5:35 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 25. They will resume consideration of Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019, H.R. 5895 with a vote on final passage at 5:30 p.m. Following that vote there will be a vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to the Farm Bill, H.R. 2.

During wrap-up:

• The Senate agreed to the house message to accompany the Grandparents raising grandchildren bill, S. 1091
• Passed a bill to support the GI Bill Commemoration Week, S. Res. 551.
• Confirmed Jean Hovland to be the Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans.

5:30 p.m. Senator McConnell withdrew the cloture motion to amendment #2910, the substitute, and on the bill. A manager’s package of amendments and the substitute amendment were agreed to by voice vote. Senator McConnell also filed cloture on the motion to proceed to the Farm Bill, H.R. 2.

4:16 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about immigration.

3:40 p.m. Senator Tillis spoke about Pastor Andrew Brunson.

3:17 p.m. The motion to table the Lee amendment passed by a vote of 62-34.

2:47 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the motion to table the Lee amendment #3021 to the Alexander amendment #2911.

2:45 p.m. Senator Lee spoke about his amendment #3021.

2:44 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about the pending appropriations bill and Senator Alexander moved to table the Lee amendment, #3021.

2:41 p.m. ML McConnell spoke about the pending appropriations bill and called up the Lee amendment #3021, as modified, to the Alexander amendment #2911.

2:39 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke about the pending appropriations bill.

2:38 p.m. The Senate agreed to the Bennett/Gardner amendment #2983 by a vote of 96 to 0.

2:04 p.m. The Senate began voting on the Bennett/Gardner amendment #2983.

2:00 p.m. Senators Bennett and Gardner spoke supporting amendment #2983.

1:50 p.m Senator Hach paid tribute to staffer Mark Prater.

1:18 p.m. Senator Coons spoke about immigrati0n.

1:13 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke about the appropriations debate. He secures consent for a 2 p.m. vote on the Gardner-Bennet amendment, #2983.

12:52 p.m. Senator Rounds spoke about immigration and also about the pending appropriations bill.

12:28 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about immigration.

12:10 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about immigration and families.

12:10 p.m. The following bills were read for the 2nd time and placed on the calendar.

• S. 3093-amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to address the protective custody of alien children accompanied by parents
• S. 3100-a bill to establish the mountains to sound greenway national heritage area in Washington state.

11:59 a.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about the Alaskan of the Week.

10:45 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke about the tax program.

10:30 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about immigration.

9:47 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the work on appropriations bills. He spoke about the tax code.

*****

The Senate will convene at 9:45 a.m. and resume consideration of the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019 H.R.5895.

Amendment votes relative to H.R.5895 are expected during Thursday’s session.

Cloture motions were filed on the Shelby substitute #2910 and on the underlying bill, but the hope is that these clotures may be vitiated and the bill processed with time agreement.

The Senate is considering H.R.5895, Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and VA Appropriations.

The Senate has adjourned until 9:45 a.m. Thursday, June 21. Following leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R. 5895.

*Majority Leader McConnell filed cloture on the Shelby substitute amendment #2910 to H.R. 5895 and H.R. 5895 but expects that the Senate will          finish up H.R. 5895 tomorrow afternoon.

During wrap-up:

• 1^st reading en bloc:
  • 3093, To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to address the protective custody of alien children accompanied by parents.
  • 3100, To establish the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area in the State of Washington.
• Passed by unanimous consent en bloc:
  • Res. 553, designating June 20, 2018, as “American Eagle Day” and celebrating the recovery and restoration of the bald eagle, the national symbol of the United States.
  • Res. 554, designating the month of June 2018 as “National Post- Traumatic Stress Awareness Month” and June 27, 2018, as “National Post Traumatic Stress Awareness Day”.
  • Res. 555, recognizing the freedom of Muslims of the United States to exercise their religion and participate in the civil systems of their country.
• R. 770, American Innovation $1 Coin Act and the Murphy amendment, was passed by voice vote.

****

8:10 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about immigration.

7:57 p.m. Senator Harris spoke about immigration.

7:53 p.m. Senator Hassan spoke about immigration.

7:45 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke about immigration.

7:39 p.m. Senator Bennett spoke about immigration.

7:32 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke about immigration.

7:25 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke about immigration.

7:18 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about immigration.

7:13 p.m. Senator Markey spoke about immigration.

6:58 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about immigration.

6:52 p.m. Senator Murray spoke about immigration.

6:45 p.m. Senator Hirono spoke about immigration.

