The Senate convened for a pro forma session at 3:15 p.m.

Senator Kennedy presided and no business was conducted.

8:50 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 23 for a pro forma session only.   Next votes expected on January 6, 2020.

During Today’s session:

Roll Call Votes

1.       Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.1865: LaborH, Ag, Energy and Water, Interior, Leg Branch, MilconVA, ForeignOps, THUD Appropriations and the extra items; invoked: 71-21.

2.       Motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the motion to concur re: H.R.1865; agreed to: 64-30.

3.       Motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.1865; agreed to: 71-23.

4.       Confirmation of Executive Calendar #465, Anuraag Singhal, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida; confirmed: 76-17.

5.       Confirmation of Executive Calendar #466, Karen Spencer Marston, of Pennsylvania, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; confirmed: 87-6.

6.       Confirmation of Executive Calendar #480, Daniel Mack Traynor, of North Dakota, to be United States District Judge for the District of North Dakota; confirmed: 51-41.

7.       Confirmation of Executive Calendar #481, Jodi W. Dishman, of Oklahoma, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma; confirmed: 75-17.

8.       Confirmation of Executive Calendar #490, John M. Gallagher, of Pennsylvania, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; confirmed: 83-9.

9.       Confirmation of Executive Calendar #536, Bernard Maurice Jones II, of Oklahoma, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma; confirmed: 91-3.

10.   Confirmation of Executive Calendar #354, Mary Kay Vyskocil, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York; confirmed: 91-3.

11.   Confirmation of Executive Calendar #383, Kea Whetzal Riggs, of New Mexico, to be United States District Judge for the District of New Mexico; confirmed: 94-0.

12.   Confirmation of Executive Calendar #234, Robert J. Colville, of Pennsylvania, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania; confirmed: 66-27.

13.   Confirmation of Executive Calendar #349,  Lewis J. Liman, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York; confirmed: 64-29

14.   Confirmation of Executive Calendar #550, Stephen E. Biegun, of Michigan, to be Deputy Secretary of State; confirmed: 90-3.

15.   Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.1158: Defense, CJS, FSGG, DHS Appropriations; invoked: 77-16.

16.   Motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.1158: Defense, CJS, FSGG, DHS Appropriations; agreed to: 81-11.

Legislative Business

Concurred in the House amendment to S.151: TRACED Act.

Passed Calendar #328, S.1822: Broadband DATA with Wicker substitute amendment.

Adopted S.Res.459: to constitute the majority party’s membership on certain committees for the One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, or until their successors are chosen.

Adopted S.Res.460: congratulating the American Geophysical Union on the occasion of its centennial.

Adopted S.Res.461: congratulating Seattle Sounders FC on winning the 2019 Major League Soccer Cup.

Adopted S.Res.462: National One Health Awareness Month.

Agreed to H.Con.Res.81: directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make a correction in the enrollment of H.R.1158.

Agreed to H.Con.Res.82: directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make a correction in the enrollment of H.R.1865.

Passed Calendar #144, S.1309: Combating Global Corruption Act, with Cardin substitute amendment.

Passed S.3147: a bill requiring reports on VA patient safety and quality of care.

Passed S.221 with Gardner amendment: Department of Veterans Affairs Provider Accountability Act

Passed H.R. 2385: a bill to establish a grant program for cemetery research and produce educational materials for the Veterans Legacy Program

Passed S. 2096 with Boozman amendment: a bill to authorize States and tribal organizations that receive grants from the National Cemetery Administration to use such grants for training

Passed H.R.1424: Fallen Warrior Battlefield Cross Memorial Act.

Passed Calendar #274, S.439: End Plush Retirements Act, with a Cardin amendment.

Passed Calendar #203, S.1434: Construction Consensus Procurement Improvement Act, with Portman amendment.

Passed H.R.550: Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal

Passed S.1029: Dogs as Witness Guardians Act, with Cornyn amendment.

Passed Calendar #144, S.1309: to identify and combat corruption in countries, to establish a tiered system of countries with respect to levels of corruption by their governments and their efforts to combat such corruption, and to asses United States assistance to designated countries in order to advance anti-corruption efforts in those countries and better serve United States taxpayers, with a Cardin substitute amendment.

Passed Calendar #286, S.1608: to provide for the publication by the Secretary of Health and Human Services of physical activity recommendations for Americans.

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

·       H.R.397, Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act of 2019

·       H.R.1759, BRIDGE for Workers Act

·       H.R.4018, to provide that the amount of time that an elderly offender must serve before being eligible for placement in home detention is to be reduced by the amount of good time credits earned by the prisoner, and for other purposes.

Began the Rule 14 process to place S.3148, to amend the Controlled Substance Act to list fentanyl-related substances as schedule I controlled substances (Johnson).

Additional Executive Business

Confirmed the following nominations by voice vote:

·       Executive Calendar #356, Gary Richard Brown, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of New York

·       Executive Calendar #357, Stephanie Dawkins Davis, of Michigan, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan

COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION

·       Executive Calendar #492 – Michael Graham, of Kansas, to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board for a term expiring December 31, 2020.

·       Executive Calendar #496 – Michael Graham, of Kansas, to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board for a term expiring December 31, 2025.

·       PN 1228 – Thomas B. Chapman, of Maryland, to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board for a term expiring December 31, 2023

ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL

·       Executive Calendar #553 – J. Brett Blanton, of Virginia, to be Architect of the Capitol for the term of ten years.

COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS

·       Executive Calendar #548 – Sean O’Donnell, of Maryland, to be Inspector General, Environmental Protection Agency.

COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY

·       Executive Calendar #497 – LaJuana S. Wilcher, of Kentucky, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation.

COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES

·       Executive Calendar #507 – Dana S. Deasy, of Virginia, to be Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense.

·       Executive Calendar #508 – Lisa W. Hershman, of Indiana, to be Chief Management Officer of the Department of Defense.

·       Executive Calendar #509 – Robert John Sander, of Virginia, to be General Counsel of the Department of the Navy.

Confirmed the following nominations by unanimous consent:

FOREIGN SERVICE PROMOTIONS

·       PN 1318 – There are 41 nominations, beginning with Shon Stephen Belcher, and ending with David Mango

·       PN 1319 – There are 154 nominations, beginning with Kara Miriam Abramson, and ending with Megan Elizabeth Zurowski

·       PN 1321 – There are 119 nominations, beginning with Jenny U. Abamu, and ending with Hamda A. Yusuf

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

·       Executive Calendar #518 – David T. Fischer, of Michigan, to  be Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco.

·       Executive Calendar #519 – Morse H. Tan, of Illinois, to be Ambassador at Large for Global Criminal Justice.

·       Executive Calendar #520 – Roxanne Cabral, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

·       Executive Calendar #522 – Leslie Meredith Tsou, 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 Sultanate of Oman.

·       Executive Calendar #523 – Yuri Kim, of Guam, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Albania.

·       Executive Calendar #524 – Carmen G. Cantor, of Puerto Rico, to be Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia.

·       Executive Calendar #526 – Robert S. Gilchrist, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Lithuania.

·       Executive Calendar #527 – Alina L. Romanowski, of Illinois, to be Ambassador to the State of Kuwait.

·       Executive Calendar #528 – Kelly C. Degnan, of California, to be Ambassador to Georgia.

·       Executive Calendar #529 – Peter M. Haymond, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

·       Executive Calendar #411 – Michelle A. Bekkering, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development.

7:02 p.m. The Senate passed by unanimous consent H.R. 2624, the Fallen Warrior Battlefield Cross Memorial Act.

5:55 p.m. ML McConnell spoke on his discussions with DL Schumer regarding impeachment. ML McConnell announced that the Senate will reconvene for the 116th Congress, 2nd Session, at 12:00 pm on Friday, January 3rd. Please note, the first votes in the Senate are expected on Monday, January 6th, 2020.

5:14 p.m. Senator Portman spoke supporting the USMCA.

5:06 p.m. Senator Tester spoke honoring William Ebeltoff.

4:58 p.m. Senator Thune gave a tribute to his father.

4:56 p.m. The Senate agreed to the “minibus 2”, 81-11.

Senators voting against: 7 Democrats: Carper, Gillibrand, Markey, Merkley, Schumer, Van Hollen and Wyden; 4 Republicans: Braun, Cruz, Hawley and Lee.

Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 2 Republicans: Isakson and Paul; 1 Independent: Sanders.

4:36 p.m. Roll call vote began on passage of the “Minibus #2”.

4:35 p.m. The Senate invoked cloture on H.R. 1158, Minibus #2, 77-16.

Senators voting in favor:  42 Republicans, 34 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 9 Republicans: Blackburn, Braun, Cassidy, Cruz, Ernst, Hawley, Johnson, Lee and Toomey; 7 Democrats: Carper, Gillibrand, Markey, Merkley, Schumer, Van Hollen and Wyden.

Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 2 Republicans: Isakson and Paul; 1 Independent: Sanders.

4:21 p.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to invoke cloture on H.R. 1158, Minibus #2 (Defense, CJS, FSGG, DHS Appropriations)

4:20 p.m. The Senate confirmed the Biegun nomination to be Deputy Secretary of State, 90-3.

Senators Gillibrand, Hirono, and Markey voted no.

Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar, and Warren; 2 Republicans: Isakson and Paul; 1 Independent: Sanders.

4:08 p.m. The Senate began voting on the nomination of Stephen E. Biegun to be Deputy Secretary of State.

4:07 p.m. The Brown and Davis nominations were confirmed by voice vote. 

4:07 p.m. The Liman nomination was confirmed, 64-29.

Senators not voting: 5 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Hassan, Klobuchar, and Warren; 1 Republican: Isakson; 1 Independent: Sanders.

3:55 p.m. The Senate began voting on the nomination of Louis Liman to be U.S. District Judge for the Southern District NY.

3:53 p.m. The Colville nomination was confirmed, 66-27.

Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar, and Warren; 2 Republicans: Isakson and Paul; 1 Independent: Sanders.

3:39 p.m. The Senate began voting on the nomination of Robert Colville to be U.S. District Judge for the Western District of PA.

3:38 p.m. Senator McConnell announced that following disposition of the Davis confirmation that the Senate proceed to vote on the nomination of Stephen Biegun to be Deputy Secretary of State. Following that vote they will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on H.R. 1158 (Minibus #2) and if cloture is invoked they will immediately vote on passage of H.R. 1158.

3:38 p.m. The Riggs nomination was confirmed, 94-0

Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar, and Warren; 1 Republican: Isakson; 1 Independent: Sanders.

3:26 p.m. Roll Call vote began on Kea Riggs to be United States District Judge for the District of New Mexico.

