The Senate will convene for pro forma sessions on the following dates and times:

• Tuesday, August 6^th at 9:00 a.m.
• Friday, August 9^th at 9:00 a.m.
• Tuesday, August 13^th at 12:30 p.m.
• Friday, August 16^th at 3:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, August 20^th at 9:00 a.m.
• Friday, August 23^rd at 9:15 a.m.
• Tuesday, August 27^th at 10:00 a.m.
• Friday, August 30^th at 5:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, September 3^rd at 1:00 p.m.
• Friday, September 6^th at 8:30 a.m.

When the Senate adjourns on Friday, September 6, it will next convene at 3:00 p.m., Monday, September 9.  Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration the nomination of Kelly Craft to be Representative of the United States to the UN General Assembly.

At 5:30 p.m. on September 6, the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Craft nomination.

The Senate convened for a pro forma session at 3:00 p.m. with Senator Scott of Florida presiding. No business was conducted.

The Senate meets next for a pro forma session only on Tuesday, August 20th at 9:00 a.m.

The Senate convened at 12:30 p.m. for a pro forma session only. Senator Rounds presided.

The Senate will next convene for a pro forma session on Friday, August 16 at 3:00 p.m.

The Senate convened for a pro forma session. Senator Barrasso presided and no business was conducted.

The next pro forma session is scheduled for Tuesday, August 13th at 12:30 p.m.

The Senate convened at 9 a.m. for a pro forma session only. No business was conducted. Senator Portman was in the chair.

The next pro forma is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Friday, August 9th.

The Senate convened for a pro forma session at 1:00 p.m. with Senator Cornyn presiding.  No business was conducted.

3:15 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 3 p.m. on September 6. The Senate will convene for pro forma sessions only, with no business conducted, on the following dates and times:

Friday, August 2^nd at 1 p.m.

Tuesday, August 6^th at 9 a.m.

Friday, August 9^th at 9 a.m.

Tuesday, August 13^th at 12:30 p.m.

Friday, August 16^th at 3 p.m.

Tuesday, August 20^th at 9 a.m.

Friday, August 23^rd at 9:15 a.m.

Tuesday, August 27^th at 10 a.m.

Friday, August 30^th at 5 p.m.

Tuesday, September 3^rd at 1 p.m.

Friday, September 6^th at 8:30 a.m.

When the Senate adjourns on Friday, September 6, it will next convene at 3 p.m., Monday, September 9. Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of  Kelly Craft, of Kentucky, to be Representative of the United States to the UN General Assembly.

At 5:30 p.m. on September 6, the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Craft nomination.

2:55 p.m. Senator McConnell filed cloture on these nominations:

3:35 p.m. During wrap-up, the Senate took these actions:

— Passed S. 862, Rebuilding Small Businesses After Disasters Act, w/ Kennedy amdts.;

— Passed S.394, Presidential Transition Enhancement Act;

— Passed the following Judiciary bills by voice vote:

H.R.3311, Small Business Reorganization;

H.R.2336, Family Farmer Relief Act;

H.R.2938, HAVEN Act;

H.R.3304, National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act.

3:35 p.m. The Senate took these actions:

— By voice vote, adopted:

S.Res.304, designating September as “National Workforce Development Month”;

S.Res.305, designating the week of September 14 through September 21, 2019, as ‘‘National Estuaries Week’’

Executive Business

The Senate confirmed the following nominations:

NAVY

Vice Adm. Michael M. Gilday for appointment as Chief of Naval Operations

THE JUDICIARY

M. Miller Baker, of Louisiana, to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade;

Exec. Cal. #58 – Timothy M. Reif, of the District of Columbia, to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade

U.S. INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

Randolph J. Stayin, of Virginia, to be a Member of the United States International Trade Commission for a term expiring June 16, 2026;

Amy Karpel, of Washington, to be a Member of the United States International Trade Commission for a term expiring June 16, 2023

LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION

Matthew Keenan, of Kansas, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation for a term expiring July 13, 2020

Julie Reiskin, of Colorado, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation for a term expiring July 13, 2019 (Reappointment)

Robert J. Grey, Jr., of Virginia, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation for a term expiring July 13, 2020 (Reappointment)

Abigail L. Kuzma, of Indiana, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation for a term expiring July 13, 2019

Abigail L. Kuzma, of Indiana, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation for a term expiring July 13, 2022 (Reappointment)

John G. Levi, of Illinois, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation for a term expiring July 13, 2020 (Reappointment)

John G. Malcolm, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation for a term expiring July 13, 2020

Frank X. Neuner, Jr., of Louisiana, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation for a term expiring July 13, 2019

Frank X. Neuner, Jr., of Louisiana, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation for a term expiring July 13, 2022 (Reappointment)

