Committee Summary for House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs (01/23/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HCR14 00:02:09.038 - 8:01:00 AM	Public Hearing	condemning the assassination of Charlie Kirk and reaffirming the state's commitment to freedom of speech and civil discourse.	Barton, Joseph(R)[A-]2025
Unclear 00:20:57.120 - 8:19:48 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
HCR15 00:29:46.640 - 8:28:37 AM	Public Hearing	urging Congress to pass federal legislation promoting greater media accountability as a way to honor the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk.	Morse, Bryan(R)[A-]2025
HR27 00:59:46.880 - 8:58:37 AM	Public Hearing	urging New Hampshire's congressional delegation to open an investigation into the United States' response to the USS Liberty incident.	Mannion, Tom(R)[A+]2025
HR25 02:17:00.398 - 10:15:51 AM	Public Hearing	recognizing the Kingdom of Bhutan as responsible for the oppression and forced eviction of more than 100,000 Bhutanese citizens during the late 1980s and 1990s.	Budathoki, Suraj(D)[D-]2025
HR23 02:40:16.560 - 10:39:07 AM	Public Hearing	affirming the importance of digital literacy and access for older Americans.	Miller, Seth(D)[F]2025
HB1441 04:27:46.880 - 12:26:37 PM	Public Hearing	establishing a commission to study the economic, legal, and sociological aspects of New Hampshire exerting its sovereign state rights.	Bailey, Glenn(R)[A+]2025
HCR15 -	Executive Session	urging Congress to pass federal legislation promoting greater media accountability as a way to honor the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk.	Morse, Bryan(R)[A-]2025
HR25 -	Executive Session	recognizing the Kingdom of Bhutan as responsible for the oppression and forced eviction of more than 100,000 Bhutanese citizens during the late 1980s and 1990s.	Budathoki, Suraj(D)[D-]2025
HR27 -	Executive Session	urging New Hampshire's congressional delegation to open an investigation into the United States' response to the USS Liberty incident.	Mannion, Tom(R)[A+]2025
HB1441 -	Executive Session	establishing a commission to study the economic, legal, and sociological aspects of New Hampshire exerting its sovereign state rights.	Bailey, Glenn(R)[A+]2025

HCR14: Representative Barton (sponsor) Support00:02:09.038 - 8:01:00 AM; Representative Barton introduced HCR14, emphasizing that the resolution is not an endorsement of any ideology but a condemnation of violence in political debate and a reaffirmation of civil discourse. He highlighted the importance of protecting free speech, noted disagreements within parties, and praised the co-sponsorship by the Senate President. He shared his practice of engaging with protesters to promote understanding without violence. He read the resolution into the record, which details the assassination of Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University, condemns the act, reaffirms First Amendment rights, encourages respectful dialogue, and directs copies to Kirk's family, Turning Point USA, and other states' leaders.
HCR14: Chair (reading resolution) Information Only00:04:16.320 - 8:03:07 AM; The Chair requested and had Representative Barton read the full text of HCR14 into the record for clarity, especially for those watching the videotaped hearing.
HCR14: Representative (question on Senate consideration) Information Only00:07:34.479 - 8:06:25 AM; A representative questioned the significance of the Senate President's co-sponsorship and whether it ensures Senate uptake, noting Senate customs on resolutions. Barton expressed hope for collective state support but could not speak for the Senate.
HCR14: Representative (question on HCR8) Information Only00:08:47.200 - 8:07:38 AM; The representative asked Barton to explain HCR8, a concurrent resolution on reclaiming the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, still pending in the Senate, highlighting past unanimous Senate support for similar measures.
HCR14: Representative Metalbomb Information Only00:11:02.480 - 8:09:53 AM; Representative Metalbomb inquired if Barton had written testimony to submit for the record, which Barton clarified he had not prepared but spoke from the heart instead.
