our budget process is transparent
- One thing that we've been trying to do each and every year is to make this more transparent.
- The bill that I sponsored in the transparency package... Needed to provide feedback.
- The bill that I sponsored in the transparency package has resulted in the hearing today, an opportunity
- submitted over 500 eligible LDSI forms and the House submitted 750 for consideration for the FY 27 fiscal
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Appropriations met with a quorum present, adopted the April 23, 2026 minutes, and then held a discussion focused on eligible legislatively directed spending items (LDSIs) for the FY 2027 budget. The chair explained that the committee was part of a new transparency process requiring legislators to publicly disclose LDSI requests, including the recipient, amount, and purpose, and noted that the forms must be posted publicly for at least 45 days before inclusion in the budget. He said Senate members submitted more than 500 eligible LDSI forms and House members submitted 750, for over 1,250 total proposals made available online.
The chair emphasized that the process is intended to increase accountability and public awareness of how tax dollars are spent, and encouraged the public to review the posted forms on the Senate and House websites. During the meeting, four cards of support were read into the record: Wendy Fallow supported the Literacy Center of West Michigan project; Graham Filler supported the H.H.W. request on behalf of Kalamazoo County; and Mayor David LaGrand and Rob Verhulen both supported the aquarium request.
No committee questions were raised, no substantive votes were taken on the LDSI items, and the committee moved through routine procedural actions. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, supported and adopted without objection.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- **Toby**: ...those dollars by the end of the fiscal year.
- responsibility, and transparency.
- **Charlie Smith**: Selected fiscal and policy issues.
- **Charlie Smith**: Through fiscal year 25.
- paid by fiscal year.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- And whereas she pursued employment focused on fiscal and data analysis in both the public and private
- Committee and the Joint Fiscal Office.
- officer, a senior position in the Joint Fiscal Office.
- And that be it further Fiscal Office.
- fiscal impact to the state's revenue. fiscal impact to the state's revenue.
Summary:
The House opened with devotional remarks and then handled several procedural items, including referring Senate Bill 223 on Vermont water quality, which carries an appropriation, to the Committee on Appropriations. The chamber also read and recognized three House Concurrent Resolutions: honoring Maria Blair for nearly four decades of service in the Joint Fiscal Office; designating April 11–17, 2026 as Black Maternal Health Week in Vermont; and congratulating the 2025 Green Mountain Council class of Eagle Scouts. Members offered brief tributes to Blair’s institutional knowledge and service, and to the importance of addressing racial disparities in maternal and infant health. Guests connected to the resolutions were recognized in the gallery, and the House also heard announcements introducing visitors and upcoming meetings.
The main legislative action was on Senate Bill 255, which would establish a pilot law enforcement governance council in Windham County. Committee members described it as a limited, voluntary pilot intended to improve regional public safety governance and funding without imposing a statewide mandate or new tax. Testimony came from legislative staff, local officials, sheriffs, police, the Vermont State Police, and municipal representatives. The Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee reported the bill favorably with a 9-0-1 vote and a small amendment adding an additional report-back requirement; Ways and Means found no fiscal impact to state revenue and reported it favorably 10-0-1. The House then agreed to propose the amendment and ordered the bill to third reading.
The final action item was House Bill 956, approving Burlington’s charter amendment to formally establish the Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging as a permanent city office. The sponsor explained that Burlington voters had already approved the change and that the bill would codify existing duties, including equity strategy, policy advice, representation of underserved communities, and community engagement, with the director reporting to the mayor. The Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee reported the bill favorably 10-0-1, and the House ordered it to third reading. Later, Ways and Means reported favorably with amendment on Senate Bill 327, an economic development bill carrying an appropriation, and it was referred to Appropriations under House Rule 35A. The House then adjourned until April 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- There is no fiscal note attached to this bill and we do not anticipate any significant administrative
- To put that in perspective, 20 million spread over a decade is a fiscally responsible sum in our state
- All right and then on the fiscal note just Out of curiosity, you mentioned a total estimated start-up
- But the fiscal note really doesn't begin until 2028, and over the next 28 years, 29, 30, it's about $12
- It doesn't prescribe any additional action. either party, and no fiscal note, and I'm happy to answer
Bills:
HB232
Keywords:
disaster recovery, natural disaster, weather disaster, emergency relief, flood relief, hurricane relief, storm damage, wildfire, tornado, hail, windstorm, extreme heat, ice storm, snowstorm, property damage, personal injury, temporary housing, relocation assistance, lost wages, state emergency management
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- There is no fiscal note attached to this bill, and we do not anticipate any significant administrative
- To put that in perspective, 20 million spread over a decade is a fiscally responsible sum in our state
- And then on the fiscal note, just my curiosity, you mentioned.
