The Senate convened for a pro forma session at 4:30 p.m. Senator Lee presided and no business was conducted.

4:45 p.m. The Senate concluded its business and adjourned. The next legislation session will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15.  The following pro forma sessions have been scheduled:

Friday, September 27^th at 11:40am; Tuesday, October 1^st at 12:00 Noon; Friday, October 4^th at 4:30pm; Tuesday, October 8^th at 12:00 Noon; and  Friday, October 11^th at 2:15pm.

4:40 p.m. Wrap Up:

Legislative Business

Adopted S.Res.252: designating September 2019 as “National Democracy Month”.

Adopted S.Res.346: designating October 8, 2019, as “National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day”.

Adopted S.Res.347: designating October 2, 2019, as “Energy Efficiency Day”.

Adopted S.Res.348: proclaiming the week of September 23 through September 27, 2019, as “National Clean Energy Week”.

Adopted S.Res.349: supporting the designation of September 20, 2019, as “National Concussion Awareness Day”.

Adopted S.Res.350: designating September 2019 as “National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month”.

Adopted S.Res.351: designating the week of September 29 through October 5, 2019, as “National Community Policing Week”.

Adopted S.Res.352: recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of Latinos in the United States and the immense contributions of Latinos to the United States.

Adopted S.Res.353: recognizing September 24, 2019, as “National Voter Registration Day”.

Adopted S.Res.354: designating September 2019 as “National Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month”.

Adopted S.Res.355: designating the week of September 22 through September 28, 2019, as “National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week”.

Passed by voice vote Calendar #180, S.737: Building Blocks of STEM Act, with Rosen-Crapo substitute amendment.

Began the Rule 14 process to place on the Legislative Calendar of Business S.2593, End Government Shutdowns (Portman).

Executive Business

Confirmed the following nominations:

ARMY

Executive Calendar #423, Ryan McCarthy, to be Secretary of Army

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Executive Calendar #446 – W. Stephen Muldrow, of Puerto Rico, to be United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico for the term of four year

Executive Calendar #447 – Michael D. Baughman, of Pennsylvania, to be United States Marshal for the Western District of Pennsylvania for the term of four years

Executive Calendar #448 – Kerry Lee Pettingill, of Oklahoma, to be United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Oklahoma for the term of four years

Executive Calendar #449 – Fernando L. G. Sablan, of Guam, to be United States Marshal for the District of Guam and concurrently United States Marshal for the District of the Northern Mariana Islands for the term of four years

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Executive Calendar #398 – Lana J. Marks, of Florida, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of South Africa

Executive Calendar #442 – John Leslie Carwile, of Maryland, 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 Latvia

Executive Calendar #443 – Erin Elizabeth McKee, of California, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador of the United States of America to the Solomon Islands and Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Vanuatu

Executive Calendar #444 – Anthony F. Godfrey, 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 Serbia

Executive Calendar #445 – Herro Mustafa, of California, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Bulgaria

UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FINANCE CORPORATION

Executive Calendar #455 – Adam Seth Boehler, of Louisiana, to be Chief Executive Officer of the United States International Development Finance Corporation

ARMY

Executive Calendar #424 – Brig. Gen. Douglas A. Sims, II to be Major General

Executive Calendar #425 – Col. Curtis A. Buzzard to be Brigadier General

AIR FORCE

Executive Calendar #426 – Col. Linell A. Letendre to be Brigadier General

ARMY

Executive Calendar #427 – Lt. Gen. James H. Dickinson to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #428 – Maj. Gen. Ricky L. Waddell to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #429 – Maj. Gen. Jason T. Evans to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #430 – Maj. Gen. Raymond S. Dingle to be Lieutenant General

NAVY

Executive Calendar #431 – Rear Adm. Daryl L. Caudle to be Vice Admiral

AIR FORCE

Executive Calendar #432 – Maj. Gen. Glen D. VanHerck to be Lieutenant General

ARMY

Executive Calendar #433 – Brig. Gen. Arthur J. Logan to be Major General

AIR FORCE

Executive Calendar #434 – Lt. Gen. Anthony J. Cotton to be Lieutenant General

NAVY

Executive Calendar #435 – Vice Adm. Colin J. Kilrain to be Vice Admiral

AIR FORCE

Executive Calendar #436 – Brig. Gen. Timothy D. Haugh to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #437 – Maj. Gen. Michael A. Minihan to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #438 – Maj. Gen. Scott A. Kindsvater to be Lieutenant General

NAVY

Executive Calendar #439 – Vice Adm. David M. Kriete to be Vice Admiral

Executive Calendar #440 – Vice Adm. Stuart B. Munsch to be Vice Admiral

And all nominations on the Secretary’s Desk in the FOREIGN SERVICE, AIR FORCE, ARMY, MARINE CORPS, and NAVY.