HCR14: Representative (question on resolution details) Information Only00:12:03.360 - 8:10:54 AM; A representative questioned the resolution's distribution to Kirk's family, Turning Point, and 50 states' leaders, suggesting possible simplification for postage. Barton offered to cover costs and emphasized New Hampshire's leadership role.
HCR14: Representative Bennett Information Only00:13:12.320 - 8:12:03 AM; As a new representative, Bennett asked why the Senate might not pick up the resolution and if it could be fast-tracked. Barton speculated on time constraints and non-binding nature, suggesting coordination between House Speaker and Senate President.
HCR14: Chair (comments on resolutions) Information Only00:15:32.399 - 8:14:23 AM; The Chair, a former educator, defended the value of resolutions for publicizing issues, raising awareness, educating, and making statements, noting the committee's heavy resolution schedule.
HCR14: Representative Budataki Information Only00:16:35.680 - 8:15:26 AM; Representative Budataki asked why 'assassination' was used in the title versus 'killed' later, seeking clarification on word choice.
HCR14: Representative Barton (response to Budataki) Support00:17:37.360 - 8:16:28 AM; Barton explained 'assassination' was chosen because Kirk was targeted for his ideology and role as Turning Point CEO, distinguishing it from general killing, and noted media usage of the term to avoid repetition.
HCR14: Chair (follow-up on assassination) Information Only00:18:26.640 - 8:17:17 AM; The Chair shared personal association of 'assassination' with leaders like President Kennedy and thanked Barton for the explanation, acknowledging Kirk's leadership role.
Unclear: Representative Manion Information Only00:20:57.120 - 8:19:48 AM; Representative Manion shared his military journey: Motivated by 9/11 as a high school sophomore, he joined the Marines after excelling in a pull-up competition and scoring 99 on the ASVAB. He wanted to fight directly against those responsible, deploying twice to Iraq with the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines—first on the Syrian border in Operation Steel Curtain, aiding elections and hearts-and-minds efforts; second handing off to Iraqi forces. These experiences shaped him into an anti-war advocate, influencing his views on world politics. He referenced Pat Tillman, who left the NFL post-9/11, served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and died by friendly fire.
Unclear: Chair (follow-up on surge) Information Only00:25:30.880 - 8:24:21 AM; The Chair tied Manion's story to policy, noting the Iraq surge lowered ASVAB standards via waivers for more recruits, comparing it to Vietnam-era lowering under McNamara.
Unclear: Representative Manion (response on waivers) Information Only00:26:36.640 - 8:25:27 AM; Manion confirmed during recruiter assistance post-first deployment, waivers allowed lower ASVAB scores, legal issues, and massive signing bonuses to meet surge needs.
Unclear: Chair (Vietnam comparison) Information Only00:27:27.120 - 8:26:18 AM; The Chair recalled no signing bonuses in the early 1960s Reagan era due to easy recruitment, contrasting with later needs.
HCR15: Representative Plant (introducing) Information Only00:29:46.640 - 8:28:37 AM; Representative Plant introduced HCR15 at the Chair's request, reading its title and purpose: urging Congress to enact federal legislation for greater media accountability to honor Charlie Kirk.
HCR15: Representative Belchure Information Only00:31:07.200 - 8:29:58 AM; Representative Belchure questioned awareness of last year's House resolution repealing the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act, which enabled domestic propaganda, and noted HCR15's concurrent nature could make it binding if passed by both chambers and signed.
HCR15: Representative Plant (response) Information Only00:32:13.279 - 8:31:04 AM; Plant confirmed awareness of the prior resolution and committee hearing on it.
HCR15: Representative Barton (supporter) Support00:33:27.200 - 8:32:18 AM; Approached by sponsor Representative Morse, Barton supported HCR15 for holding media to standards of accuracy, fairness, and truth in reporting, especially amid misinformation about Kirk's assassination. He distinguished media responsibilities from public speech, though doubted Senate passage but endorsed the spirit.
HCR15: Representative Foss Information Only00:35:36.640 - 8:34:27 AM; Representative Foss asked if 'media accountability' in the resolution is vague, to which Barton agreed.
