Tuesday, January 3, 2017

2:10 p.m. Senate stands adjourned until 12:00 p.m. Wednesday January 4, 2017.

2:09 p.m. ML McConnell: UC that the Senate adjourn until 12:00 noon on Wednesday, January 4, 2017.

1:39 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke on Obamacare and the nomination process.

1:34 p.m. Senator Moran discussed the U.N. Security Council’s anti-Israel resolution and comments made by Secreatary of State Kerry.

1:20 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on the 115th Congress, the lack of a Republican replacement for Obamacare, and dreamers.

1:09 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the need for bipartisanship in the new Congress and Obamacare.

12:44 p.m. Senator Schumer began his first remarks as minority leader.

12:43 p.m. Senator McConnell sought consideration of S.Res. 4, to set majority membership on committees, and objected to his own request in order to have the resolution sent over. The Senate agreed to a period of morning business until 4 p.m. today.

12:38 p.m. Senator McConnell secured agreement to these measures:

— S.Res. 1, to inform the president that a Senate quorum is present for the 115th Congress;

— S. Res. 2, to  inform the House of Representatives that a Senate quorum is present for the 115th Congress;

— S. Res. 3, to fix the hour of the Senate’s daily meeting;

— S.Con.Res. 1, to extend the life of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies;

— S. Con.Res. 2, to provide for the counting on January 6 of electoral votes for the president and vice president of the United States;

— 11 separate unanimous consent requests, all routinely offered at the beginning of each Congress, considered en bloc;

12:37 p.m. Vice President Biden deemed that a quorum is present and recognized Senator McConnell to offer a series of measures.

12:28 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell made welcoming remarks. A live quorum call began.

12:05 p.m. Vice President Biden began the process of swearing in 34 senators, seven elected for the first time in 2016 and the balance re-elected.

12:02 p.m. Vice President Biden convened the Senate for the 115th Congress.

11:55 a.m. The Senate met for the final pro forma session of the 114th Congress, Senator Toomey presiding. No business was conducted. The Senate adjourned sine die.

The Senate will convene at noon for the 115th Congress.

*****

The Senate will convene for the final pro forma of the 114th Congress at 11:55 a.m.

The Senate will then stand adjourned until 12:00 noon, at which time the 115th Congress will convene.