Video & Transcript Research : 'Iran'

Page 9 of 29
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • My family came to the United States to escape political repression in Iran, and nearly three decades
  • the research and understanding that the FBI has also noted, you know, from China, from Russia, from Iran
Summary: The committee met to hear seven Senate bills, first approving two consent items, SB 352 and SB 804, on motions to do pass to Appropriations. SB 542 (Limón) would require public notice and comment before issuing a financial responsibility certificate for an oil pipeline and require hydrostatic testing before restarting pipelines idle for five years or more; it was supported by the Center for Biological Diversity and passed the committee on a due-pass motion to Appropriations. SB 616 (Rubio) would create an independent community hardening commission within the Department of Insurance to coordinate wildfire mitigation and insurance-related recommendations; it drew support from the Department of Insurance and several local and industry groups, while water agencies, special districts, and the building industry raised concerns about water infrastructure standards, and it passed on a due-pass motion to Insurance. SB 429 (Cortese), which would establish a public wildfire catastrophe model and related university-based research and education program, received support from the Department of Insurance and outside groups and passed as amended to Appropriations. SB 256 (Perez) would strengthen wildfire mitigation and emergency response by expanding planning, improving PSPS communication, requiring utility coordination with emergency centers, and directing removal of permanently abandoned electrical facilities; utilities and business groups were generally neutral after amendments, while the author emphasized the bill’s connection to recent wildfire losses, and it passed as amended to Appropriations. SB 509 (Caballero) would require specialized training for local law enforcement on transnational repression targeting diaspora communities; it received support from the California Police Chiefs Association and immigrant-rights advocates, but drew extensive opposition from Hindu and civil-rights organizations concerned about bias, implementation, and First Amendment issues. Committee members discussed amendments to clarify cultural competency, diversity, and constitutional protections, and the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. After the hearing, the committee took final roll-call votes on the bills, with the consent items and SB 429, SB 256, and SB 509 moving forward, while SB 542 and SB 616 were also reported out on earlier motions.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, June 26, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • With Iran threatening Americans with retaliatory strikes on our homeland, President Biden and Kamala
  • With Iran threatening Americans with retaliatory strikes on our homeland, President Biden and Kamala
  • With Iran threatening Americans with retaliatory strikes on our homeland, President Biden and Kamala
  • 41.760> with With Iran threatening Americans with With Iran threatening Americans with retaliatory
  • <03:46:02.960> because or shouldn't have bombed Iran because or shouldn't have bombed Iran
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Jun 15th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • majority party here about gas taxes, let's talk about gas taxes since February 27th, the day before the Iran
  • Talk about gas taxes since February 27th, the day before the Iran war started.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the Senate journals and adopted floor amendments. Members voted on motions to advance Budget and Fiscal Review Committee measures and to suspend Joint Rule 62A so the budget committee could hear budget-related bills with shortened notice; both motions passed by roll call. The chamber then moved through the Daily File, including several second-reading bills and gubernatorial appointments. Three appointments were confirmed: Julie Lee and Ann Patterson to the Delta Stewardship Council, and Santa Cruz County Sheriff Christopher Clark to the Board of State and Community Corrections. Senators also took up Senate Joint Resolution 17, which urges Congress and the President to clarify that states may extend burial and memorial benefits in state veterans’ cemeteries to Republic of Korea veterans who served alongside U.S. troops in Vietnam; the resolution passed unanimously. The Senate then considered AB 109, the Budget Act of 2026, with extensive debate on the state’s fiscal condition and major budget priorities. Supporters said the budget is balanced, maintains reserves, reduces the structural deficit, and protects funding for child care, Medi-Cal, distressed hospitals, in-home supportive services, housing, higher education, and transit. Opponents argued it relies on future tax increases, leaves a structural deficit, and does not adequately address affordability, public safety, or repayment of unemployment insurance debt. After debate, AB 109 passed 28-9, and the chamber later approved the consent calendar items 81 through 86. The session ended with adjournments in memory of Honorable Hajan Lee, Doris Fisher, and James Leslie Barbie. The Senate announced its next floor session would be Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 9 a.m.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 1st, 2025

Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • So what the bill has is it specifically lists China, Russia, North Korea. and Iran, and then the Secretary
  • So the current list includes Burma, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, and the Democratic People's Republic
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • legislation last year unanimously that would have stopped scientists from China and Russia and even Iran
  • Section 3.1.1.2 of the NDAA, which would ban foreign nationals from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran
Summary: The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee convened to address pressing issues related to research security risks at the Department of Energy, focusing specifically on foreign nationals' access to sensitive information. The meeting highlighted the increasing threats posed by espionage from the Chinese Communist Party, which has sought to infiltrate U.S. national laboratories and exploit American research for military purposes. Discussions included the importance of tightening security protocols to safeguard national interests and maintain technological advantages. Witnesses provided insight into historical contexts and current vulnerabilities, emphasizing that without proper measures, the gaps could jeopardize national security.
