11 a.m. The vote began on the Muzinich nomination.

10:55 a.m. Senator Capito spoke about border security.

10:21 a.m. Senator Alexander spoke about health care.

10:04 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell said the Senate will take up the revised criminal justice bill and will, if necessary, be in session between Christmas and New Year’s in order to complete work on the floor agenda.  He cited these additional matters as requiring action this session: presidential nominations; the farm bill; the resolution to continue federal spending, including money for border security; disposition of the Yemen resolution; a bill requiring certain non-profits to make public their lists of contributors.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m.

Following any leader remarks, resume consideration of the nomination of Justin Muzinich to be Deputy Secretary of Treasury, post cloture.

At 11:30 a.m., the Senate will proceed to a confirmation vote on the Muzinich nomination.

At 12:30 p.m., the Senate will recess for the weekly caucus luncheons until 2:15 p.m.

6:48 p.m. ML McConnell wrapped up for the evening. NO items were passed by UC or voice vote.  UC that Senate adjourn until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 11th; vote on Muzinich at 11:30 a.m.

6:24 p.m. Senator Gillibrand asked UC to take up and pass HR 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act; Senator Iskason joined in urging in favor.  Senator Enzi objected. Senators Gillibrand, Daines , Tester, Brown and Blumenthal spoke in favor of the bill.

6:23 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Muzinich nomination 55-43.

Senators voting in favor: 50 Republicans; 4 Democrats: Blumenthal, Coons, Jones and Nelson; 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 42 Democrats, 1 Independent: Sanders.

Senators not voting: 1 Republican: Tillis, 1 Democrat: McCaskill.

5:31 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the Muzinich nomination.

5:15 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke about the continuing resolution.

4:52 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about the space program.

4:35 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke against the Muzinich nomination.

4:22 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the migrant crisis.

4:02 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke on the Muzinich nomination.

*****

The Senate will convene at 4:00 p.m. and resume consideration of the nomination of Justin Muzinich to be Deputy Secretary of Treasury.

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

6:14  The Senate adjourned and will reconvene at 4:00 on Monday, December 10. They will resume consideration of the Justin Muzinich to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury with a cloture vote on the nomination to occur at 5:30 p.m. The following bills were passed and nominations confirmed during wrap up:

4:45 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about the Anchorage earthquake.

3:59 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about the Florida Everglades.

3:35 p.m. Senator Boozman spoke about the global war on terror.

3:01 p.m. Senator Feinstein spoke about climate change.

2:56 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.

2:52 p.m. Senator Thune paid tribute to former president George H. W. Bush.

2:36 p.m. Senator Moran paid tribute to Herb Holtzhafel of the Farmers’ Rights Cooperative and paid tribute to Kansas University head football couch Bill Snyder.

2:19 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke about fentanyl from China.

2:18 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell filed cloture on the nomination of Justin George Muzinich to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury.

2:17 p.m. The Senate confirmed the Kraninger nomination by a vote of 50 to 49. Senator Tillis did not vote.

1:34 p.m. The Senate is now voting on confirmation of the nomination of Kathleen Kraninger to be Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.

1:27 p.m. Senator Casey spoke about Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

1:16 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about prescription drug costs.

1:02 p.m. Senator Daines spoke paid tribute to Hannah Nieskens and spoke about Temporary Assitance for Needy Families program.

12:51 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about climate change.

12:50 p.m. The Senate agreed to H.J. Res. 143 by voice vote.

12:49 p.m. The McNamee nomination was confirmed by a vote of 50 to 49. Senator Tillis did not vote.

12:00 p.m. The Senate is voting on Confirmation of Executive Calendar #1153 Bernard McNamee to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the remainder of the term expiring June 30, 2020.

11:16 a.m. Senator Lankford spoke honoring President George H.W. Bush.

11:16 a.m. The Senate resumed executive session and consideration of the McNamee nomination.