Gloria Valencia-Weber, of New Mexico, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation for a term expiring July 13, 2020 (Reappointment)

UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE

Ron A. Bloom, of New York, to be a Governor of the United States Postal Service for a term expiring December 8, 2020

Roman Martinez IV, of Florida, to be a Governor of the United States Postal Service for a term expiring December 8, 2024

John McLeod Barger, of California, to be a Governor of the United States Postal Service for a term expiring December 8, 2021

UNITED STATES POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION

Ann C. Fisher, of the District of Columbia, to be a Commissioner of the Postal Regulatory Commission for a term expiring October 14, 2024

Ashley Jay Elizabeth Poling, of North Carolina, to be a Commissioner of the Postal Regulatory Commission for a term expiring November 22, 2024

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Mark Schultz, of Nebraska, to be Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION

Sharon Fast Gustafson, of Virginia, to be General Counsel of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for a term of four years

Charlotte A. Burrows, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for a term expiring July 1, 2023

NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES

Kathe Hicks Albrecht, of California, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2024.

Keegan F. Callanan, of Vermont, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2024.

David Armand DeKeyser, of Alabama, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26.

Kim R. Holmes, of Virginia, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2022.

Phyllis Kaminsky, of Arizona, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2020.

Jean M. Yarbrough, of Maine, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2022.

Marjorie Fisher Furman, of Michigan, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2022.

Russell A. Berman, of California, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2020.

William English, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2024.

John Fonte, of Virginia, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2020.

Claire Griffin, of Washington, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2022.

Adair Margo, of Texas, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2022.

Matthew Rose, of Iowa, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2024.

Noel Valis, of Connecticut, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2020.

William Schneider, Jr., of Colorado, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2020.

Joyce Malcolm, of Virginia, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2020.

Mary Anne Carter, of Tennessee, to be Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Arts for a term of four years

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Wilmer Ocasio, of Puerto Rico, to be United States Marshal for the District of Puerto Rico for the term of four years

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Thomas McCaffery, of California, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Michael Eric Wooten, of Virginia, to be Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy

COMMERCE

Jennifer L. Homendy, of Virginia, to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board for a term expiring December 31, 2024.

Michael J.K. Kratsios, of South Carolina, to be an Associate Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Robert L. Sumwalt III, of South Carolina, to be Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board for a term of three years. (Reappointment)

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Mark Lee Greenblatt, of Maryland, to be Inspector General, Department of the Interior.

THE JUDICIARY

James A. Crowell IV, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years.

Jason Park, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years.

Rainey R. Brandt, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years.

Shana Frost Matini, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years.

UNITED STATES TAX COURT

Exec. Cal. #293 – Emin Toro, of Virginia, to be a Judge of the United States Tax Court for a term of fifteen years

UNITED STATES TAX COURT

Courtney Dunbar Jones, of Virginia, to be a Judge of the United States Tax Court for a term of fifteen years

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Michael Faulkender, of Maryland, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Lisa M. Schenck, of Virginia, to be a Judge of the United States Court of Military Commission Review

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Kenneth S. George, of Texas, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Oriental Republic of Uruguay

W. Patrick Murphy, of Vermont, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Cambodia

Richard K. Bell, of Pennsylvania, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire

Jonathan R. Cohen, of California, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Arab Republic of Egypt

Christopher Landau, of Maryland, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the United Mexican States

Richard B. Norland, of Iowa, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to Libya

Philip S. Goldberg, of the District of Columbia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Ambassador, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Colombia

Jessica E. Lapenn, of New York, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Representative of the United States of America to the African Union, with the rank and status of Ambassador

Mary Beth Leonard, of Massachusetts, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Federal Republic of Nigeria

INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

Eliot Pedrosa, of Florida, to be United States Executive Director of the Inter-American Development Bank for a term of three years

TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY

William B. Kilbride, of Tennessee, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority for a term expiring May 18, 2023

1:11 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke about the ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

12:56 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about National Parks.

12:35 p.m. Senator Durbin paid tribute to a soldier killed in Afghanistan.

12:22 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke on the budget.

12:14 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about returning to Texas to talk to constituents.

12:13 p.m. By a tally of 67-28 the Senate passed H.R. 3877, Bipartisan Budget act of 2019.

Senators voting in favor: 37 Democrats, 29 Republicans, 1 Independent: King.

11:56 a.m. The Senate invoked cloture on H.R. 3877 by a tally of 67-27.

Democrats voting against (5): Senators Bennet, Carper, Klobuchar, Manchin, and Tester. Republicans voting against (22): Senators Blackburn, Braun, Cotton, Cruz, Daines, Enzi, Fischer, Gardner, Hawley, Johnson, Kennedy, Lankford, Lee, Paul, Risch, Romney, Rubio, Sasse, Scott of FL, Scott of SC, Tillis and Toomey.

