The Senate convened at 9:45 a.m. today for a pro forma session. With no business conducted. Senator Hoeven presided.

The next pro forma will be at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28th.

During wrap up Senator McConnell filed cloture on the following nominations:

• Andrew Saul to be to be Commissioner of the Social Security Administration
• David Schenker to be Assistant Secretary of State
• Heath Tarbert to be Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
• Heath Tarbert to be a Commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
• Susan Combs to be an Assistant Secretary of the Interior
• Ryan Holte to be a Judge of the US Court of Federal Claims
• Rossie Alston to be US District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia.
• Richard Hertling to be a a Judge of the US Court of Federal Claims

The following bills were passed by unanimous consent:

Agreed to S.Con.Res.3: Marshall Islands.

Adopted S.Res.213: National Public Works Week.

Adopted S.Res.222: Vision to Learn.

Adopted S.Res.223: DIPG Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Day.

Adopted S.Res.224: National Nurses Week.

Adopted S.Res.225: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis /Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day.

Adopted S.Res.226: National Foster Care Month.

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources was discharged from further consideration of S.886, and the bill be referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Passed S.1693: to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program for 2 weeks (June 14, 2019). If the House passes the disaster supplemental appropriations bill as passed by the Senate, the National Flood Insurance Program will be reauthorized to September 30, 2019.

The following nominations were confirmed by unanimous consent:

ARMY

Executive Calendar #247 – Col. Edward S. Smith to be Brigadier General

MARINE CORPS

Executive Calendar #248 – the following to be Brigadier General:

Col. Marcus B. Annibale

Col. Melvin G. Carter

Col. Robert C. Fulford

Col. Joseph A. Matos, III

Col. Jason L. Morris

Col. Thomas B. Savage

Col. Daniel L. Shipley

Col. James B. Wellons

Col. Brian N. Wolford

ARMY

Executive Calendar #249 – Maj. Gen. Duane A. Gamble to be Lieutenant General

NAVY

Executive Calendar #250 – Rear Adm. Scott D. Conn to be Vice Admiral

ARMY

Executive Calendar #251 – Gen. James C. McConville to be General

AIR FORCE

Executive Calendar #253 – Maj. Gen. Marc H. Sasseville to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #254 – Maj. Gen. Eric T. Fick to be Lieutenant General

ARMY

Executive Calendar #255 – Lt. Gen. Joseph M. Martin to be General

Executive Calendar #256 – Lt. Gen. Laura J. Richardson to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #257 – Maj. Gen. Robert P. White to be Lieutenant General

NAVY

Executive Calendar #258 – Vice Adm. William R. Merz to be Vice Admiral

Executive Calendar #259 – Rear Adm. Ross A. Myers to be Vice Admiral

MARINE CORPS

Executive Calendar. #260 – Lt. Gen. Eric M. Smith to be Lieutenant General

AIR FORCE

Executive Calendar #261 – Lt. Gen. Arnold W. Bunch, Jr. to be General

Executive Calendar #262 – Col. David A. Harris, Jr. to be Brigadier General

NAVY

Executive Calendar #263 – Adm. William F. Moran to be Admiral

Executive Calendar #264 – Vice Adm. Robert P. Burke to be Admiral

MARINE CORPS

Executive Calendar #265 – Lt. Gen. Herman S. Clardy, III to be Lieutenant General

ARMY

Executive Calendar #266 – The following to be Major General:

Brig. Gen. Peter B. Andrysiak, Jr.

Brig. Gen. Jonathan P. Braga

Brig. Gen. John W. Brennan, Jr.

Brig. Gen. Miguel A. Correa

Brig. Gen. Clement S. Coward, Jr.

Brig. Gen. Patrick J. Donahoe

Brig. Gen. Christopher T. Donahue

Brig. Gen. Scott L. Efflandt

Brig. Gen. Michael R. Fenzel

Brig. Gen. David J. Francis

Brig. Gen. Bradley T. Gericke

Brig. Gen. Neil S. Hersey

Brig. Gen. Lonnie G. Hibbard

Brig. Gen. Diana M. Holland

Brig. Gen. Omar J. Jones, IV

Brig. Gen. Stephen J. Maranian

Brig. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane

Brig. Gen. Christopher O. Mohan

Brig. Gen. Laura A. Potter

Brig. Gen. Thomas A. Pugh

Brig. Gen. Robert A. Rasch, Jr.

Brig. Gen. John B. Richardson, IV

Brig. Gen. Kenneth T. Royar

Brig. Gen. Stephen G. Smith

Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Todd, III

Brig. Gen. Kevin Vereen

Brig. Gen. Robert F. Whittle, Jr.