4:02 p.m. Senator Jones spoke about the current state of democracy.

3:56 p.m. Senator Hawley spoke about life expectancy.

3:48 p.m. Senator Van Hollen spoke about The Future Act.

3:25 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about former Marines John Kelly, former Secretary Jim Mattis, and General Joe Dunford.

3:08 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about Americorps and on departing staffer Jenny Donahue.

3:04 Senator Braun asked u.c. to change his vote on roll call vote #311 (on passage of H.R. 4378) from yes to no.

2:42 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke about government shutdowns.

2:23 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell filed cloture on the following nominations:

• Barbara Barrett to be Secretary of the Air Force.
• Frank Volk to be US District Judge for the Southern District of West Virginia.
• Charles Eskridge to be US District Judge for the Southern District of Texas.
• David Novak to be US District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia.
• Rachel Kovner to be US District Judge for the Eastern District of New York.

12:54 p.m. Roll call vote began on passage of HR 4378, the CR through November 21.

12:53 p.m. The Senate did NOT agree to the Paul amendment 24-73.

Senators voting in favor: 24 Republicans: Barrasso, Blackburn, Braun, Cornyn, Crapo, Cruz, Daines, Enzi, Ernst, Fischer, Grassley, Johnson, Kennedy, Lankford, Lee, Paul, Risch, Rubio, Sasse, Scott of South Carolina, Sullivan, Tillis, Toomey and Young.

Senators voting against: 43 Democrats, 29 Republicans, 1 Independent: King.

Senators not voting: 2 Democrats: Booker and Warren; 1 Independent: Sanders.

12:15 p.m. The Senate began voting on Paul amendment #942 to H.R. 4378.

12:08 p.m. Senator Paul called up his amendment #942 (rate reduction in operations) to H.R. 4378, continuing appropriations for FY 2020.

12:06 p.m. Senator Murray spoke against the Scalia nomination.

12:03 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke supporting the need for a permanent funding fix for HBCU’s.

11:59 a.m. Senator Menendez spoke supporting the FUTURE act.

11:54 a.m. Senator Murray spoke about funding for minority colleges and universities.

11:38 a.m. Senator Jones spoke about the FUTURE Act and asked unanimous consent to pass H.R. 2486, FUTURE Act. Senator Alexander objected and spoke about the bill.

11:17 a.m. Senator Rosen spoke about the shooting at the Route 91 Music Festival in Las Vegas.

11:07 a.m. Senator Cortez Masto spoke about the shooting at the Route 91 Music Festival in Las Vegas.

10:56 a.m. Senator Thune criticized Democratic positions on impeachment, prescription drug prices and other issues.

10:51 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about Hispanic Americans in Texas.

10:41 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the Ukraine matter. He spoke about appropriations. He spoke about the Scalia nomination.

10:23 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement. He paid tribute to the retiring financial clerk of the Senate, Ileana Garcia.

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and proceed to the consideration of HR 4378, Continuing Appropriations Act, 2020, and Health Extenders Act of 2019.

12:15pm – 2 roll call votes:

1. Paul amendment #942 (re: 2 percent across-the-board cut) to H.R.4378.
2. Passage of H.R. 4378. (60 vote threshold)

1:30pm – 2 roll call votes:

1. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #415 Gen. John E. Hyten to be Vice Chair of the Joint Chiefs.
2. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #450 Eugene Scalia, of Virginia, to be Secretary of Labor.

6:53 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 10 a.m. Tuesday, when it will resume post-cloture consideration of the nomination of Brian McGuire to be a Deputy Under Secretary of Treasury

At 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, the Senate will vote on these cloture nominations:

1.       Executive Calendar #176, Joseph Cella to be Ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu.

2.       Executive Calendar #367, Daniel Jorjani to be Solicitor of the Department of the Interior.

3.       Executive Calendar #292, David Black to be Deputy Commissioner of Social Security.

After the vote on Black, the Senate will adjourn for policy luncheons until 2:15 p.m.

At 3:30 p.m. , there will be cloture votes on McGuire and — if cloture has been invoked — on Cella, Jorjani and Black.