Senators Booker, Gillibrand, Harris, Isakson, Sanders and Warren did not vote.

11:37 a.m. The Senate is now voting on the motion to invoke cloture on H.R. 3877, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019.

11:37 a.m. By a tally of 23-70, Senate did not adopt the Paul amendment #932.

23 Republicans voted yes: Senators Barrasso, Blackburn, Braun, Cornyn, Crapo, Cruz, Daines, Enzi, Ernst, Fischer, Johnson, Kennedy, Lankford, Lee, Moran, Paul, Risch, Romney, Rubio, Sasse, Scott (SC), Toomey & Young.

7 Senators did not vote (6 Democrats/1 Republican): Senators Bennet, Booker, Gillibrand, Harris, Isakson, Sanders and Warren.

11:00 a.m. The Senate is now voting on Paul amendment #932 to HR.3877, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019 (60 vote threshold).

10:54 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the budget bill.

10:46 a.m. Senator Paul called up his amendment #932.

10:38 a.m. Senator Paul spoke about the budget.

10:28 a.m. Senator Murphy spoke about defense spending and on Yemen.

10:15 a.m. Senator Perdue spoke about the budget.

10:08 a.m. Senator Warner spoke about election security.

9:51 a.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke about election security.

9:41 a.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke about election security.

9:40 a.m. Senator McConnell filed cloture on the budget deal.

9:33 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about a natural gas explosion in Danville, KY. He spoke about nominations and about the pending budget deal.

9:32 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about his proposed Medicaid initiative.

*****

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m.  Following any leader remarks, resume consideration of H.R.3877, the budget bill.

There will be up to two hours of debate, followed by up to 4 votes:

• Paul amendment #932, with a 60 vote threshold
• Cloture on H.R.3877
• Motion to waive budget act (if a point of order is raised)
• Passage of H.R.3877

Votes are expected to begin at approximately 11:00 a.m.

***

The votes on the nominations in the below UC agreement are not expected until after the August recess:

At a time to be determined by the Majority Leader in consultation with the Democratic Leader, the Senate will vote on confirmation of following nominations:

1. Executive Calendar #233, Stephanie Haines to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania
2. Executive Calendar #326, Ada Brown to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Texas
3. Executive Calendar #352, Steven Seeger to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois
4. Executive Calendar #344, Mary McElroy to be United States District Judge for the District of Rhode Island
5. Executive Calendar #346, Stephanie Gallagher to be United States District Judge for the District of Maryland

6:26 p.m. The Senate adjourned.

6:21 p.m. ML McConnell wrapped up for the evening.

Passed in wrap-up:

Legislative business:

Passed H.R.639 to clarify that National Urban Search and Rescue Response System task forces may include Federal employees.
Passed H.R. 3245 to restore the Harmony Way Bridge Act.
Passed S.2052 to authorize the honorary promotion of Colonel Charles E. McGee to brigadier general in the United States Air Force, w/ Van Hollen amendment.
Agreed to H.Con.Res.53 authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall for an event to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first African slaves to the territory that would become the United States.
Adopted S.Res.263 honoring the 100th anniversary of The American Legion.
Adopted S.Res.294 designating August 16, 2019, as “National Airborne Day”
Adopted S.Res.295 designating the month of September 2019 as “Campus Fire Safety Month”
Adopted S.Res.285 designating September 2019 as “School Bus Safety Month”.
adopted S.Res.300 supporting the goals and ideals of National Public Health Week.
Adopted S.Res.301,celebrating the 300th anniversary of the return of the Indiana Rangers.
Adopted S.Res.302 designating September as “National Child Awareness Month”.
By voice vote, adopted S.Con.Res.24 regarding the anniversary of the Food and Nutrition Service of the Department of Agriculture.
Passed H.R.1079 to require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to issue guidance on electronic consent forms, and for other purposes.
By voice vote, passed H.R.776 to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Emergency Medical Services for Children program.

Executive Business

The Senate confirmed the following nominations:

COAST GUARD
the following to be Rear Admiral:
Rear Adm. Melvin W. Bouboulis  
Rear Adm. Donna L. Cottrell
Rear Adm. Michael J. Johnston
Rear Adm. Eric C. Jones
Rear Adm. Michael P. Ryan
Rear Adm. Todd C. Wiemers to be Rear Admiral
Maj. Gen. Mary F. O’Brien to be Lieutenant General

ARMY
Lt. Gen. Bryan P. Fenton to be Lieutenant General
Maj. Gen. Ronald J. Place to be Lieutenant General
Col. Robert T. Wooldridge, II to be Brigadier General

MARINE CORPS
Maj. Gen. David G. Bellon to be Lieutenant General
And all nominations on the Secretary’s Desk in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Navy.

