12:25 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 10 a.m. Saturday, January 19th and will resume consideration of the Motion to Proceed to S. 1, Strengthening America’s Security in the Middle East Act.

12:00 p.m. Senator Portman spoke on the government shutdown and the repercussions on Americans.

10:49 a.m. Senator Collins spoke on the Comprehensive National Mercury Monitoring Act.

10:05 a.m. Senator Kaine spoke about the government shutdown and asked unanimous consent that S. J. Res. 1 be agreed to. Senator Lankford objected.

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. and will resume consideration of the Motion to Proceed to S. 1, Strengthening America’s Security in the Middle East Act.

Here are the results of the elections held today for three open slots. The 3 leading vote getters will serve a two year term.

Sarah D Wire, Los Angeles Times 128 votes
Andrew Taylor, Associated Press 117 votes
Jonathan Tamari, Philadelphia Inquirer 104 votes
Patricia Zengerle, Reuters 86 votes

Thank you to all four candidates!

6:32 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 18th. Following Leader remarks the Senate will resume consideration of the Motion to Proceed to S. 1, Strengthening America’s Security in the Middle East Act.

6:29 p.m. ML McConnell began wrap up and passed H.R. 259, Medicaid Extenders Act by voice vote; passed S.Res. 10, Honoring the Life of Richard Overton; and passed S.Res. 21, constituting the Minority Party’s membership on certain committees.

5:47 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about how the shutdown is affecting the Coast Guard.

5:32 p.m. Senator Daines spoke about the March for Life.

5:08 p.m. Senator Young spoke about the March for Life.

5:04 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke about the shutdown.

4:55 p.m. Senator Udall spoke about the Interior Department.

4:54 p.m. Senator Kaine asked u.c. to call up and pass H.R. 21, making appropriations for FY 2019. ML McConnell objected.

4:53 p.m. DL Schumer asked u.c. to call up and pass (with a 60 vote threshold) H.J.Res. 30, Disapproving the President’s proposal to take an action relating to the application of certain sanctions with respect to the Russian Federation. ML McConnell objected.

4:52 p.m. By a vote of 48 to 47 the Senate failed to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to the abortion bill.

Voting YEA: 46 Republicans and Democrats Casey and Manchin.

Voting NAY: 43 Democrats, independents King and Sanders, Republicans Collins and Murkowski.

NOT VOTING: Alexander, Burr, Crapo, Graham, Paul.

4:12 p.m. The cloture vote began on the motion to proceed to the abortion bill (S. 109).

4:06 p.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke against the abortion bill. He spoke about the partial government shutdown.

4:05 p.m. Senator Murray spoke against the abortion bill.

4:02 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about Friday’s anti-abortion march and about the abortion bill before the Senate.

*****

The Senate will convene at 4:00 p.m. Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act (S. 109).

At approximately 4:30 p.m., the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 109.

6:34 p.m. The Senate adjourned.

6:04 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about the shutdown.

6:02 p.m. Senator McConnell secured consent for the Senate to convene Thursday at 4 p.m., when it will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S. 109. There will be 30 minutes of debate, followed by a cloture vote on the motion to proceed.

During wrap-up, the Senate agreed to H.R. 251, as amended, a measure to extend the Homeland Security Department’s chemical facility anti-terrorism standards program.

5:51 p.m. Senator Sasse spoke about the nomination of Brian Buescher to the U.S. District Court in Nebraska.

5:40 p.m. Senator Collins spoke about the shutdown and border security.

5:26 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about the shutdown.

5:06 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about the abortion bill.

4:26 p.m. Senator Murray spoke about the shutdown.

4:18 p.m. Senator Fischer spoke about the national defense.

4:05 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on the government shutdown.

3:53 p.m. Senator Burr spoke on the proposed FDA ban on menthol cigarettes.

3:39 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the Barr nomination and paid tribute to Southwest Airlines Co-founder Herb Kelleher.

3:14 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke on the Barr nomination.

3:04 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke on the government shutdown.

2:54 p.m. Senator Sasse spoke briefly about the March for Life.

2:05 p.m. Senator Ernst, Blunt, Wicker and Fischer spoke about the March for Life.

1:57 p.m. Senators Cantwell and Blumenthal spoke on the government shutdown.

1:35 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on how the shutdown is affecting and not affecting the IRS and tax returns; and on taxes in general.

1:15 p.m. Senators Barrasso and Warren spoke on immigration and the government shutdown.

1:14 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 109, regarding abortions.

1:13 p.m. By a tally of 57-42, the #Senate did NOT invoke cloture on S.J. Res. 2, a joint resolution disapproving the application of certain sanctions with respect to the Russian Federation.