HCR15: Representative Belchure (primer on Smith-Mundt) Information Only00:36:43.440 - 8:35:34 AM; Belchure explained the original Smith-Mundt Act created overseas propaganda via State Department and Broadcasting Board of Governors; the 2012 Modernization Act removed domestic dissemination bans, allowing U.S. citizen targeting. He questioned any direct link to Kirk assassination coverage, noting miscarriages of truth but no evident State Department involvement.
HCR15: Representative Barton (response to Belchure) Support00:37:41.760 - 8:36:32 AM; Barton, lacking specific knowledge of Smith-Mundt links, supported media accountability regardless, based on the provided background.
HR27: Representative Tom Manion (Hillsboro District 1) Support00:59:46.880 - 8:58:37 AM; Representative Manion, the prime sponsor, introduced the resolution, explaining it arose from a previous bill that faced challenges in the Senate. He emphasized the need to request the federal delegation to reopen the investigation into the 1967 USS Liberty attack. He deferred to crew members for their personal stories and highlighted key points from prior committee discussions in a bulleted list. He addressed ethical duties, comparing the time spent on other national issues to the brief attention given to this incident involving American lives lost to an ally.
HR27: Representative Belchure (question to sponsor) Information Only01:01:42.559 - 9:00:33 AM; Representative Belchure asked Representative Manion about the ethical duty of the country to seek truth for those who served, despite political sensitivities.
HR27: Representative Barton Support01:03:52.160 - 9:02:43 AM; As a co-sponsor, Representative Barton reiterated unanswered questions about the incident, stating it 'smells like fish.' He reviewed available testimony from last year, concluding the foreign actions were intentional. He stressed the resolution's aim to uncover the truth and the debt owed to USS Liberty crew members, including those from New Hampshire, and yielded remaining time to witnesses.
HR27: Kevin Grady (Hooks, NH; State Veterans Advisory Committee) Oppose01:04:54.799 - 9:03:45 AM; Kevin Grady, a veteran and committee member, opposed the resolution, noting prior investigations like the 2003 Moore Commission and the passage of time making new insights unlikely, as key decision-makers are likely deceased. He argued rehashing old information would waste resources and suggested putting the issue to rest, while expressing openness to hearing from crew members. During questions, he discussed challenges in obtaining new intelligence, the official acceptance of Israel's apology, and doubts about reopening national-level investigations effectively.
HR27: Representative Belchure (question to Grady) Information Only01:07:36.880 - 9:06:27 AM; Representative Belchure inquired if declassified signals intelligence from the ship could yield new information, acknowledging difficulties with direct testimony from decision-makers.
HR27: Representative Lloyd (question to Grady) Information Only01:09:32.399 - 9:08:23 AM; Representative Lloyd asked about concerns for service members' experiences being recorded in a new investigation and the potential for their inputs to be included if not already in the public record.
HR27: Representative Buataki (question to Grady) Information Only01:10:30.239 - 9:09:21 AM; Representative Buataki sought clarification on whether the resolution aims to reveal hidden government findings, understanding the prior investigation as brief with an accepted Israeli apology.
HR27: Representative Lloyd (follow-up question to Grady) Information Only01:11:43.040 - 9:10:34 AM; Representative Lloyd asked about proper procedures for appealing or reopening investigations, referencing boards for military records corrections.
HR27: Representative Cybert (question to Grady) Information Only01:12:47.120 - 9:11:38 AM; Representative Cybert suggested specifying an investigation into actions of the admiral and captain, questioning if that could clarify ambiguities.
HR27: Rousan Chester (Bedford, NH) Support01:15:12.320 - 9:14:03 AM; Rousan Chester expressed outrage at suggestions to move on due to resource constraints, emphasizing that the sacrifices of USS Liberty crew members demand full accountability. She argued against the government hiding information from citizens and urged leaving no stone unturned, regardless of U.S. involvement.