FOREIGN SERVICE
The following-named Career Members of the Senior Foreign Service of the United States Agency for International Development for promotion within the Senior Foreign Service of the United States of America, Class of Career Minister:
Jennifer M. Adams
Jeffrey N. Bakken
Susan F. Fine
Susan Kosinski Fritz
Lawrence Hardy, II
Sarah-Ann Lynch

The following-named Career Member of the Foreign Service of the United States Agency for Global Media, Broadcasting Board of Governors, for promotion into the Senior Foreign Service to the class indicated:Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, and a Consular Officer and a Secretary in the Diplomatic Service of the United States of America:
William S. Martin

The following-named Career Member of the Foreign Service of the United States Agency for International Development, Office of Inspector General, for promotion within the Senior Foreign Service of the United States of America, Class of Minister-Counselor:
Christine Byrne
Robert Mason

The following-named Career Members of the Senior Foreign Service of the United States Department of Agriculture for promotion within the Senior Foreign Service of the United States of America, Class of Career Minister:
James J. Higgiston
Bobby G. Richey, Jr.
And all nominations on the Secretary’s Desk in the Foreign Service.

5:32 p.m. Senators Hyde Smith and Wicker spoke about flood damage in Mississippi.

5:30 p.m. The Senate confirmed the nomination of Kelly Craft to be the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations by a vote of 56-34.

5 Democrats joined Republicans and voted yes: Senators Hassan, Manchin, Murphy, Shaheen and Sinema.

10 Senators not voting: 7 Democrats: Bennet, Booker, Coons, Gillibrand, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren 1 Independent: Sanders and 2 Republicans: Burr and Isakson.

5:15 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #402 Kelly Craft to be the Representative of the U.S. to the United Nations, with the rank and status of Ambassador, and the Representative of the U.S. in the Security Council of the United Nations.

5:14 p.m. The Senate confirmed the nomination of William Stickman to be U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

5 Democrats joined Republicans voting in favor: Senators Casey, Jones, Kaine, Manchin & Sinema.

4:58 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of William Stickman to be U.S. District Judge for the Western District Pennsylvania.

4:57 p.m. The Pacold nomination was confirmed 87-3; with Senators Hirono, Markey and Menendez voting against.

10 Senators not voting: 7 Democrats: Bennet, Booker, Coons, Gillibrand, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren 1 Independent: Sanders and 2 Republicans: Burr and Isakson.

4:39 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of Martha Maria Pacold to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District IL.

4:39 p.m. The Pulliam nomination was confirmed, 54-36.

Senators voting in favor: 51 Republicans, 3 Democrats: Jones, Manchin and Sinema.

Senators voting against: 35 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.

10 Senators not voting: 7 Democrats: Bennet, Booker, Coons, Gillibrand, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren 1 Independent: Sanders and 2 Republicans: Burr and Isakson.

4:24 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of Jason Pulliam to be U.S. District Judge for the Western District TX.

4:23 p.m. The Starr nomination was confirmed 51-39 on a party line vote.

10 Senators not voting: 7 Democrats: Bennet, Booker, Coons, Gillibrand, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren 1 Independent: Sanders and 2 Republicans: Burr and Isakson.

4:04 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of Brantley Starr to be a judge for the Northern District of Texas.

4:03 p.m. The Senate confirmed the nomination of Jeffrey Brown to be U.S. District Judge for the Southern District TX by a tally of 50-40.

Senator Collins joined Democrats and voted no.

10 Senators not voting: 7 Democrats: Bennet, Booker, Coons, Gillibrand, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren 1 Independent: Sanders and 2 Republicans: Burr and Isakson.

3:45 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the nomination of Jeffrey Brown to be U.S. District Judge for the Southern District TX.

3:44 p.m. the Pittman nomination was confirmed 54-36.

Senators voting in favor: 51 Republicans, 3 Democrats: Jones, Manchin and Sinema.

Senators voting against: 35 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.

10 Senators not voting: 7 Democrats: Bennet, Booker, Coons, Gillibrand, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren 1 Independent: Sanders and 2 Republicans: Burr and Isakson.

3:01 p.m. The Senate began voting on the nomination of Mark Pittman to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of TX.

3:01 p.m. Senator McConnell announced that there would be 7 votes.

• Mark Pittman to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of TX
• Jefferey Brown to be U.S. District Judge for the Southern District TX
• Brantley Starr to U.S. District Judge for the Northern District TX
• Jason Pulliam to be U.S. District Judge for the Western District TX
• Martha Maria Pacold to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District IL
• William Shaw Stickman IV to be U.S. District Judge for the Western District PA
• Kelly Craft to be U.N. Representative

3:00 p.m. The Senate confirmed the following nominations by voice vote:

• Karin Immergut to be U.S. District Judge for Oregon
• John Milton Younge to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of PA
• Mary Rowland to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of IL

2:37 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke about August recess and Oklahoma.