Senators in favor: 45 Democrats, 11 Republicans: Boozman, Collins, Cotton, Daines, Gardner, Hawley, Kennedy, McSally, Moran and Sasse; 1 Independents: King. 

Senators voting against: 42 Republicans.

Not voting: 1 Independent: Sanders.

12:30 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.J.Res. 2, a joint resolution disapproving the President’s proposal to take an action relating to the application of certain sanctions with respect to the Russian Federation.

12:09 p.m. Senator Cruz gave tribute to staffer Joyce.

12:05 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke about the government shutdown.

11:58 a.m. Senator Isakson spoke about the government shutdown.

10:52 a.m. Senators Leahy, Murray, Harris, Cardin, Baldwin, Shaheen,  Menendez, Cortez-Masto, Blumenthal, Leahy, Udall, Stabenow, Tester, Kaine, and Schatz spoke on the government shutdown.

10:44 a.m. Senator Lee spoke on abortion.

10:36 a.m. Senator Thune spoke on the government shutdown and abortion.

10:22 a.m. Democratic Leader Schumer spoke on the government shutdown and S.J. Res 2.

10:09 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke on the government shutdown; SJ Res 2 and the Barr nomination.

10:00 a.m. The Senate convened.

***

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and resume consideration of the joint resolution disapproving the President’s proposal to take an action relating to the application of certain sanctions with respect to the Russian Federation S.J.Res.2.

At 12:30 p.m., the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.J.Res. 2.  If cloture is not invoked, the joint resolution will be returned to the legislative calendar.

7:10 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00 am on Wednesday, January 16th.

6:35 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on the need for Medicare.

6:30 p.m. Leader McConnell filed Cloture on S. J. Res 2. He then wrapped up the Senate saying they will come in at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday and resume S. J. Res 2. The Senate will vote on cloture at 12:30 p.m.

6:10 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about current climate in Venezuela.

5:45 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke on the government showdown and the need to pay the coastguard during this disruptive time.

5:31 p.m.  Senator Lankford spoke on beginning of life in America.

5:30 p.m. The Senate agreed to  the motion to proceed to S.J.Res, disapproving the President’s proposal to take an action relating to the application of certain sanctions with respect to the Russian Federation. 2 by a vote of 57-42.

4:47 p.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to proceed to S.J.Res 2.

4:46 p.m. The Senate did not agree to the motion to table the motion to proceed to S.J.Res 2 by a vote of 42-57.

4:14 p.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to table the motion to proceed to S.J.Res. 2.

4:08 p.m. ML McConnell spoke about S. 1, the shutdown, and against S.J.Res. 2. The Leader moved to table the motion to proceed to S.J.Res. 2

4:02 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about the shutdown and supporting S.J.Res. 2 and offered the motion to proceed to S.J.Res. 2.

3:56 p.m. Senator Isakson spoke about the shutdown and on S.J.Res. 2.

3:45 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke supporting S.J.Res. 2.

3:38 p.m. Senator Crapo spoke against S.J.Res. 2, disapproving the President’s proposal to take an action relating to the application of certain sanctions with respect to the Russian Federation.

3:34 p.m. Senator Crapo asked u.c. that Senators Isakson, Menendez, and Crapo be recogized to speak for up to 7 minutes each. Following those remarks Senator Schumer will offer S.J.Res. 2 and ML McConell be recognized to make a motion to table at approximately 4:10 p.m.

2:51 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about military spending.

2:49 p.m. Senator Hoeven commended Senator Cramer for his remarks and spoke about the coming March for Life.

2:42 p.m. Senator Cramer spoke on the floor for the first time, about abortion.

2:36 p.m. Senators Hoeven and Cramer paid tribute to the North Dakota State football team.

2:32 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about border issues.

2:18 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke against S.J. Res 2; the government shutdown and the Barr nomination.

2:15 p.m. The Senate returned from the recess. Senator Warner spoke regarding S.J.Res.2,disapproving the President’s proposal to take an action relating to the application of certain sanctions with respect to the Russian Federation.

12:30 p.m. The Senate recessed until 2:15 p.m. to accommodate the weekly caucus luncheons.

11:16 a.m. Senator Van Hollen spoke on the shutdown and asked UC to take up and pass H.J. Res 1, ML McConnell objected.

11:07 a.m. Senator Cardin spoke about the shutdown and asked UC to take up and pass H.R.21, ML McConnell objected.

10:46 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about the shutdown.

10:31 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the shutdown. He spoke about the Barr nomination.

10:03 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell took steps under Rule XIV to bring to the floor S.266, Interior Appropriations. He moved to proceed to S.1. He spoke about the partial government shutdown. He spoke about the Barr nomination.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.1.

The Senate will recess to accommodate the weekly caucus luncheons from 12:30 – 2:15 p.m.

