6:20 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 9:30 a.m on Wednesday, May 17th. The next roll call vote will be at 12:00 p.m.  on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #35, Rachel L. Brand, of Iowa, to be Associate Attorney General.

6:20 p.m. Senate Minority Leader Schumer made remarks about a New York Times article regarding a memo written by the former FBI Director Comey regarding President Trump and the Michael Flynn investigation.

6:04 The Senate confirmed Jeffrey Rosen to be Deputy Secretary of Transportation by a vote of 56 to 42. Senators Isakson and Moran were absent. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.

The Senate is considering the nomination of Jeffrey Rosen to be Deputy Secretary of Transportation. A vote on the nomination will occur at approximately 5:15 p.m.

3:16 p.m. The following legislation was passed by unanimous consent:

• S.419 – To require adequate report on the public safety officer benefits programs.
• S.139 – To implement the use of rapid D.N.A. instruments to inform decisions about retrial release.
• S.583 – To amend the omnibus crime control and safe streets act of 1964.
• S.867 – To provide support for law enforcement agency efforts to protect the mental earth and well-being of law enforcement officers.
• S.J.Res. 22 – Establishing the Washington Metro Rail Safety Commission.

2:49 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke about the 21st Century Cures Act.

2:33 p.m. Senators Heitkamp and Heller spoke in honor of police week.

2:15 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke in honor of police week; and later to General Christopher Bodgan upon his upcoming retirement.

12:27 p.m. The Senate recessed until 2:15 p.m., to allow for party policy luncheons.

12:05 p.m. Senator Udall spoke in memory of New Mexico police officers who died in the line of duty. He spoke about President Trump’s reported discussion of U.S. intelligence findings with Russian officials.

12 p.m.  Majority Leader McConnell spoke about today’s business. Debate on the Rosen nomination will resume at 2:15 p.m. The Senate will vote on confirmation of the Rosen nomination at 5:15 p.m.  At noon Wednesday, the Senate will vote on cloture for the nomination of Rachel L. Brand of Iowa to be associate attorney general.

11:32 a.m. Senators Blunt, Coons, Grassley, Cornyn, and Klobuchar spoke about National Police Week.

11:16 a.m. Senator Cassidy spoke about the Affordable Care Act.

10:52 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the Trump Administration and Russia.

10:35 a.m. Senator Markey spoke about police week and President Trump possibly sharing sensitive information; and later in opposition to the Rosen nomination.

10:30 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about police week and the shooting last year in Dallas.

10:23 a.m. DL Schumer spoke about the President Trump and the possible sharing of sensitive information.

10:09 a.m. Senator Durbin responded to Majority Leader McConnell on health care.

10:03 a.m. ML McConnell spoke about health care.

6:11 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene Tuesday, May 16th at 10:00 a.m. Following Leader remarks the Senate will resume consideration of the Rosen nomination. All time during recess adjournment, morning business and Leader remarks will count postcloture on the Rosen nomination. The Senate will adjourn from 12:30-2:15 p.m. to accommodate the weekly conference meetings.

6:10 p.m. By a roll call vote of 52-42 cloture was invoked on the nomination of Jeffrey Rosen.

Democrats voting yes: Donnelly, Heikamp, Kaine, Manchin, Peters, and Warner.

Senators not voting: Flake, Isakson, Moran, Murkowski, Sasse and Toomey.

5:30 p.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Jeffrey Rosen to be Deputy Secretary of Transportation.

5:26 p.m. Senator Thune spoke supporting the Rosen nomination.

5:13 p.m. Senator Tester spoke about National Police Week.

4:57 p.m. Senator Portman spoke in support of the Rosen nomination.

4:37 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke about National Police Week.

4:27 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about National Police Week.

3:50 p.m. Senator Boozman spoke about Peace Officers Memorial Day.

3:28 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about health care and Aetna leaving the ACA.

3:15 p.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about National Police Week, the Comey firing and surrounding controversy, and on health care.

3:00 p.m. The Senate convened and Majority Leader McConnell spoke about National Police Week, supporting the Rosen nomination to be Deputy Secretary of Transportation, and filed cloture on Executive Calendar #55 nominating Terry Branstad to be the Ambassador to China.

*****

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

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to resume consideration of the nomination of Jeffrey Rosen to be Deputy Secretary of Transportation.

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Rosen nomination.

6:17 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday May 10th.