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

Interim Joint Committee on Agriculture. (6-4-26)

Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:
  • And a lot of that has been brutalized since those first bombs were dropped in Iran.
  • And a lot of that has been brutalized since those first bombs were dropped in Iran.
  • And a lot of that has been brutalized since those first bombs were dropped in Iran.
  • And a lot of that has been brutalized since those first bombs were dropped in Iran.
  • But we have to think about, and Iran.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Rules Committee Apr 7th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • I have a document showing how many Armenians moved to Iraq and Iran.
Summary: The Rules Committee convened, established a quorum, and approved the consent agenda by unanimous roll call vote. The committee then took up House Resolution 25, authored by Assembly Member Harabedian, commemorating the Armenian Genocide. Harabedian described the resolution as a reaffirmation that the genocide occurred and noted its long history in the Legislature. Supportive testimony came from David Ojakian of the Armenian Assembly of America, who said the resolution was important to counter denial, mark the 110th anniversary, and recognize broader concerns about ethnic and religious cleansing in Artsakh. He cited prior California, congressional, and presidential acknowledgments of the Armenian Genocide and urged passage of the resolution. One witness in opposition, Karahan Mette of the Turkish College in California, argued the events were a wartime conflict rather than genocide, disputed the death toll, and called for a unifying joint resolution instead. Committee members Arreguín and Zbur voiced support for the resolution and its importance to constituents, including the Little Armenia community. The committee then voted to advance H.R. 25 by unanimous roll call, and the meeting adjourned.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • this state as we approach what I wish would be the last time we had a conflict like we're having in Iran
  • What I wish would be the last time we had a conflict like we're having in Iran right now, but I fear
  • Frankly, we'd rather have that than Iran right now.
  • Or is Iran foreign oil? Or is it all just foreign?
Summary: The committee first heard SB 804, the Hydrogen Pipeline Safety Act, from Senator Arreguín. He said the bill would designate the State Fire Marshal as the safety regulator for intrastate hydrogen pipelines and require hydrogen-specific standards, while not mandating any pipeline construction or bypassing environmental review. Supporters included labor groups, utility employees, and the City of Burbank, while Air Products opposed unless amended, citing concerns about the bill’s specificity, fee structure, and the need for a hydrogen-specific rulemaking process. The committee discussed safety, fees, and regulatory certainty, and later passed SB 804 on a 9-0 vote to Emergency Management with commitment to take amendments. The committee then took up SB 905 by Senator Becker, aimed at reducing electricity rates by changing utility incentives. The bill would tie part of executive compensation to keeping rates below inflation, require more performance metrics, and allow the CPUC to consider lower returns on equity for certain lower-risk investments and alternative financing options. Support came from consumer, environmental, agricultural, and large energy user groups, while Southern California Edison, CalChamber, PG&E, and utility labor groups raised concerns that the bill could reduce investment, create regulatory uncertainty, and raise borrowing costs. After extensive discussion about utility affordability, wildfire costs, and capital markets, the committee passed SB 905 on a 7-1 vote to Appropriations. SB 913, also by Senator Becker, would create a clearer pathway for distributed energy resources such as batteries and smart thermostats to participate in the resource adequacy market and compete with utility-scale resources. Supporters said the bill would better use existing grid capacity, lower costs, and build on the state’s Demand Side Grid Support Program; PG&E opposed unless amended, saying the use case was not yet proven and was already being addressed in other rulemakings. After the committee accepted amendments, one opposition group moved to neutral and another said it might do so after reviewing the changes. The bill passed 8-0 to Appropriations and was placed on call. Several other measures were heard and advanced, including SB 1196 on faster utility hookups for small energization projects such as ADUs and EV chargers, SB 931 reauthorizing the Diablo Canyon Essential Services Mitigation Fund through 2028, SB 1158 reducing the frequency of joint reliability assessments from quarterly to twice yearly, and SB 1245 directing further study of California’s gasoline market and potential use of non-CARBOB fuel during supply disruptions. SB 1196 and SB 931 both passed with broad support and no opposition after amendments, SB 1158 passed without testimony, and SB 1245 drew strong support from consumer and environmental advocates but opposition from fuel industry and business groups concerned about costs, confidentiality, and fuel standards.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Election Law (03/31/2026)