Following caucus recess, a roll call vote is expected on a motion to proceed to the consideration of S.J.Res.2,disapproving the President’s proposal to take an action relating to the application of certain sanctions with respect to the Russian Federation.

7:51 p.m.. The Senate adjourned.

7:04 p.m. Senators Bennet, Hassan and Casey spoke on the government shutdown.

7:02 p.m. ML McConnell wraps up for the day.  S Res 17 was passed by UC.  HR 266 had its first reading.  UC that the Senate adjourn until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday and resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.1; following remarks by Senate Democrats.

6:15 p.m. Senators Murray, Kaine, Warner and Udall spoke on the government shutdown.

6:14 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell offered a motion to reconsider.

6:13 p.m. Cloture was not invoked on the motion to proceed to S.1; 50-43. Democrats in favor: Jones, Manchin and Sinema. Republicans against: Majority Leader McConnell changed his vote to no in order to offer a motion to reconsider. Senators not voting: Five Republicans: Burr, Crapo, Isakson, Moran and Perdue. Two Democrats: Duckworth and Durbin.

5:30 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1.

4:34 p.m. Senators Cardin and Van Hollen spoke about the shutdown.

4:11 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke about the shutdown.

4:02 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about the shutdown.

3:36 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about border security.

3:03 p.m. Senator McConnell spoke about border security and the partial government shutdown.

*****

The Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m. and resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.1.

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will conduct a cloture vote on the motion to proceed.

1:05 p.m. The Senate has adjourned until 3:00 p.m. Monday with the cloture motion filed ripening at 5:30 p.m.

12:50 p.m. Senator Warner spoke about the government shutdown.

12:41 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke about the government shutdown.

12:19 p.m. Senator Baldwin spoke about the government shutdown.

12:14 p.m. Senator King spoke about Senator Murkowski’s speech.

12:00 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke border security.

11:38 a.m. Senator King spoke about the government shutdown.

11:07 a.m. Senator Van Hollen spoke about the government shutdown.

10:49 a.m. Senator Hirono spoke about the government shutdown.

10:04 a.m. Senator Kaine spoke about the partial shutdown of the government.

10:03 a.m. Senator Grassley took action under Rule XIV to bring directly to the floor S.  109, a bill regarding taxpayer-financed abortions.

10:02 a.m. The Senate resumed consideration of the motion to proceed to S. 1.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 am on Friday, January 11th, and will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S. 1, Strengthening America’s Security in the Middle East Act.

Votes are not expected on Friday.

5:58 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned pursuant the provisions of S.Res. 16, until 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 11th. Following Leader remarks the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S. 1, Strengthening America’s Security in the Middle East Act.

5:56 p.m. ML McConnell conducted wrap up:

• Adopted S.Res. 15, commending the Clemson University Tigers football team for winning the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship.
• Adopted S.Res. 16, relative to the death of John Chester Culver, former United States Senator from the State of Iowa.

Completed the Rule 14 process to place on the Calendar of Business.

• 1. H.R.251, to extend by two years the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program of the Department of Homeland Security
• 2. H.R.269, to reauthorize certain programs under the Public Health Service Act and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to public health security and all-hazards preparedness and response, to clarify the regulatory framework with respect to certain non-prescription drugs that are marketed without an approved drug application.
• 3. H.R.264, making appropriations for financial services and general government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2019.

5:32 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about the Alaskan of the Week.

5:28 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke about the shut down.

5:28 p.m. The ML called up and passed by Voice Vote: S.24, A bill to provide for the compensation of Federal and other government employees affected by lapses in appropriations

5:24 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke on S. 24, legislation providing back pay for Federal workers not receiving pay checks.

4:08 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about the passing of Larry Weinberg.

2:28 p.m. Senator Scott spoke about the Senate’s agenda in the new year and on the Clemson victory.

2:28 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell filed cloture on S. 1.

2:27 p.m. Cloture was not invoked on S. 1 by a vote of 53 to 43. Senators Jones, Manchin, Menendez, and Sinema voted YES. Senators NOT voting: Cornyn, Cruz, Moran, and Perdue.

1:46 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the motion to invoke cloture on S. 1, Strengthening America’s Security in the Middle East Act.

1:42 p.m. Senator Risch spoke about S. 1.

1:18 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about S. 1.

12:36 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke about the government shutdown.

12:17 p.m. Senator Tester spoke about border security and the shutdown.

12:07 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about the government shutdown.

11:59 a.m. Senator Smith spoke on the government shutdown.

11:46 a.m. Senator Kennedy spoke on foreign policy and S. 1.

11:39 a.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke about the shutdown.

11:33 a.m. Senator Cortez Masto spoke about the shutdown.

11:22 a.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke about the shutdown.

11:12 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the shutdown.