HR27: Representative Wheeler Support01:16:45.600 - 9:15:36 AM; Representative Wheeler supported the resolution, drawing from prior testimonies and highlighting government obfuscation under President Johnson. He stressed skepticism toward government narratives given historical precedents of power abuse. He noted the emotional impact on surviving sailors, ignored for decades, and urged passage to affirm legislative support for truth-seeking. He affirmed the deliberate nature of the attack based on crew testimonies and called for consequences against any nation attacking the U.S.
HR27: Representative Gagy (question to Wheeler) Information Only01:20:15.520 - 9:19:06 AM; Representative Gagy corrected that the ship was not sunk but severely damaged, shared his experience as a signalman, and questioned the plausibility of mistaken identity given the visible American flag and prolonged attack. He also asked about orders to sail to the farthest port for repairs, suggesting intent to let the ship sink.
HR27: TL McFarland (Maryland; Liberty Veterans Association) Support01:22:27.679 - 9:21:18 AM; TL McFarland was introduced as a supporter representing the Liberty Veterans Association, but his testimony was not provided in the transcript.
HR27: Unnamed Speaker (Liberty Veterans Association) Support01:23:19.760 - 9:22:10 AM; The speaker, an 80-year-old Purple Heart recipient and retired Navy cryptologic technician with 28 years of service, provides a personal background and detailed account of his experiences aboard the USS Liberty during the June 8, 1967 attack. He describes joining the Navy in 1964, his training in signals intelligence, and assignment to the USS Liberty in 1967, where the ship operated in the Eastern Mediterranean off Tel Aviv. As an intercept operator, he was collecting foreign communications when the attack began around 2 PM. He noticed flickers from bullets piercing the bulkhead but continued working until alerted by his supervisor and the captain's announcement of the attack. The crew was stunned and scared, mostly young men in their early 20s. They performed emergency destruction of classified materials amid chaos, with bullets flying and screams echoing. The speaker recounts preparing for a torpedo strike, lying on the deck as trained, but being knocked unconscious by the explosion that ruptured bilge tanks, flooding the compartment with oil and water. He awoke trapped in twisted metal in a reconverted cargo hold used for NSA signals collection, struggled to the ceiling, and survived with others in a tiny airspace as water rose, holding their breath against incoming waves.
HR27: Mr. McFarland (USS Liberty survivor) Information Only01:33:44.560 - 9:32:35 AM; Mr. McFarland recounts his personal experience during the USS Liberty attack, describing being trapped below deck with rising water, banging on the hatch to escape, and being rescued. He mentions fellow survivors like Larry Bowen and Gunny Sergeant Blockwood who testified previously. He details the torpedo hit creating a large hole, treatment in a temporary clinic, and the shooting of life rafts. He discusses the failed rescue by aircraft from USS America, transit to Malta for repairs where body parts were retrieved, and post-repair inspections. Upon return to Norfolk, equipment was discarded, remains incinerated, and crew ordered to silence under threat of imprisonment. He refused a $300 compensation check from Israel, learned of the incident in the 1970s, and as a declassifier at the National Archives, found unreleased documents on the Liberty, criticizing agencies like CIA and NSA for withholding information under sources and methods protections. He emphasizes the need for public awareness without compromising security.
HR27: Representative Cybert Information Only01:48:29.679 - 9:47:20 AM; Representative Cybert thanks Mr. McFarland for his service and testimony, shares a personal connection through her husband's NSA work, and asks about pre-attack orders and suspicions of a rogue captain. She references hesitation in entering the Mediterranean and seeks clarification on command decisions.
HR27: Mr. McFarland (response) Information Only01:50:28.560 - 9:49:19 AM; Mr. McFarland explains they received direct orders to proceed to the area, conducted drills en route without knowing the destination, and began intercept operations off Tel Aviv. He defends Captain McGonagal as a straight shooter who stayed on the bridge under fire, ordered life rafts pulled back, and deserved the Medal of Honor which he did not receive properly. He notes the crew was unaware of the Six-Day War until on station.