3:25 p.m. The Vyskocil nomination was confirmed, 91-3.

Senators voting against: Gillibrand, Heinrich and Markey.

Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar, and Warren; 1 Republican: Isakson; 1 Independent: Sanders.

3:14 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the nomination of Mary Vyskocil to be US District judge for the Southern District of New York.

3:14 p.m. The Jones nomination was confirmed 91-3.

Senators voting against: 3 Democrats: Gillibrand, Markey and Schumer.

Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar, and Warren; 1 Republican: and Isakson; 1 Independent: Sanders.

3:02 p.m. Roll call vote began on the nomination of Bernard Jones to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma.

3:01 p.m. The Gallagher nomination was confirmed 83-9.  

Senators voting against: 9 Democrats: Voting no: Bennet, Cantwell, Gillibrand, Markey, Merkley, Murray, Schumer, Stabenow and Wyden.

Senators not voting: 5 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar, Warner and Warren; 2 Republicans: Burr and Isakson; 1 Independent: Sanders.

2:49 p.m. Roll call vote began on the nomination of John Gallagher to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

2:48 p.m. The Dishman nomination was confirmed 75-17.

Senators voting in favor: 51 Republicans, 23 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 17 Democrats: Baldwin, Blumenthal, Cantwell, Gillibrand, Heinrich, Hirono, Markey, Merkley, Murray, Schatz, Schumer, Smith, Stabenow, Udall, Van Hollen and Wyden.

Senators not voting: 5 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar, Warner and Warren; 2 Republicans: Burr and Isakson; 1 Independent: Sanders.

2:33 p.m. Roll call vote began on the nomination of  Jodi Dishman to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma.

2:32 p.m. The Traynor nomination was confirmed on a party line tally of 51-41.

Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar, Warner and Warren; 2 Republicans: Burr and Isakson; 1 Independent: Sanders.

2:20 p.m. Roll call vote began on the nomination of Daniel Traynor to be United States District Judge for the District of North Dakota.

2:19 p.m. The Marston nomination was confirmed 87-6.

Senators voting no: Gillibrand, Markey, Merkley, Schumer, Smith and Wyden.

Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 2 Republicans: Burr and Isakson; 1 Independent: Sanders.

2:07 p.m. Roll call vote began on the nomination of Karen Marston to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

2:06 p.m. The Singhal nomination was confirmed 76-17.

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

1:45 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on Confirmation of the Singhal nomination to be a Judge for the Southern District of Florida.

1:29 p.m. Senator Peters spoke supporting the nomination of Stephanie Davis to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan.

1:26 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke on significant events that have occurred on December 19th.

1:13 p.m. Senator Schatz asked u.c. to pass Federal Employees Technical Correction Act. Senator Toomey asked u.c. to pass H.R. 748, Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act and that the Toomey amendment be agreed to. Senator Schatz objected to Senator Toomey’s request. Senator Toomey objected to Senator Schatz’s original request.

1:15 p.m. The domestic appropriations package was agreed to 71—23.

Senators voting in favor: 39 Democrats, 31 Republicans, 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 21 Republicans: Barasso, Blackburn, Braun, Cassidy, Cornyn,Cotton, Cruz, Daines, Enzi, Hawley, Inhofe, Johnson, Kennedy, ‪Lankford, Lee, Paul, Risch, Sasse, Scott (FL), Scott (SC), and Toomey; 2 Democrats: Carper and Gillibrand.

Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 1 Republican: Isakson; 1 Independent: Sanders.

12:49 p.m. Roll call vote began on the motion to concur with the House Message to accompany H.R.1865., the domestic appropriations package.

12:48 p.m. The motion to waive was agreed to 64-30.

Senators voting against: 26 Republicans and 4 Democrats

Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 1 Republican: Isakson; 1 Independent: Sanders.

12:21 p.m. Roll call vote began on the motion to waive the budget act with respect to the domestic appropriations package, the House Message to accompany H.R.1865.

12:20 p.m. Senator Shelby offered a motion to waive the budget act.

12:16 p.m. Senator Enzi raised a budget point of order on the domestic appropriations package.

12:11 p.m. Senator Baldwin paid tribute to her retiring chief of Staff Bill Moratt.

12:08 p.m. Senator Lee asked UC to take up and pass S. 1625 , Senator Wicker objected.

12:06 p.m. Senator Wicker asked UC to take up and pass H.R. 4998 , Senator Lee objected.

12:03 p.m. Senator Wicker acheived UC to take up and pass S. 1822 regarding broadband.

11:45 a.m. Senators Thune and Markey spoke on the robocall bill, and passed the bill, S. 151, by voice vote.

11:38 a.m. Cloture was invoked, 71-21. 

Senators voting in favor: 31 Republicans, 39 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 20 Republicans: Barasso, Blackburn, Braun, Cassidy, Cruz, Daines, Enzi, Ernst, Hawley, Inhofe, Johnson, Lankford, Lee, Paul, Risch, Sasse, Scott (FL), Scott (SC), and Toomey; 2 Democrats: Carper and Gillibrand.

Senators not voting: 5 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar, Udall and Warren; 2 Republicans: Cotton and Isakson; 1 Independent: Sanders.

11:03 a.m. Roll call vote began on the motion to invoke cloture on the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1865.

10:57 a.m. Senator Shelby spoke about appropriations.

10:47 a.m. Senator Leahy spoke about appropriations.

10:27 a.m. Senator Lee spoke about the pending spending measures.

