The Senate convened in pro forma session at 7 a.m., Senator Sasse presiding. No business was conducted.

The Senate will conduct the following pro forma sessions during next week’s recess for Presidents’ Day

• Tuesday February 19^th at 10 a.m.
• Thursday February 21^st at 10 a.m.

 The Senate will next convene in legislative session on Monday, February 25 at 3 p.m. Senator Fischer will be recognized to deliver Washington’s Farewell Address.

Following the reading of Washington’s Farewell Address, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to the abortion bill (S. 311).

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on cloture for the motion to proceed to S. 311.

If cloture is not invoked on the motion to proceed to S. 311, the Senate will immediately proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Eric D. Miller to be a United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.

• In addition to the above cloture motions, Senator McConnell also filed cloture on the Desmond, Wheeler, and Ryder nominations during Thursday’s session.  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.

6:31 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 7:00 A.M. for a pro forma session on Friday, February 15, 2019.

6:08 Senator Carper spoke in tribute of the late John Dingell, D-MI.

5:04 p.m. ML McConnell conducted wrap up. The following bills were passed:

Adopted S.Res.71: honoring the memory of the victims of the senseless attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School 1 year ago.

Passed S.488: the Justice for Victims of Lynching Act of 2019.

Agreed to S.Con.Res.4: enrollment correction (H.J.Res.31).

Adopted S.Res.75: honoring the life, achievements, and distinguished public service of John David Dingell, Jr., and expressing condolences to his family on his passing.

Adopted S.Res.76: designating March 1, 2019, as “National Speech and Debate Education Day”.

Adopted S.Res.77: designating the week of February 16 through 23, 2019 as “National FFA Week”, recognizing the important role of the National FFA Organization in developing young leaders, and celebrating 50 years of Female membership in the National FFA Organization.

Agreed to S.Con.Res.1, with Menendez-Risch amendments: calling for credible, transparent, and safe elections in Nigeria, and for other purposes.

Passed Calendar #26, S.483: to enact into law a bill by reference (H.R.1029 of the 115^th Congress).

Completed the Rule 14 process to place the following items on the Legislative Calendar of Business:

1.      S.483: to enact into law a bill by reference [115^th Congress – H.R.1029, Pesticide Registration Improvement Extension Act of 2018] (Roberts)

2.      S.J.Res.8: recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal (McConnell)

Executive Business

PN 175, the nomination of John Lowry III, of Illinois, to be Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training was referred jointly to the HELP and Veterans’ Affairs Committees.

4:32 p.m. Senators Menendez and Reed spoke about the Mueller investigation.

4:29 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke on the President Trump declaring a National Emergency.

4:28 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on Executive Calendar #12 John Ryder to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority for a term expiring May 18, 2021.

4:27 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on Executive Calendar #10, Andrew Wheeler to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

4:26 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on Executive Calendar #6, Michael J. Desmond to be Chief Counsel for the Internal Revenue Service and an Assistant General Counsel in the Department of the Treasury.

4:25 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on Executive Calendar #16, Eric D. Miller to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.

4:24 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on the motion to proceed to S.311, Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act

4:23 p.m. The Senate adopted the Conference Report to Accompany H.J.Res.1, Appropriations Package by a vote of 83-16.

3:58 p.m. The Senate began voting on Adoption of the Conference Report to Accompany H.J.Res.1, Appropriations Package.

3:30 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the conference report, HJ Res 31.

3:15 p.m. Senator Leahy, Democratic Leader Schumer and Senator Shelby spoke on the conference report and border security.

3:06 p..m. ML McConnell announced the vote will be soon, and that President Trump will sign it and at the same time declare a national emergency.  He then called up the conference report and filed cloture on it, and that the vote will occur at 3:30 p.m.  If cloture is invoked, the Senate would then vote on the conference report.

2:46 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on tariffs and imports, and later about tax extenders.

2:33 p.m. Senator Perdue spoke about border security.

1:59 p.m. Senator Tillis paid tribute to Representative Jones from North Carolina who passed away recently.  He later spoke on border security and Valentines Day.

1:47 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke on gun violence and the Parkland shooting.

1:38 p.m. Senator Boozman spoke on the Veterans affairs department.

1:37 p.m. The Senate confirmed the nomination of William Barr to be Attorney General by a vote of 54-45.