Brig. Gen. David Wilson

AIR FORCE

Executive Calendar #267 – Col. Tracy D. Smith to be Brigadier General

Executive Calendar #268 – Col. Frank W. Roy to be Brigadier General

ARMY

Executive Calendar #269 – Maj. Gen. Leopoldo A. Quintas, Jr. to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #270 – Brig. Gen. Kenneth A. Nava to be Major General

Executive Calendar #271 – The following to be Major General:

Brig. Gen. Francis J. Evon, Jr.

Brig. Gen. David J. Mikolaities

Executive Calendar #272 – Brig. Gen. Mark J. Schindler to be Major General

Executive Calendar #273 – The following to be Major General:

Brig. Gen. John F. Hussey

Brig. Gen. Andrew J. Juknelis

The following to be Brigadier General:

Col. Jan C. Norris

Col. Michael K. Pyle

Executive Calendar #274 – The following to be Brigadier General:

Col. Nicole M. Balliet

Col. James A. Benson

Col. Brian D. Bobo

Col. Rodney C. Boyd

Col. Andre J. Chevalier

Col. Michael N. Cleveland

Col. Amy F. Cook

Col. Timothy D. Covington

Col. Ronald A. Cupples

Col. Jamie J. Dailey

Col. Ronnie B. Delfin

Col. Thomas C. Friloux

Col. Kevin A. Fujimoto

Col. Doyle Gillis, Jr.

Col. Charles D. Hausman

Col. Cindy H. Haygood

Col. Lynn M. Heng

Col. Larry L. Henry

Col. Scott W. Hiipakka

Col. Christine L. Hoffmann

Col. Bryan M. Howay

Col. Jack A. James

Col. Nick Johnson

Col. Robert J. Larkin

Col. John A. Leblanc

Col. David A. Lopina

Col. Corwin J. Lusk

Col. Roger D. Lyles

Col. Thomas H. Mancino

Col. Timothy S. Mclaughlin

Col. Alberto L. Miranda

Col. Jennifer R. Mitchell

Col. Jesse M. Morehouse

Col. Alan B. Naugher

Col. John T. Oakley

Col. Douglas A. Paul

Col. John A. Pelleriti

Col. John J. Perkins

Col. Dean A. Preston

Col. Stephen L. Rhoades

Col. Christopher S. Sandison

Col. Stephen E. Schemenauer

Col. Matthew D. Smith

Col. Wallace E. Steinbrecher

Col. Robin B. Stilwell

Col. Craig W. Strong

Col. Blair E. Tinkham

Col. Michael A. Tougher, III

Col. Michael E. Wegscheider

Col. Brian F. Wertzler

Col. Richard A. Wholey

Col. Richard D. Wilson

Col. John J. Wojcik

Col. James A. Zollar

Executive Calendar #275 – The following to be Brigadier General:

Col. Bradley J. Cox

Col. Carl C. Danberg

Col. Daniel H. Dent

Col. Ralph R. Robovsky

Col. Adam C. Volant

Executive Calendar #276 – The following to be Brigadier General:

Col. Andrew C. Diefenthaler

Col. James M. Jones

NAVY

Executive Calendar #277 – Rear Adm. Sean S. Buck to be Vice Admiral

MARINE CORPS

Executive Calendar #278 – Lt. Gen. John J. Broadmeadow to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #279 – Lt. Gen. Brian D. Beaudreault to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #280 – Lt. Gen. George W. Smith, Jr to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #281 – Lt. Gen. Robert F. Hedelund to be Lieutenant General

ARMY

Executive Calendar #282 – The following to be Major General:

Brig. Gen. Rodney L. Faulk

Brig. Gen. Deborah L. Kotulich

Brig. Gen. Frederick R. Maiocco

Brig. Gen. Gregory J. Mosser

Brig. Gen. John H. Phillips

Brig. Gen. Joe D. Robinson

Brig. Gen. Alberto C. Rosende

Brig. Gen. Richard C. Staats, Jr.

Brig. Gen. Kevin C. Wulfhorst

The following to be Brigadier General:

Col. Timothy E. Brennan

Col. Cary J. Cowan, Jr.

Col. Christopher J. Dziubek

Col. Jeffrey M. Farris

Col. Robert E. Guidry

Col. Michelle A. Link

Col. Laurence S. Linton

Col. Pamela L. McGaha

Col. Steven B. McLaughlin

Col. Joseph A. Papenfus

Col. Joseph A. Ricciardi

Col. Patricia R. Wallace

Col. David P. Warshaw

Col. Stuart E. Werner

Col. Wanda N. Williams

AIR FORCE

Executive Calendar #283 – Maj. Gen. David S. Nahom to be to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #284 – Lt. Gen. Marshall B. Webb to be Lieutenant General

ARMY

Executive Calendar #285 – The following to be Brigadier General:

Col. Jack M. Davis

Col. Paula C. Lodi

Col. Mark W. Thompson

Executive Calendar #286 – Brig. Gen. Jeffery D. Broadwater to be Major General

And all nominations on the Secretary’s Desk.