2:21 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke about August recess and Alaska.

2:12 p.m. Senator Blackburn spoke about August recess and Tennessee.

2:02 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke about August recess and Missouri.

1:59 p.m. Senator Daines spoke about August recess and Montana.

1:54 p.m. Senator Ernst spoke about Iowa.

1:34 p.m. Senator Boozman paid tribute to Lt. General Aundre Piggee.

1:11 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke on the nomination of Elizabeth Darling to be Commissioner on Children, Youth, and Families, Department of Health and Human Services and on foster care and religious freedom.

1:00 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about the Alaskan of the Week, Cheryl Venechuk.

12:52 p.m. Senator Hassan spoke about bad actors in the pharmaceutical industry.

12:30 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke about election security.

12:27 p.m. Senator Braun spoke about whistleblower protections.

12:15 p.m Senator Cornyn spoke on the budget. Senator Cornyn asked u.c to pass H.R. 639, an act to amend Section 327 of the Robert Stafford disaster relief and emergency assistance act; asked u.c. to pass H.R. 3245, an act to transfer a bridge of the Wabash River to the New Harmony River Bridge Authority and the New Harmony and Wabash River authority; asked u.c. to pass S. 2052, a bill to authorize the honorary promotion of Colonel Charles McGee to Brigadier General in the U.S. Air Force with the Van Hollen amendment; asked u.c. to pass H.Con.Res. 53, authorizing the use of emancipation hall for an event to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first African slaves to the territory that would become the U.S.; asked u.c. to pass S.Res. 263, Honoring the 100th anniversary of the American Legion; asked u.c. to pass S.Res 294, Designating August 16, 2019 as National Airborne Day; asked u.c. to pass S.Res. 295, Designating the month of September 2019 as campus fire safety month, passed by voice vote; and asked u.c. to pass S.Res. 285, Designating September 2019 as school bus safety month.

12:07 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about Medicare for all. Then he spoke about budget measure H.R.3877.

12:00 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about summers in South Dakota.

11:45 a.m. Senator Paul spoke about budget measure H.R.3877.

11:36 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about Russian interference in the 2016 election and the Mueller investigation.

11:26 a.m. Senator Cardin spoke on the infrastructure bill and climate change.

11:01 a.m. Senator Gardner spoke on the move of the Bureau of Land Management to Colorado.

10:20 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer said Democrats are prepared to vote immediately on the budget deal. He later spoke about the trade dispute with China, election security, climate change and health care.

9:44 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about nominations. He spoke about the House-passed budget deal.

9:32 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about prescription drug prices.

*****

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and resume consideration of the nomination of Mark T. Pittman to be a Judge for the Northern District of Texas, post-cloture.

 At a time to be determined by the Majority Leader in consultation with the Democratic Leader, the Senate will vote on confirmation the nominations listed below.

When the Senate considers the budget measure, H.R.3877,  if cloture is filed, there will be up to two hours of debate,  and these votes:

1. Paul amendment #932 (re: Cut, Cap, and Balance budget) (60-vote threshold for adoption),
2. Motion to invoke cloture on H.R.3877
3. Passage of H.R.3877, as amended, if amended.

Votes on the budget measure may begin this afternoon. There may also be budget votes Thursday.

Nominations due for confirmation votes at the discretion of leadership:

• Mark T. Pittman to be a Judge for the Northern District of Texas.
• Jeffrey Vincent Brown to be a Judge for the Southern District of Texas.
• Brantley Starr to be a Judge for the Northern District of Texas.
• Stephanie L. Haines to be a Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
• Ada E. Brown to be a Judge for the Northern District of Texas.
• Steven D. Grimberg to be a Judge for the Northern District of Georgia.
• Jason K. Pulliam to be a Judge for the Western District of Texas.
• Martha Maria Pacold to be a Judge for the Northern District of Illinois.
• Steven C. Seeger to be a Judge for the Northern District of Illinois.
• William Shaw Stickman IV to be a Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
• Karin J. Immergut to be a Judge for the District of Oregon.
• John Milton Younge to be a Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
• Mary S. McElroy to be a Judge for the District of Rhode Island.
• Stephanie A. Gallagher to be a Judge for the District of Maryland.
• Mary M. Rowland to be a Judge for the Northern District of Illinois.
• Kelly Craft to be Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations.

9:33 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on the nomination of Kelly Craft, to be Representative of the U.S.A. to the United Nations.