6:12 p.m. Senator Sullivan recognized the Alaskan of the week, Sherry Bess, of the Homer Animal Shelter.

6:09 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the firing of FBI Director James Comey and the status of the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 elections.

5:23 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell filed cloture on calendar number 52, Robert Lighthizer to be the United States Trade Representative. ML McConnell asked u.c. that when the Senate completes it business today it adjourns until 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 10th. Following Leader remarks the Senate be in a period of morning business. At approximately 10:00 a.m. the Senate expects a roll call vote on the motion to proceed to H.J.Res. 36, the methane CRA resolution of disapproval. 

5:16 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about growing tensions in Venezuela.

5:15 p.m. The nomination of Scott Gottleib to be the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration was confirmed 57 -42. 6 Democrats voted NO: (Bennet, Carper, Coons, Heitkamp, King (I), and Nelson). Senator Isakson did not vote.

4:25 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about the chaos in the Ft. Lauderdale airport surrounding Spirit Airline cancellations.

4:05 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke in favor of the Gottleib nomination.

The Senate is considering the nomination of Scott Gottleib to be the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration; post cloture. A vote on confirmation of Gottleib will occur at 4:30 p.m. today. 

3:50 p.m. Senator Murray spoke against the Gottleib nomination.

3:33 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke briefly on the opioid epidemic and in favor of the Gottleib nomination.

3:10 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about the opioid epidemic.

2:35 p.m. Senators Cassidy and Wyden spoke about health care.

2:15 p.m. Senator Heller spoke about Yucca Mountain.

12:29 p.m. The Senate has recessed for the weekly caucus luncheons, and will return at 2:15 p.m.

12:00 p.m. Senators Van Hollen and Brown spoke about health care. Senator Brown also spoke against the Gottlieb nomination.

11:39 a.m. Senator Hassan spoke about the opioid epidemic and against the Gottlieb nomination. Senator Markey continued his remarks on the opioid epidemic.

11:29 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about Russia and healthcare.

11:21 a.m. Senator Markey spoke about the opioid epidemic.

10:09 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about Russian interference in the French elections and questions about President Trump’s Russian business interests.

10:00 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke supporting the Gottlieb nomination and the fight against opioid abuse.

******

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and resume post cloture consideration of the nomination of Scott Gottleib to be the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration.

The Senate recess for the weekly caucus luncheons from 12:30-2:15 p.m.

A vote on the Gottlieb nomination is likely on Tuesday.

7:31 p.m. The Senate adjourned.

6:47 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about the Artic Council meeting happening in Fairbanks soon; and later on US/China relations.

6:36 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about health care.

6:34 p.m. ML McConnell wrapped up the session for the day.

Items passed by UC:

• S. 140, regarding the White Mountain Apache tribe water rights.
• S. 249, regarding the leasing of land by the Pueblo of Santa Clara.
• S Res 159, recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of national sexual assault awareness month.

UC that when the Senate adjourns it reconvene on Tuesday May 9 at 10:00 a.m. and resume consideration of the nomination of Scott Gottleib to be the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration.  Further that the Senate recess for the weekly caucus luncheons from 12:30-2:15 p.m.

UC that the Senate adjourn following the remarks of Senators Thune and Sullivan.

6:29 p.m. Senator Thune spoke in support of the Wilson nomination.

6:28 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the nomination of Scott Gottlieb to be FDA Commissioner by a vote of 57 to 41.

Senators voting in favor: 51 Republicans, 5 Democrats: Bennet, Carper, Coons, Heitkamp and Nelson; 1 Independent: King.

Senators not voting: 1 Republican: Isakson, 1 Independent: Sanders

6:00 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Scott Gottlieb to be FDA Commissioner.

5:59 p.m. The nomination of Heather Wilson to be Sec. of the Air Force was confirmed by a vote of 76 to 22.

Senators voting in favor: 51 Republicans, 24 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 22 Democrats: Blumenthal, Booker, Cantwell, Cardin, Cortez Masto, Duckworth, Feinstein, Franken, Gillibrand, Harris, Hassan, Hirono, Leahy, Markey, Merkley, Murray, Reed, Schumer, Van Hollen, Warren, Whitehouse and Wyden.

Senators not voting: 1 Republican: Isakson, 1 Independent: Sanders

5:31 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the nomination of Heather Wilson to be Secretary of the Air Force.

5:26 p.m. Senator McCain spoke in support of the Wilson nomination.

5:09 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke in support of the Wilson nomination.