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Executive Calendar #226 – Michael G. Bailey, of Arizona, to be United States Attorney for the District of Arizona for the term of four years

Executive Calendar #227 – Brent R. Bunn, of Idaho, to be United States Marshal for the District of Idaho for the term of four years

Executive Calendar #228 – Eric S. Gartner, of Pennsylvania, to be United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for the term of four years

Executive Calendar #235 – Timothy J. Downing, of Oklahoma, to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma for the term of four years

Executive Calendar #236 – William Travis Brown, Jr., of Louisiana, to be United States Marshal for the Middle District of Louisiana for the term of four years

Executive Calendar #237 – Michael Blaine East, of North Carolina, to be United States Marshal for the Eastern District of North Carolina for the term of four years

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Executive Calendar #112 – William Bookless, of California, to be Principal Deputy Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration

Executive Calendar #124 – Christopher Fall, of Virginia, to be Director of the Office of Science, Department of Energy

UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Executive Calendar #187 – John Barsa, of Florida, to be an Assistant Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development

Executive Calendar  #215 – Richard C. Parker, of North Carolina, to be an Assistant Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Executive Calendar #177 – Michael J. Fitzpatrick, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Ecuador.

Executive Calendar #220 – Kate Marie Byrnes, of Florida, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of North Macedonia.

Executive Calendar #289 – Bridget A. Brink, of Michigan, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Slovak Republic.

Executive Calendar #290 – John Jefferson Daigle, of Louisiana, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Cabo Verde.

Executive Calendar #291 – Matthew S. Klimow, of New York, a Career Member of the Senior Executive Service, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to Turkmenistan.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Executive Calendar #179 – Jeffrey Ross Gunter, of California, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Iceland.

Executive Calendar #218 – James S. Gilmore, of Virginia, to be U.S. Representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, with the rank of Ambassador

And all nominations on the Secretary’s Desk in the Foreign Service.

4:48 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke about the supplemental appropriations bill.

7:14 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 9:30 a.m. Thursday.

6:13 p.m. Senator Portman spoke on trade.

6:12 p.m. By a vote of 55-43, the Senate confirmed Kenneth Bell to be US District Judge for the western district of North Carolina, 55-43.

5:43 p.m. Roll call vote began on the nomination of Kenneth Bell to be US District Judge for the western District of North Carolina.

5:42 p.m. By a vote of 55-43, the Senate confirmed the nomination of Carl Nichols to be US District Judge for the District of Columbia.  Senators Jones, Manchin and Sinema voted yes, Senators Harris and Tillis did not vote.

5:22 p.m. Roll call vote began on the nomination of Carl Nichols to be US District judge for the District of Columbia.

5:22 p.m. By a vote of 53-45, the Senate confirmed the nomination of Stephen Clark to be US District judge for the eastern district of Missouri.  Senator Manchin voted yes, and Senators Harris and Tillis did not vote.

5:02 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the nomination of Stephen Clark to be US District judge for the eastern district of Missouri.

5:01 p.m.   By a   vote of  51 to 47,  the Senate confirmed the nomination of Howard C. Nielson Jr. to the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah. Senator Collins voted NAY. Not voting: Harris and Tillis.

4:30 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the nomination of Howard Nielson to be US District Judge for the District of Utah.

4:16 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke on health care and later on the violence against women’s act.

4:07 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke on health care, and asked UC to take up and pass H.R. 986, the “Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act of 2019”.  Senator Alexander objected.

3:55 p.m. Senator Baldwin spoke on health care and asked UC to take up and pass S. 1556, a bill to provide that the rule entitled “Short-Term, Limited Duration Insurance” shall have no force or effect.  Senator Alexander objected.

3:15 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about special interests in judicial nominations.

2:42 p.m. Senator Kennedy spoke about the Congressional agenda.

2:34 p.m. Senator Collins spoke about energy storage.

2:09 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about infrastructure and Iran.

1:56 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke about judicial nominations.

1:34 p.m. Senator Van Hollen spoke about the 116th Congress.

1:24 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about women’s health care.

1:06 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke about the flooding and tornadoes in Oklahoma and also spoke about the history of Tulsa.

12:45 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about health care, Medicare and prescription drug costs.

12:20 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on health care and VAWA.

11:48 a.m. Senator Barrasso spoke on health care.

10:12 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about Memorial Day.

9:53 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about abortion laws in the states. He spoke about climate policy.

