Video & Transcript : 'Japanese internment' :

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US
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, February 12, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The international community must safeguard those borders, and those negotiations are yet to come, but
  • The international community must safeguard those borders, and those negotiations are yet to come, but
  • </c> negotiations to International negotiations to International conferences<05:35:50.080><c> meetings
  • and staffers alike to meet with interns and staffers alike providing<07:12:01.798><c> invaluable</c>
  • as the Japanese former Ally surrendered<07:55:29.478><c> officially</c><07:55:29.878><c> marking</c>
Bills: HR77
Keywords: Fred Korematsu, civil liberties, constitutional rights, Japanese internment, historical education, national reflection, personal justice
US
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, January 7, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

WA
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session Feb 19th, 2026

Washington House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • House Resolution 4-692, honoring Japanese Americans who suffered relocation and internment during World
  • Remember, Hawaii was not a state yet; no one was interned there.
  • Speaker, you know, is a very Japanese concept. You know, is a very Japanese concept.
  • Community and Cultural Center of Washington, Japanese American Citizens League Olympia Chapter, Japanese
  • Citizens League Olympia Chapter, Japanese American Citizens League Puyallup Chapter, Japanese American
Bills: HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1065 , HB2125 , HB2134 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2245 , HB2283 , HB2406 , HB2501 , HB1544 , HB1834 , HB2188 , HB2206 , HB2478 , HJM4012 , HB1104 , HB1152 , HB1254 , HB1443 , HB1982 , HB2006 , HB2297 , HB2322 , HB2329 , HB2379 , HB2388 , HB2399 , HB2462 , HB2544 , HB2551 , HB2262 , HB2298 , HB2351 , HB2401 , HB2593 , HB2661 , HB1496 , HB1898 , HB2157 , HB2311 , HB2325 , HB2552 , HB1343 , HB1707 , HB2361 , HB2389 , HB2468 , HB2521 , HB2720 , HB1591 , HB2092 , HB2176 , HB2255 , HB2281 , HB2438 , HB2685 , HB1960 , HB2236 , HB2364
Summary: The House convened with a quorum, the flags were escorted by the Nisei Veterans Committee Color Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Scout Alexander Bertelsen, and Reverend Masao Umoto delivered the invocation. The House then approved the previous day’s minutes and took up House Resolution 4692, recognizing the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 and honoring Japanese Americans who were forcibly relocated and incarcerated during World War II. The resolution recounted the history of the incarceration, the service of Japanese American veterans, the findings of the 1982 commission that the policy was driven by racial prejudice and war hysteria, and the later federal apology and reparations. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and guests connected to the Japanese American community and remembrance observances were recognized. Several members spoke in support of the resolution, emphasizing the constitutional failures of the wartime incarceration, the importance of remembrance, and the need to guard against fear-driven violations of civil liberties. Remarks also highlighted personal family histories, the experiences of camps such as Manzanar and Camp Harmony, and the service of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and other Japanese American units. After adoption, the House agreed to spread Representative Stonier’s remarks upon the journal. The House then considered a motion to re-refer Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 536 to the Community Safety Committee instead of the Environment and Energy Committee. Representative Abbarno argued the bill dealt primarily with criminal penalties and prosecutorial authority, while Representative Fitzgibbon opposed the change, saying the bill’s predominant subject matter remained environmental. The amendment failed on a voice vote. The House then adopted the motion to read and refer the day’s introductions to the designated committees, with SB 6066 sent to Transportation. Finally, the House returned HB 1065, HJM 1412, and ESHB 1819 to the Rules Committee, announced caucuses, and adjourned until 9:55 a.m. Friday, February 20.
WA
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session Feb 19th, 2026 at 11:00 am

Washington House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • House Resolution 4692, honoring Japanese Americans who suffered relocation and internment during World
  • As we honor the Japanese Americans who endured this great injustice, let us As we honor the Japanese
  • Remember, Hawaii was not a state yet; no one was interned there.
  • Speaker, you know, is a very Japanese concept. You know, is a very Japanese concept. Okhase Amadeh.
  • Community and Cultural Center of Washington, Japanese American Citizens League Olympia Chapter, Japanese
Bills: HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1065 , HB2125 , HB2134 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2245 , HB2283 , HB2406 , HB2501 , HB1544 , HB1834 , HB2188 , HB2206 , HB2478 , HJM4012 , HB1104 , HB1152 , HB1254 , HB1443 , HB1982 , HB2006 , HB2297 , HB2322 , HB2329 , HB2379 , HB2388 , HB2399 , HB2462 , HB2544 , HB2551 , HB2262 , HB2298 , HB2351 , HB2401 , HB2593 , HB2661 , HB1496 , HB1898 , HB2157 , HB2311 , HB2325 , HB2552 , HB1343 , HB1707 , HB2361 , HB2389 , HB2468 , HB2521 , HB2720 , HB1591 , HB2092 , HB2176 , HB2255 , HB2281 , HB2438 , HB2685 , HB1960 , HB2236 , HB2364
Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU
MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota House POCI Caucus Press Conference 5/8/25