10:11 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke for the articles of impeachment.

10:07 a.m. These measures were placed, en bloc, on the Senator calendar: H.R.357, amendments to the tax code; H.R.1759 amendments to the Social Security Act; H.R.4018, regarding misdemeanor imprisonment.

9:34 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke against the articles of impeachment that the House has lodged against President Trump.

*****

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

Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of House Message to accompany H.R.1865: LaborH, Ag, Energy and Water, Interior, Leg Branch, MilconVA, ForeignOps, THUD Appropriations.

11:00 a.m. – 1 roll call vote: cloture on House Message to accompany H.R.1865.

Cloture has also been filed on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.1158: Defense, CJS, FSGG, DHS Appropriations.

At a time to be determined, the Senate will vote on confirmation of the pending nominations:

1. Anuraag Singhal to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida.

2. Karen Marston to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

3. Daniel Traynor to be United States District Judge for the District of North Dakota

4. Jodi Dishman to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma

5. John Gallagher to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

6. Bernard Jones to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma

7. Mary Vyskocil to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York

8. Kea Riggs to be United States District Judge for the District of New Mexico

9. Robert Colville to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania

10. Lewis Liman to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York

11. Gary Brown to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of New York

12. Stephanie Davis to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan

Cloture has also been filed on Executive Calendar #550, Stephen Biegun to be Deputy Secretary of State

8:07 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, December 19, to consider the measures to continue government spending through fiscal year 2020:  H.R.1865: LaborH, Ag, Energy and Water, Interior, Leg Branch, MilconVA, ForeignOps, THUD Appropriations and H.R.1158: Defense, CJS, FSGG, DHS Appropriations.

At 11:00 a.m., there will be a cloture vote on motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.1865 (LaborH, Ag, Energy and Water, Interior, Leg Branch, MilconVA, ForeignOps, THUD Appropriations).

Upon disposition of the house message re: H.R. 1865, cloture will ripen on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1158 (Defense, CJS, FSGG, DHS Appropriations).

At a time TBD, the Senate will also vote on confirmation of pending nominations. Thursday’s votes will be taken at 10-minute intervals.

*Cloture has also been filed on Executive Calendar #550, Stephen E. Biegun, of Michigan, to be Deputy Secretary of State.

During wrap-up:

• Confirmed: Exec. Cal. #551, Maj. Gen. Douglas M. Gabram to be Lieutenant General, as well as the all the Nominations Placed on the Secretary’s Desk in the Air Force and Army.
• S. 153, to promote veteran involvement in STEM education, computer science, and scientific research, passed by unanimous consent.
• H. R. 3196, Vera C. Rubin Observatory Designation Act, passed by unanimous consent.
• S. 3105, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 456 North Meridian Street in Indianapolis, Indiana, as the “Richard G. Lugar Post Office”, passed by unanimous consent.
• S. Con. Res. 31, recognizing the importance and significance of the 2020 Census and encouraging individuals, families, and households across the United States to participate in the 2020 Census to ensure a complete and accurate count, adopted by unanimous consent.
• S. Res. 450, recognizing the 71st anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the celebration of “Human Rights Day”, adopted by unanimous consent.
• Began Rule 14 process to place on the calendar, en bloc by unanimous consent:
  • H.R. 397, Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act of 2019
  • H.R. 1759, BRIDGE for Workers Act
  • H.R. 4018, to provide that the amount of time that an elderly offender must serve before being eligible for placement in home detention is to be reduced by the amount of good time credits earned by the prisoner, and for other purposes.

****

7:31 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke about impeachment and appropriations.

7:19 p.m. Senator Cassidy spoke about health care.

7:21 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the nomination of Stephanie Davis to be US District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan, 90 to 1. Senator Hirono voted No.

6:52 p.m. Roll call vote began on the nomination of Stephanie Davis to be US District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan.

6:51 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Brown nomination, 91-2.

Senators voting against: Hirono and Sullivan.

Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 2 Republicans: Isakson and Paul; 1 Independent: Sanders.

6:34 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the nomination of Gary Brown to be a Judge for the Eastern District of New York.

6:33 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell and Democrat Leader Schumer spoke about enforcing 10 minute votes tomorrow.

6:32 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Riggs nomination, 92-1.

Senators voting against: Hirono

Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 2 Republicans: Isakson and Paul; 1 Independent: Sanders.

6:11 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the nomination of Kea Riggs to be a Judge for the District of New Mexico.

6:11 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Vyskocil nomination, 89-4. 

Senators voting against:5 Democrats: Gillibrand, Heinrich, Hirono and Markey.

Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 2 Republicans: Isakson and Paul; 1 Independent: Sanders.

5:52 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the nomination of Mary Vyskocil to be a Judge for the Southern District of New York.

5:52 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Jones nomination, 88-5.

Senators voting against: 5 Democrats: Gillibrand, Hirono, Markey, Schatz and Schumer.

Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 2 Republicans: Isakson and Paul; 1 Independent: Sanders.

5:31 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the nomination of Bernard Jones to be District Judge for Western Oklahoma.

5:30 p.m. Senator Thune achieved consent to vitiate cloture on the following nominations:

• Robert Colville to be a Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania
• Lewis Liman to be a Judge for the Southern District of New York

5:30 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Gallagher nomination, 82-10.

Senators voting against: 10 Democrats: Bennet, Cantwell, Gillibrand, Hirono, Markey, Merkley, Murray, Schatz, Schumer and Wyden.