- That's correct, but the fiscal note really doesn't begin until 2028, and over the next 28, 29, 230, it's
- It doesn't prescribe any additional action by either party and no fiscal note, and, um, I'm happy to
Bills:
HB232
Keywords:
disaster recovery, natural disaster, weather disaster, emergency relief, flood relief, hurricane relief, storm damage, wildfire, tornado, hail, windstorm, extreme heat, ice storm, snowstorm, property damage, personal injury, temporary housing, relocation assistance, lost wages, state emergency management
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 7, 2025 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Timely acquisition of necessary technologies makes the process more flexible and transparent so we can
- Today, we will discuss how the state ensures vendors meet performance standards and maintains transparency
- strategically aligned projects may need to pause or adapt based solely on where they fall in the fiscal
- strategically aligned projects may need to pause or adapt based solely on where they fall in the fiscal
- It was called the Transparency Act of, don't ask me what year, I think it was 2011.
Summary:
The subcommittee heard a panel on Florida’s IT procurement process from the Florida Digital Service, the Department of Management Services, and the Department of Financial Services. Witnesses walked through the procurement lifecycle, including planning, market research, solicitation, evaluation, award, implementation, and closeout, and emphasized the role of budget timing, contract managers, and subject matter experts. DMS described the state’s enterprise contracting system, noting more than 1,100 active vendor agreements, over 800 involving IT services, and the statutory requirement to request 25 quotes for certain IT purchases. DFS demonstrated the Florida Accountability Contract Tracking System (FACS), explaining how agencies upload contract and payment data and how the public can search contracts and related documents online.
Members focused on accountability, transparency, and whether the state is getting the best products and vendors. Questions addressed how contracts are vetted, how technical evaluations are performed, how financial consequences are used for missed deliverables, how public records and confidential information are handled, and how the state screens vendors for foreign-concern or bad-actor issues. Witnesses said agencies rely on technical experts for evaluations, that contract terms should include measurable deliverables and meaningful financial consequences, and that agencies—not procurement staff—generally manage performance, though Florida Digital Service oversees large IT projects of $10 million or more.
The committee then shifted to broader policy discussion, including Senate Bill 7026 and proposals to reorganize state IT governance. Several members argued for stronger centralization under a state CIO or similar enterprise authority, while others cautioned against abrupt restructuring and stressed the need for a transition plan. Members also raised concerns about workforce retention, consulting services, recurring project overruns, and the need for better planning and periodic monitoring. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair thanking members and staff and adjourning the subcommittee.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 5, February 13, 2026-PM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- :02.799>
way <00:20:03.039>to efficient and transparent way to efficient and transparent - <02:09:53.199>
year by the end of July of this fiscal year by the end of July of this fiscal - House Bill 148, Land, Water, and Fiscal House Bill 148, Land, Water, and Fiscal Integrity<02:38:
- >
drug transparency around prescription drug transparency around prescription drug pricing<02: - Functionally, transparency requirements.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 04/14/26
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- Just over about a month ago, the governor released his supplemental budget for fiscal years 2026 and
- Just over about a month ago, the governor released his supplemental budget for fiscal years 2026 and
- Starting in January of this year, instead HUD drastically reversed course with the new fiscal year 25
- This amendment is a common-sense amendment to improve public transparency.
- This amendment improves agency transparency and accountability. It includes language from Sen.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/04/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
04/20/2026 - Senate Director Nominations
Transcript Highlights:
- As we scale these vital projects, we are equally focused on ensuring the fiscal stewardship behind...