6:40 p.m.Senator Klobuchar spoke about immigration.

6:35 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on amendment #2910 to H.R. 5895 and H.R. 5895 but McConnell expects to finish up H.R. 5895 tomorrow afternoon. 

5;59 p.m. Senator Brown spoke on immigration and the VA.

5:29 p.m. Senator Moran spoke in favor of the Tester amendment and the VA Mission Act.

5:28 p.m. The Tester amendment was agreed to 96-0.

Senators not voting: Corker, Duckworth, McCain and Shaheen.

5:05 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Tester amendment, #2971.

5:06 p.m. The Young amendment was agreed to 96-0.

Senators not voting: Corker, Duckworth, McCain and Shaheen.

4:34 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Young amendment, #2926.

4:31 p.m. Senator Tester spoke in support for his amendment, #2971.

4:28 p.m Senator Young spoke in support for his amendment, #2926.

4:13 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about the 74th anniversary of the GI bill and on immigration.

3:59 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke about immigration.

3:50 p.m. Senator Barasso spoke about the recent summit with North Korea.

3:19 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about immigration.

3:12 p.m. Senator Boozman achieved UC that the Senate conduct two roll call votes at 4:30 p.m. on the Young amendment #2926, requiring the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study on the effectiveness of the Veterans Crisis Line; and the Tester amendment #2971, which would prevent the denial of access to records and documents by various inspectors general.

2:21 p.m. Senators Grassley, Blunt and Boozman spoke on tax cuts.

2:08 p.m. Senator Gillibrand spoke about immigration.

2:00 p.m. The motion to discharge was not agreed to 48-50, with Senators Burr and Collins joining all Democrats and Independents present voting against and Senators McCain and Shaheen not voting.

12:27 p.m. The Senate began voting on the Lee motion to discharge H.R.3, Recessions Package.

12:13 p.m. Senator Casey spoke on immigration.

12:07 p.m. Senator Corker spoke about Section 232 of the Trade Act and trade exclusions.

12:00 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke about the economy and tax reform.

11:33 a.m. Senator Leahy spoke on children’s health insurance and the economy.

11:24 a.m. Senator Lee spoke on immigration and called up Motion to Discharge H.R. 3, To rescind certain budget authority proposed to be rescinded in special messages transmitted to the Congress by the President on May 8, 2018.

At approximately 12:30 p.m. the Senate will have up to 2 votes related to H.R.3, Rescissions Package 1) Motion to discharge 2) Motion to Proceed (if motion to discharge is agreed to

11:16 a.m. Senator Nelson spoke on immigration.

11:15 a.m. The Baldwin amendment, #2985, was agreed to 95-2.

Senators voting against: 2 Republicans: Flake and Paul.

Not voting: Duckworth, McCain, and Shaheen.

10:48 a.m. Roll call vote began on the Baldwin amendment.

10:47 a.m. Senator Portman spoke in favor of the Baldwin amdt.

10:46 a.m. The Crapo amdt #2943 was agreed to 87-9.

Senators voting against: 7 Democrats: Feinstein, Gillibrand, Harris, Markey, Merkley, Warren and Wyden; 1 Republican: Flake; 1 Independent: Sanders.

Not voting: Duckworth, McCain and Shaheen.

10:10 a.m. Roll call vote began on the Crapo amendment #2943.

10:03 a.m. Democratic Leader spoke on immigration.

9:56 a.m. Senators Crapo, Baldwin and Whitehouse spoke on their pending amendments.

9:49 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke on the pending appropriations bill and the tax cuts bill passed last year.

9:30 a.m. The Senate convened and resumed consideration of  H.R.5895, Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and VA Appropriations.

At 10:00 a.m., the Senate will have 2 votes in relation to the Crapo amendment #2943 as modified and Baldwin amendment #2985.

6:39 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 20th.

6:21 Senator Bennett spoke on immigration.

6:20 p.m. ML McConnell asked u.c. to resume consideration of H.R. 5895  Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and VA Appropriations, called up the Crapo amendment #2943 as modified, and the Baldwin amendment #2985 and asked consent that at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, the Senate vote in relation to the Crapo and Baldwin amendments.

6:17 p.m. ML McConnell conducted wrap up and passed the following bill by voice vote: S. 2269, a bill to reauthorize the global food security act of 2016 for 5 additional years.

5:59 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.

5:10 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about immigration and appropriations.

4:54 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke about immigration.

4:52 p.m. Senator Crapo spoke about appropriations.