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm proud to now introduce Japanese American community leader and Japanese American internment survivor
  • I'm proud to now introduce Japanese American community leader and Japanese American internment survivor
  • I'm proud to now introduce Japanese American community leader and Japanese American internment survivor
  • I'm proud to now introduce Japanese American community leader and Japanese American internment survivor
  • I'm proud to now introduce Japanese American community leader and Japanese American internment survivor
Summary: Lawmakers and advocates from the POCI Caucus held a news conference focused on protecting recent DFL-enacted policies in a newly divided Legislature. They highlighted accomplishments from the last biennium, including earned sick and safe time, ethnic studies, unemployment insurance changes, environmental protections, and MinnesotaCare coverage for undocumented immigrants, and argued these measures should not be rolled back in budget negotiations. Speakers said Republicans were pushing cuts or carveouts that would disproportionately harm Black, brown, immigrant, women, and low-income communities, and they urged the House and Governor Walz to reject those changes. A major theme was opposition to proposed carveouts to earned sick and safe time. Amanda Otero of TakeAction Minnesota said the proposed changes would remove benefits from more than 100,000 workers based on employer size, and lawmakers said sick leave should be universal. Another major topic was MinnesotaCare for undocumented immigrants. Representative María Isa Pérez Vega, Council Member Jason Chavez, and others argued the program is affordable, reduces uncompensated emergency care, and improves public health by expanding preventive care. Chavez and Emilia Gonzalez Avalos shared personal stories about family members who benefited from health coverage and said cutting access would worsen disparities and hurt families and communities. The event also included remarks on ethnic studies and historical memory. Representative Samantha Sencer-Mura connected the Ethnic Studies for All Act to her family’s experience with Japanese American incarceration during World War II, and Sally Sudo described her family’s removal and imprisonment under Executive Order 9066. Speakers framed these stories as warnings against scapegoating and exclusion. In the question-and-answer portion, lawmakers said they were still in negotiations but emphasized that certain protections were non-negotiable and that any compromises should be distributed equitably rather than targeting specific groups.
WA
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Pro Forma Floor Session Feb 18th, 2026 at 12:30 pm