HR27: Representative Lloyd Information Only01:53:06.719 - 9:51:57 AM; Representative Lloyd asks bluntly how many crew members are still alive and if survivors have had space to debrief freely. He follows up on the classified nature of the event and discussions among survivors.
HR27: Mr. McFarland (response) Information Only01:54:12.000 - 9:53:03 AM; Mr. McFarland states he lacks an exact number of survivors, notes the LVA isn't in full contact, mentions 175 injured and 34 killed, with five in a mass grave at Arlington. He describes reunions where they discuss freely and have fellowship, losing members regularly. He mentions New Hampshire connections like Commander Lewis from Colbrook.
HR27: Jason Ghard (Northfield, NH) Support01:58:27.119 - 9:57:18 AM; Jason Ghard, original sponsor, highlights Commander Lewis from Colbrook, NH, as head of intelligence personnel and involved in proving the deliberate attack by Israel and the Johnson administration to draw the US into the Six-Day War. He stresses New Hampshire's significant connection. He notes no formal US-Israel alliance, details like shooting lifeboats, blocked distress signals, and napalm use indicate an assassination attempt. He urges addressing existing documentation and criticizes the government for not providing survivor contact info, preventing unity.
HR27: Representative Budataki (prime sponsor) Support02:02:51.199 - 10:01:42 AM; Representative Budataki, a Bhutanese refugee who spent 19 years in Nepal camps after being expelled at age 9, testifies on HR25 recognizing Bhutan's oppression and eviction of over 100,000 Nepali-speaking citizens in the late 1980s and early 1990s under the 'one nation, one people' policy. This imposed a single identity, retroactively stripped citizenship via the 1985 Citizenship Act, leading to arrests, torture, killings, and forced 'voluntary' migrations. He requests adding 'early 1990s' to the bill. As a New Hampshire resident among 2,000 Bhutanese refugees here, he seeks recognition of historical truth, urging release of prisoners, citizenship restoration, repatriation, and truth reconciliation. He emphasizes human rights, New Hampshire's refuge, and contributions of the community.
HR27: Representative Mandelbomb Information Only02:09:11.920 - 10:08:02 AM; Representative Mandelbomb asks about the US-Bhutan relationship status and governing agreements.
HR27: Representative Budataki (response) Information Only02:10:25.679 - 10:09:16 AM; Representative Budataki explains no direct diplomatic ties, but a small US consular office in India handles Bhutan affairs; friendly relations since the 1980s with $140 million in US aid; recent Bhutan PM visit to Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
HR27: Representative Belchure Information Only02:11:28.239 - 10:10:19 AM; Representative Belchure asks what federal action the resolution hopes to spur if passed.
HR27: Representative Budataki (response) Information Only02:11:28.239 - 10:10:19 AM; Representative Budataki hopes for quick resolution allowing Bhutanese-Americans to visit family in Bhutan and establish a US embassy there given Bhutan's position between China and India.
HR27: Representative Foss Information Only02:12:36.159 - 10:11:27 AM; Representative Foss clarifies if Bhutanese-Americans cannot travel to Bhutan, and follows up on whether it's specific to expelled refugees.
HR27: Representative Budataki (response) Information Only02:12:36.159 - 10:11:27 AM; Representative Budataki confirms expelled refugees, labeled anti-country for demanding rights, cannot return despite US citizenship; non-refugees can enter.
HR27: Representative Lloyd Information Only02:13:45.920 - 10:12:36 AM; Representative Lloyd asks how long Bhutanese in New Hampshire have been unable to go home, noting 2,000 citizens.
HR27: Representative Budataki (response) Information Only02:13:45.920 - 10:12:36 AM; Resettlement began in 2008; he arrived in 2019. Now 1,000-1,500 in NH, mainly Concord and Manchester. Shares story of constituent Ful Sububa unable to visit dying parents.