Election Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • should be decided by folks from New Hampshire, not influenced by money coming from Beijing, Moscow, Iran
  • coming from Not influenced money uh coming from Beijing,<01:04:31.440> Moscow,<01:04:32.480> Iran
  • , Beijing, Moscow, Iran, Beijing, Moscow, Iran, or<01:04:33.840> anywhere<01:04:34.160>
Keywords: 1189, house, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • And as we know, we're, you know, because of the war in Iran,...
  • And as we know, because of the war in Iran, there is a jet fuel shortage looming.
  • Jet fuel is not down because of the Iran war.
  • Fossil fuel-based fertilizer prices shot up 25% last week in response to the war in Iran, just as farmers
Summary: The meeting began with a budget subcommittee hearing on a proposed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit trailer bill. Assembly Members Ávila Farías and another member spoke in support, emphasizing union jobs, refinery investments, and the need to decarbonize aviation. The Department of Finance said the Governor’s proposal would provide a $1 to $2 per gallon credit against the diesel excise tax for SAF sold in California from 2026 to 2036. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended rejecting the proposal, arguing it is a relatively expensive way to reduce emissions, has uncertain environmental benefits, could significantly reduce transportation revenues, and conflicts with the spirit of voter restrictions on transportation taxes. Committee members questioned whether the credit would mainly benefit out-of-state producers, whether firms would have diesel tax liability to use the credit, and whether the proposal would shift production away from renewable diesel and raise fuel prices. Administration and CARB staff said the credit is intended to support aviation decarbonization, preserve jobs, and help keep California on track toward its 2045 climate goals. LAO and UC Berkeley testimony countered that the policy could mostly subsidize existing technologies, that feedstock supply is limited, and that the net emissions benefit may be small relative to the cost. Members also asked about the effect on local streets and roads, SHOP, and trade corridor funding; Finance estimated a $165 million annual revenue impact would reduce those programs, while LAO said the reductions would mean fewer projects over time. No vote was taken, and the chair said the issue would remain open for further discussion. The committee then moved to a zero-emission vehicle incentive trailer bill proposing a one-time $200 million appropriation to CARB for a new point-of-sale incentive program focused on first-time buyers and leases of new and used light-duty ZEVs. Supporters said the program would help offset the loss of the federal EV tax credit, maintain momentum in California’s ZEV transition, and use a one-to-one match with participating automakers to double the state’s investment. LAO recommended rejection, saying the proposal does not meet the high budget bar this year, lacks enough program detail to evaluate, is unlikely to move sales significantly given the size of the appropriation, and could duplicate existing state and utility programs. Members asked about current incentives across light-, medium-, and heavy-duty sectors, the recent decline in ZEV sales, and whether the program would help lower-income buyers rather than subsidize purchases that would have happened anyway. CARB said the proposal is meant to fill a gap in the light-duty market, where sales fell sharply after the federal credit expired, and noted existing programs for other vehicle classes. The Department of Finance also addressed a separate question about the Motor Vehicle Account, saying a previously planned GGRF transfer was no longer needed because updated forecasts showed the fund had sufficient balances, though LAO said the account still has a structural long-term imbalance. The discussion ended before any vote or action on the ZEV proposal.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • In several countries, particularly countries of concerns such as Iran, Sharia law operates as a codified
  • it is a kind of repressive law that I have been told exists in places like China, North Korea, and Iran
  • it is a kind of repressive law that I have been told exists in place like China, North Korea, and Iran
  • As another commenter pointed North Korea, and Iran, and not in the state of Florida.