4:33 p.m. Senator Booker spoke about immigration.

4:14 p.m. Senator Alexander, for planning purposes, announced the possibility of a vote at 4:45 p.m on a proposal by Senator Crapo and Senator Whitehouse which would be a pilot program for advanced reactor fuel.

3:51 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about displaced persons and refugees.

3:28 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke about the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act.

3:22 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about appropriations.

3:16 p.m. Senator Daines spoke about appropriations.

The Senate is considering H.R.5895, Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and VA Appropriations.

3:15 p.m. The Carper amendment #2920 was agreed to 96-0.

Senators Duckworth, McCain, Nelson, and Shaheen did not vote.

2:57 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Carper amendment #2920, directing the Secretary of the Army to submit a report on the status of returning to non federal project sponsors excess non federal funds.

2:56 p.m. The Gardner amendment #2914 was agreed to 93-3.

Senators Lee, Paul and Toomey voted against.

Senators Duckworth, McCain, Nelson, and Shaheen did not vote.

2:25 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Gardner amendment #2914; regarding the need for funding for innovative scientific research.

2:23 p.m. Senator Alexander calls up the Gardner amendment #2914.

2:15 p.m. The Senate returned from the recess.  Senator Carper offered an amendment, #2920; regarding the Army Corps of Enginners.

12:37 p.m. The Senate is in recess until 2:15 p.m. to accommodate the weekly caucus lunches.

12:11 p.m. Senator Coons spoke about Energy and Water appropriations and pancreatic cancer.

12:01 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about immigration.

11:50 a.m. Senator Feinstein spoke about appropriations and nuclear weapons funding.

11:42 a.m. Senator Corker spoke about trade and diplomatic relations.

11:33 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about the economy.

11:13 a.m. Senator Gardner spoke about the Colorado forest fires and drone usage.

10:52 a.m. Senator Schatz spoke about MILCON.

10:47 a.m. Senator Boozman spoke about MILCON.

10:36 a.m. Senator Leahy spoke about appropriations.

10:27 a.m. Senator Shelby spoke about Appropriations.

10:17 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about immigration and health care.

7:40 p.m. The Senate adjourns.

7:39 p.m. Senator Lankford does wrap up for the evening. Passed by UC: S. Res 550, congratulating the Golden State Warriors. UC that the Senate adjourn until 10:00 a.m. at which time resume consideration of  (H.R. 5515). UC that the Senate recess for the weekly luncheons.

7:22 p.m Senator Lankford spoke on immigration.

6:56 p.m. Senator Alexander urged colleagues to agree to an open amendment process and gave his opening statement on the different appropriations included in the “minibus”.

6:55 p.m. Senator Shelby offered the substitute amendment, #2910.

6:54 p.m. The motion to proceed to HR.5895 was agreed to by voice vote.

6:53 p.m. 92-3 the Senate invoked cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5895, Minibus Appropriations. Senators voting no: Gillibrand, Markey, and Warren.

6:28 p.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to Energy & Water, Legislative Branch, & Military Construction & Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act

6:26 p.m. The Senate passed (H.R. 5515), NDAA, 85-10. 8 Democrats and 2 Republicans voted no: Senators Feinstein, Gillibrand, Harris, Lee, Markey, Merkley, Paul, Sanders, Warren and Wyden voted no.

6:06 p.m. The Senate began voting on passage of H.R. 5515, passage of National Defense Authorization Act.

6:05 p.m. Senator Inhofe asked u.c. to call up 44 bipartisan amendments en bloc, Senator Paul objected.

6:05 p.m. The motion to waive the budget act was agreed to, 81-14. Senators voting no: 7 Republicans: Barrasso, Corker, Enzi, Kennedy, Lee, Paul, Perdue; 6 Democrats: Gillibrand, Harris, Markey, Merkley, Warren and Wyden; 1 Independent: Sanders. 5 Senators not voting: Republicans Boozman, Cassidy, and McCain Democrats: Duckworth and Shaheen.

Next: vote on passage of Defense Authorization.

5:31 p.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to H.R.5515, NDAA, as amended.

5:12 p.m. Senators Reed and Inhofe spoke supporting H.R. 5515, NDAA.

4:53 p.m. Senator King spoke supporting NDAA and spoke about immigration.

4:44 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke supporting the National Defense Authorization Act.