HR27: Representative Minhire Information Only02:14:47.360 - 10:13:38 AM; Representative Minhire asks how the resolution attains the goal of allowing returns, as it's Bhutan's purview, and follows up on US role.
HR27: Representative Budataki (response) Information Only02:15:53.840 - 10:14:44 AM; With US support to Bhutan since 1980s and friendly ties, the US should negotiate to allow US citizens to travel and reunify with family; Bhutan must change policy on classifying them as dangerous.
HR25: Abul Khan, Seabrook Support02:17:00.398 - 10:15:51 AM; Abul Khan testified in support of HR25, expressing his duty to salute those who served the country and drawing parallels to past resolutions like HR11 and HR27. He highlighted Putin's expulsion of over 100,000 Nepalese-speaking citizens from Bhutan, described as ethnic cleansing by Human Rights Watch. Many resettled in the US but are denied entry to Bhutan despite US passports, preventing family visits and violating human dignity. He urged the committee to accept the resolution to advocate for citizens' rights to family reunification and freedom of movement without discrimination, emphasizing the US as a beacon of hope, human rights, and democracy.
HR25: Rajes Son, Concord NH Support02:22:27.200 - 10:21:18 AM; Rajes Son shared his personal story of family separation due to Bhutan's policies. At age 8, his father, a school headmaster, disappeared, was arrested for alleged democratic involvement, imprisoned for 18 months, tortured severely (beaten, lashed, glass in food, solitary confinement), and forced into exile. The family lost property and citizenship. Now 72, his father wishes to visit his homeland one last time. He urged support for HR25 to acknowledge the wrongs of stripping citizenship, imprisoning, and exiling families like his.
HR25: Paupani Nupan, Salisbury MA Support02:26:30.240 - 10:25:21 AM; Paupani Nupan, a survivor of persecution, supported HR25 by critiquing Bhutan's 'Gross National Happiness' philosophy as ironic, hiding the stripping of citizenship from Lhotshampa people in the late 80s. He noted ongoing suffering with 31 innocent prisoners, including a recent mysterious death of a 65-year-old after 35 years in prison, denied family funerals. He fled due to family members' peaceful protests, losing education credentials, but resettled in the US where his children serve in the military and CDC. He advocated for allowing former refugees to visit homeland for healing, justice, dignity, and reconciliation, benefiting Bhutan economically and culturally.
HR25: Vijay Bjiel, Concord NH Support02:32:36.240 - 10:31:27 AM; Vijay Bjiel, deputy director for Building Community in NH, supported HR25 and praised Representative Suraj Budataki's leadership. Born in Bhutan where his father served 18 years in the Royal Bhutan Army, his peaceful family was targeted by the 'One Nation, One People' policy in the late 80s/early 90s, banning Nepali language, religion, and culture. His father was arrested and tortured for 13 months during a peaceful rally for equal rights when Vijay was 11, then forced into exile. They became stateless refugees in Nepal camps for 20 years, where many died from hardship. He emphasized recognizing historical truth and standing for human rights.
HR25: Unnamed Speaker (Bhutanese Refugee Community) Support02:35:30.720 - 10:34:21 AM; The speaker discusses the forced eviction of over 100,000 southern Bhutanese due to discrimination based on ethnicity, language, and identity. HR25 provides recognition, accountability, and dignity without seeking revenge. Many refugees now contribute to New Hampshire as nurses, business owners, workers, students, and parents. Passing HR25 affirms human rights, preserves history, and amplifies refugee voices. Thanks Representative Suraj Buratuki for leadership.
HR23: Seth Miller, Representative, Stratford 21 (Dover NH) Support02:40:16.560 - 10:39:07 AM; Introduces HR23 and defers to Audi Kearney for main testimony. Notes the resolution highlights digital inclusion efforts. In Q&A, discusses potential future legislation for funding in the next budget cycle to support programs like Tech Pals. Shares personal experience with IT support and family challenges, emphasizing fraud impacts on seniors who lose more due to delayed recognition. Hopes to secure state funding to expand such initiatives.