11:09 a.m. The Senate proceeded to Legislative Session. Senator Cornyn asked u.c. To pass the following bills:

• H.R. 4111, an act to amend the small business investment act of 1958, was passed by voice vote.
• S. 2679, Veterans Small Business Enhancement Act, the bill as amended was passed by voice vote.
• S. 3561, National Guard and Reserve Entrepreneurship Support Act entrepreneurs serving in the National Guard, the bill as amended was passed by voice vote.
• H.R. 6330, Small Business Runway Extension Act, was passed by voice vote.
• H.R. 3398, Real ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act, passed by u.c.
• H.R. 1417, National Law Enforcement Museum Exhibits Act, passed by u.c.
• H.R. 1861, awarding congressional gold medal to Larry Dolby, was passed by voice vote.
• HR 5238, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1234 Saint Johns Place in Brooklyn, New York, as the “Major Robert Odell Owens Post Office”, passed by u.c

10:44 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the life of George H.W. Bush, on government funding, and on caravans of migrants.

10:33 a.m. Senator Smith spoke against the McNamee nomination and on climate change.

10:26 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the continuing resolution on federal spending, the McNamee nomination and climate change.

10:05 a.m. Senator Coons said tribute to Senator Corker.

9:52 a.m. Senator Alexander paid tribute to Senator Corker.

9:35 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell thanked the Senate community for its work on the ceremonies for the late President Bush. He spoke about the McNamee nomination. He paid tribute to retiring Senator Corker.

9:32 a.m. Senator Cassidy welcomed the visiting chaplain, Dr. Tommy Middleton of Baton Rouge.

****

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m.

Two confirmation votes are scheduled:

— Noon on Bernard McNamee’s nomination to the Federal Energy Regulatory Administration

— 1:45 p.m. on Kathy Kraninger’s nomination to be director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

A confirmation vote is also possible on the nomination of Jonathan A. Kobes to be a United Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit.

6:47 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 9:30 a.m. Thursday.

6:46 p.m. The Senate consented to have two confirmation votes Thursday: noon on Bernard McNamee’s nomination to FERC, and 1:45 p.m. on Kathy Kraninger’s nomination to be director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

The Senate consented to S. Res. 715, to honor the late President Bush.

6:21 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke about the earthquake in Alaska.

5:59 p.m. Senator Warner spoke in support of Senator Casey’s initiative on childhood death. He also spoke in support of legislation to improve efforts to locate victims of abduction and other missing persons.

5:48 p.m. Senator Casey spoke about his legislation to research and combat the phenomenon of sudden,unexplained death in young children.

5:44 p.m. Senator Kennedy paid tribute to the late President Bush.

5:18 p.m. Senator Nelson paid tribute to the late President Bush. He spoke about voting rights.

4:48 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on the McNamee nomination and climate change.

4:43 p.m. Senator Blunt paid tribute to a staffer.

4:42 p.m. The McNamee nomination was confirmed 50-49 on a party line vote with Senator Tillis the lone absentee.

4:04 p.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Bernard McNamee to the Federal Energy Regulator Commission.

4:00 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke against the McNamee nomination.

3:47 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke supporting the McNamee nomination.

3:20 p.m. Senator Cantwell spoke against the McNamee nomination.

3:12 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke against the McNamee nomination.

2:33 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell paid tribute to the late President Bush. He spoke about the nomination of Bernard McNamee to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

2:32 p.m. Senator Corker welcomed the visiting chaplain.

The Senate adjourned at 6:15 p.m., conducted no roll call votes and will reconvene on Wednesday, December 5 at 2:30 p.m. The next roll call vote will occur at 4:00 p.m. on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Bernard McNamee, VA, to be a member of the FERC.

During Today’s session the following bills were passed by unanimous consent:

Passed Calendar #576, S.1934: Alaska Remote Generator Reliability and Protection Act.

Passed Calendar #585, H.R.754: to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Anwar Sadat in recognition of his heroic achievements and courageous contributions to peace in the Middle East.

Passed Calendar #616, S.2736, with Gardner amendment: Asia Reassurance Initiative Act.

Passed Calendar #707, S.3530: Museum and Library Services Act Reauthorization.