4:43 p.m. Senator Sanders asked u.c. to consider amendment #2905, #2657,  #2660, and #2506, Senator Inhofe objected. Senator Sanders raised a point of order against Section 4106 of the Congressional Budget Act on the Inhofe substitute amendment. Senator Inhofe asked u.c. that the vote on the motion to waive the budget act with respect to the Sanders p.o.o. occur at 5:30 p.m.

4:28 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke about immigration. He also spoke about the National Defense Authorization Act, defense spending, and the Constitutional authority for war.

4:07 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the National Defense Authorization Act and immigration.

3:58 p.m. Senator Gillibrand spoke about immigration.

3:46 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about immigration.

The Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m. and resume consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 5515) post-cloture.

At 5:30 p.m., we expect three roll call votes:

1.  We expect Senator Sanders to raise a Budget Act point of order.  If raised, the Senate would then proceed to a roll call vote on a motion to waive the Budget Act.

2. Passage of the Defense Authorization.

3. Cloture on the motion to proceed to the Energy & Water, Legislative Branch, & Military Construction & Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act (H.R. 5895).

4:33 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 3:00 p.m. Monday, June 18. Next votes will be at 5:30 p.m. The Senate passed the following in wrap up:

S. Res. 503 – Commemorating the tricentennial of San Antonio, Texas (as Amended)

S. Res 547 – Designating June 19th as Juneteenth Independence day.

4:01 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about the opioid crisis and the STOP act.

3:01 p.m. S. 2652 (Congressional Gold Medal for Steve Gleason) was passed by voice vote.

2:54 p.m. Senator Cassidy spoke about football player Steve Gleason.

2:35 p.m. Senator Murray spoke about football player Steve Gleason.

2:33 p.m. The motion to invoke cloture on H.R. 5515, NDAA, was agreed to by a vote of 81 to 15.

2:13 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the motion to invoke cloture on H.R. 5515, NDAA.

2:11 p.m. Reed amendment #2885 was agreed to by a vote of 97 to 0. Boozman amendment #2276 and the Inhofe substitute amendment #2282 were agreed to by voice votes.

1:49 p.m. The Senate is now voting on Reed amendment #2885 (McCain fellowship).

1:48 p.m. Senator Reed spoke about his amendment #2885.

1:48 p.m. Senator Rounds withdrew his amendment #2273.

1:43 p.m. Senator Boozman spoke about the Defense Authorization bill.

1:16 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke about the Defense Authorization bill.

1:11 p.m. Senator Daines spoke about flag burning.

1:02 p.m. Senator Lee made a unanimous consent request to agree to a list of amendments to NDAA en bloc. Senator Graham objected and Senator Lee spoke about his request.

12:57 p.m. Senator Cantwell spoke about football player Steve Gleason.

12:56 p.m. Senator McConnell announced that there would be up to 5 votes at 1:45 p.m.:

1. Rounds #2273 (re: Transition Assistance Program) (expected to be withdrawn)
2. Reed #2885 (re: McCain fellowship)
3. Boozman #2276 (re: US troops in Poland)
4. Adoption of Inhofe substitute amendment #2282, as modified, as amended, if amended
5. Motion to invoke cloture on H.R.5515, NDAA, as amended, if amended

12:20 p.m. Senator Peters spoke about the NDAA.

12:00 p.m. Senator Blumenthal asked UC to bring up his amendment regarding a forever stamp for gold star families. Senator Inhofe objected.

11:50 a.m. Senator Inhofe called up amendment #2773 to the language proposed to be stricken by amendment #2282, the amendment is pending.

11:49 a.m. Senator Inhofe called up amendment #2276 for Senator Boozman, the amendment is pending.

11:49 a.m. Senator Reed called up amendment #2885, the amendment is pending.

11:49 a.m. A point of order has been raised against Toomey amendment #2700. The amendment is not germane to H.R.5515, NDAA, and the amendment falls.

11:48 a.m. A point of order has been raised against Lee amendment #2366. The amendment is not germane to H.R.5515, NDAA, and the amendment falls.

11:47 a.m. The Senate invoked cloture on the Inhofe substitute amendment #2282, as modified by a vote of 83 -14.

11:15 a.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the Inhofe substitute amendment #2282, as modified.

11:14 a.m. Cloture was not invoked on the Toomey amendment #2700 by a vote of 35-62

• 14 Republican Senators voted no: Senators Boozman, Burr, Collins, Cornyn, Cotton, Daines, Fischer, Graham, Hoeven, Murkowski, Risch, Roberts, Rubio, and Shelby
• Senators Duckworth, McCain and Portman did not vote

10:39 a.m. The cloture vote on the Toomey amendment, #2700, (to require congressional review of certain regulations issues by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) has begun.