Summary: The committee first considered CS/SB 536, which updates Florida’s criminal gang statutes to reflect modern gang recruitment and communication methods, including social media and encrypted messaging. Senator Martin said the bill does not criminalize gang membership, but clarifies definitions used for gang-related enhancements and law enforcement investigations. Members raised concerns about the meaning of “observed in the company” of gang members and possible impacts on businesses and bikers; Martin said the language was not intended to reach ordinary business customers and that the bill still requires other criteria. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably after debate, with some members supporting it and others warning it was still too broad. The committee also approved CS/SB 762, allowing cross-jurisdictional assignment of conflict capital cases with cost and reporting requirements, after an amendment emphasizing judicial economy and geographic proximity; the bill was described as a cost-saving measure and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1742, creating a new offense for indecent exposure or sexual acts directed at minors under 16, was amended to align with the House version and to cover observing a child for sexual gratification, then reported favorably. CS/SB 1750, increasing penalties and mandatory minimums for serious sex crimes and child sexual abuse material offenses, was amended to restore some current-law provisions and limit reclassification to offenders who were 18 or older at the time of the offense, then reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 1582 on statewide data sharing for secondhand dealer and pawnbroker transactions, along with its companion public-records bill SB 1792, both described as theft-prevention and law-enforcement tools with confidentiality protections and stakeholder support. CS/SB 500, providing FDLE protective security for major-party nominees for statewide constitutional offices, was also reported favorably after a technical amendment. The longest and most contentious discussion was on CS/SB 1632, which would create a process for Florida to designate foreign and domestic terrorist organizations, restrict courts from enforcing foreign or religious law when it conflicts with state or federal law, and bar public funds from supporting designated organizations. Senator Graal said the bill targets conduct, not belief, and creates due-process protections through written findings, public notice, cabinet action, and judicial review. Senator Smith and Senator Polsky repeatedly questioned whether the bill’s use of terms like “promotion” could chill protected speech, academic debate, protest activity, or legal representation, and whether the designation process could be used politically or against religious and advocacy groups. Graal said promotion was meant to cover support for illegal acts, not mere disagreement or academic speech, and said she was open to clarifying language. Numerous speakers opposed the bill, arguing it was vague, unconstitutional, and likely to be used against Muslim communities, students, nonprofits, and dissenting political speech; a few supporters argued it was needed for public safety and to prevent state support for terrorism. The committee did not take a final vote on CS/SB 1632 in the portion provided, and the transcript ends during public testimony on that bill.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • you know, we're all on YouTube, so we're being watched by a potentially worldwide audience except Iran
  • worldwide being watched by a potentially worldwide audience<00:13:28.240> except<00:13:28.720> Iran
  • I<00:13:29.360> think<00:13:29.600> in<00:13:29.839> some audience except Iran
  • I think in some audience except Iran I think in some other<00:13:30.240> countries.
Summary: The House Committee on Health held its first hearing of the session and opened with housekeeping notes, introductions of members, and an explanation that the agenda would be taken out of order to accommodate a sign language interpreter. The committee first heard HB 469, relating to parking for disabled persons. Testimony from the Disability and Communications Access Board and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the bill, explaining that a travel placard would help people with disabilities who must travel interisland or to the mainland for medical care. Members asked about emergency travel, misuse prevention, and how to distinguish the travel placard from existing disabled parking placards; witnesses said the bill would need to be tied to administrative rules, and agreed the placard should clearly show an expiration date and likely be a different color. No vote was taken. The committee then heard HB 218, relating to hospital surgical smoke. The Department of Health supported the measure, and the Healthcare Association of Hawaii supported it with amendments, saying hospitals already follow existing standards but that any new policy should account for different procedures and provider safety. A committee member questioned the proposed amendment language and whether it was too flexible; the witness explained the intent was to allow case-by-case application because some procedures generate only brief exposure. Members also asked what surgical smoke is, and the witness explained it is produced when electrical or cauterizing tools are used on tissue and creates vapor or fumes. The bill remained under discussion with no final action reported. The committee next took up HB 814, which would fund a public information campaign and related services on cannabis use among youth. The Department of the Attorney General said the bill should be amended to clarify whether the funding would be used for contracts or grants and to include proper grant standards if grants are intended. The Department of Health supported the bill and said the funds would expand prevention, treatment, recovery, and public education efforts, including social media outreach, PSAs, and school-based youth services. Multiple organizations and individuals testified in support, emphasizing the harms of youth cannabis use and the need for prevention and treatment resources. Members asked what the department currently does, whether it is fulfilling existing law on science-based cannabis information, and what kinds of treatment would be provided; the department said services would mainly be intensive outpatient, outpatient, counseling, and related youth-focused supports. No vote was taken during the hearing.