Agreed to S.Con.Res.57: authorizing the printing of a commemorative document in memory of the late President of the United States, George Herbert Walker Bush.

4:35 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke honoring the late President George H.W. Bush.

4:18 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke honoring the late President George H.W. Bush.

4:01 p.m. Senator Carper spoke honoring the late President George H.W. Bush.

3:44 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke honoring the late President George H.W. Bush.

3:33 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke honoring the late President George H.W. Bush.

3:14 p.m. Senator Cruz spoke honoring the late President George H.W. Bush.

3:05 p.m. Senator Collins spoke on the passing of President George H.W. Bush.

2:56 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke on the passing of President George H.W. Bush.

2:35 p.m. Senator Portman spoke on the passing of President George H.W. Bush.

2:30 p.m. The Senate convened.

*****

The Senate will convene at 2:30 p.m. and will be in morning business for speeches in tribute to the late President Bush.

No votes are expected. Democratic senators are expected to meet for their weekly caucus luncheon from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Republican senators will meet away from the Capitol.

The next vote will be at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, cloture on the nomination of Bernard L. McNamee to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

NOTE: The late President Bush will lie in state in the Rotunda until Wednesday morning. The Rotunda will remain open overnight for members of the public to pay their respects, until 7 a.m. Wednesday.

Senators have been invited to attend President Bush’s funeral at 11 a.m. tomorrow at the Washington National Cathedral.

3:31 p.m. The Senate has adjourned until 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 4th.

3:27 p.m. Senator Schumer paid tribute to former president George H.W. Bush as well as to Giles Perkins from Alabama.

3:06 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell paid tribute to former president George H.W. Bush.

3:04 p.m.

• S. Con. Res. 55, authorizing the use of the Capitol rotunda for the lying in state of the remains of the late George H.W. Bush, was passed by unanimous consent.
• S. Con. Res. 56, providing for the use of the catafalque for the remains of the late George H.W. Bush in the Capitol rotunda, was agreed to by unanimous consent.
• The vote on the McNamee nomination will be held by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 5th. 
• The congressional review period for the S. J. Res. 64 was extended until December 14th by unanimous consent.

****

The Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m., and following any leader remarks, will resume consideration of the nomination of Bernard McNamee to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

We expect the Senate to postpone the cloture vote on the McNamee nomination scheduled for 5:30 p.m. and adjourn shortly after convening until a time to be determined on Wednesday December 5th.

The following nominations are still pending post cloture:

Jonathan Kobes to be a Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit

Kathleen Kraninger to be Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection

Thomas Farr to be US District Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina

7:46 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, December 3rd. Following leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of Executive Calendar #1153, Bernard L. McNamee, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the McNamee nomination.

7:45 p.m. Adopted S.Res.712, Official office funds to purchase Pocket Constitutions.

7:44 p.m. Agreed to S.Con.Res.54, printing of Pocket Constitution.

7:44 p.m. Adopted S.Res.709, condemning Russia’s provocative actions in the Kerch Strait against the Ukrainian navy.

7:43 p.m. Adopted S.Res.688, Family Service Learning Week.

7:42 p.m. Adopted calendar #309, S.Res.92, expressing concern over the disappearance of David Sneddon.

7:41 p.m. Passed S.3628, 6-month extension of the National Flood Insurance Program, by voice vote.

7:40 p.m. Passed H.R.7187, one week extension of the National Flood Insurance Program, by voice vote.

7:39 p.m. Senator Kennedy began wrap up.

7:20 p.m. The Senate reconvened.

7:07 p.m. The Senate stands in recess until 7:20 p.m.

5:49 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about trickle-down economics.

5:31 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke on the Alaskan of the Week, Mr. Ron Travis.

5:04 p.m. Senators Johnson and Carper spoke on chemical facility anti-terrorism program and Senator Johnson asked u.c. that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. 3405, Senator Carper objected.

4:13 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke about the delay of GI benefits to veterans.

3:54 p.m. Senator McConnell filed cloture on the nomination of Bernard McNamee to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

3:29 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about prescription drugs.