9:27 p.m. The Senate invoked Cloture on the following nominations:

• Cloture the nomination of Ada E. Brown to be a Judge for the Northern District of Texas. Invoked 79-9.
• Cloture on the nomination of  Steven D. Grimberg to be a Judge for the Northern District of Georgia. Invoked 72-16.
• Cloture on the nomination of Jason K. Pulliam to be a Judge for the Western District of Texas. Invoked 54-34.
• Cloture on the nomination Martha Maria Pacold to be a Judge for the Northern District of Illinois.  Invoked 86-2.
• Cloture on the nomination of Steven C. Seeger to be a Judge for the Northern District of Illinois. Invoked 87-1.
• Cloture on the nomination of William Shaw Stickman IV to be a Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania.  57-31.

8:00 p.m.  The Senate voting on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on the nomination of  Stephanie L. Haines to be a Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania. invoked 87-1.

7:44 p.m. Senate is voting on the Motion to Invoke Cloture  on the nomination of Brantley Starr to be a judge for the Northern District of Texas. Invoked 51- 37.

7:15 p.m. The Senate is currently voting on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on Jeffrey Vincent Brown to be a Judge for the Southern District of Texas. invoked 51-37

7:05 p.m. The Senate is currently voting on Cloture on the nomination of Mark T. Pittman to be a Judge for the Northern District of Texas. Confirmed 54-34

6:35 p.m. The Senate is currently voting on Confirmation of the nomination of Sean D. Jordan to be a Judge for the Eastern District of Texas. Confirmed 54-34

6:30 p.m. Leader McConnell announced This evening, the Senate will have twelve roll call votes relative to the nominations listed below:

• Confirmation of the nomination of Sean D. Jordan to be a Judge for the Eastern District of Texas. The Jordan nomination was confirmed by a roll call vote of 54-34.
• Cloture on the nomination Mark T. Pittman to be a Judge for the Northern District of Texas. The Senate is now taking this vote.
• Cloture on the nomination of Jeffrey Vincent Brown to be a Judge for the Southern District of Texas.
• Cloture on the nomination of  Brantley Starr to be a Judge for the Northern District of Texas.
• Cloture on the nomination of  Stephanie L. Haines to be a Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania
• Cloture the nomination of Ada E. Brown to be a Judge for the Northern District of Texas
• Cloture on the nomination of  Steven D. Grimberg to be a Judge for the Northern District of Georgia
• Cloture on the nomination of Jason K. Pulliam to be a Judge for the Western District of Texas.
• Cloture on the nomination Martha Maria Pacold to be a Judge for the Northern District of Illinois
• Cloture on the nomination of Steven C. Seeger to be a Judge for the Northern District of Illinois
• Cloture on the nomination of William Shaw Stickman IV to be a Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania
• Cloture on the nomination of Kelly Craft to be the Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations, with the rank and status of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, and the Representative of the United States of America in the Security Council of the United Nations. There will be up to ten minutes of debate prior to this vote. Other Elements of the Nominations Time Agreement:

• If cloture is invoked on any of the above, the confirmation votes will occur at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader in consultation with the Democratic Leader. Some of those votes are expected during Wednesday’s session of the Senate.

• The cloture motions on the following nominations were withdrawn:
  • Karin J. Immergut to be a Judge for the District of Oregon
  • John Milton Younge to be a Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
  • Mary S. McElroy to be a Judge for the District of Rhode Island
  • Stephanie A. Gallagher to be a Judge for the District of Maryland
  • Mary M. Rowland to be a Judge for the Northern District of Illinois
  • David L. Norquist to be Deputy Secretary of Defense.Bipartisan Budget  Act of 2019 (H.R. 3877)/Time Agreement:
  • The cloture petition on the motion to proceed to H.R.3877 was withdrawn. The Senate will proceed to consideration of H.R.3877 at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader in consultation with the Democratic Leader. This is expected to occur during Wednesday’s session of the Senate.
  • Cloture is expected to be filed on H.R.3877. If so, there will be up to two hours of debate, equally divided between the Leaders or their designees, and it will be in order for Senator Paul to an amendment.

• Upon the use or yielding of debate time the Senate will proceed to the following roll call votes:

• Paul amendment to cut and balance the budget. Subject to an affirmative 60-vote threshold.
• Cloture on H.R.3877.
• A motion to waive the Budget Act, if a point of order is raised.
• Passage of H.R.3877, as amended, if amended.

4:47 p.m. Senator Van Hollen spoke about the city of Baltimore.

4:23 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke on the budget.

4:15 p.m. Senator Tester spoke about the deficit.

3:46 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke on immigration and border security.

3:45 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Jordan nomination 54-36.

Senators in favor: 51 Republicans, 3 Democrats: Jones, Manchin and Sinema.

Senators voting against: 35 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.

Senators not voting: 2 Republican: Cassidy and Isakson; 7 Democrats: Bennet, Booker, Gillibrand, Klobuchar, Markey and Warren; 1 Independent: Sanders.

3:23 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on Sean Jordan to be a Judge for the Eastern District of Texas.