9:32 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about his bill to raise the legal age for  tobacco sales. He spoke about nominations. He said the Senate will vote on a disaster relief bill this week.

*****

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and resume consideration of the nomination of Howard Nielson

At 4:30 p.m. the Senate will proceed to four roll call votes:

• Howard Nielson to be a United States District Judge for the District of Utah
• Stephen Clark to be a United States District Judge for the Easter District of Missouri
• Carl Nichols to be a United States District Judge for the District of Columbia
• Kenneth Bell to be a United States District Judge for the Western District of North Carolina

6:41 p.m. The Senate adjourned.

6:38 p.m. Senator Brown spoke on foster care awareness month.

6:31 p.m. ML McConnell wraps up for the evening, passing S Res 216, recognizing the contributions by members of the air force who are responsible for operating and maintaining the global positioning system.

5:53 p.m. Senator Roberts echoed Senator Perdue on the necessity of doing a defense appropriations bill; before turning to discuss mental health awareness month and conditions for farmers and ranchers.

5:38 p.m. Senator Perdue spoke on military appreciation month and the need to do a defense appropriations bill.

5:30 p.m. Senator Cassidy spoke on mental health awareness month.

5:10 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Bell nomination, 56-42. Democrats in favor: Jones, Manchin and Sinema. Senators not voting: Bennet and Booker.

4:42 p.m. The Senate began voting on cloture on the nomination of Kenneth Bell to be a United States District Judge for the Western District of North Carolina.

4:41 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Nichols nomination, 55-42. Democrats in favor: Jones, Manchin and Sinema. Senators not voting: Bennet, Booker and Burr.

4:17 p.m. The Senate began voting on cloture on the nomination of Carl Nichols to be U.S. District Judge for DC.

4:16 p.m. By a tally of 53-45 the Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of Stephen Clark to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of MO. Senator Manchin joined Republicans and voted “yes.” Senators Burr and Bennett did not vote.

3:45 p.m. The Senate reconvened and began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Stephen Clark, Sr. to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of MO.

3:08 p.m. The Senate is in recess until approximately 3:45 p.m.

3:07 p.m. By a tally of 52-47 the Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of Howard Nielson, Jr. to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Utah. Senator Collins joined Democrats and voted no. Senator Bennet did not vote.

2:43 p.m. The roll call vote began on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Howard C. Nielson, Jr., of Utah, to be United States District Judge for the District of Utah.

2:42 p.m. ML McConnell that following the cloture vote on the Nielson nomination, the Senate recess until 3:45 p.m. At 3:45 p.m. the Senate will vote on the motions to invoke cloture on the Clark, Nichols, and Bell nominations. Finally, if cloture is invoked on the nominations, the confirmation votes on the Nielson, Clark, Nichols, and Bell nominations occur at a time TBD on Wednesday, May 22nd.  

2:42 p.m. The Senate confirmed the nomination of Daniel Collins to be a U.S. Circuit Judge for the 9th Circuit on a party line tally of 53-46. Senator Bennett did not vote.

2:15 p.m. The Senate returned from recess, and a roll call vote began on confirmation of the Collins nomination.

12:30 p.m. The Senate recessed until 2:15 p.m.

11:51 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke on immigrant detention facilities and abortion.

11:18 a.m. Senators Murray, Wyden, Shaheen, Cantwell, and Klobuchar spoke on abortion.

11:08 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on recovery from Hurricane Harvey.

10:43 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about a trade deal with Canada and Mexico.

10:30 a.m. The Senate resumed post-cloture consideration of the Collins nomination.

10:22 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about abortion law in Alabama and elsewhere. He spoke about judicial nominations. He spoke about China trade.

10:03 a.m. The Senate consented to the passage of S. 1370, a bill to amend the tax code. By consent, when the House sends an identical bill to the Senate, it will be considered passed. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about nominations.

*****

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

Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of Executive Calendar #201, Daniel P. Collins, of California, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit, post-cloture.

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

At 2:15pm, the Senate will vote on (1) confirmation of the Collins nomination and (2) on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #23, Howard C. Nielson, Jr., of Utah, to be United States District Judge for the District of Utah. Additional roll call votes are expected during Tuesday’s session.

At 2:45pm, there will be an all-senators briefing on Iran.

Senator McConnell has filed cloture on the following nominations (post-cloture debate limit):

1.       Stephen R. Clark, Sr., of Missouri, to be United States District Judge for the Easter District of Missouri (2 hours)

4.     Carl J. Nichols, of the District of Columbia, to be United States District Judge for the District of Columbia (2 hours)

5.     Kenneth D. Bell, of North Carolina, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of North Carolina (2 hours)

The Senate adjourned at 6:54 p.m. and will reconvene on Tuesday, May 21 at 10:00 a.m. There will be 2 roll call votes at 2:15 p.m.:

1. Confirmation of the nomination of Daniel P. Collins to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.
2. Motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Howard Nielson to be a United States District Judge for the District of Utah.