• Democrats voting Yes: Senators Jones, Manchin, & Sinema.
• Republican voting No: Senator Paul.

12:31 p.m. The Senate is now voting on confirmation of William Barr to be the Attorney General.

12:21 p.m. Senator Shaheen spoke on the spending bill.

12:14 p.m. Senator Smith spoke on the spending bill.

12:06 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about the spending bill and tax reform.

11:48 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the deal on border security.

11:46 a.m. S. 488 (anti-lynching bill) was passed by voice vote.

11:34 p.m. Senator Harris and Senator Booker spoke about anti-lynching legislation.

11:23 p.m. Senator Capito remembered the victims of the Parkland shooting and also spoke about the border spending agreement.

11:23 p.m. Senator McConnell announced that the vote on the Barr nomination will occur at 12:30 p.m.

10:59 a.m. Senator Whitehouse began a colloquy with Senators Schatz and Merkley about climate change.

10:48 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer said he expects that the Senate will vote this afternoon on the spending deal. He spoke against Senator McConnell’s plan for the Senate to vote on the “Green New Deal” measure.

10:45 a.m. Senator Scott of Florida joined in Senator Rubio’s commemoration and read the names of the shooting victims.

10:27 a.m. Senator Rubio spoke about the Florida school shooting that took place a year ago. The Senate consented to passage of his resolution in memory of the shooting victims.

10:04 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell took Rule XIV actions for S. 483 and S.J. Res. 8.

He spoke in favor of the spending deal. Without objection, the Senate agreed to let Senator McConnell — in consultation with Minority Leader Schumer — set a time for the cloture vote on the H.J. Res 1, the vehicle for the spending deal.

10:02 a.m. Senator Grassley, following the visiting chaplain’s prayer, prayed that the president would sign into law the agreement on spending and border control.

***

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m.   Following any leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the Barr nomination.

By unanimous consent, the vote on the Barr nomination will occur at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader after consultation with the Democratic Leader.

6:36 p.m The Senate adjourned.

6:34 p.m. ML McConnell wraps up for the evening.  S. 483 and SJ Res 8 (green new deal) have their first reading. UC that Senate adjourn until tomorrow at 10:00 a.m., following leader remarks resume consideration of Barr nomination, vote on confirmation at a time to be determined tomorrow.

6:18 p.m. Senator Sullivan paid tribute to his family and Alaska.

5:55 p.m. Senator Moran paid tribute to President Reagan.

5:40 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.

5:02 p.m. Senators Carper, Lankford and Murray spoke about the Barr nomination.

4:39 p.m. Senator Fischer spoke about expanding the Air Force.

4:15 p.m. Senators Manchin, Brown, Capito, Warner, and Casey spoke about coal miners’ pensions.

3:58 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke against the Barr nomination.

3:00 p.m. Senator Booker spoke against the Barr nomination.

2:29 p.m. Democratic Leader Schumer spoke against the Barr nomination.

2:22 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke on the passage yesterday of the lands package, and thanked everyone involved.

1:58 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke supporting the Barr nomination and a possible rules change on time of debate of certain nominations.

1:27 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on the tax bill and on the Barr nomination.

1:15 p.m. Senator Peters spoke on cyber security.

1:04 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke against the Barr nomination.

12:49 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about voting rights.

12:35 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke against the Barr nomination.

12:20 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke against the Barr nomination.

11:45 a.m. Senator Hirono spoke against the Barr nomination.

11:34 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about border security and in favor of the Barr nomination.

11:29 a.m. Senator Coons spoke against the Barr nomination.

11:13 a.m. Senator Warner spoke on the recent government shutdown.

10:52 a.m. Senator Thune spoke abut the lands package. He spoke for the Barr nomination. He spoke about the deal on spending and border control.

10:35 a.m. Senator Feinstein spoke against the Barr nomination.

10:27 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke for the spending deal. He spoke against the nomination of William P. Barr to be attorney general.

10:04 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell brought up S.464 for a second reading under Rule XIV. He spoke for the deal on spending and border control. He spoke about the proposed House election law revision, H.R. 1.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and resume consideration of the nomination of William Barr to be Attorney General, post cloture.

No votes are scheduled at this time.  Under regular order, the confirmation vote on the Barr nomination would occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Thursday.

6:13 p.m The Senate adjourned.

6:05 p.m. Senator Whitehouse continued on the Mueller investigation and the Justice department.