HR23: Audi Kearney, Nashua High School South Student, Founder of Tech Pals Support02:40:16.560 - 10:39:07 AM; Testifies on founding Tech Pals nonprofit to aid older adults with digital inclusion, inspired by grandparents' struggles. HR23 addresses the digital divide excluding seniors from healthcare, services, banking, and connections; cites 25% of seniors not using internet (2021) and 42% lacking broadband (2020). Emphasizes need for affordable internet, devices, and tailored training with patient, practical workshops on emails, telehealth, accessibility, and photos. Highlights safety: $3.4B in senior fraud losses (2023) due to targeting less tech-savvy individuals. Praises resolution's focus on libraries, centers, mentorship, navigators, and measurable outcomes. Urges support as digital inclusion ties to health, security, and participation. In Q&A, notes AI increases fraud like impersonation calls. Describes in-person workshops at senior homes/libraries using real devices, covering fraud detection and tasks like FaceTime. Addresses resistance: many seniors fear fraud or prefer non-digital but services are digitizing; peer encouragement helps. Discusses physical barriers like eye strain/hand control, addressed via stylus assistance for easier use. Recommends simpler flip phones for those struggling with complex touchscreens.
HR23: Adam Thompson, Nashua NH (Ward 3) Support02:59:11.040 - 10:58:02 AM; Supports HR23, noting NH's second-oldest population after Maine. Shares personal aging concerns and mother's struggles as a retired tech director: inadvertent phone changes, closed accounts, hacks, and scam losses. Urges highlighting urgency to enable protections for vulnerable seniors, benefiting future selves.
HB1441: Carla Gerky, Manchester NH Support04:27:46.880 - 12:26:37 PM; The transcript cuts off before full testimony, but she is noted as in support with five minutes requested.
HB1441: Representative Bailey, Prime Sponsor Support04:01:22.720 - 12:00:13 PM; Introduces HB1441 as a returning bill to study implications of NH independence or secession, addressing questions from prior bills like CACR20/32. Notes NH as freest state in North America (24th year per Cato/Fraser Institute) but US ranking dropping globally (20-30th). Aims to explore fiscal, currency (e.g., silver, gold, not dollar), and other issues amid declining US freedom. References Greenland/Denmark separation for parallels on citizenship, residency, systems. Commission to answer questions like defense, healthcare, Social Security abroad, amicable US relations. Recommends OTP. In Q&A, confirms 'sovereign rights' means secession; says Pledge but views it as non-sacred (100+ years old, evolved). Acknowledges NH Civil War deaths but notes ancestors on both sides. Suggests updating dates, altering commission makeup (e.g., to RAND). Believes honest answers could remove obstacles; speculates on National Guard as army, possible NATO. Didn't consult others; copied from prior year to avoid disqualifications like his past 14th Amendment challenge.
HB1441: Carla Garrick, President of Foundation for New Hampshire Independence and key person in Nexit, from the Free State movement Support04:28:32.319 - 12:27:23 PM; Carla Garrick testified in strong support of HB 1441, emphasizing that the bill is not about secession but about responsible preparation through study and research. She highlighted New Hampshire's tradition of liberty and self-determination as enshrined in Articles 7 and 10 of the state constitution. Garrick referenced past failed bills like CACR32 and CICR20, positioning HB 1441 as a measured approach to understanding fiscal, economic, and practical implications of sovereignty without advocating for immediate action. She drew parallels to successful peaceful separations like Czechoslovakia, Singapore, and Estonia, noting Estonia's transition from Soviet control to a digitally advanced, economically free nation despite harsher conditions than New Hampshire faces. Garrick discussed global trends toward decentralization, New Hampshire's strong economic position (high GDP per capita, no income or sales tax), and the escalating U.S. national debt of $38.5 trillion with $1.2 trillion in annual interest costs as a pressing concern. She urged the committee to pass the bill to foster informed dialogue and stewardship, allowing voters to decide on sovereignty if needed. During Q&A, she addressed concerns about free markets, tariffs, the bill's language on scenarios, potential triggers for secession (e.g., economic collapse like inflation), constitutionality, defense, and debt obligations, consistently framing the commission as neutral and exploratory while affirming her pro-independence stance.