10:38 a.m. Senator Toomey spoke about his amendment.

10:35 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke against the Toomey amendment, #2700.

10:24 a.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about the upcoming NDAA amendment vote, #2700.

10:01 a.m. Senator Inhofe provided an update of the day’s agenda. He spoke about the NDAA and the US Army’s birthday.

9:44 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about the North Korea summit and the DOJ IG’s report of the 2016 election, which will be submitted this afternoon. He spoke about the NDAA and a ZTE amendment.

9:34 a.m. ML McConnell spoke about the farm bill, the Defense Authorization bill, and tax reform. He also filed cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5895, Appropriations for Energy and Water Development.

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and resume consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 5515).

At 10:30 a.m., there will be a cloture vote on the Toomey amendment (to require congressional review of certain regulations issued by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (#2700)).

6:39 p.m. The Senate adjourned.

6:32 p.m. Senator Sasse spoke about the Defense authorization and specifically about cyber-security.

6:10 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke on immigration and his recent trip to the border.

6:07 p.m. Senator Ernst achieved UC that following the remarks of Senators Merkley and Sasse the Senate adjourn until 9:30 a.m. on Thursday.

6:03 p.m. Senator Ernst spoke on the Defense Authorization.

5:46 p.m. Senator Shaheen joined Senator Tillis to discuss Andrew Brunson and then later on the situation in Afghanistan.

5:39 p.m. Senator Tillis moved the Senate into morning business.  He then spoke about Andrew Brunson being held in Turkey for over  600 days.

5:30 p.m. Senator Donnelly spoke on the Defense authorization.

5:26 p.m. Senator Perdue attempts to call up two amendments to amendment 2282, regarding ZTE; Senator Van Hollen and the Senator Donnelly objected.

4:59 p.m. Senators Cotton and Van Hollen have a colloquy about Chinese companies such as ZTE.

4:52 p.m. Senator Inhofe attempted to call up and make pending 10 amendments.  Senator Paul objected.

4:45 p.m. Senator Flake paid tribute to Senator McCain and spoke briefly about two nominations.

4:34 p.m. Senator Fischer spoke on the defense authorization.

4:18 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke about 2019 National Defense Authorization Act amendments and the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

4:09 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke about rising healthcare costs.

4:03 p.m. Senator Murray spoke about rising healthcare costs.

3:55 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke about Virginia’s Medicare expansion and the increase of healthcare costs.

3:47 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about preexisting health conditions.

3:40 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about healthcare cost increases.

3:33 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about healthcare premium increases.

3:31 p.m. The motion to table the Lee amendment #2366 (indefinite detention) was not agreed to by a vote of 30-68.

Voting in favor: 27 Republicans: Blunt, Boozman, Burr, Capito, Corker, Cornyn, Cotton, Graham, Grassley, Hyde-Smith, Inhofe, Isakson, Johnson, McConnell, Perdue, Portman, Roberts, Rounds, Rubio, Sasse, Shelby, Sullivan, Thune, Tillis, Toomey, Wicker, and Young.

3 Democrats: Cortez-Masto, Donnelly, and Manchin.

3:04 p.m. Senator Inhofe moved to table the Lee amendment #2366 and the Senate began voting on the motion to table.

3:03 p.m. Senator Graham spoke against the Lee amendment.

3:01 p.m. Senator Lee supporting his amendment relating to the indefinite detention of American citizens.

3:00 p.m. Motion to table the Reed amendment (on nuclear weapons) was not agreed to by a vote of 47-51. Republican Senators Collins, Murkowski, and Paul voted No.

2:30 p.m. Senator Inhofe moved to table the Reed amendment #2842 and the Senate began voting on the motion to table.

2:26 p.m. Senator Reed spoke supporting his amendment.

2:22 p.m.  Senator Inhofe spoke opposing the Reed amendment.

2:11 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke about Senator McConnell’s record of being the longest serving Republican leader and NDAA.

2:02 p.m. Senator Rounds spoke supporting the NDAA.

1:50 p.m. Senator King spoke on FDA food labeling related to maple syrup and honey.

1:41 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke supporting NDAA.

1:33 p.m. Senator Flake spoke in favor of preserving our alliances and responsible diplomacy.

1:20 p.m. Senator Reed spoke about his amendment.

1:12 p.m. Senator Markey spoke about the Warren/Reed amendment regarding nuclear weapons.