Senators not voting: 5 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar, Stabenow and Warren; 2 Republicans: Isakson and Paul; 1 Independent: Sanders.

5:12 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the nomination of John Gallagher to be a Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

5:12 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Dishman nomination, 76-17.

Senators voting NO: Baldwin, Blumenthal, Cantwell, Gillibrand, Heinrich, Hirono, Markey, Menendez, Merkley, Murray, Schatz, Schumer, Smith, Stabenow, Udall, Van Hollen, and Wyden.

Senators NOT voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar ane Warren;  2 Republicans: Isakson and Paul; 1 Independent: Sanders.

4:55 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the nomination of Jodi Dishman to be a District Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma.

4:54 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Traynor nomination on a party line tally of 51-42.

Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 2 Republicans: Isakson and Paul; 1 Independent: Sanders.

4:39 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the nomination of Daniel Traynor to be a District Judge for the District of North Dakota.

4:38 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Marston nomination, 85-7.

Senators voting against: 7 Democrats: Gillibrand, Hirono, Markey, Merkley, Schatz, Schumer and Wyden.

Senators not voting: 5 Democrats: Booker, Duckworth, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 2 Republicans: Isakson and Paul; 1 Independent: Sanders.

4:00 p.m. The Senate began voting on the cloture motion on the nomination of Karen Spencer Marston to be U.S District Judge for Eastern PA.

3:52 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke in support of the nomination of Stephanie Dawkins Davis.

3:41 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about retirement savings.

3:31 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about immigration and the green card backlog.

3:26 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the appropriations process, the tax code, and the deficit.

3:05 p.m. Senator Warner spoke about veterans exposed to Agent Orange.

2:41 p.m. Senators Rubio and Scott spoke about the terrorist attack in Pensacola. S. Res. 457 (Condemning the terrorist attack) was agreed to by unanimous consent.

2:40 p.m Senator Thune announced that the Senate will vote on the remaining cloture motions (up to 11) at 4:00.

2:37 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Singhal nomination, 76-18.

Senators voting in favor: 52 Republicans, 23 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 18 Democrats: Baldwin, Bennet, Brown, Cantwell, Gillibrand, Heinrich, Hirono, Markey, Merkley, Murray, Schatz, Schumer, Smith, Stabenow, Udall, Van Hollen, Whitehouse and Wyden.

Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 1 Republican:Isakson; 1 Independent: Sanders.

1:49 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the nomination of Anuraag Singhal to be a Judge for the Southern District of Florida.

1:48 p.m. The McFarland nomination was confirmed 56-38.

Senators voting in favor: 52 Republicans; 4 Democrats: Brown, Jones, Manchin and Sinema.

Senators voting against: 37 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.

Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 1 Republican:Isakson; 1 Independent: Sanders.

1:11 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of Matthew McFarland to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio.

12:41 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about FIRST STEP Act

12:19 p.m. Senator Van Hollen spoke about federal civil service.

12:01 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke on the pensions of coal miners.

11:36 a.m. Senator Cramer spoke supporting the Traynor nomination.

11:27 a.m. Senator Kennedy spoke about the 5G Spectrum Act.

11:21 a.m. Senator Hirono spoke about the shooting at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.

11:11 a.m. Senator Cruz spoke about hostages Austin Tice and the Citgo Six.

11:10 a.m. The Senate invoked cloture on Matthew McFarland to be a District Judge for southern Ohio, 55-38.

Democrats in favor: Senators Brown, Jones, Manchin and Sinema.

Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 2 Republicans:Burr and Isakson; 1 Independent: Sanders.

10:39 a.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the nomination of Matthew McFarland to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio.

10:27 a.m. Democratic Leader Schumer spoke on impeachment and the appropriations bills the Senate will vote on tomorrow.

10:23 a.m. Senator Hassan achieved UC to change her vote from yes to no on vote #380.

10:08 a.m. Senator Thune spoke on the remaining agenda in the Senate this year and his accomplishments and priorities for South Dakota.

10:01 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke on impeachment and the appropriations bills the Senate will vote on Thursday.

9:38 a.m.  Senator Durbin spoke on the raising of the smoking age to 21 and the increase in vaping by young people.

9:33 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about a bill reducing prescription drug pricing, specifically discussing patients with Parkinson’s disease.

9:30 a.m. The Senate convened.

***

The Senate  will convene at 9:30 a.m. and resume consideration of Executive Calendar #382, Matthew McFarland to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio.

10:30 a.m. – 1 roll call vote on cloture on the McFarland nomination.  If cloture is invoked, there will be up to 2 hours of post-cloture debate time followed by a vote on confirmation, at which time the cloture petition on the next district judge will ripen and the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the next nomination in the order listed below.

Majority Leader McConnell has also filed cloture on the following nominations:

• Anuraag Singhal to be a Judge for the Southern District of Florida.
• Karen Spencer Marston to be a Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
• Daniel Mack Traynor to be a Judge for the District of North Dakota.
• Jodi W. Dishman to be a Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma.
• John M. Gallagher to be a Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
• Bernard Maurice Jones II to be a Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma.
• Mary Kay Vyskocil to be a Judge for the Southern District of New York.
• Kea Whetzal Riggs to be a Judge for the District of New Mexico.
• Robert J. Colville to be a Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
• Lewis J. Liman to be a Judge for the Southern District of New York.
• Gary Richard Brown to be a Judge for the Eastern District of New York.
• Stephanie Dawkins Davis to be a Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Cloture has also been filed on:

• the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.1865: LaborH, Ag, Energy and Water, Interior, Leg Branch, MilconVA, ForeignOps, THUD Appropriations and the extra items.
• the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.1158: Defense, CJS, FSGG, DHS Appropriations.