- strengthen technology-driven operations to safeguard against human error and ensure permanent transparency
- Over the last two fiscal years, we have not received funding in that bucket, so we've had to pivot.
- A quarter of a billion dollars spent just in the span of three fiscal years.
- A quarter of a billion dollars spent just in the span of three fiscal years.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Director Nominations met to consider Ruby Dylan Williams for Director of the Arizona Department of Housing. Williams described her long career at the department, her work on operational improvements, housing development, manufactured housing, and efforts to expand supply, preserve existing housing, and improve transparency through data and technology. She also said she would work with the legislature, local governments, tribal nations, nonprofits, and private partners, and emphasized the department’s role in addressing housing affordability and homelessness across the housing continuum.
Members questioned her about the department’s response to Auditor General findings, including fraud prevention, payment verification, site inspections, and oversight of grantees. Williams said the department had rewritten policies, retrained staff, added stronger controls, and implemented verbal verification steps for wire transfers after a fraud incident. Senators also pressed her on budget priorities, possible cuts, and her view of homelessness policy, with some members characterizing her approach as closer to shelter or transitional housing before permanent placement. Williams said interventions should be individualized and that the department works with local jurisdictions and service providers to match people with appropriate support.
Public testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Developers, housing industry representatives, and nonprofit partners praised Williams’ private-sector housing finance experience, her knowledge of LIHTC and the QAP process, and her leadership in making the agency more efficient and business-friendly. After debate, the committee voted 3-2 to recommend her confirmation to the full Senate. Two members voted no, citing concerns about her answers on fraud oversight, cost controls, and homelessness policy, while the majority supported advancing her nomination.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 16th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- Our UPL payment, or upper payment limit payment, is $473 million for state fiscal year 25.
- So the hospital assessment fees totaled $119 million in state fiscal year 25, not, like I have mentioned
- we can talk about hospitals and the hospital industry, especially when you all are going into the fiscal
- It sounds to me like Representative Beck, you might be interested in a medical loss ratio transparency
- It sounds to me like Representative Beck, you might be interested in a medical loss ratio transparency
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection (1-15-26)
Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill also includes reporting requirements to ensure transparency and accountability.
- <00:08:07.680>
and requirements to ensure transparency and requirements to ensure transparency - Do we have a fiscal note or is it just 200?
- Do we have a fiscal note or is it just 200? Is it what is the cost to us?
- And then they are forced to go into a city council meeting or a fiscal court meeting and then try to
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection met for its first meeting of the 2026 session, took roll, established a quorum, and heard three bills. The chair reviewed committee procedures, including deadlines for amendments, cell phone etiquette, and sign-in rules for testimony. Senator Clemons was welcomed as a new member, and the committee later noted that Senator Berg had arrived late and wanted his vote recorded on Senate Bills 11 and 13.
Senate Bill 11, sponsored by Senator Meredith, would create a pilot rebate program for residential safe rooms in response to increased tornado activity. The bill would reimburse homeowners for 50% of construction and installation costs up to $5,000, require FEMA and code compliance, and allow safe rooms to be used by neighbors during emergencies. Members asked about cost, oversight, and capacity; the sponsor said the bill was not seeking an appropriation this session and would be administered by Kentucky Emergency Management. The committee voted unanimously to pass the bill favorably.
Senate Bill 13, sponsored by Senator Deneen, would allow military installations to have an ex-officio, nonvoting representative on local planning and zoning bodies to raise national security concerns before zoning decisions are made near bases. Members spoke in support, emphasizing protection of military installations and surrounding land. The committee voted unanimously to pass the bill favorably. Senator Deneen also presented Senate Bill 42, which would require law enforcement to submit missing-person cases to Kentucky State Police for entry into the national database within 30 days for minors and 60 days for adults. Supporters said it could help in cases where children are missing but do not trigger an Amber Alert. After discussion about timing and law enforcement workload, the committee again voted unanimously to pass the bill favorably.
At the end of the meeting, the chair announced a later Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee presentation on Kentucky’s veteran centers, to be held in the same room after adjournment of both chambers, and then the committee adjourned.