4:56 p.m. Senator Reed spoke about Wilson nomination.

4:45 p.m. Senator Capitol spoke in support of the Wilson nomination.

4:33 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about healthcare.

3:58 p.m. Senator Markey spoke about the Paris climate change agreement.

3:36 p.m. Senator Cardin discussed the Paris climate change agreement.

2:56 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about health care.

2:41 p.m. Democratic Leader Schumer talked about the Kentucky Derby, the former nominee for the Secretary of the Army post, the elections in France, and health care.

2:28 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell discussed the Wilson and Gottlieb nominations and the health care and omnibus votes last week.

The Senate convened at 12:00 p.m. for a pro forma session.  President Pro Tempore Hatch presided, and no business was conducted.

The Senate adjourned at 6:49  p.m. and will reconvene at  10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 2nd. Post-cloture debate time on the Clayton nomination expires at 12:34 a.m. May 4th.

During wrap-up,

1. S. Res. 135 – Designating May 1 as Silver Star Service Banner Day, was passed by unanimous consent.
2. S. 371 and Corker amdt. – Making technical changes and other improvements to the Dept. of State Authorities Act FY 17, were passed by unanimous consent.
3. S. Res. 148 – Congratulation the students, parents, teachers and leaders of charter schools across the US, was passed by unanimous consent.

****

6:40 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke on drilling in the Eastern Gulf.

6:35 p.m. The Senate invoked cloture on the Clayton nomination by a vote of 60 to 36.

5:30 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Jay Clayton to be a Member of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

5:12 p.m. Senator Crapo spoke in support of the Clayton nomination.

3:24 p.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the spending deal.

3:09 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke about the overhaul of the tax system.

3:08 p.m. By consent, the Senate confirmed pending military promotions.

3:02 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the spending deal.

***

The Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m. and resume consideration of the nomination of Jay Clayton to be a Member of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Clayton nomination.

7:20 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 28th.

Senator Sullivan spoke about the Alaskan of the Week and then conducted wrap up. The Senate passed the following bills by Unanimous consent:

S.Con.Res.14, authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitors Center for an event to celebrate the birthday of King Kamehameha I.

H.Con.Res.35, authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition.

H.Con.Res.36, authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby.

S.Res.127, supporting the goals and ideals of Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.

S.Res.132, congratulating the Ashland University women’s basketball team for winning the 2017 National Athletic Association division II championship.

S.Res.145, designating April 2017 as “Financial Literacy Month”.

S.Res.146, designating April 30, 2017, as El Día de los Niños-Celebrating Young Americans.

6:40 p.m. Senator McConnell made a UC to deem the CR passed when the Senate receives it from the House. Senator Schumer objected.

6:39 p.m. The Acosta nomination was confirmed by a vote of 60-38. Dems voting in favor of the nomination: Cortez-Masto, Heitkamp, Manchin, McCaskill, Menendez, Nelson, Tester and Warner. Independent Senator King also voted in favor of the nomination.

6:11 p.m. The Senate began voting on the nomination of Alexander Acosta to be Secretary of Labor.

5:44 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke about veterans.

5:12 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke regarding national monuments, specifically in Utah.

5:00 p.m. Senator Wicker spoke about Navy pilot issues involving insufficient oxygen.

4:40 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the Republican health care proposal and Secretary DeVos.

4:30 p.m. Senator Boozman spoke about former Congressman Jay Dickey.

4:15 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke about excessive government regulation.

3:45 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about climate change.

2:58 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke about the government funding bill and provisions for mine workers.

2:43 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke supporting the Acosta nomination.

2:27 p.m. Senator Moran spoke about Veterans Affairs accountability.

2:03 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change and its impact on agriculture.

1:50 p.m. Senator Gardner spoke about CSU professor John Strayer.

1:39 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about burdensome federal regulations.

1:17 p.m. Senator Heller spoke about the appropriations process.

12:48 p.m. Senator Cantwell spoke about national monuments and public lands.

12:28 p.m. Senator Bennett spoke about national monuments and public lands.

12:20 p.m. Senator Flake paid tribute to students of Snow Flake Junior High School for winning the Samsung STEM contest and spoke on NAFTA.

12:04 p.m. Sentator Blunt spoke on burdensome federal regulations.

11:52 a.m. Senator Rounds spoke about health care regulatory hurdles hindering job growth.