1:05 p.m. Senator Warren spoke about nuclear weapons development.

12:52 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about tax cuts.

12:45 p.m. Senator Jones spoke about the NDAA.

12:31 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke about the Oklahoma economy and also spoke about the NDAA.

12:13 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about health care.

11:52 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about immigration.

11:37 a.m. Senator Wicker spoke about in support of the Defense Authorization bill.

11:02 a.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke about the anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, gun violence, and violence towards LGBT youth.

10:49 a.m. Senator Murphy spoke about the anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando and gun violence.

10:39 a.m. Senator Moran spoke about the proposed NDAA amendment regarding the Army National Guard Bureau and military honors rendered at funerals. He also spoke about a proposed NDAA amendment to increase Congerssional oversight of Army force modernization and stationing decisions.

10:22 a.m. Senator Hatch spoke on the suicide epidemic among LGBT youth.

9:48 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke on the concessions to North Korea, health care, and on the Mueller investigation.

9:46 a.m. Senator Kennedy spoke on the meeting with North Korea.

9:41 a.m. H.R. 5895, Energy & Water, Legislative Branch, & Military Construction & Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, for FY 2019 was read for the second time and placed on the calendar.

9:30 a.m. The Majority Leader spoke on the bipartisan farm bill, the need to pass the 58th annual NDAA bill to continue to protect our nation from existing threats, and on the economy.

******

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and resume consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 5515).

Majority Leader McConnell filed cloture on Toomey amendment #2700, Inhofe substitute amendment #2282, and the underlying bill during Tuesday’s session.  Absent a time agreement, the first cloture vote on the Toomey amendment will occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Thursday.  The cloture motions will be processed one at a time, after disposition of the previous item. Each is subject to up to thirty hours of post-cloture debate.

Roll call votes are possible during Wednesday’s session.

5:30 p.m. Senator Lee spoke about his amendment regarding the due process guarantee act.

5:07 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.

4:59 p.m. Senator Reed called up amendment #2842 to the Lee amendment #2366. Senator Reed’s amendment is a technical correction to a previous amendment filed. The amendment is pending.

4:50 p.m. Senator Smith spoke about campaign finance.

4:39 p.m. Senator Ernst spoke supporting amendment #2400  and asked u.c. to consider the amendment. Senator Durbin asked that the amendment be modified to include subsides for crop insurance. Senator Ernst objected to the modification and Senator Durbin objected to the request to consider amendment #2400.

4:25 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the 10th anniversary of devastating storms in Iowa.

4:02 p.m. Senator Thune spoke supporting H.R. 5515.

3:49 p.m. Senator Gillibrand spoke about amendment #2294.

3:40 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke about the STOP Act and Net Neutrality.

3:30 p.m. Senator Rounds spoke about NDAA and tariffs.

3:17 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about his objection and on non-germane amendments to NDAA.

3:10 p.m. Senator Corker spoke about tariffs and asked u.c. to proceed to H.R. 2372 and the text of H.R. 5515 be offered as an amendment. Senator Inhofe objected.

2:50 p.m. Senator Graham spoke against Paul amendment #2795.

2:42 p.m. Senator Paul spoke about his amendment #2795 and asked unanimous consent that Paul #2795 be amended to substitute amendment #2282, Senator Graham objected.

12:15 p.m. Senator Nelson paid tribute to ML McConnell and spoke about the gun violence in Florida.

12:03 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about ML McConnell becoming the longest serving majority leader.

11:37 a.m. Senator Markey spoke about negotiations with North Korea.

11:35 a.m. Senator Reed spoke about H.R. 5515 and amendments.

11:27 a.m. Senator Inhofe spoke supporting H.R. 5515 and the open amendment process.

11:01 a.m. Senator Sanders spoke against H.R. 5515.

10:45 a.m. Senator Ernst spoke on H.R. 5515 and on amendment #2400.

10:36 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about Senator McConnell being the longest serving Republican leader and on negotiations with North Korea.

10:00 a.m. The Majority Leader spoke about negotiations with North Korea, support for H.R. 5515, and on the economy.

****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and following leader remarks the Senate will resume consideration of H.R. 5515, NDAA.

From 12:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., the Senate will recess for weekly policy lunches.