6:02 p.m Majority Leader McConnell wrapped up for the evening, passed by UC: S. 461, regarding HBCUs; S Res 36, regarding trafficking and slavery prevention month.

S. 464 regarding a lapse in appropriations as a mitigating condition when assessing financial considerations for security clearances had its first reading.

5:44 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke against the Barr nomination; and later on the Justice department and the Mueller investigation.

5:33 p.m. Senator Graham spoke on the Barr nomination.

5:32 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Barr nomination, 55-44.

Senators in favor: 52 Republicans, 3 Democrats (Jones, Manchin and Sinema).

Senators voting against: 41 Democrats, 2 Independents (King and Sanders), 1 Republican (Paul).

Senators not voting: 1 Democrat: Booker.

5:09 p.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to invoke cloture on Exec. Cal. #14 the nomination of William Barr to be Attorney General.

5:08 p.m. The Senate passed S. 47, Lands Package as amended by a vote of 92-8. 

8 Republican Senators voted no: Cruz, Inhofe, Johnson, Lankford, Lee, Paul, Sasse, and Toomey.

4:31 p.m. Roll call vote began on passage of S.47.

4:30 p.m. The Senate agreed to the Rubio and Murkowski amendments, and the subsitute amendment to S. 47.

4:15 p.m. Senators Murkowski and Manchin gave their final speeches before the vote on passage of the lands package.

3:53 p.m. Senator Brown paid tribute to Frank Robinson, later spoke on the anniversary of the Parkland shooting, and taxes.

3:33 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke on the amount of jobs created buy the tax cuts.

3:12 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about border security.

3:05 p.m Senator Warner spoke against the Barr nomination.

2:38 p.m. Senator Collins spoke about her affection for Maine.

2:23 p.m. Senator Ernst spoke about her affection for Iowa.

2:15 p.m. The Senate returned from the recess, Senator Daines spoke on the lands package.

11:59 a.m. The Senate stands in recess until 2:15 p.m.

11:32 a.m. Senator Wyden spoke supporting the lands package.

11:22 a.m. Senator Warren spoke against the Barr nomination.

11:05 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the lands package and on a sterlization plant in Willowbrook, IL.

10:52 p.m. Senator Cantwell spoke about the lands package.

10:41 a.m. Senator Gardner spoke about the lands package.

10:30 a.m. The Senate resumed consideration of the lands package. Senator Thune spoke about the Green New Deal.

10:19 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the spending and border control deal. He spoke about a hedge fund’s handling of newspaper investments.

10:03 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the deal on federal spending and border control. He spoke about the lands package. He spoke about H.R. 1, the proposed House revision of election law.

***

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and resume consideration of the Natural Resources Management Act S. 47, post-cloture.

The Senate will recess from 12:00 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus luncheons.

At 4:30 p.m., the Senate will dispose of any pending amendments to S. 47 and adopt the pending substitute amendment, as amended, if amended. The Senate will then vote on passage of S. 47, as amended.

Following disposition of S. 47, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of William Barr to be Attorney General.

7:23 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 10 a.m. Tuesday.

7:02 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke about the economy.

6:52 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke about the budget negotiations.

6:51 p.m. By consent, post-cloture time on the lands package will conclude at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, pending amendments will be disposed of, the substitute amendment will be agreed to, and a roll call vote will occur on passage of the lands package.

6:51 p.m. Senator Rubio called up Amendment #182 to Amendment #112.

6:50 p.m. By a vote of 87 to 7, the Senate invoked cloture on the lands package.

YEAS: All 45 Democrats and independents present; 42 Republicans.

NAYS: Republicans Inhofe, Johnson, Kennedy, Lankford, Lee, Paul and Toomey.

NOT VOTING: Republicans Cornyn, Cruz, Hoeven and Sasse; Democrats Klobuchar and Stabenow.

6:08 p.m. The cloture vote began on S. 47, the lands bill.

6:07 p.m. By a vote of 60 to 33, the Senate tabled Lee Amendment #154 (limiting the establishment of national monuments in Utah) to the lands bill.

YEAS were all 42 Democrats present, independents King and Sanders, and 16 Republicans: Alexander, Burr, Capito, Collins, Daines, Gardner, Graham, Hyde-Smith, Isakson, Murkowski, Portman, Roberts, Rounds, Shelby, Tillis, Young.