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

During wrap-up:

• Rule 14 (second reading) en bloc:
  • R. 312 – Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe
  • R. 2578 – National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act of 2019
• S.163, to prevent catastrophic failure or shutdown of remote diesel power engines due to emission control devices and for other purposes, was adopted by unanimous consent.

****

6:35 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.

6:23 p.m. Senators Reed and Whitehouse paid tribute to Sister Jane Garrity of Salve Regina University.

6:22 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Collins nomination by a party line tally of 51-43.

5:31 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of  Daniel P. Collins to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.

4:44 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke about Iran.

4:12 p.m. Senator Schumer paid tribute to Senate barber David Miles Knight who passed away and Berner Richard Johnson who also passed away. He also spoke on disaster relief, women’s reproductive rights, and Huawei.

3:50 p.m. Senator Brown paid tribute to his staff member Seth Pringle.

3:33 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the Debbie Smith Act.

3:24 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about foster care, mental health and substance abuse.

3:16 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke in support of changing the age to purchase tobacco products to 21.

3:03 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke in support of changing the age to purchase tobacco products to 21.

****

The Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m.

Following Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business.

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #201, Daniel Collins to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.

Cloture has also been filed on the following nominations:

• Howard Nielson to be a United States District Judge for the District of Utah
• Stephen Clark to be a United States District Judge for the Easter District of Missouri
• Carl Nichols to be a United States District Judge for the District of Columbia
• Kenneth Bell to be a United States District Judge for the Western District of North Carolina

5:04 p.m. The Senate adjourned at 5:04 p.m. and will reconvene at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, May 20, 2019. The next roll call vote is expected at 5:30 p.m.  on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #201, Daniel P. Collins, of California, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.

ML McConnell conducted wrap up:

By voice vote, passed Calendar #83, S.1208, Protecting America’s First Responders Act, w/committee-reported amendment.

By voice vote, passed H.R.2379, reauthorizing the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program.

Passed Calendar #80 S. 820, Debbie Smith Act of 2019.

Passed Calendar #81, S. 998, Supporting and Treating Officers In Crisis Act of 2019

Passed S.744, Effective Prosecution of Possession of Biological Toxins and Agents Act of 2019

Began the Rule 14 process to place the following bills on the Legislative Calendar of Business:

1. H.R.312, Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe

2. H.R.2578, National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act of 2019

Executive Business

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Confirmed Executive Calendar #185, Matthew H. Tueller, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Iraq

COAST GUARD

Executive Calendar #172 – the following to be Rear Admiral (Lower Half)

Capt. Brendan C. McPherson

Capt. Douglas M. Schofield

Capt. Andrew M. Sugimoto

Capt. Richard V. Timme

Capt. Todd C. Wiemers

INTERNATIONAL JOINT COMMISSION, UNITED STATES AND CANADA

Executive Calendar #189, Jane L. Corwin, of New York, to be Commissioner on the part of the United States on the International Joint Commission, United States and Canada

Executive Calendar #192, Robert C. Sisson, of Michigan, to be Commissioner on the part of the United States on the International Joint Commission, United States and Canada

Executive Calendar #194, Lance V. Yohe, of North Dakota, to be Commissioner on the part of the United States on the International Joint Commission, United States and Canada

The nomination of Robert Wallace, of Wyoming, to be Assistant Secretary of Fish and Wildlife, was referred jointly to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

3:49 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about health care.

3:34 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about rising tensions in the Middle East.

3:15 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about two fallen police officers and also spoke about Russia.

2:55 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about Iran and also spoke about the Alaskan of the week.

2:28 p.m. Senator Carper spoke on North Korea and Iran.

2:17 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on the following nominations:

• Daniel Collins to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit (subject to 30 hours of post cloture debate)
• Howard Nielson to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Utah (subject to 2 hours of post cloture debate)
• Stephen Clark to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri (subject to 2 hours of post cloture debate)
• Carl Nichols to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Columbia  (subject to 2 hours of post cloture debate)
• Kenneth Bell to be U.S. District Judge for the Western District of North Carolina  (subject to 2 hours of post cloture debate)

2:16 p.m. The Rosen nomination was confirmed on a party line vote of 52-45 with 2 Democrats (Gillibrand and Harris) and 1 Republican (Alexander) not voting.

1:45 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the nomination of Jeffrey Rosen to be Deputy Attorney General.

1:36 p.m. Senator Cantwell paid tribute to law enforcement as part of police week.

1:25 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on recently expired tax provisions.