3:24 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about the remaining 7 appropriations bills.

3:14 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke about press freedom in the world.

3:02 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about climate change.

2:54 p.m. Senator Fischer paid tribute to Corporal Matt Henderson.

2:48 p.m. Senator Moran spoke on the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

2:29 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke on the Farm bill and climate change.

2:24 p.m. Senator Cortez Masto spoke against the Kraninger nomination.

2:17 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Kraninger nomination by a vote of 50 to 49.

1:30 p.m. The Senate began voting on the cloture motion on the Kraninger nomination.

1:13 p.m. Senator Crapo spoke supporting the Kraninger nomination.

1:03 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about the CFPB.

12:59 p.m. Senator Gardner spoke about the Land Conservation Fund.

12:58 p.m. The Senate invoked cloture on the Kobes nomination to be US Circuit Judge for the 8th Circuit 49-49, Vice President Pence voted yes breaking the tie. Senator Inhofe was absent, Senator Flake withdrew his vote (no vote) therefore pairing with Senator Inhofe.

12:10 p.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to invoke cloture on Exec. Cal. #1141 Jonathan Kobes to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the 8th Circuit.

12:07 p.m. Senator Warren spoke about the fiscal cliff and against the Kraninger nomination.

11:50 a.m. Senator Van Hollen spoke against the Farr nomination, climate change, and on Yemen.

11:29 a.m. Senator Lankford spoke about the Insight Probe launched in May and Immigration.

11:18 a.m. Senator Feinstein spoke against the Farr nomination.

11:10 a.m. Senator Menendez spoke against the Farr nomination.

11:00 a.m. Senator Rubio spoke against removing U.S. support from Yemen.

10:38 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the fight over money for border control.  Senator Cornyn announced that the previously scheduled vote on the Farr nomination will now occur during the week of December 3rd. At 12:00 pm, there will now be only one vote: Motion to invoke cloture on Exec. Cal. #1141 Jonathan Kobes to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the 8th Circuit.

10:29 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke against the Farr nomination. He spoke about the Mueller investigation.

10:02 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about nominations and paid tribute to departing Senator Heller of Nevada.

10:03 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell paid tribute to Senator Heller.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. Following leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the Farr nomination, post-cloture. At 12:00 pm, the Senate will proceed to two roll call votes:

1. Confirmation of Thomas A. Farr to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
2. Motion to invoke cloture on  Jonathan A. Kobes, of South Dakota, to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit.

At 1:45 pm, the Senate will have a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Kathleen Laura Kraninger, of Ohio, to be Director, Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.

Please note, if cloture is invoked on the Kobes and Kraninger nominations, the Senate will vote on confirmation at a time and date to be determined by the Majority Leader in consultation with the Democratic Leader but not before December 4th.

7:10 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 10 a.m. Thursday, when it will resume post-cloture consideration of the Farr nomination.

6:46 p.m. Senator Portman talked about the fight against addiction.

6:10 p.m. Senator Shaheen spoke about climate change.

5:56 p.m. Senator Markey spoke about climate change.

5:27  p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.

5:11 p.m. Senator Hirono spoke about health insurance and the Farr nomination.

4:52 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about health insurance.

4:35 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about climate change.

4:26 p.m. The Senate agreed on the motion to discharge from the Foreign Relations Committee S.J.Res.54 by a vote of 63-37.  All Dems/IND in favor.  GOP voting in favor: Alexander, Cassidy, Collins, Corker, Daines, Flake, Graham, Lee, Moran, Murkowski, Paul, Portman, Toomey and Young.

3:58 p.m. The Senate is now voting on S.J. Res. 54, Yemen War Powers Resolution.

3:40 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke about Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

3:28 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke about Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

3:17 p.m. Senator Lee spoke about Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

2:56 p.m. Senator Reed spoke about the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

2:51 p.m. Senator Young spoke about S.J. Res. 54.

2:40 p.m. Senator Peters spoke against the nomination of Kathleen Kraninger to be the head of the CFPB.

2:25 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on S.J. Res. 54.

2:00 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke on the Farr nomination.