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 069 Mar 24th, 2026

Colorado Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • more than 40,000 individuals who have lost their lives in the struggle for liberty and dignity in Iran
  • in Iran, which reflects<00:30:33.200> the<00:30:33.360> aspirations<00:30:33.840> of
  • the struggle for liberty and<00:30:48.080> dignity<00:30:48.399> in<00:30:48.640> Iran
  • And<00:30:49.440> we<00:30:49.679> stand<00:30:49.840> in and dignity in Iran
  • And we stand in and dignity in Iran.
Keywords: 981, all
Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, approved the journal, and received several routine messages, including House-passed bills transmitted to the governor and the revisor. During moments of personal privilege, senators welcomed guests including members of the Persian Cultural Circle for the annual Naruse breakfast, a niece shadowing Senator Judah, and leadership from the Netherland Public Library. A tribute recognizing March 20, 2026 as Naruse Day was read into the record, celebrating the Persian New Year and the Iranian-American community. On the consent calendar, House Bill 1191 passed 33-0. The bill concerns audits of school districts receiving state education fund money for capital construction projects for qualified charter schools, making the state auditor’s examination discretionary rather than mandatory. The Senate then laid over third reading of bills until March 24, 2026, pulled House Bill 1098 off consent for later consideration, and authorized the Joint Budget Committee to conduct business while the Senate was in session. The chamber then resolved into Committee of the Whole and adopted House Bills 1180 and 1189 on second reading. HB 1180 continues the Business Intelligence Center Advisory Board sunset process by repealing the board, while HB 1189 addresses property held by a community property spouse under the Uniform Community Property Disposition at Death Act. The committee report was adopted 33-0 and the bills were ordered revised and placed on the third-reading calendar. The committee also took up Senate Bill 112, concerning defendants who fail to appear in court and allowing certain pretrial release conditions for repeat failures to appear. Sponsor testimony emphasized that the bill was amended to use language from prior legislation and now focuses on repeated, willful failures to appear in the same case, with safeguards for municipal courts and situations where counsel is present. Supporters, including Senator Carson, argued the measure gives local courts a narrow tool to address repeated nonappearance and reduce burdens on judges, law enforcement, victims, and taxpayers; the discussion continued as the transcript ended.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, April 15, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine completed a successful mission to rescue two American airmen in Iran
  • The oil companies are making money off of the Iran war. The drug companies are making money.
  • The oil companies are making money off of the Iran war. The drug companies are making money.
  • In Trump's America, of choice with Iran.
  • <04:22:32.159> In dollars a day on the war in Iran. In dollars a day on the war in Iran.
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Session - 2026-03-20 - 9:30AM

Vermont House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Nowruz has been celebrated for more than 3,000 years across Iran and much of Central and Western Asia
  • But this year, Nowruz arrives during a time of deep uncertainty for many in Iran.
  • uncertainty<00:03:03.880> for<00:03:04.080> many<00:03:04.440> in<00:03:04.600> Iran
  • uncertainty for many in Iran. uncertainty for many in Iran.