11:31 a.m. Senator Carper spoke about the proposed wall along the Mexican border and health care.

11:19 a.m. Senator Barasso spoke about foreign policy lapses durning the Obama administration focusing on the Iran deal.

11:04 a.m. Senator Murphy spoke about President Trump’s planned address to the NRA and gun violence.

10:47 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the negotiations on federal spending. He spoke about the proposed tax overhaul. He spoke about the health care proposal before the House. He spoke about the power of wealth in Washington.

10:29 a.m. Senators Cornyn spoke about military readiness.

10:13 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about whistleblowers in te Pentagon.

10:03 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the proposed tax overhaul and about the nomination of Alexander Acosta to be labor secretary.

10:02 a.m. Senator Boozman welcomed the guest chaplain, Pastor Marty Sloan of Arkansas.

***

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and will resume post-cloture consideration of the nomination of Alexander Acosta to be secretary of labor.

If all time is used the confirmation vote will occur at about 6:00 p.m.

2:05 p.m. The Senate has adjourned until 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 27. During wrap-up the Senate agreed to S. Res. 123, Designating May 20th as Kids to Parks Day, by unanimous consent. Post-cloture debate time on the Acosta nomination ends around 6:10 p.m. April 27th.

*****

1:48 p.m. Senator Warren spoke against the Acosta nomination.

1:05 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke on the anniversary of the deep water horizon mishap.

12:20 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about wilderness protections designations.

12:11 p.m. Senator Murray spoke against the Acosta nomination.

12:10 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Acosta nomination 61-39.

Senators voting in favor: 52 Republicans, 8 Democrats (‪Cortez Masto, Heitkamp, Manchin, McCaskill, Menendez, Nelson, Tester and Warner), 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 38 Democrats, 1 Independent: Sanders.

11:31 a.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the Acosta nomination to be Secretary of Labor.

11:28 a.m. Senator Rubio spoke supporting the Acosta nomination.

11:13 a.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke about the 30th anniversary of the L’Ambiance Plaza disaster, against the Acosta nomination, and the pending government spending bill.

11:00 a.m. Senator Cotton spoke about former Congressman Jay Dickey.

10:28 a.m. Senator Flake spoke about mental illness among military veterans.

10 a.m. The Senate resumed consideration of the Acosta nomination. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the negotiations over a spending bill. He spoke about taxes, North Korea and the first 100 days of the Trump administration.

9:50 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the repeal of economic regulations. He spoke about tax legislation.

9:33 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about today’s White House briefing on North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. He spoke about the Rosenstein and Acosta nominations. He spoke about the pending government spending bill.

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m.  Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to resume consideration of the nomination of Alexander Acosta to be Secretary of Labor.

At 11:30 a.m., the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Acosta nomination. If cloture is invoked, there will then be up to 30 hours of debate followed by a vote on confirmation of the nomination.

As a reminder, at 3:00 p.m., at the White House, the Administration will brief Senators on North Korea

The Senate adjourned at 5:44 p.m., and will reconvene at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday April 26, 2017.

5:41 p.m. Senator Thune wrapped up the Senate session for the day.  The following were passed by unanimous consent:

S.Res.105 – Centennial of the 41^st Division

S.Res.122 – 911 Education Month

S.Res.128 – CDH Awareness Month

S.Res.129 – Second Chance Month

S.Res.130 – U.S. Entry into WWI

S.Res.131 – National Crime Victims’ Rights

S.Res.133 – Congratulating UNC Men’s Basketball

S.Res.140 – Parkinson’s Awareness Month

S.Res.141 – Congratulating USC Women’s Basketball

S.Res.142 – Virginia Tech Tragedy 10 Year Anniversary

5:29 p.m. The Senate began consideration of the nomination of Alex Acosta to be Secretary of Labor.

5:28 p.m. The Rosenstein nomination was confirmed 94-6.

Senators voting in favor: 52 Republicans, 41 Democrats, 2 Independents: King and Sanders.

Senators voting against: 6 Democrats: Blumenthal, Booker, Cortez Masto, Gillibrand, Harris and Warren.

5:00 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of Rod Rosenstein to be Deputy Attorney General.

4:14 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke about Russian interference and also about the Rosenstein nomination.

4:03 p.m. Senator Cassidy spoke about Senator Kennedy’s maiden speech and the future of their work together.

3:50 p.m. Senator Kennedy spoke about Dodd-Frank and community banks.

3:25 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke in favor of the Rosenstein nomination.