Absent an agreement, the cloture petitions on the appropriations bills will ripen upon disposition of the judicial nominations listed above or one hour after the Senate convenes on Thursday, whichever is later.

5:55 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on the environment.

5:45 p.m. Leader McConnell wrapped up and set the schedule.

5:08 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about Inspector General’s report into the FBI’s counterintelligence investigation.

4:54 p.m. Senators Ernst and Cornyn spoke supporting the Debbie Smith act. Senator Cornyn asked u.c. to pass H.R. 777, Debbie Smith Re-authorization Act of 2019. The bill was passed by u.c.

4:31 p.m. Senators Enzi and Whitehouse spoke on the bipartisan Congressional Budget Reform Act.

4:16 p.m. Senator Romney spoke honoring Commissioner Howard.

4:05 p.m. Senator Barasso spoke about the anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.

3:48 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke about appropriations.

3:28 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about taxes.

3:17 p.m. Senator Capito spoke about appropriations.

3:11 p.m. Senator Scott (FL) spoke about Venezuela.

3:00 p.m. Senator Hyde Smith paid tribute to Senator Isakson.

2:54 p.m. Senator Gardner paid tribute to first responders, signaling out 5 Coloradoans who died in the line of duty in 2019.

2:48 p.m. Senator Manchin paid tribute to a West Virginian World War II veteran who recently passed away.

2:20 p.m. Senator Hoeven introduced Senator Cramer who gave his “official” maiden speech.

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

1:o4 p.m. The Senate recessed until 2:15 p.m.

12:59 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke on the adopted NDAA conference report.

12:58 p.m. The Senate adopted the Conference report 86-8.

Senators voting against: 4 Democrats: Gillibrand, Markey, Merkley and Wyden; 4 Republicans: Braun, Enzi, Lee and Paul.

Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar, and Warren; 1 Independent: Sanders; 1 Republican: Isakson.

12:02 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the conference report accompanying S.1790, NDAA.

11:56 a.m. Senator Inhofe spoke supporting the S. 1790, Conference Report to accompany the Defense Authorization. Senator Inhofe moved to waive all budget points of order.

11:51 a.m. Senator Collins spoke urging support for the Conference Report to accompany S. 1790 and highlighted the repeal of the military widows tax.

11:41 a.m. Senator Jones spoke supporting the NDAA and the repeal of the widows tax.

11:20 a.m. Senator Reed spoke supporting the Conference Report to accompany S.1790, Defense Authorization.

11:16 a.m. Senator Enzi spoke on the Budget and on the budgetary impact of the NDAA.

11:07 a.m. Senator Paul spoke on the NDAA and need for fiscally responsible defense spending.

10:53 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about impeachment trial rules.

10:46 a.m. The Senate resumed consideration of the defense bill. Senator Murray spoke about Democratic nominations to the National Labor Relations Board.

10:16 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about impeachment. He reviewed to rules in force during the Clinton impeachment and the proposal by Minority Leader Schumer. He spoke about the defense authorization.

10:02 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about tax policy.

*****

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

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the conference report accompanying S.1790, Defense Authorization.

11:45 a.m. – up to 2 roll call votes:

1.       If a budget point of order is raised, Motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the conference report accompanying S.1790, NDAA.

2.       Adoption of the conference report accompanying S.1790, NDAA.

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

3:57 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, December 9. They will resume consideration of Patrick Bumatay to be a circuit judge for the 9th Circuit. At 5:30 p.m. they will vote on the cloture motion in relation to the Bumatay nomination.

Passed during wrap up:

S. 743-awarding Congressional Gold Medal to the members of “Merrill’s Marauders.”

3:33 p.m. Senator Boozman spoke about trade.

3:24 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about climate change.

2:49 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the World Bank and the Department of Defense.

2:19 p.m. Senator Kennedy spoke on the 5G auction decision.

2:15 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on the following nominations:

• Patrick Bumatay to be a circuit judge for the 9th Circuit
• Lawrence VanDyke to be a circuit judge for the 9th circuit
• John Sullivan to be Ambassador to Russia
• Stephen Hahn to be Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration
• Aurelia Skipwith to be Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service

2:14 p.m. The Duncan nomination was confirmed 89-0.

Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 6 Republicans: Isakson, Moran, Murkowski, Paul, Perdue and Rounds; 1 Independent: Sanders.

1:33 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the nomination of Robert Duncan to be a Governor of the United States Postal Service.

1:28 p.m. Senator Whitehouse paid tribute to Senator Isakson.

1:17 p.m. Senator Coons spoke on judicial nominations.

1:00 p.m. Senators Menendez and Cruz discussed genocide in Armenia.  Menendez asked unanimous consent to take up and pass S Res 150 on that topic; Senator Cramer objected.

12:58 p.m. The Lydon nomination was confirmed 76-13.

Senators voting in favor: 47 Republicans, 28 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 13 Democrats:Bennet, Blumenthal, Brown, Cantwell, Gillibrand, Hirono, Markey, Merkley, Murray, Schatz, Schumer, Smith & Van Hollen.

Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 6 Republicans: Isakson, Moran, Murkowski, Paul, Perdue and Rounds; 1 Independent: Sanders.

12:33 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of Sherri Lydon to be United States District Judge for the District of South Carolina.

12:32 p.m. The Myers nomination was confirmed, 68-21.

Senators voting in favor: 47 Republicans, 20 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 21 Democrats: Baldwin, Bennet, Blumenthal, Brown, Cantwell, Cortez Masto, Gillibrand, Heinrich, Hirono, Markey, Menendez, Merkley, Murray, Schatz, Schumer, Smith, Stabenow, Udall, Van Hollen, Whitehouse and Wyden.

Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 6 Republicans: Isakson, Moran, Murkowski, Paul, Perdue and Rounds; 1 Independent: Sanders.

12:00 p.m. Roll call began on confirmation of Richard Myers to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

11:52 a.m. Senator Burr spoke in favor of the Myers nomination.

11:50 a.m. Senator Tillis spoke in favor of the Myers nomination.

11:39 a.m. Senator Cantwell spoke about taxes.

11:32 a.m. Senator Gardner spoke about Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona.

11:10 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about impeachment and energy.

10:50 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about impeachment.

10:35 a.m. Senator Scott of South Carolina secured consent for passage of H.R.2426, as amended, to benefit historically black colleges and to simplify the financial aid process for students from minority groups. Senators Alexander, Murray, Jones and Coons were granted recognition to join Senator Scott in a colloquy about the legislation.

10:15 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell criticized Democrats on impeachment, appropriations, and defense spending.

10:04 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the World Bank and China.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and resume consideration of the nomination of Richard Myers to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

12:00 noon – 2 roll call votes:

1.       Confirmation of Executive Calendar #479, Richard Myers to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina

2.       Confirmation of Executive Calendar #489, Sherri Lydon to be United States District Judge for the District of South Carolina

1:45pm – 1 roll call vote:

1. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #386, Robert Duncan to be a Governor of the United States Postal Service for a term expiring December 8, 2025.

Senators voting against: 16 Democrats: Blumenthal, Brown, Cantwell, Duckworth, Durbin, Heinrich, Hirono, Markey, Menendez, Merkley, Murray, Schatz, Smith, Udall, Van Hollen and Wyden.

Senators not voting: 6 Democrats: Bennet, Booker, Gillbrand, Harris, Klobuchar, Warren & Whitehouse; 1 Independent: Sanders; 1 Republican: Rounds.

12:25 p.m. The Senate is currently voting on the Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #353, John L. Sinatra, Jr., of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of New York.

11:46 a.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of Eric Komitee to be a Judge for the Eastern District of New York.  He was confirmed by a roll call vote of 86-4.
YES: 51 Republicans, 34 Democrats & independent King.
NO: Democrats Cantwell, Heinrich, Markey & Murray.
NOT VOTING: Democrats Bennet, Booker, Gillbrand, Harris, Klobuchar, Warren & Whitehouse; independent Sanders; Republicans Rounds & Scott of South Carolina…..

11:18 a.m. Senator Blackburn spoke on constituent frustration.

11:07 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke on immigration.

10:50 a.m. Senator Cotton spoke about Communist China.

10:41 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about impeachment and about Russian interference in U.S. elections. He paid tribute to Senator Isakson.

10:36 a.m. Senator Moran spoke about the trade agreement.

10:11 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal, appropriations, and the defense authorization. He paid tribute to Senator Isakson.

10:02 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about Iran.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and resume consideration of the nomination of Eric Komitee to be a Judge for the Eastern District of New York.

 Two roll call votes at 11:45 a.m.

• Confirmation of the nomination of Eric Komitee to be a Judge for the Eastern District of New York.
• Cloture on the nomination of John Sinatra to be a Judge for the Western District of New York.

The Senate will recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. for a bipartisan caucus luncheon honoring Senator Isakson.

 At 2:30 p.m Senator Isakson will deliver his farewell address.

Additional votes in relation to the pending nominations (listed below) are expected during today’s session, potentially around 5:00 p.m.

Cloture has also been filed on the following nominations:

• Sarah Pitlyk to be a Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri.
• DouglasCole to be a District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio
• Austin Huffaker to be a Judge for the Middle District of Alabama
• David Barlow to be a Judge for the District of Utah
• Richard Myers to be a Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina
• Sherri Lydon to be a Judge for the District of South Carolina.
• Robert Duncan to be a Governor of the United States Postal Service

6:23 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 10 a.m. Wednesday, whereupon it will resume post-cloture consideration of the Lagoa nomination.  A roll call vote on confirmation will occur at 11 a.m.

6:20 p.m. During wrap-up, by unanimous consent, the Senate passed en bloc Senate Resolutions  430, 431, 432,  433 and 434.  By consent, the Senate also passed H.R. 4258 to authorize the protection of the Supreme Court.

6:10 p.m. Senator Merkley secured unanimous consent for passage S. 2710.

6:04 p.m. Senator Merkley and Senator Cornyn spoke about S. 2710,  a bill to ban the export of certain munitions to the Hong Kong police.

6:02 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about the Hong Kong bill.

6 p.m. By unanimous consent, the Senate passed S. 1838.

5:46 p.m. Senator Durbin, Scott of Florida, Hawley and Cruz joined in the colloquy on Hong Kong.

5:35 p.m. Senators Risch, Cardin, Menendez and Cotton joined in the colloquy about the Hong Kong measure.