1:45 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke on S.J. Res. 54.

1:42 p.m. The Senate invoked cloture on the Farr nomination by a vote of 51 to 50 with VP Pence breaking the tie. Senator Flake voted NO. Senator Portman announced that there will be a vote at 4 p.m. on the motion to discharge S.J.Res.54 . Senator Sanders was then recognized and made the motion to discharge.

12:56 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the nomination of Thomas Farr to be a US District Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

12:55 p.m. The Senate confirmed the nomination of Karen Kelley to be Deputy Secretary of Commerce by a tally of 62-38.

Senators voting in favor: 50 Republicans, 11 Democrats: Casey, Donnelly, Heitkamp, Jones, Manchin, McCaskill, Nelson, Schatz, Shaheen and Tester; 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against:36 Democrats; 1 Independent: Sanders.

12:17 p.m. Roll call vote began on the nomination of Karen Kelley to be Deputy Secretary of Commerce..

12:15 p.m. Senator Flake made a unanimous consent request that the Senate pass S. 2644 (Special Counsel protection). Senator Lee objected.

12:05 p.m. Senators Coons, Booker and Flake spoke about the bill to protect the Special Counsel.

12:00 p.m. The Senate reconvened and resumed consideration of Karen Dunn Kelley to be Deputy Secretary of Commerce.

10:58 a.m. The Senate has recessed until 12:00 p.m. for an all senators briefing on Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

10:29 a.m. Senator Sanders spoke about Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

10:18 a.m. Senator Blunt spoke about Russia and the Ukraine.

10:02 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about China as well as Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

9:46 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about gun violence.

9:32 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the Senators briefing on Yemen and Saudi Arabia as well as the Senate’s priorities for the end of the session.

****

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. Following leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the nomination of Karen Dunn Kelley, of Pennsylvania, to be Deputy Secretary of Commerce, with the time until 11:00 a.m. equally divided.

The Senate will recess from 11:00am until 12:00 Noon to allow for an all-senators briefing.

All post-cloture time will expire at 12:15 p.m. and the Senate will vote on confirmation of the Kelley nomination. Upon disposition of the Kelley nomination, there will be a cloture vote on the Farr nomination.

The Senate could also consider a motion to discharge S.J.Res.54 during Wednesday’s session.

As a reminder, Senator McConnell has also filed cloture on the following nominations:

1. Executive Calendar #1141, Jonathan A Kobes, of South Dakota, to be US Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit; and
2. Executive Calendar #1064, Kathleen Laura Kraninger, of Ohio, to be Director, Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection

Each cloture motion will ripen upon disposition of the previous one and each is subject to up to 30 hours of post-cloture debate time.

6:55 p.m.

The Senate stands adjourned until 9:30am on Wednesday, November 28, 2018.

Following leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of Executive Calendar #939, Karen Dunn Kelley, of Pennsylvania, to be Deputy Secretary of Commerce, with the time until 11:00am equally divided.

The Senate will recess from 11:00am until 12:00 Noon to allow for an all-senators briefing.

All post-cloture time will expire at 12:15pm and the Senate will vote on confirmation of the Kelley nomination. Upon disposition of the Kelley nomination, there will be a cloture vote on the Farr nomination

The Senate could also consider a motion to discharge S.J.Res.54 during Wednesday’s session.

As a reminder, Senator McConnell has filed cloture on the following nominations:

1. Executive Calendar #939, Karen Dunn Kelley, of Pennsylvania, to be Deputy Secretary of Commerce;
2. Executive Calendar #626, Thomas Alvin Farr, of North Carolina, to be US District Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina;
3. Executive Calendar #1141, Jonathan A Kobes, of South Dakota, to be US Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit; and
4. Executive Calendar #1064, Kathleen Laura Kraninger, of Ohio, to be Director, Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection

Each cloture motion will ripen upon disposition of the previous one and each is subject to up to 30 hours of post-cloture debate time.