NAYS were 33 Republicans.

NOT VOTING: Republicans Cornyn, Cruz, Hoeven and Sasse; Democrats Gillibrand, Klobuchar and Stabenow.

5:30 p.m. Senator Murkowski secured consent for the vote on tabling the Lee amendment occur before the cloture vote.

4:53 p.m. Senator Lee spoke about his amendment on the creation of national monuments in Utah. Senator Murkowski spoke against the Lee amendment.

4:42 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about an illegal immigrant detainment cap.

4:10 p.m. Senator Collins spoke about home health care.

4:10 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on the motion to proceed to H.J. Res. 1, Homeland Security Appropriations, making it the pending business once S.47 is dispensed with.

3:26 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke about the Natural Resources Management bill.

3:14 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke about the Natural Resources Management bill.

3:05 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about border security.

****

The Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m. and resume consideration of the Natural Resources Management Act S. 47.

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will proceed to a cloture vote on S. 47.

An additional roll call vote in relation to the Lee amendment # 154 to limit the extension or establishment of national monuments in the State of Utah is possible on Monday night.

Majority Leader McConnell also filed cloture on the nomination of William Barr to be Attorney General on Thursday.  The cloture vote with respect to the Barr nomination will occur upon disposition of S. 47.

5:09 p.m.  The Senate stands adjourned until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, February 11th. Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.47, Natural Resources Management Act. At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S. 47. An additional amendment vote is possible on Monday.

5:00 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke supporting the Barr nomination to be Attorney General and on the lands package.

4:59 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on S. 47, Natural Resources Management Act (Lands Package) and on Exec. Cal. #14 – William Barr, of Virginia, to be Attorney General.

4:45 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about tax laws.

4:04 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about the Alaskan of the Week.

3:35 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about trade policy.

3:19 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about tax policy.

3:06 p.m. Senator Jones spoke about chronic wasting disease.

3:01 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about Chronic Wasting Disease.

2:41 p.m. Senator Leahy paid tribute to photographer Harry Hamburg.

2:39 p.m. The motion to table the Lee amendment was agreed to by a vote of 68-30. Voting NAY: one Democrat-Whitehouse; 29 Republicans.

2:10 p.m. Roll call vote began on the motion to table the Lee amendment.

2:05 p.m. Senator Lee spoke in favor of his amendment, Senators Murkowskis and Manchin spoke against it and offered a motion to table.

2:04 p.m. The motion to table the Lankford amendment was agreed to 67 to 32. YEAS: 45 Democrats, both independents, 20 Republicans-Alexander, Blackburn, Blunt, Boozman, Burr, Capito, Collins, Daines, Gardner, Graham, Hyde-Smith, Isaakson, Murkowski, Roberts, Rounds, Scott (S.C.) Shelby, Sullivan, Tillis and Wicker. NAYS: 33 Republicans.

1:37 p.m. Senator Murkowski moved to table the Lankford amendment and the Senate began voting on the motion to table the Lankford amendment #158.

1:31 p.m. Senators Murkowski and Manchin spoke opposing the Lankford amend #158

1:20 p.m. Senator Daines spoke supporting S. 47.

1:13 p.m. Senator Fischer spoke on the Building Up Independent Dreams Act.

1:08 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke on his amendment #158

1:03 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke on the Barr nomination.

12:58 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke for the lands bill.

12:56 p.m. Senator Murkowski said the Senate will vote on Lankford amend  #158 and Lee amend #162 at about 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., respectively.

12:44 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke for the nomination of William Barr to be attorney general. He spoke for the lands package. He spoke about election law.

12:31 p.m. Senator Thune spoke for the lands package.

12:10 p.m. Senator Grassley brought up the Lankford Amendment #158 to the lands bill. Senator Murkowski spoke in favor of the bill.

12:09 p.m. The Senate voted by voice to proceed to the lands bill.

*****

The Senate will convene at 12:00 p.m.

Following any Leader remarks, all post-cloture time with respect to the motion to proceed to the Natural Resources Management Act (S. 47) will expire.

The motion to proceed to S. 47 is expected to be adopted by voice vote.

Roll call votes in relation to S. 47 are expected during today’s session.

6:18 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, February 7^th. The post-cloture time on the motion to proceed to S. 47, the Natural Resources Management bill, is set to expire at 12:00 p.m.