Washington Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Ontario, Oregon was a sanctuary city for Japanese during the internment years, and I'm sorry.
  • Was a sanctuary city for Japanese during the internment years, and I'm so proud of that, so thank you
  • American Citizens League, the Japanese Cultural and Community Center, the Japanese American Citizens
  • Ontario, Oregon was a sanctuary city for Japanese during the internment years. and I'm sorry. was a sanctuary
  • city for Japanese during the internment years, and I'm so proud of that, so thank you.
Summary: The Senate first handled routine business, including approving the previous day’s journal, receiving House messages transmitting House Bill 73 and Second Substitute House Bill 1784, and referring Senate Bill 6353 to the Committee on State Government, Tribal Affairs, and Elections. It then moved to resolutions. Senate Resolution 8687, commemorating the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 and acknowledging the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, drew extensive remarks in support from several senators. Speakers emphasized the injustice of the internment, the contributions of Japanese American veterans and civil rights activists, the importance of remembrance, and the need to prevent similar abuses in the future. The resolution was adopted by voice vote. The Senate also considered Senate Resolution 8688, recognizing Washington’s dairy farms and the role of dairy producers in the state’s economy and communities. Senators shared personal ties to dairy farming and praised the hard work of family farms, dairy workers, and industry representatives. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and visiting members of the Washington State Dairy Council, Dairy Women’s Organization, and Dairy Ambassadors were recognized in the gallery. At the close of business, the Senate agreed to adjourn until 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Feb 19th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So as today, as we mark Japanese American Internment Remembrance Day, not simply just to recall that
  • And so much of this is so similar to the stories that we heard when Japanese Americans were being interned
  • interned.
  • And military recruiters went to the internment camps and they recruited thousands and thousands of Japanese
  • And military recruiters went to the internment camps and they recruited thousands and thousands of Japanese
Summary: The Senate first took up two budget-related transportation bills. AB 107, a junior budget bill, was described as a technical measure that updates federal appropriations by about $15 million, exempts certain Proposition 4 funds from the Administrative Procedures Act to speed spending, and makes other technical corrections without adding new projects or General Fund spending. Some senators objected to the APA waiver as reducing transparency, but the bill passed 28-10. AB 117, an early-action trailer bill for Bay Area transit, authorizes a $590 million loan from the state’s transit and intercity rail capital program to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, which can then lend the money to Bay Area transit agencies for operating support, with repayment and interest secured by transit revenues. Supporters called it an emergency bridge to prevent major service cuts at BART, Muni, AC Transit, and Caltrain; opponents raised concerns about ridership recovery, accountability, and consolidation. The bill passed 28-9. The Senate then confirmed two California Air Resources Board appointees: Sonoma County Supervisor Linda Hopkins and Riverside Mayor Patricia Locke Dawson. Both were supported by colleagues who praised their experience and backgrounds, and both confirmations passed. The body also adopted SCR 89, a resolution by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas opposing federal attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Supporters argued DEI is essential to civil rights, education, public service, and equal opportunity, while criticizing the Trump administration for dismantling related federal offices and funding. The resolution passed on a largely party-line vote after extensive floor debate. Finally, the Senate adopted SCR 78, commemorating the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 and the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. Senators from both parties spoke about the injustice of the internment, the resilience and military service of Japanese Americans, and the importance of remembering the history to guard against future abuses. The resolution passed unanimously, and the author then introduced survivors and guests in the chamber.
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Feb 19th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So as today, as we mark Japanese American Internment Remembrance Day, not simply just to recall that
  • So as today, as we mark Japanese American Internment Remembrance Day, not simply just to recall that
  • And so much of this is so similar to the stories that we heard when Japanese Americans were being interned
  • And military recruiters went to the internment camps and they recruited thousands and thousands of Japanese
  • American internment.
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Feb 20th, 2025

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Instructions to all persons of Japanese ancestry.
  • Of HR 12, many California students learn very briefly, if at all, about the internment of Japanese Americans
  • In fact, some 12,000 Japanese Americans served in the U.S.
  • And there were stories that we'd hear over and over again that that was the site of an internal internment
  • It was an internment camp we never learned about in school.
WA
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Pro Forma Floor Session Feb 18th, 2026

Washington Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • American Citizens League, the Japanese Cultural and Community Center, the Japanese American Citizens
  • Ontario, Oregon was a sanctuary city for Japanese during the internment years, and I'm sorry.
  • Ontario, Oregon was a sanctuary city for Japanese during the internment years, and I'm so proud of that
  • families and interned.
  • This is about Americans of Japanese descent and the wrong that was done.
Summary: The Senate opened by approving the previous day’s journal, receiving messages from the House, and referring newly introduced Senate Bill 6353 to the Committee on State Government, Tribal Affairs, and Elections. The chamber then moved to resolutions. Senate Resolution 8687, commemorating the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 and recognizing Japanese American veterans, incarcerees, and civil rights activists, was presented and adopted. Several senators spoke in support, describing the wartime incarceration of Japanese Americans as a grave civil rights injustice and emphasizing remembrance, healing, and the need to prevent similar abuses in the future. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 8688 honoring Washington’s dairy farms and dairy workers. Senators highlighted the industry’s economic importance, family farm traditions, and the hard work involved in dairy production, with some members sharing personal family and farming experiences. After adoption, the Senate welcomed representatives of the Washington State Dairy Council, Washington State Dairy Women’s Organization, and Dairy Ambassadors Apprentices to the gallery. The Senate then adjourned without objection until 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Feb 19th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • of Japanese Americans.
  • So as today, as we mark Japanese American Internment Remembrance Day, not simply just to recall that
  • And so much of this is so similar to the stories that we heard when Japanese Americans were being interned
  • And military recruiters went to the internment camps and they recruited thousands and thousands of Japanese
  • American internment.
Summary: The Senate first took up two budget-related transportation trailer bills. AB 107 was described as a budget junior bill making technical corrections, updating federal appropriations by about $15 million, and exempting certain Proposition 4 appropriations from the Administrative Procedures Act to speed spending; Senator Niello objected to the transparency implications, but the bill passed 28-10. AB 117 then authorized a $590 million state loan from the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to provide operating support to Bay Area transit agencies, with repayment secured by transit assistance revenues and interest; supporters called it an emergency bridge to prevent major service cuts at BART, Muni, AC Transit, and Caltrain, while critics questioned ridership recovery, governance, and accountability. The measure passed 28-9 after extensive debate, with several senators emphasizing both Bay Area urgency and the need for broader statewide transit funding and reform. The Senate then confirmed two California Air Resources Board appointees. Linda Hopkins, Sonoma County supervisor and air district chair, was confirmed after brief support from Senator Becker highlighting her rural North Bay perspective. Patricia Locke Dawson, Riverside mayor and South Bay air district representative, was also confirmed, with Senator Becker again praising her academic and practical background. Both confirmations passed on largely party-line votes with broad support from the majority and opposition from a small group of Republicans. The chamber next considered SCR 89, a resolution by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas condemning federal attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs under President Trump. Supporters from both parties and multiple caucuses framed DEI as essential to civil rights, education, workforce development, national defense, and inclusion for marginalized communities, while the author argued California must resist federal rollbacks. The resolution passed after a lengthy debate and roll call, with several senators also using the discussion to share personal experiences with educational access and discrimination. Finally, the Senate took up SCR 78, authored by Senator Cabaldon, commemorating the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II and warning against repeating such abuses. Senators from across the chamber spoke in support, citing the injustice of Executive Order 9066, the resilience and military service of Japanese Americans, and the importance of museums and historic sites such as Manzanar and the Japanese American National Museum. The resolution was presented as both remembrance and a caution against fear-driven policies and erosion of due process.
OK
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 54 May 7th, 2026 at 09:30 am