11:09 a.m. Senator Warner spoke about the shutdown.

10:56 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke about the shutdown.

10:45 a.m. Senator Van Hollen spoke about the shutdown. He asked UC that the Senate pass H.J. Res 1 (CR for Homeland Security). Senator McConnell objected.

10:38 a.m. Senator McConnell spoke about S.1-Strengthening America’s Security in the Middle East Act.

10:36 a.m. Senator Cardin asked UC that the Senate pass H.R. 21 (a minibus of 6 appropriations bills). Senator McConnell objected.

10:24 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about the shutdown.

10:05 a.m. Senator McConnell spoke about border security and the shutdown.

10:00 a.m. The Senate convened.

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and will resume consideration of S. 1. A cloture vote on the motion to proceed to S.1 will occur at 1:45 p.m.

6:44 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 10. There will be a cloture vote on the motion to proceed to S. 1 at 1:45 p.m.

6:19 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about corruption of the constitution.

6:00 p.m. Senator Reed spoke about the shutdown and the Coast Guard.

5:25 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about S. 1 -Syria.

5:12 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about the shutdown.

4:32 p.m.  Senator Fischer spoke about the shutdown.

3:35 p.m. Senator Tester spoke about government funding and border security.

3:08 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke about government funding.

2:59 p.m. Senator Murray spoke about government funding.

12:04 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke about border security.

11:54 a.m. Senator Ernst spoke on national defense.

11:17 a.m. Senator Murphy spoke on government funding.

11:08 a.m.  Senator Barrasso welcomed the new Senators and discussed the agenda of the 116th Congress and border security.

10:54 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about border security. He paid tribute to the late Richard Overton of Texas, who died last month at the age of 112.

10:49 a.m. Senator Leahy spoke about the shutdown debate. He spoke about the sexual abuse by members of the Roman Catholic clergy. He secured consent to put into the Congressional Record a homily on the topic by the Rev. Benjamin Holly, S.J.

10:38 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about the partial government shutdown. He spoke about border security.

10:25 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about President Trumps’s speech on border control.

10:04 a.m. Senator McConnell spoke about the proposed border wall. He spoke about yesterday’s failed cloture vote on S.1.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. and will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.1, the bill addressing security issues with Israel and Syria.

The Senate will recess for policy luncheons from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m.

NOTE: Senator McConnell re-filed cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 1 during Tuesday’s session.  By rule, that cloture vote will occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Thursday, January 10, 2018.  Senator McConnell can also reconsider Tuesday’s failed cloture vote at any time.

9:00 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 8, 2019

8:58 p.m. Senator Kaine and Shaheen spoke on the partial government shutdown.

8:29 p.m. Senator Casey spoke on the partial government shutdown.

8:17 p.m. Senator Jones and Merkely spoke on the partial government shutdown.

7:46 p.m. Klobuchar spoke on the partial government shutdown.

7:25 p.m. Senator Markey spoke on the partial government shut down.

6:05 p.m. Senators Shaheen and Durbin spoke on the partial government shut down.

5:40 p.m. The Senate is currently voting on a cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 1, a bill to make improvements to certain defense and security assistance provisions and to authorize the appropriation of funds to Israel, to reauthorize the United States-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act of 2015, and to deal with the situation in Syria. The motion failed by a vote of 56-44.

5:30 p.m. Senator Warner  spoke about the government shutdown.

5:25 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about passing appropriations bills and the government shutdown.

5:20 p.m. Senator Van Hollen spoke about the government shutdown.

5:10 p.m. Senator Gardner spoke about the U.S. strong support of Israel.

5:00 p.m. Senator Graham spoke about the Clemons tigers winning the national college football championship.

4:50 p.m. Senator Leahy also spoke about the government shutdown.

4:34 p.m. Senator Udall spoke about the government shutdown.

4:12 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about Senator Scott and on the pending legislation, S. 1.

4:07 p.m. The clerk presented the certificate of election to the Senate and Vice President Pence swore in Senator Scott of Florida.

3:29 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the Middle East and S. 1.

3:02 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell took steps under Rule XIV to bring directly to the floor S.28, the Defense Cooperation Act; H.R. 21, a continuing appropriations bill for several agencies; and H.J.Res., continuing appropriations for the Homeland Security Department.

He spoke about S. 1, the pending bill on the situation in Syria and aid to Israel. He spoke about the partial government shutdown.

****

The Senate will convene on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. and resume consideration of S.1, a bill to make improvements to certain defense and security assistance provisions and to authorize the appropriation of funds to Israel, to reauthorize the United States-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act of 2015, and to deal with the situation in Syria.

Senator-elect Scott is expected to be sworn in as the Senator from the State of Florida at 4:00pm.

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will proceed to a cloture vote on the motion to proceed to S. 1.