5:26 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about the Hong Kong legislation, S. 1838.

5:19 p.m. Senator Blackburn spoke about legislation to affirm U.S. support of democracy in Hong Kong.

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

4:54 p.m. Senator Burr joined in the education discussion.

4:47 p.m. Senator Casey objected.

4:44 p.m. Senator Alexander objected. He sought consent to proceed to a related measure, S. 2557.

4:33 p.m. Senator Casey spoke about historically black colleges. He sought consent to move to related legislation, H.R. 2486.

4:12 p.m. Senator Wicker spoke about television satellite access.

3:37 p.m. Senator Bennet spoke about Senator Hagen.

3:23 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke on the appropriations process, federal employees and government shutdowns.

3:12 p.m. Senator Kennedy spoke on 5G technology and praised the FCC fo their recent decision on that topic.

3:11 p.m. The Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of Barbara Lagoa to the 11th Circuit, 80-15.

No votes: 15 Democrats: Bennet, Brown, Cantwell, Cortez Masto, Gillibrand, Hirono, Markey, Merkley, Murray, Rosen, Schatz, Schumer, Stabenow, Van Hollen & Wyden.

Not voting: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar, Sanders and Warren.

2:48 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #488 Barbara Lagoa to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit.

2:47 p.m. The Senate confirmed the nomination of Robert Luck to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit by a tally of 64-31.

Senators Baldwin, Carper, Coons, Feinstein, Jones, Leahy, Manchin, Murphy, Reed, Sinema and Whitehouse joined all 53 Republicans voting yes.

Senator Booker, Harris, Klobuchar, Sanders and Warren did not vote.

2:15 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #487 Robert J. Luck to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit.

12:16 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the legislative process.

12:08 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke about the wind production tax credit.

12:01 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke about the wind production tax credit.

11:33 a.m. Senator Casey spoke on the situation in Syria and Ukraine and President Trumps relationship with Russia.  He later spoke about witnesses testifying on the impeachment inquiry.

11:17 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke on the issue of young people vaping.

10:38 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about military spending.

10:27 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about Hong Kong and related legislation. He spoke about the House impeachment inquiry. He spoke about public works.

10:04 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about appropriations,  the defense authorization, and nominations. He spoke about Iranian influence in the Middle East.

10:02 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about biofuels.

*****

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

Following Leader remarks, resume consideration of Executive Calendar #487, Robert Luck to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit, post-cloture.

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

At 2:15 p.m., two roll call votes:
1. Confirmation of the Luck nomination.

2. Cloture on nomination of Barbara Lagoa to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit.

As a reminder, cloture has also been filed on Executive Calendar #454, Adrian Zuckerman to be Ambassador to Romania.

6:27 p.m. Senate adjourns.

6:26 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell wrapped up for the evening.

Passed by UC: S 2071, repealing existing substandard provisions encouraging conciliation with tribes act; S Res 428 taking pictures in Senate chamber for use by Capitol Visitors Center.

6:19 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Luck nomination, 61-30.

Senators voting in favor: 51 Republicans, 9 Democrats: Baldwin, Coons, Feinstein, Jones, Leahy, Manchin, Reed, Sinema and Whitehouse.

Senators voting against:30 Democrats; 1 Independent: King.

Senators not voting: 6 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar, Murphy, Schatz and Warren; 2 Republicans: Isakson and Roberts; 1 Independent: Sanders.

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

5:11 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke about Ted Stevens.

4:25 p.m. Dem Leader Schumer spoke about the impeachment inquiry, e-cigarettes, and Huawei

3:34 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about appropriations and nominations. He spoke about Hong Kong.

3:02 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about appropriations.

****

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

Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of Executive Calendar #487, Robert Luck to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit.

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on cloture on the Luck nomination.

Cloture has also been filed on the following nominations:

1. Executive Calendar #488, Barbara Lagoa to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit.
2. Executive Calendar #454, Adrian Zuckerman to be Ambassador of the United States to Romania.

7:03 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned.

6:45 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke against President Trump’s invitation of President Erdogan to the White House.

6:15 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke on Chinese tariffs.

5:30 p.m. The Senate is currently voting on  the nomination of  Executive Calendar #387, Chad Wolf to be Under Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security. the nomination was agreed to by a vote of 54-40.

5:20 p.m. Senator Peters spoke against the Wolf nomination.

5:12 p.m. Senator Johnson spoke about the Wolf nomination.

5:04 p.m. Senator Rosen spoke about the Wolf nomination.

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

4:24 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about DACA and asked unanimous consent that the Senate agree to H.R. 6, The American Dream and Promise Act. Senator Blackburn objected and spoke about DACA.

4:16 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about counterfeit goods online.

3:56 p.m. Senator Van Hollen spoke against President Trump’s invitation of President Erdogan to the White House.

3:43 p.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about immigration. He spoke about nominations. He spoke about Agent Orange.

3:07 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about a trade agreement with Spain. He spoke about nominations.

3:03 p.m. Senator Grassley paid tribute to the American Legion.

*****

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

At that time, resume consideration of the nomination of  Executive Calendar #387, Chad Wolf to be Under Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security.

At 5:30 p.m. there will be a cloture vote on the Wolf nomination.

Cloture has also been filed on the nomination of  Executive Calendar #486, Steven Menashi to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit.

The Senate convened for a pro forma session at 8:00 a.m. Senator Gardner presided and no business was conducted.