3:22 p.m The Hendrix nomination was confirmed 89-1. Senator Blumenthal voted no, and the following Senators did not vote: Republicans Cassidy and Isakson; Democrats Bennet, Booker, Gillibrand, Klobuchar, Markey and Warren, Independent Sanders.

2:45 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #203 James Wesley Hendrix to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Texas.

2:15 p.m. Senator McSally gave her maiden speech.

12:55 p.m. The Senate stands in recess until 2:15 p.m.

12:54 p.m. ML McConnell asked u.c. that at 2:45 p.m. the Senate vote on the following:

1. Confirmation of James Hendrick to be a Judge for the Northern District of Texas.

2. Cloture on Sean D. Jordan to be a Judge for the Eastern District of Texas. Further votes are expected during today’s session.

12:54 p.m.  The Senate invoked cloture on Executive Calendar #203 James Wesley Hendrix to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Texas by a tally of 85-5.

YEAs: 50 Republicans, 34 Democrats, independent King.

NAYs: Democrats Blumenthal, Brown, Hirono, Markey and Wyden.

Not voting: Republicans Cassidy, Isakson and Paul; Democrats Bennet, Booker, Gillibrand, Klobuchar and Warren, independent Sanders.

12:25 p.m. The Senate confirmed Peter D. Welte to be U.S. District Judge for the District of North Dakota by a tally of 68-22.

Voting against: 22 Democrats: Baldwin, Blumenthal, Brown, Cantwell, Cardin, Casey, Duckworth, Heinrich, Hirono, Markey, Menendez, Merkley, Murray, Reed, Schatz, Schumer, Smith, Stabenow, Udall, Van Hollen, Whitehouse and Wyden.

Senators Bennet, Booker, Cassidy, Gillibrand, Harris, Isakson, Klobuchar, Paul, Sanders and Warren did not vote.

12:10 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the nomination of Peter Welte to be a Judge for the District of North Dakota.

12:09 p.m. The Senate confirmed the Liburdi nomination by a vote of 53 to 37. Senators Jones, Manchin and Sinema joined 50 Republicans and voted yes.

Senators Bennet, Booker, Cassidy, Gillibrand, Harris, Isakson, Klobuchar, Paul, Sanders and Warren did not vote.

11:30 a.m. The Senate is now voting on confirmation of the nomination of Michael T. Liburdi to be a Judge for the District of Arizona.

11:08 a.m. Senator Collins spoke about prescription drug prices.

10:59 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about the Senate’s work this year.

10:44 a.m. Senator Menendez spoke about protective status for Venezuelans in the U.S.

10:37 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the crisis in Venezuela.

10:36 a.m. Senator Lee objected.

10:28 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about election security. He spoke about Venezuelans who live in the U.S. He sought consent to pass H.R. 49, to offer protective status to these people.

10:20 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the debt limit measure and about Russian meddling in the U.S. elections of 2016.

10:04 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell said the Senate will not adjourn this week until it acts on 19 judicial nominations, several executive nominations, and the debt-limit deal that has passed the House. He paid tribute to the retiring principal of the Senate Page School.

10:03 a.m. Senator Grassley noted the anniversary of a Revolutionary War edict protecting “whistleblowers” who draw attention to malfeasance in the military.

***

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. and will resume consideration of the nomination of Michael Liburdi to be a Judge for the District of Arizona, post-cloture.

At 11:30 a.m., the Senate will proceed to three roll call votes:   

• Confirmation of the nomination of Michael T. Liburdi to be a Judge for the District of Arizona.
• Confirmation of the nomination of Peter Welte to be a Judge for the District of North Dakota.
• Cloture on the nomination of James Wesley Hendrick to be a Judge for the Northern District of Texas.Following the cloture vote on the Hendrick nomination, the Senate will recess until 2:15 p.m. for the weekly caucus luncheons.

 Further roll call votes are expected during Tuesday’s session of the Senate.

7:40 p.m. The Senate stands in adjournment until 10 a.m. Tuesday, when it will resume consideration of the 7:35 p.m. The Senate will resume consideration of the nomination of Michael Liburdi to be U.S. District Judge for District of Arizona, post-cloture.

At 11:30am, all post-cloture time on the Liburdi and Welte nominations will expire and the Senate will vote on confirmation.  Upon disposition of Welte nomination, cloture will ripen on the Hendrick (TX) nomination and the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture.

Following the cloture vote, the Senate will recess until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

Additional roll call votes are expected during Tuesday’s session.

7:35 p.m.  During wrapup, the Senate agreed to passage of measures noting  50 years of environmental progress near Lake Erie and renaming a California dam.

7:21 p.m. Senator Braun spoke about public works legislation.