1:11 p.m. Senator Cornyn paid tribute to the congregation of the church in Sutherland Springs TX that is opening their new building  following the shooting there last year.  He later spoke on immigration reform.

1:05 p.m. Senator Portman paid tribute to law enforcement as part of police week.

1:04 p.m. The Bulatao nomination was confirmed 92-5.

Senators voting in favor: 53 Republicans, 38 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 4 Democrats: Blumenthal, Hirono, Markey and Warren; 1 Independent: Sanders.

Senators not voting: 3 Democrats: Booker, Gillibrand and Harris.

12:33 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the Bulatao nomination.

12:33 p.m. The Vitter nomination was confirmed, 52-45.

Senators voting in favor: 52 Republicans.

Senators voting against: 42 Democrats, 2 Independents: (King and Sanders), 1 Republican: Collins.

Senators not voting: 3 Democrats: Booker, Gillibrand and Harris.

12:00 p.m. The Senate began voting on confirmation of the nomination of Wendy Vitter to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

11:32 a.m. Senator Leahy spoke about the reauthorization of H.R. 2379.

11:30 a.m.  Senator Leahy asked u.c. to consider and pass H.R. 2379, To reauthorize the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program. The bill was agreed to by a voice vote.

11:20 a.m. Senator Casey spoke on Iran.

11:05 a.m. Senators Blunt and Coons spoke on police week.

10:50 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about immigration. He spoke about Iran. He spoke about China trade.

10:37 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about National Police Week.

10:04 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about nominations. He spoke about the economy.

10:03 a.m. By voice vote, the Senate passed as 1208 as amended, a measure to amend the Safe Streets Act.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. and will resume post-cloture debate on the nomination of Wendy Vitter to the US. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

At noon, there will be two confirmation votes:

1.)  Vitter nomination;

2.) Brian J. Bulatao to be under secretary of State.

At 1:45 p.m., the Senate will vote on confirmation of the nomination of Jeffrey A. Rosen to be a deputy attorney general.

7:30 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 10 a.m. Thursday, whereupon it will resume post-cloture debate on the Vitter nomination.

7:29  p.m. By a party-line vote of 52 to 44, the Senate invoked cloture on the Rosen nomination. NOT VOTING: Booker, Cruz, Hirono, Warren.

7:13 p.m. The cloture vote began on the nomination of Jeffrey A. Rosen of Virginia to be deputy attorney general.

7:12 p.m. By a vote of 90-5 the Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of Brian Bulatao. Senators Booker, Cruz, Hirono, Klobuchar, and Warren did not vote.

6:56 p.m. The cloture vote began on cloture for the nomination of Brian Bulatao to be an under secretary of State.

6:55 p.m. By a vote of 51 to 45 the Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of Wendy Vitter to be a U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana. YEAS: All Republicans. NAYS: 42 Democrats, both independents and Republican Collins. NOT VOTING: Republican Cruz; Democrats Booker, Hirono and Warren.

6:35 p.m.  The cloture vote began on the Vitter nomination.

6:34  p.m. By a vote of 52 to 45 the Senate confirmed Kenneth Lee’s nomination to be a U.S. Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit. Party line vote. Senators Booker, Cruz, and Hirono did not vote.

5:45 p.m. The confirmation vote began on the Lee nomination.

5:40 p.m. H.R. 986, Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act and H.R. 2157, Supplemental Appropriations for FY 19 were read for the second time under Rule XIV.

5:16 p.m. Senator Cardin and Portman spoke about pensions and health care.

5:02 p.m. Senator Moran spoke about police week, on racial justice and equal opportunity and on flooding challenges for farmers and ranchers.

5:01 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke on the cost of prescription drugs.

4:50 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke about the cost of prescription drugs.

4:42 p.m. Senator Smith spoke about the cost of prescription drugs.

4:27 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke about Iran and the cost of prescription drugs.

4:25 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about Iran and the Middle East.

4:10 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke about the cost of prescription drugs.

4:02 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke about the Our Workers Act.

3:26 p.m. Senator Blackburn spoke about mental health services for law enforcement officers.

3:12 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke about Iran.

3:02 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about health care.

2:55 p.m. Senator Gardner spoke about the Highlands Ranch school shooting and National Police Week.

1:37 p.m. Senators Sullivan, Tillis, Cramer, Ernst, Inhofe, Barrasso,  Scott (FL), Cotton, Daines, and Lankford spoke about military appreciation.

12:31 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about possible bipartisanship legislation in the Senate and also spoke about police week.