Oklahoma House Floor Meeting

ID
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Feb 3rd, 2026

Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • From local grower co-ops to international seed companies that move seed around the world.
  • What that looks like is Japanese beetle is one of those pests that we survey for.
  • So we have a statewide survey that goes on with Japanese beetle.
  • Japanese beetle is a lot of concern.
  • So we do utilize deficiency warrants as we do for Japanese beetle.
Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs
MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Transcript Highlights:
  • American internment.
  • And that's because I went to a private school that spoke about Japanese internment at a time, you know
  • internment.
  • We don't want to see another moment of Japanese internment happen in this country or the internment of
  • interned in 1942.
Committee: Joint Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
Summary: The hearing covered a wide range of bills, with substantial testimony on commemorative days and several local development measures. Early testimony focused on competing proposals about Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Senator Comerford and others supported redesignating the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, while several Italian American legislators and advocates opposed changing Columbus Day and instead urged a separate Indigenous Peoples’ Day on August 9 or another date. Committee members noted the long-running debate, discussed the state flag and motto review process, and emphasized that any changes would require legislation. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee also heard strong support for a Fred Korematsu Day bill, with testimony from advocates, legal organizations, community leaders, and Korematsu’s daughter. Witnesses described Korematsu’s resistance to Japanese American incarceration during World War II, argued that his story remains relevant amid current immigration and civil liberties concerns, and said the designation would help educate students and the public. A separate bill to designate September as PCOS Awareness Month drew testimony from Senator Miranda and health advocates, who described the disorder’s prevalence, frequent misdiagnosis, fertility and pregnancy risks, and the value of public awareness and education. Other bills discussed included a Domestic Workers’ Rights Day proposal, supported by Representative Garcia and Representative Sousa, who spoke about the invisibility and vulnerability of domestic workers and the importance of recognizing their labor. The committee also heard support for a veteran suicide awareness and remembrance day, a Boston branch library and affordable housing project in Dorchester, and a Fall River waterfront redevelopment bill transferring land to the local redevelopment authority for a major mixed-use project. In addition, Senator Miranda testified in favor of a memorial portrait for former Representative Doris Bunty, highlighting her pioneering role in the legislature and Boston public housing. The hearing was hybrid and lengthy, with the chair repeatedly asking witnesses to be concise and noting that testimony would be public record.
US
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

Business meeting to consider the nominations of Patrick David Davis, of Maryland, John Andrew Eisenberg, of Virginia, and Brett Shumate, of Virginia, all to be an Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice. Apr 10th, 2025 at 09:15 am

Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • Martin compared the prosecution of January 6 rioters with the internment of Japanese-Americans during
  • a Japanese term for this kind of comparison, we call it shibai, basically BS.
  • interned during World War II did nothing wrong.
  • And he needs to read some history books because based on his statement regarding Japanese internment
  • Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record a Japanese American, Japanese American Citizens
Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary
Keywords: nomination, Patrick Davis, Assistant Attorney General, Ed Martin, January 6th, public testimony
Summary: This meeting focused primarily on the nomination of Patrick Davis to serve as Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legislative Affairs. Members discussed Mr. Davis's qualifications and experience, emphasizing his commitment to effectively serving the American public and working collaboratively with Congress. The committee also briefly revisited the nominations of John Eisenberg and Brett Shumate but decided to hold them over until the next meeting. Additionally, concerns regarding the nomination of Ed Martin as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia were raised, particularly regarding his past statements and conduct related to the January 6th insurrection and its aftermath. The discussion highlighted the importance of reviewing Mr. Martin's responses to various questions before proceeding with a vote on his nomination.
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Select Committee on Asia/California Trade and Investment Aug 20th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • people and everything Japanese.
  • In cooperation with Japanese business organizations such as the Japanese Chamber of Commerce in Northern
  • In cooperation with the Japanese business organizations such as the Japanese Chamber of Commerce in Northern
  • Across our priority international markets, you know, cost is a big issue.
  • And a lot of international trade is just based on trust.
Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Asia, California, Trade and Investment held its first informational hearing to examine California’s trade, tourism, and investment ties with Asia and the effects of federal tariffs. Chair Jessica Caloza opened by emphasizing California’s role as the world’s fourth-largest economy and a major exporter to Asia, and several members and guests highlighted the importance of subnational diplomacy, sister-city relationships, and coordinated trade missions. Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis described California’s long-standing engagement with Asian partners, citing trade missions, the 2023 APEC summit in California, and the state’s large Asian American and Pacific Islander population as reasons to deepen these relationships. The first panel focused on trade, tourism, and foreign investment. Leaders from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, and Visit California said California’s economy depends heavily on Asia-linked trade, tourism, and direct investment. They warned that federal tariffs and related policy uncertainty are disrupting ports, logistics, manufacturing, education, and travel, with impacts on longshore work, shipping volumes, international students, and visitor spending. Visit California reported a decline in 2025 visitation, especially from Asia and Canada, and urged stronger promotion, partnerships, and state-level support to maintain California’s global brand. The second panel examined tariff impacts in more detail. Glenn Fukushima and Dr. Kyle Handley said tariffs function as taxes on imports, raising costs for businesses and consumers and discouraging investment when policy changes are frequent and unpredictable. They argued California is especially exposed because of its ports, supply chains, and cross-border trade with Asia and Mexico, and warned that new vessel fees and rerouted freight could further harm California shippers. Both said tariffs are unlikely to achieve clear strategic goals quickly and may damage U.S. credibility and long-term trade relationships, while recommending that California focus on making itself more competitive through infrastructure, permitting reform, export assistance, and other measures within state control. The final panel turned to future opportunities and the role of small businesses. Speakers from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Asian Business Association California, and the Small Business Development Center network stressed that small and minority-owned firms often feel trade disruptions first and need more access to trade missions, capital, technical assistance, and large events that generate business spillover. They said California should continue investing in ports, business support systems, and international partnerships so that trade and tourism gains reach businesses across the state.
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Education Committee May 14th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • In eighth grade, our approved curriculum has a fantastic unit on Japanese American internment, a terribly
  • We do not ban instruction on slavery, the Trail of Tears, the Japanese internment camps, or the civil
  • I'm the daughter-in-law of Japanese Americans interned at Poston and Tule Lake, and the mother of three
  • Jewish and Japanese American... ...Americans interned at Poston and Tule Lake and mother of three Jewish
  • Will we see UCPs that challenge the teaching of Japanese American internment, that challenge the teaching
Summary: The Assembly Education Committee held a special hearing on AB 715, with the authors presenting the bill as a response to rising anti-Semitism in K-12 schools. The authors said the measure is intended to strengthen protections for Jewish students, improve district accountability, expand the uniform complaint process, clarify protections related to religion and nationality, and create a state-level anti-Semitism coordinator. They emphasized that the bill was developed through collaboration with the Black, Latino, AAPI, and Jewish caucuses and argued it is meant to protect all students from hate while preserving legitimate classroom discussion. The hearing included extensive public testimony. Supporters, including students, parents, rabbis, Jewish organizations, and some educators, described harassment, biased curriculum, delayed or ineffective school responses, and fear among Jewish students and families. They urged the committee to act to make schools safer and more responsive. Opponents, including teachers, ethnic studies advocates, civil liberties groups, Palestinian rights advocates, and some Jewish parents, argued the bill was rushed, vague, and could chill academic freedom, censor discussion of Palestine and Israel, and expand complaints against teachers and school districts. Several witnesses said existing complaint and anti-discrimination systems already address these issues. Committee members then questioned the authors and witnesses about implementation, definitions, and possible effects on curriculum and school boards. The authors said the bill is still intent language and that details would be refined in further negotiations with stakeholders. Representatives from the California School Boards Association and California Teachers Association raised concerns about the new language and possible unintended consequences, while ACLU California Action said it had concerns but wanted to keep working on the bill. The transcript does not show a final vote or action taken on AB 715 during this hearing.
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Education Committee May 14th, 2025