In today’s session of the Senate there were the following two Roll Call Votes:

1. Confirmation  of Executive Calendar #544, Stephen Alexander Vaden, of Tennessee, to be General Counsel of the Department of Agriculture; confirmed: 53-46.
2. Cloture on Executive Calendar #939, Karen Dunn Kelley, of Pennsylvania, to be Deputy Secretary of Commerce; invoked: 62-37.

Today’s wrap up

Legislative Business

Concurred in the House amendment to S.2074, conveyance of land around Jamestown reservoir.

Concurred in the House amendment to S.440, conveyance of land around Dickinson reservoir.

Passed Calendar #650, H.R.5317: Alcohol Manufacturing on Indian Lands.

Passed by voice vote H.R.1074: Sac and Fox Indian Reservation.

Passed H.R.3946, with Isakson amendment: Ray Hendrix Veterans Clinic.

Adopted S.Res.674: National Principals Month.

Adopted S.Res.424, with Baldwin amendment: honoring the 25^th anniversary of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program.

Passed S.3661: 75^th Anniversary of World War II program.

Passed by voice vote H.R.1918, with Menendez amendment: Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2017.

No Executive Business

5:50 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke on Putin and separately the breaking news of Paul Manafort’s  meeting with Assange.

5:40 p.m. Senator Gillibrand spoke against the Farr nomination.

5:30 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke on gun violence in America.

5:20 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about jobs in the U.S.

4:59 p.m. Senator Lee spoke about former Congressman Jim Hansen and on war powers.

4:42 p.m. Senator Warren spoke about the Farr nomination.

4:20 p.m. Senator Kyl spoke on nuclear weapons capabilities.

4:05 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke about the Farr nomination and voter registration.

3:41 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke about his time in the Senate.

2:57 p.m. Senators Grassley, Portman, and Toomey paid tribute to retiring Senator Orrin Hatch.

2:15 p.m. The Senate returned from their recess.

1:15 p.m. The Senate recessed to accommodate the weekly caucus lunches.

1:15 p.m. The Senate invoked cloture by a vote of 62-37 on the nomination of Karen Kelley to be Deputy Secretary of Commerce.

Senators voting in favor: 50 Republicans, 11 Democrats: Casey, Donnelly, Heitkamp, Jones, Manchin, McCaskill, Murphy, Nelson, Schatz, Shaheen and Tester; 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against:36 Democrats; 1 Independent: Sanders.

Senators not voting: 1 Republican: Hyde Smith.

12:54 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the motion to invoke cloture on Karen Dunn Kelley to be Deputy Secretary of Commerce.

12:53 p.m. The Vaden nomination was confirmed by a vote of 53 to 46.

Senators voting in favor: 50 Republicans, 3 Democrats: Donnelly, Heitkamp, and Stabenow.

Senators voting against: 44 Democrats, 2 Independents: King and Sanders.

Senators not voting: 1 Republican: Hyde-Smith.

12:16 p.m. The Senate is now voting on confirmation of the Vaden nomination.

12:08 p.m. Senator Thune spoke on the accomplishments of the 115th Congress.

11:54 a.m. Senator Harris spoke against the Farr nomination.

11:36 a.m. Senator Merkley spoke on climate change.

11:22 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke on the Farr nomination.

11:08 a.m. Democratic Leader Schumer spoke about the layoffs and plant closings by General Motors, the economy, climate change, and the Farr nomination.

10:42 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about government funding and caravans.

10:35 a.m. Senator Leahy spoke about the Vermont state house.

10:15 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke supporting the Vaden nomination.

10:00 a.m. The Senate convened.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. today and will resume consideration of the Vaden nomination, post-cloture. There will be two votes at 12:15 p.m.:

1. Confirmation of the Vaden nomination. 
2. Motion to invoke cloture on Karen Dunn Kelley, of Pennsylvania, to be Deputy Secretary of Commerce.

Majority Leader McConnell also filed cloture on the following nominations:

• Thomas Farr to be a US District Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina
• Jonathan Kobes to be US Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit
• Kathleen Kraninger to be Director, Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection

The cloture motions will be processed one at a time, after disposition of the previous nomination. Each is subject to up to thirty hours of post-cloture debate.