12:30 p.m. Senator Cornyn announced that the confirmation vote on the Lee nomination occur at 5:30 p.m.  If the nomination is confirmed then there will be 3 additional votes:

• Cloture on the nomination of Wendy Vitter to be a U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
• Cloture on the nomination of Brian Bulatao to be an Under Secretary of State (Management)
• Cloture on the nomination of Jeffrey A. Rosen of Virginia to be deputy attorney general.

If cloture is invoked on the nominations the confirmation votes on Vitter and Bulatao will occur at noon tomorrow and the confirmation vote on Rosen will occur at 1:45 p.m. tomorrow.

12:15 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about prescription drug costs.

11:38 a.m. Senator Smith spoke about mental health and depression.

11:18 a.m. Senator Murray spoke about the recent law passed in Alabama regarding abortion before moving to speak against the Vitter nomination.

11:03 a.m. Senator Thune thanked and congratulated Senator Hawley, and then turned to discuss national military appreciation month and military readiness in general.

10:58 a.m. Senator Blunt thanked Senator Hawley for his maiden speech.

10:47 a.m. Senator Hawley, in his maiden speech, spoke about the rural economy, middle-class values and renewal of the heartland.

10:31 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer paid tribute to police officers. He spoke about the Rosen nomination, health care legislation, Iran policy, and public housing.

10:06 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the management of the Defense Department’s budget.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. and will resume post-cloture debate on the nomination of Kenneth Lee to be a U.S. Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.

At about 5:30 p.m., two votes are expected:

• Confirmation of the Lee nomination;
• Cloture on the nomination of Wendy Vitter to be a U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

NOTE: Cloture petitions  for these nominations have ripened:

• Brian Bulatao to be an Under Secretary of State (Management);
• Jeffrey A. Rosen of Virginia to be deputy attorney general.

6:20 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday May 15, 2019

6:05 p.m. Senator Brown spoke on woman’s health and choice.

5:45 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on climate change.

5:30 p.m. Senator Schatz spoke climate change.

5:14 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke against the nomination of Wendy Vitter to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

5:13 p.m. The following were passed during wrap up:

H.R. 986 and H.R. 248 – State innovation regarding affordable care act

S.Res 209 – Designating May 12 – May 18 2019 as National Police Week

S. Res 210 – Designating May 15th as Senior Fraud Awareness

S. 1231 – to reauthorize bulletproof vest reauthorization program

5:05 p.m. ML McConnell began wrap up.

4:50 p.m. Senator Cruz spoke about the Santa Fe school shooting.

4:16 p.m. Senator Jones spoke about trade policy.

3:43 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about women’s healthcare.

3:10 p.m. Senator Booker spoke about the 65th Anniversary of Brown vs. the Board of Education.

3:03 p.m. Senator Capito spoke on Police Week.

2:44 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke on national police week, and later on nominations and the economic situation.

2:42 p.m.  The Senate returned from the recess.

2:15 p.m. The Senate returned briefly and recessed subject to the call of the chair to accommodate the 116th Congress class photograph.

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

12:07 p.m. Senator Hyde-Smith spoke about the deaths of law enforcement officers.

11:49 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about immigration.

11:42 a.m. The Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of Kenneth Lee to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit on a party line vote of 50-45. Senators Cassidy, Gillibrand, Hirono, Kennedy, and Rounds did not vote.

11:17 a.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Kenneth Lee to be a U.S. Circuit Judge for the 9th Circuit.

11:15 a.m. The Senate confirmed the nomination of Executive Calendar #25 Michael Truncale to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas by a vote of 49-46. Senator Romney joined all Democrats and Independents present voting against. Senators Cassidy, Gillibrand, Hirono, Kennedy, and Warren did not vote.

10:45 a.m. The Senate began voting on confirmation of the nomination of Michael Truncale to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas.

10:39 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about the economy.

10:29 a.m. Democratic Leader Schumer spoke about U.S. military plans for Iran and about disaster relief. He spoke about health care.

10:03 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke in tribute to fallen police officers.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m.

At 10:45 a.m. the Senate is expected to vote on:

1. ) Confirmation of the nomination of Michael J. Truncale to be a U.S. District Court judge for the Eastern District of Texas;

2.) Cloture on the nomination of Kenneth Lee, of California, to be a U.S. Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.

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

At 2:15 p.m. the official Senate photograph for the 116th Congress will be taken in the chamber.

NOTE: Cloture petitions have ripened for the following nominations:

• Brian Bulatao to be an Under Secretary of State (Management);
• Wendy Vitter to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana;
• Kenneth Lee to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.

Cloture was filed Monday on the nomination of Jeffrey A. Rosen of Virginia to be deputy attorney general.

6:29 p.m.  The Senate adjourned and will convene on Tuesday, May 14 at 10:00 a.m. A roll call vote is expected at 10:45 a.m. on confirmation of Michael J. Truncale to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas.