The following amendments are currently pending to H.R. 5515:

• Inhofe amendment in the nature of a substitute (#2282, as modified)
• Toomey amendment to require congressional review of certain regulations issued by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (#2700)
• Reed second-degree amendment to Toomey amendment #2700, to require the authorization of appropriation of amounts for the development of new or modified nuclear weapons (#2756)
• Lee amendment to the language proposed to be stricken by Inhofe substitute amendment #2282, to clarify that an authorization to use military force, a declaration of war, or any similar authority does not authorize the detention without charge or trial of a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States (#2366)

6:47 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday and following Leader’s remarks the Senate resume consideration of H.R. 5515, NDAA.

6:45 Senator Corker spoke about the blue slip issue related to his amendment and conducted wrap up.

6:43 p.m. Senator Inhofe announced the following amendments were included in substitute amendment #2282, as modified: (Rounds #2273 Rounds #2275 Inhofe #2278 Reed #2283 Warner #2285 Fischer #2286 Shaheen #2291 Feinstein #2293 Peters #2313 Gillibrand #2335, AS MODIFIED Heitkamp #2338 Smith #2340 Cardin #2347 Wicker #2351 Inhofe #2353 Menendez #2360 Cortez Masto #2367 Hoeven #2368 Perdue #2380 Heller #2392 Inhofe #2402 Sullivan #2408 Nelson #2424 Van Hollen #2426 Inhofe #2429 Gardner #2430 Collins #2436 Young #2463 Cruz #2469 Nelson #2489 Wicker #2503 Manchin #2508 Roberts #2513 Cotton #2514 Udall #2527 Stabenow #2537 Donnelly #2542 Lankford #2553 Fischer #2554 Cardin #2562 Rubio #2564 Reed #2636 Schumer #2757 Menendez #2683 Smith #2523).

6:41 p.m. Senator Inhofe called up amendment #2282 in the nature of a substitute (as modified), ML McConnell called up amendment #2700 (CFIUS) on behalf of Senator Toomey to #2282, Senator Reed called up second-degree amendment #2756 to #2700, Senator Lee called up amendment #2366 to the language proposed to be stricken by #2282 (detention w/o charge of a citizen or lawful permanent resident of U.S.).

6:40 p.m. The Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to H.R. 5515, NDAA. Senators Merkley, Paul, Sanders, and Wyden voted no.

5:30 p.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5515, National Defense Authorization Act.

5:20 p.m. Senator Corker spoke about NDAA and tariffs.

5:14 p.m. Senator Reed spoke about NDAA.

5:09 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about Taiwan and H.R. 5515.

5:04 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about Taiwan.

4:56 p.m. Senator Gardner spoke about Taiwan.

4:51 p.m. Senator Moran spoke on the nomination of Ms. Michelle Bowman, of Kansas, to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

4:38 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about Hurricane Maria and disaster appropriations.

4:12 p.m. Senator Markey spoke about net neutrality.

3:59 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about NDAA, ZTE telecom, and health care.

3:07 p.m. ML McConnell spoke about NDAA.

****

The Senate will next convene Monday, June 11th at 3:00 pm. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R.5515, NDAA.

At 5:30 pm, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to proceed to H.R.5515, NDAA.

4:52 p.m. The Senate adjourned. The Senate meets next at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 11th.Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R.5515, National Defense Authorization Act, post-cloture. At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5515.

4:49 p.m. Senator McConnell conducted wrap up and passed the following bills by u.c.

•  S.2734: a bill to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 1300 Victoria Street in Laredo, Texas, as the “George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse”
• S.2377: a bill to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 200 West 2nd Street in Dayton, Ohio, as the “Walter H. Rice Federal Building and United States Courthouse”
• S.Res.537: commending the Yale University Men’s Lacrosse team for winning the 2018 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championship
• S.Res.538: commending the Wesleyan University Men’s Lacrosse team for winning the 2018 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III Men’s Lacrosse Championship

2:53 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about Chinese telecom company ZTE.

2:52 p.m. Senator Cassidy spoke about Seersucker Thursday and health care.

2:20 p.m. Senator Wicker spoke about Seersucker Thursday and the economy.

2:19 p.m. The Senate invoked cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.5515, NDAA by a vote of 92-4. Senators Merkley, Paul, Sanders, and Wyden voted no.

1:45 p.m. The Senate began voting on the cloture motion on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5515.

1:25 p.m. Senator Fischer paid tribute to a fallen soldier from Nebraska.

1:22 p.m. Senatore Inhofe announced a vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5515 NDAA occur today at 1:45 p.m.