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • In eighth grade, our approved curriculum has a fantastic unit on Japanese-American internment.
  • President, we do not ban instruction on slavery, the Trail of Tears, the Japanese internment camps, or
  • I am the daughter-in-law of Japanese Americans interned at Poston and Tule Lake and mother of three Jewish
  • Will we see UCPs that challenge the teaching of Japanese-American internment, that challenge the teaching
  • of Japanese-American internment?
Committee: House Education
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Mar 26th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so then we said, how about Japanese immigrants? Why don't we bring them here?
  • And so Japanese... How about Japanese immigrants? Why don't we bring them here?
  • Who brought all these Japanese folks here? What are they doing here? They're taking our jobs.
  • And so then we said, how about Japanese immigrants? Why don't we bring them here?
  • And so Japanese. how about Japanese immigrants? Why don't we bring them here?
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of guest introductions, including Canadian diplomatic visitors and youth soccer champions from Senator Niello’s district. The body also recognized guests connected to arts education and later heard adjournment-in-memory tributes for Caitlin “Katie” Mallet and Roxanne Miller. The President announced the Senate would enter a one-week spring recess and return on April 6, 2026. On the floor, the Senate adopted SR 89 by Senator Alvarado-Gil, recognizing March 17, 2026 as Profound Autism Day in California. Supporters emphasized the need for greater awareness, research inclusion, and services for people with profound autism and their families. The resolution passed by a 35-0 vote. The Senate also adopted SCR 147 by Senator Allen, proclaiming March 26 as Arts Education Month, with remarks stressing the value of arts education for creativity, engagement, and student success; it passed 37-0. The chamber then adopted SCR 141 by Senator Wahab, recognizing March 26, 2026 as Women’s Equal Pay Day. Senators discussed the gender pay gap, its impact on families, and the need for transparency and enforcement; the resolution passed 37-0. The Senate also approved AB 2156, an urgency measure to proclaim March 31 as Farm Worker Day, with extensive debate about farm workers’ historical contributions, labor conditions, and the decision to rename the day in light of recent allegations involving the prior honoree. The bill passed unanimously, 37-0, including the urgency clause. Finally, the Senate adopted the consent calendar, which included SB 968, SJR 11, SB 1005, and SB 1080, by unanimous vote. A committee announcement noted Budget Subcommittee 3 would meet upon adjournment.
US
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

Hearings to examine the nominations of Peter Hoekstra, of Michigan, to be Ambassador to Canada, George Glass, of Oregon, to be Ambassador to Japan, and Ronald Johnson, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the United Mexican States, all of the Department o Mar 13th, 2025 at 09:30 am

Foreign Relations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I hope that working with the Japanese to do this will be a priority for you.
  • As the former Japanese Prime Minister said in his address to Congress in the last couple of years, the
  • She is a product of the Japanese system. She is taught to be kind, hardworking, and inclusive.
  • We're actually working on co-production of some of those items with the Japanese moving forward.
  • We know that we would like the Japanese to focus on increasing their spend on military.
Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Keywords: U.S. foreign policy, Mexico relations, Japan relations, border security, trade agreements, drug trafficking, ambassadorial nominations, intergovernmental communication
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on critical discussions concerning U.S. foreign policy, particularly relationships with Mexico and Japan. Notable attention was given to border security, trade agreements, and implications of drug trafficking. Ambassadorial nominees discussed their strategies to strengthen ties with these nations, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in addressing mutual challenges, particularly concerning security and trade. The committee engaged in extensive dialogue, highlighting the urgency of improving intergovernmental communications to deter drug trafficking and support democratic governance.