During wrap-up:

• Res. 202, congratulating the students, parents, teachers, and leaders of charter schools across the United States for making ongoing contributions to education, and supporting the ideals and goals of the 20^th annual National Charter Schools Week, to be held May 12 through May 18, 2019, was adopted by unanimous consent.
• Res. 203, Recognizing the 80^th Anniversary of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, was adopted by unanimous consent.
• S. 1436, to make technical corrections to the computation of average pay under Public Law 110-279, was adopted by unanimous consent.

****

6:08 p.m. Senator Casey spke about the Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

6:07 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Truncale nomination, 49-43.

Senators voting in favor: 49 Republicans.

Senators voting against: 40 Democrats, 2 Independents: King and Sanders, 1 Republican: Romney.

Senators not voting: 5 Democrats: Booker, Brown, Gillibrand, Hirono and Warren. 3 Republicans: Burr, Scott of Florida and Toomey.

5:30 p.m. The cloture vote began on the Truncale nomination.

4:59 p.m. Senator Isakson paid tribute to Dean Lewis of Georgia, who turned an automobile  junkyard into a tourist destination.

4:20 p.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about Russian meddling in American elections. He called for Senate action on measures that have passed the House, including some on health care and disaster relief.

3:47 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell filed cloture on the nomination of Jeffrey Rosen to be deputy attorney general. He spoke about nominations and disaster relief.

3:03 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the Veteran’s History Project at the Library of Congress project, foster care, and Police Week.

****

The Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m.

Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of Executive Calendar #25, Michael Truncale to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas.

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Truncale nomination.  If cloture is invoked, there would be up to two hours of post debate time.

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

1. Kenneth Lee to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit (up to 30 hours of post debate time)

2. Wendy Vitter to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana (2 hours)

3. Brian Bulatao to be an Under Secretary of State (2 hours)

On Monday we further expect Majority Leader McConnell to file cloture on Executive Calendar #230, Jeffrey Rosen, to be Deputy Attorney General. The vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Rosen nomination will take place upon disposition of the Bulatao nomination.

3:45 p.m. The Senate has adjourned and will reconvene on Monday, May 13^th at 3:00 p.m. Following leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the Truncale nomination.

At 5:30 p.m. the Senate will vote on the nomination of Michael J. Truncale to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas.

During wrap-up:

• Res. 199, Honoring the life and legacy of Judge Damon Jerome Keith, was adopted by unanimous consent.
• Res. 200, Allowing the taking of a photograph in the Senate Chamber, was adopted by unanimous consent.

Please note, Majority Leader McConnell filed cloture on the following nominations today:

• Executive Calendar #221 Brian Bulatao to be an Under Secretary of State (Management)
• Executive Calendar #24 Wendy Vitter to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana
• Executive Calendar #202 Kenneth Lee to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit
• Executive Calendar #25 Michael Truncale to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas

****

3:07 p.m. Senator Blackburn spoke about immigration.

2:50 p.m. Senator Lee spoke about the Continental Railroad in Utah.

2:22 p.m. Senator Kennedy spoke on small business week.

2:21 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on Executive Calendar #221 Brian Bulatao to be an Under Secretary of State (Management)

2:20 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on Executive Calendar #24 Wendy Vitter to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana

2:18 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on Executive Calendar #202 Kenneth Lee to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit

2:16 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on Executive Calendar #25 Michael Truncale to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas

2:15 p.m. The Senate confirmed Michael Park to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit by a vote of 52-41.

Senators Bennet, Booker, Cardin, Harris, Moran, Sinema, and Udall did not vote.

1:45 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the nomination of Michael Park to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit.

1:15 p.m. Senator Warner paid tribute to federal employees.

1:05 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the border crisis.

12:47 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the House Committee voting to hold AG Barr in contempt.

12:35 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about Robert Pear.

12:28 p.m. Senator Grassley paid tribute to the late Robert Pear of the New York Times.

11:28 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke on small business week.

11:19 a.m. Senator Hyde-Smith delivered her maiden floor speech.

11:08 a.m. Senator Thune spoke on Medicare.

10:45 a.m. Senator Rosen delivered her maiden floor speech. Senator Rosen asked u.c to consider S. Res. 18, Senator Thune objected.

10:43 a.m. Senator Cortez Masto spoke about Senator Rosen.

10:26 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about the school shooting in Colorado, gun control, disaster relief for Puerto Rico, and climate change.

10:22 a.m. Senator Daines spoke about abortion.

9:32 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke on nominations and the economy.

The Senate convenes at 9:30 am on Thursday, May 9, 2019. Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of Executive Calendar #117, Michael H. Park, of New York, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit, post-cloture.

At 1:45 pm, the Senate will vote on confirmation of the Park nomination.