1:21 p.m. Senator Inhofe asked UC that the Senate resume the motion to proceed to H.R. 5515 with Senator Inhofe, Senator Boozman, and Senator Reed each be recognized to offer an amendment. Senator Paul objected unless he also be recognized to offer his amendment. Senator Inhofe objected.

1:20 p.m. The Senate has confirmed the Marcus nomination by a vote 50 to 46.

12:30 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the nomination of Kenneth Marcus to be Assistant Secretary of Education for Civil Rights.

12:23 p.m. Senator Murray spoke about the Marcus nomination.

12:10 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about national security regarding foreign students at U.S. universities.

12:04 p.m. Senator Moran spoke about the defense bill, and his Amendment #2269, on Army force structure.

11:55 a.m. Senator Alexander spoke in favor of the Marcus nomination.

11:37 a.m. Senator Nelson spoke about trade. He spoke about the danger of global warming to coastal areas.

11:21 a.m. Senator Flake spoke about trade.

11:14 a.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about the defense bill. He suggested that debate begin today on Boozman Amendment #2276 and Reed Amendment #2284. He said the bill can be completed next week.

11:02 a.m. Senator Booker spoke about the nomination of Kenneth Marcus to be the Assistant Secretary of Education for Civil Rights.

10:42 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about Turkey and the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 5515). He spoke about ZTE and trade restrictions. He spoke about Blumenthal, et al. v. Trump and presidential pardons.

10:39 a.m. Senator Tillis spoke about Pastor Brunson and the National Defense Authorization Act.

10:03 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 5515). He spoke about the Republican legislative record since January 2017.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m., and following any leader remarks, will begin consideration of the nomination of Kenneth Marcus to be Assistant Secretary of Education for Civil Rights, with a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination at 12:30 p.m.

6:32 p.m. The Senate adjourned.

6:14 p.m. Senator Portman spoke on Iran.

5:57 p.m. Senator Brown spoke on consumer banking protection.

5:17 ML McConnell wraps up for the evening.

Items passed by unanimous consent:

• HR 88, regarding Shiloh National Military Park
• HR 1719, regarding John Muir National Historic Site

Items passed by voice vote, en bloc:

• HR 1900, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum Act
• S. 2857, the National Nordic Museum Act
• HR 1397, to authorize, direct, facilitate, and expedite the transfer of administrative jurisdiction of certain Federal land
• S. 1692, authorizing the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia
• S Res 536, to authorize document production by the Intelligence Committee.

Unanimous consent that when the Senate adjourns it do so until 10:00 a.m. Thursday, proceed to Executive Session to consider the Marcus nomination, with a vote on the nomination at 12:30 p.m.

Unanimous consent that the Senate adjourn following remarks of Senators Tillis, Brown and Portman.

4:45 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about Bobby Kennedy.

4:21 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke about Defense Authorization.

3:32 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke about unnecessary procedural votes and the backlog of nominations.

3:13 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about the anniversary of the armistice of the Korean War.

3:06 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke about the need to work on nominations and appropriations bills during the August recess.

2:45 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about hemp.

2:35 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about the economy and jobs.

2:01 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke about the economy and jobs.

1:04 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about Facebook.

12:47 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on gun control issues; and later on student visas potentially being used wrongfully.

12:33 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about Bobby Kennedy; and later on the status of NATO.

11:44 a.m. Senators Inhofe and Toomey spoke on the Defense Authorization.

11:41 a.m. ML McConnell asked UC to proceed to the Defense Authorization, (HR 5515) Senator Toomey objected.  ML McConnell filed cloture on the motion to proceed.

11:39 a.m. The Axon nomination was confirmed 83-11.

Senators voting in favor: 50 Republicans, 32 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 10 Democrats: Booker, Gillibrand, Harris, Hirono, Menendez, Merkley, Peters, Stabenow, Warren, Wyden; 1 Independent: Sanders.

Senators not voting: 5 Democrats: Coons, Duckworth, Heinrich, Leahy and Markey; 1 Republican: McCain.

11:03 a.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the Axon nomination.

10:57 a.m. Senator Warren spoke about Bobby Kennedy.

10:38 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the August schedule. He spoke about nomination procedure. He spoke about World War II veterans.

10:31 a.m. Senator Daines spoke about the medical care of veterans.

10:11 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about health care and the August work schedule. He spoke about trade.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m.

At 11 a.m., the Senate will vote on confirmation of the nomination of Annemarie Carney Axon to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama.

After disposition of the Axon nomination, Majority Leader McConnell is expected to move to proceed to the defense authorization, H.R. 5515.