Keywords: 926, house, all
Summary: The House opened with a devotional reflection on Nowruz, the Persian New Year, emphasizing renewal, spring, and the challenges facing Iranian families amid conflict. The speaker connected the holiday’s themes of hope and responsibility to Vermont and democracy, then the chamber moved to routine business, including first readings and referrals of five House bills: H.945 on hemp products, H.946 on utility advertising and costs in rental agreements, H.947 on a residential universal design building code, H.948 on membership of the Retired Employees Committee on Insurance, and H.949 on homestead and non-homestead property tax yields and technical education finance changes. Three Senate bills were also read and referred: S.189 on hospital service reductions, S.203 on penalties for repeat DUI offenses, and S.313 on transforming Vermont’s career technical education system. The House also recognized several guests and announcements, including family members of members, airport employees, a UVM student intern, and visitors from Brazil. A House concurrent resolution, HCR 168, was read and congratulated Girl Scout Troop 60336 of Milton on earning the Bronze Award for a community garden project that improved accessibility through rain barrels and raised beds. The resolution highlighted the troop’s leadership and the role of its co-leaders, and the chamber applauded the guests in attendance. The main floor action centered on House Bill 642, relating to youthful offender proceedings, where Representative Booton of Barre City offered an amendment to stop the scheduled expansion of Raise the Age to 20-year-olds. Supporters argued the change would preserve current treatment of 18-year-olds while preventing an automatic expansion they said could strain the system and raise public safety concerns; opponents, including the Judiciary Committee, urged waiting for required Department for Children and Families reports due in 2026 before making changes. After debate, a roll call vote was taken on the amendment, with members calling the roll as the vote proceeded.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Judiciary Committee, March 2, 2026 AM

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • that I could see violating our citizens' rights are definitely countries like China, North Korea, Iran
  • Are definitely countries like China, North Korea, Iran, but those are countries that we're not going
  • against that action where countries that do not respect the— you're right, China and North Korea, Iran
  • against that action where countries that do not respect the— you're right, China and North Korea, Iran
  • against that action where countries that do not respect the— you're right, China and North Korea, Iran
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Combatting Antisemitism Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Transcript Highlights:
  • Not Qatar, not Iran. Sudan. Not Sudan. No. No.
  • divest from South Africa or that some states have divested from Russia over Ukraine issues like that or Iran
  • Okay, so Russia fine, Qatar fine, Iran fine. But Israel is a right demonized in a class by itself.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The meeting began with roll call, approval of the May 5 minutes, and opening remarks thanking commissioners and the public for their attendance. The commission then heard testimony from former Ambassador Alan Solomont, who argued that antisemitism is rising in multiple forms, including white nationalist antisemitism and antisemitism tied to anti-Israel rhetoric after October 7. He said campus antisemitism should be addressed with nuance, distinguishing protected political speech from conduct that targets Jewish students, and warned against weaponizing antisemitism to attack higher education, civil liberties, or federal research funding. He urged the commission to use multiple definitions and frameworks, including IHRA, Nexus, and the Jerusalem Declaration, and to focus on campus-specific solutions, civic education, and civil discourse. Commissioners asked him about Tufts’ antisemitism training, the role of the federal government, the use of the IHRA definition, and how to improve civic education; he emphasized local campus responses, broader civics instruction, and protecting democracy and due process. The second major witness was Professor David Weber of Boston University, who testified on the BDS movement and anti-BDS laws. He described BDS as a campaign targeting Israeli businesses, universities, and institutions, and argued it functions as a propagandistic and discriminatory effort that fuels antisemitism and chills dialogue on campuses and in public life. He cited examples such as SodaStream, Ben & Jerry’s, and Brown University, and said anti-BDS laws in 37 states have been effective and constitutional because they regulate government economic activity rather than suppress speech. Weber urged Massachusetts to adopt an anti-BDS statute or executive order, saying the state’s large Jewish population and economic ties to Israel make the issue especially important. Commissioners questioned him about which states have such laws, the impact on dialogue and campus culture, possible legal frameworks, and whether BDS is really aimed at the Israeli government or at individuals and institutions; he maintained that BDS targets people and entities connected to Israel and that anti-BDS measures can help draw a line against illiberal conduct.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, June 9, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And as if that wasn't bad enough, his choice of war in Iran has helped send gas prices soaring.
  • And as if that wasn't bad enough, his choice of war in Iran has helped send gas prices soaring.
  • And as if that wasn't bad enough, his choice of war in Iran has helped send gas prices soaring.
  • Gas prices have almost doubled since Trump came in and started his illegal Iran war.
  • This budget shows the American Iran.