3:15 p.m. Leader McConnell paid tribute to his departing Chief of Staff.

3:00 p.m. Senator Thune spoke on the importance of the American worker. The Senate set up a 5:00 p.m.  roll call vote on  the nomination of Rod Rosenstein, of MD, to be the Deputy Attorney General.

2:53 p.m. Senator Durbin praised Senator Duckworth for her speech.

2:31 p.m. Senator Duckworth spoke about her priorities as a new Senator.

2:25 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about immigration, particularly from El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala; and the Trump administration proposal for a wall.

2:17 p.m. Senator Fischer paid tribute to William Bailey of Bellevue Nebraska, who was killed in Iraq in May of 2007.

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

12:3o p.m.  The Senate recessed until 2:15 p.m., to accommodate the weekly caucus luncheons.

12:15 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke in support of the Rosenstein nomination.

11:50 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the record of the new Congress and the Trump administration.

11:42 a.m. Senator Peters spoke on Michigan farmers.

11:10 a.m. Senator Cantwell spoke about the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah.

10:18 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about the government funding legislation and President Trump’s first 100 days.

10:06 a.m. Senator Durbin echoed the comments of ML McConnell about the Holocaust and Days of Remembrance. Senator Durbin spoke about the Rosenstein nomination.

10:02 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about advancing the Rosenstein and Acosta nominations, funding the government, and recognized the Holocaust and the Days of Remembrance ceremonies.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the nomination of Rod Rosenstein, post-cloture.

The Senate will recess from 12:30 until 2:15 pm.

Cloture has been filed on the nomination of Alex Acosta to be Secretary of Labor.

6:53 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 10 a.m. Tuesday.

6:52 p.m. Senator McConnell secured consent for this business tomorrow: the Senate will convene at 10 a.m. and will consider the Rosenstein nomination. The Senate will recess for policy luncheons from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m.

6:33 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about the release of an American citizen imprisoned in Egypt.  He spoke about reports that pro-Russian forces in Chechnya have violated the rights of gay men. He paid tribute to a departing employee, Alex Burgo.

6:28 p.m. Senator Wicker spoke about the death of Joseph Stone, a member of the international monitoring mission in Ukraine.

6:24 p.m. Senator Boozman spoke on the confirmation of Governor Perdue’s nomination.

6:23 p.m. Senator Perdue spoke on the confirmation of Governor Perdue’s nomination.

6:22 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Rosenstein nomination. Vote was 92 to 6.

Senators voting against: Blumenthal, Booker, Cortez Masto, Gillibrand, Harris, and Warner.

6:03 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the nomination of Rod Rosenstein to be Deputy Attorney General.

6:02 p.m. The nomination was confirmed 87-11.

Senators in favor: 50 Republicans, 36 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 10 Democrats: Blumenthal, Booker, Gillibrand, Harris, Markey, Menendez, Reed, Warren, Whitehouse, Wyden; 1 Independent: Sanders.

Senators voting Present: Perdue

Senators not voting: Flake

5:30 p.m. The confirmation vote began on the nomination of Sonny Perdue to be agriculture secretary.

5:05 p.m. Senator Tester spoke in support of the Perdue nomination and about the USDA budget.

4:49 p.m. Senator Markey paid tribute to Trish Raidenburg.

4:43 p.m. The Senate agreed by voice vote to the motion to proceed to the nomination of R. Alexander Acosta to be Secretary of Labor and ML McConnell filed cloture on the Acosta nomination. This sets up a vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Acosta nomination for Wednesday, April, 26th. 

4:31 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke in favor of the Perdue nomination.

3:36 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke about the designation of land in Utah for federal protection.

3:25 p.m. The Senate resumed consideration of the Perdue nomination.

3:10 p.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about Matthew McClanahan. He spoke about the federal spending bill. He spoke about the record of the Trump administration’s first 100 days. He spoke about the Rosenstein nomination.

3:02 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the talks on the federal spending bill and on the Perdue and Rosenstein nominations,  under consideration today.  He spoke in memory of journalist Kate O’Beirne and of Matthew McClanahan, the Capitol worker killed in an accident last week.

***

The Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m., and following any leader remarks, will resume consideration of the nomination of Sonny Perdue to be Secretary of Agriculture.

A vote on confirmation of the nomination is expected at 5:30 p.m.

Following the disposition of the Perdue nomination, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Rod Rosenstein to be Deputy Attorney General.