HB1441: Adam Thompson, from Scenic and Historic Ward 3 Nashua Oppose04:59:40.798 - 12:58:31 PM; Adam Thompson opposed HB 1441, describing it as fascinating but unnecessary based on conversations with people across the Granite State, where he has not met anyone personally supporting the idea. His testimony was cut short in the transcript, but he expressed appreciation for addressing the committee while indicating broad lack of public interest in the measure.
HB1441: M. Thompson Oppose05:00:18.480 - 12:59:09 PM; As a Marine Corps veteran, M. Thompson expresses strong opposition to HB1441, viewing its language as promoting secession, which he finds abhorrent. He argues it would be inexpedient to legislate and unlikely to pass in the House, suggesting referral to commerce if not killed. He praises the committee's earlier questions and hopes for a recommendation against the bill.
HB1441: Christopher Wade, Keene, New Hampshire Support05:02:24.400 - 1:01:15 PM; Christopher Wade supports HB1441, arguing that questions about secession are best addressed by the proposed study commission. He discusses economic benefits of independence, such as avoiding collection of out-of-state sales taxes for NH businesses, using examples from international trade. He asserts NH's constitutional right to independence, compares it to the American Revolution, emphasizes no intent for war or insurrection, and addresses concerns like power grids, economic power, and the need for the commission to alleviate fears. He advocates for loose autonomy and highlights historical federal-state tensions.
HB1441: Russ Anne Chester, Bedford, New Hampshire Support05:11:24.480 - 1:10:15 PM; Russ Anne Chester supports the bill, drawing from her attendance at secession discussions for educational purposes. She notes widespread frustration with federal overreach and unconsented tax spending, citing recent property tax issues with 90 towns represented. She clarifies the commission is for preparation and exploration of sovereignty, not immediate secession or rebellion, emphasizing NH as a donor state receiving less than 30% back. She argues against fear of the commission, references NH's history of resistance like the Pine Tree Riot, and urges standing with the people. In Q&A, she addresses tax transparency, critiques money in politics, hypothetical tax increases, public trust in government, and the need for education on potential changes, advocating for exploring options like territorial status to reduce fear-mongering.
HB1441: Representative Gison Information Only05:26:24.958 - 1:25:15 PM; Representative Gison presents HR36, urging the federal government to accept cash at all points of service. He shares experiences from a cross-country motorcycle trip where federal sites like national parks and the Smithsonian rejected cash despite legal obligations. He argues this undermines currency value post-gold standard, excludes unbanked populations like minors, and violates federal law and constitutional duties. He emphasizes privacy, anonymity of cash transactions, and risks like asset freezes seen in Canada's trucker protests. In Q&A, he addresses policy reasons, costs, third-party vendors, tolls, and fraud concerns, clarifying the resolution targets federal points only, not private entities.

Moffett, Michael(Chairman)(R)[B+]2025	Mandelbaum, Jennifer(Clerk)(D)[D]2025	Rollins, Skip(V Chairman)(R)[A-]2025
Jeudy, Jean(D)[D]2025	Budathoki, Suraj(D)[D-]2025	Foss, Lily(D)[D-]2025
Gagne, Larry(R)[B+]2025	Lundgren, David(R)[C+]2025	Leavitt, John(R)[B-]2025
Belcher, Mike(R)[B+]2025	Plante, Raymond(R)[B+]2025	Hemingway, Wayne(R)[B]2025
Mannion, Tom(R)[A+]2025	Lloyd, Christal(D)[F]2025	Seibert, Christine(D)[CT]2025
Jones, Philip(D)[CT]2025	Manohar, Sanjeev(D)[D-]2025	Bennett, Cindy(R)[B+]2025