7:20 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Welte nomination, 66-21. YEAs 44 Republicans; 17 Democrats, independent King. NAYs: all Democrats. Not voting: Bennet, Booker, Cassidy, Duckworth, Gillibrand, Harris, Isakson, Klobuchar, Paul, Perdue, Sanders, Sullivan, Warren.

7:04 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the nomination of Peter Welte to be US District Judge for the District of North Dakota.

7:03 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Liburdi nomination, 51-37.

Senators in favor: 48 Republicans, 3 Democrats: Jones, Manchin and Sinema.

Senators against: 36 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.

Senators not voting: 6 Democrats: Bennet, Duckworth, Gillibrand, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 5 Republicans: Cassidy, Isakson, Paul, Perdue, and Sullivan; 1 Independent: Sanders.

6:49 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #119, Michael T. Liburdi, of Arizona, to be United States District Judge for the District of Arizona.

6:48 p.m. The veto override of SJ Res 38 failed, 46-41. (2/3 voting in the affirmative necessary)

Senators in favor: 39 Democrats, 6 Republicans (Collins, Graham, Lee, Moran, Murkowski and Young); 1 Independent: King.

Senators against: 41 Republicans.

Senators not voting: 6 Democrats: Bennet, Duckworth, Gillibrand, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 6 Republicans: Gardner, Isakson, Paul, Perdue, Sasse and Sullivan; 1 Independent: Sanders.

6:33 p.m. Roll call vote began on veto override of SJ Res 38.

6:32 p.m. The veto override of SJ Res 37 failed, 45-39. (2/3 voting in the affirmative necessary)

Senators in favor: 39 Democrats, 5 Republicans (Collins, Lee, Moran, Murkowski and Young); 1 Independent: King.

Senators against: 39 Republicans.

Senators not voting: 6 Democrats: Bennet, Duckworth, Gillibrand, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 9 Republicans: Cruz, Crapo, Gardner, Graham, Isakson, Paul, Perdue, Sasse and Sullivan; 1 Independent: Sanders.

6:12 p.m. Roll call vote began on veto override of SJ Res 37.

6:11 p.m. ML McConnell asked UC to add a cloture vote at the end of this series on the nomination of Peter D. Welte, of North Dakota, to be United States District Judge for the District of North Dakota.

6:10 p.m. The veto override of SJ Res 36 failed, 45-40. (2/3 voting in the affirmative necessary)

Senators in favor: 39 Democrats, 5 Republicans (Collins, Lee, Moran, Murkowski and Young); 1 Independent: King.

Senators in favor: 40 Republicans.

Senators not voting: 6 Democrats: Bennet, Duckworth, Gillibrand, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 8 Republicans: Cruz, Gardner, Graham, Isakson, Paul, Perdue, Sasse and Sullivan; 1 Independent: Sanders.

5:30 p.m. Roll call vote began on veto override of SJ Res 36.

5:18 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke about the resolutions of disapproval re: arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

5:11 p.m. Senator Daines spoke about socialism.

4:52 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about transportation infrastructure.

4:17 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about Majority Leader McConnell and election security, the nomination of Rep. John Ratcliffe to be Director of National Intelligence, China, 9/11 Victim’s Compensation Bill, and the shootings in Gilroy CA and Brooklyn NY.

3:58 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about election legislation.

3:40 p.m. Senator Cornyn paid tribute to outgoing Director of National Intelligence Coats, and to his designated replacement, Congressman Radcliffe

3:37 a.m. Senator Brown answered Senator McConnell’s speech about Russia. He spoke about the opioid addiction crisis.

3:04 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell defended himself against charges by television commentators about his position on Russian interference with U.S. elections.

Senator McConnell took steps to move to debate on cloture for the House-passed debt limit measure. He set up debate on several nominations and on the veto overrides to be voted on today.

3:03 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about his bill to change the method of financing Medicaid drug payments.

*****

The Senate convenes at 3:00 p.m. Following Leader remarks, the Senate will consider the Veto Messages to accompany S.J.Res.36, 37, and 38, with the time until 5:30 pm equally divided, and with 30 minutes reserved for the Chairman and Ranking Member respectively.

At 5:30 pm, the Senate will vote on passage of the joint resolutions (veto override).  Upon disposition of the joint resolutions, the cloture motions filed during Thursday’s session (listed below) will ripen and the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Liburdi nomination to be United States District Judge for the District of Arizona.

5:30 pm, Monday July 29 – 4 roll call votes:

1.       Shall S.J.Res.36 pass, the objections of the President of the United States to the contrary notwithstanding? [Veto Override]

2.       Shall S.J.Res.37 pass, the objections of the President of the United States to the contrary notwithstanding? [Veto Override]

3.       Shall S.J.Res.38 pass, the objections of the President of the United States to the contrary notwithstanding? [Veto Override]

4.       Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #119, Michael T. Liburdi, of Arizona, to be United States District Judge for the District of Arizona