During wrap-up:

*The reading of Washington’s Farewell Address will take place on February 25, 2019 at a time TBD.

• Res. 33, Supporting Catholic Schools, was agreed to by unanimous consent.
• Res. 53, Office of Legal Counsel 100th Anniversary, was agreed to by unanimous consent.

****

5:42 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.

5:12 p.m. Senator Casey joined in the colloquy on contract workers.

5:05 p.m. Senator Van Hollen joined in the colloquy on payment of federal contract workers.

4:38 p.m. Senators Smith and Cardin spoke on federal contractor employees and the recent government shutdown.

4:32 p.m. Senator Moran spoke on organ donor procurement organizations.

3:56 p.m. Senators Murkowski, Manchin and Tester spoke on S.47, the lands package.

3:39 p.m. Senator Heinrich spoke about the lands package.

3:28 p.m. Senator Udall spoke about the public lands package.

2:55 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about the economy.

2:47 p.m Senator Grassley spoke about the tax cut and the economy.

2:34 p.m. Senator Perdue spoke about the economy.

2:29 p.m. Senator Braun spoke about unemployment.

2:15 p.m. Senator Ernst spoke about the economy.

1:45 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke paid tribute to Ernie Fitzgerald.

1:25 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about electric cars, emissions and climate change.

1:15 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about electric cars and tax credits.

1:03 p.m. Senator Hirono spoke about judicial nominees and the land and water conservation fund.

12:45 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the President’s State of the Union address.

12:30 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the President’s State of the Union address.

12:08 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke on S. 47, the lands package as it relates to sportsmen.

11:46 a.m. Senator Merkley spoke about departing staffers and on the Green New Deal.

11:03 a.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about challenges with regard to China.

10:35 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the president’s speech.

10:07 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about President Trump’s speech last night.

***

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m., and following any Leader remarks, will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.47, Natural Resources Management Act, post-cloture.

No votes are scheduled at this time.

4:45 p.m. The Senate is in recess until 8:25 p.m. tonight and upon reconvening will proceed as a body to the Hall of the House of Representatives for the Joint Session of Congress. At 9:00 p.m., President Donald Trump will deliver the State of the Union address from the Hall of the House of Representatives in the U.S. Capitol.

Upon dissolution of the joint session, the Senate will stand adjourned until 10:00am on Wednesday, February 6, 2019. Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.47, Natural Resources Management Act, post-cloture.

4:40 p.m. In wrap up Leader McConell asked unanimous consent  to adopted Menendez for Risch amendment #98 (classified annex)and  by voice vote, adopted Risch amendment #97 (reporting requirement), as amended.

Passed S.49, a bill to designate the outstation of the Department of Veterans Affairs in North Ogden, Utah, as the Major Brent Taylor Vet Center Outstation.

Passed H.R.439, to amend the charter of the Future Farmers of America, and for other purposes.

Adopted S.Res.44, raising awareness and encouraging the prevention of stalking by designating January 2019 as “National Stalking Awareness Month.”

Began the Rule 14 process to place S.340, CREATES Act of 2019, on the Calendar of Business.

In Executive Session Confirmed the following nominations:

Military Promotions

AIR FORCE

Executive Calendar #1 – Col. Frank A. Rodman to be Brigadier General

ARMY

Executive Calendar #2 – Brig. Gen. Robert D. Harter to be Major General

Executive Calendar #3 – Col. Charles M. Schoening to be Brigadier General

Executive Calendar #4 – Brig. Gen. David W. Ling to be Major General

The following to be Brigadier General:

Col. Joseph F. Dziezynski

Col. Rodney J. Fischer

And all nominations on the Secretary’s Desk in the Marine Corps.

4:35 p.m. The Senate agreed to the Motion to Proceed to S. 47, Natural Resources Management Act by a vote of 99-1.

4:10 p.m. The Senate is currently voting on the Motion to Proceed to S. 47, Natural Resources Management Act.

4:08 p.m. The Senate passed S. 1 by a vote of 77-23.

3:30 p.m. The Senate is voting on passage of S. 1, the Middle East Security bill.

3:26 p.m. Senator Risch spoke supporting S. 1.

3:19 p.m. Senator Peters and Stabenow spoke supporting S. 1, the Middle East Security bill and Senator Peters asked u.c. to pass amendment #103,  Senator Risch objected.

2:33 p.m. Senator Paul spoke in opposition to S. 1 and on boycotts.

2:15 p.m. Senator Lee paid tribute to fallen soldier, Major Brent Taylor and asked u.c. to consider and pass S. 49, a bill to designate the outstation of the Department of Veterans Affairs as the Major Brett Taylor outstation, the bill was agreed to by u.c.

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

12:30 p.m. The Senate currently stands adjourned for the weekly party lunches.

12:25 p.m. Senator Kennedy spoke on S.1, the Middle East security bill.

11:50 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the State of the Union.

10:41 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about abortion and the economy.

10:18 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the president’s speech.

10:02 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell  spoke about this afternoon’s vote on the Middle East security bill. He spoke about the president’s speech tonight on the state of the union.

***

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m.

Following any Leader remarks, resume consideration of S.1, the Middle East security bill, post-cloture.

The Senate will recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

At 3:30 p.m., there will be two roll call votes:

1. Passage of S.1.

2. Cloture on the motion to proceed to S.47, the lands package.

The Senate will begin gathering in the Senate Chamber at 8:20 p.m. and depart from the Senate Chamber at 8:25 p.m. to proceed as a body to the Hall of the House for the State of the union address.

7:36 p.m. The Senate adjourned.

7:34 p.m. Senator Sasse wrapped up for the evening. H Con Res 109 regarding the State of the union address tomorrow was passed by unanimous consent.

6:34 p.m. Senators Sasse, Ernst, Hayley, Lankford and Braun spoke on abortion.

6:32 p.m. Senators Sasse asked to take up and pass S. 130 regarding abortion; Senator Murray objected.

6:28 p.m. Senator Risch called up amendment 97 and then Senator Melendez called up amendment 98 to amendment 97.

6:27 p.m. Cloture was invoked on S.1 by a tally of 72-24.

Senators voting in favor: 49 Republicans, 22 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 22 Democrats: Baldwin, Booker, Brown, Carper, Durbin, Feinstein, Gillibrand, Harris, Heinrich, Hirono, Kaine, Leary, Markey, Merkley, Murphy, Peters, Reed, Schatz, Shaheen, Udall, Van Hollen and Warren; 1 Republican: Paul; 1 Independent: Sanders.

6:09 p.m. The Senate began voting on cloture on S.1.

6:08 p.m. The McConnell amendment was agreed to 70-26.

Senators voting in favor: 46 Republicans, 23 Democrats, 1 Indepenedent: King.

Senators voting against: 21 Democrats: Baldwin, Booker, Brown, Cardin, Durbin, Gillibrand, Harris, Heinrich, Hirono, Klobuchar, Leahy, Markey, Merkley, Murphy, Schatz, Schumer, Smith, Udall, Van Hollen, Warren and Wyden; 4 Republicans: Cruz, Kennedy, Lee and Paul; 1 Independent: Sanders.

Senators not voting: 3 Republicans: Gardner, Murkowski and Perdue; 1 Democrat: Cantwell.

5:32 p.m. Roll call vote began on the McConnell amendment.

5:31 p.m The Senate agreed to the Menendez second degree amendment by voice vote.

5:03 p.m. Senator Paul spoke against S.1; and attempted to call up his amendment #102, Senator Risch objected.

4:46 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke on student loans.

4:32 p.m Senators Lee and Daines spoke on abortion.

4:03 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the IMF Treat and President Trump’s withdrawal.

3:55 p.m. Senator Fischer spoke about the IMF Treaty.

3:50 p.m. Senator Hasan also spoke on the need to assist in helping Americans retire.

3:25 p.m. Senator Collins spoke on the need to assist in helping Americans retire.

3:15 p.m. Leader Schumer spoke on the useless government showdown and the uncertainty of the State of the Union.

3:00 p.m. Leader McConnell asked for S. 311 to be read a second time and objected to further proceedings so it would be placed on the legislative calendar. He then spoke on the underlying legislation, the middle east security bill, S.1.

The Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m. and resume consideration of the middle east security bill, S.1.

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will have three roll call votes:

1. In relation to the pending Menendez second-degree amendment (#96) to the McConnell amendment (#65), to clarify that the amendment shall not be construed as a declaration of war or an authorization of the use of military force .
2. In relation to McConnell amendment #65, as amended, if amended.
3. Cloture on S. 1.