During wrap-up Monday, by consent, the Senate passed H.R. 4285 (extending authorities of the Veterans Administration Title 38); S. 1340, as amended by the Menendez-Lee amendment, to combat Ebola in Congo; S. 323, recognizing National Kinship Care Month.

6:30 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about China.

6:19 p.m. Senator Cassidy paid tribute to Mandeville Police Captain Vincent Liberto, recently killed in the line of duty.

6:14 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke on the Ken Burns country music documentary.

6:14 p.m.  The Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of Brian McGuire to be a Deputy Under Secretary of Treasury, 82-6.

5:33 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the nomination of Brian McGuire of be Deputy Under Secretary of Treasury.

5:18 p.m Senator Menendez spoke about President Trump and Ukraine.

5:03 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about President Trump and Ukraine.

3:38 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about nominations and appropriations. He said bipartisan efforts are underway to investigate the reported Ukraine episode.

3:28 p.m  Minority Leader Schumer spoke about President Trump’s reported request for Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Biden’s son.

3:03 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about layoffs at an ethanol plant in Iowa.

*****

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

Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the nomination of Executive Calendar #417, Brian McGuire to be a Deputy Under Secretary of the Treasury.

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

Majority Leader McConnell filed cloture on the following nominations:

1.       Executive Calendar #176, Joseph Cella to be Ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu.

2.       Executive Calendar #367, Daniel Jorjani to be Solicitor of the Department of the Interior.

3.       Executive Calendar #292, David Black to be Deputy Commissioner of Social Security.

7:09 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 19 and will resume consideration of the McGuire nomination.

7:07 p.m. Cloture was filed on the nomination of exec. cal. #417, Brian McGuire to be a Deputy Under Secretary of the Treasury.

7:06 p.m. The compound motion to go to conference regarding S.1790, NDAA, was agreed to by voice vote and following conferees were appointed by voice vote:

Senators Inhofe, Wicker, Fischer, Cotton, Rounds, Ernst, Perdue, Scott of Florida, Blackburn, Reed, Shaheen, Blumenthal, Hirono, Kaine, King, Heinrich, Warren, Peters, Manchin, Duckworth and Jones.

7:04 p.m.  The motion to invoke cloture on the compound motion to go to conference regarding S. 1790 was agreed to by a vote of 87-7. Voting no: Senators Gillibrand, Harris, Markey, Merkley, Paul, Warren and Wyden.

6:15 p.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the compound motion to go to conference regarding S.1790 NDAA.

6:10 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about healthcare.

5:57 p.m. Senator Casey spoke about healthcare.

5:17 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about government shut downs.

5:08 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the Middle East.

4:35 p.m. Senator Udall spoke about the separation of powers of the government and about authorization of war.

4:09 p.m. Senator Blackburn paid tribute to Senator Alexander.

3:49 p.m. Senator McConnell paid tribute to Senator Alexander’s long record of service.

3:58 p.m. Senator McConnell filed cloture on the motion to disagree in the house amendment, agree to the request from the House for a conference, and to authorize the chair to appoint conferees in relation to S. 1790-NDAA. The cloture vote will occur at a time to be determined by the two leaders.

3:27 p.m. Senator Blackburn spoke about Constitution Day.

3:24 p.m. By a tally of 51-44, cloture was NOT invoked on the motion to proceed to H.R.2740: Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Defense, State, Foreign Operations, and Energy and Water Development Appropriation­s Act, 2020.

Dems in favor: Jones and Peters  

Republican against: McConnell* (only changed to a no vote in order to offer motion to reconsider) and Paul 

Not voting: Booker, Klobuchar, Roberts, Rounds, Sanders

2:48 p.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.2740: Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Defense, State, Foreign Operations, and Energy and Water Development Appropriation­s Act, 2020.

2:39 p.m. Senator Shelby spoke in favor of H.R. 2740.

2:24 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke against H.R. 2740.

1:52 p.m. Senators Ernst, Daines, Lankford and Blunt spoke about Constitution Day.

1:43 p.m. Senator Fischer spoke on the life and legacy of Chief Standing Bear.

12:59 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke on beginning the appropriations process and on H.R. 2740.

12:42 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on gun violence and Brett Kavanaugh.

12:41 p.m. Senator Cornyn achieved UC that at 2:40 p.m. the Senate vote on cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.2740: Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Defense, State, Foreign Operations, and Energy and Water Development Appropriation­s Act, 2020.

12:40 p.m. The nomination Brian Callanan to be General Counsel for the Department of Treasury was confirmed 55-39.

Senators voting in favor: 49 Republicans, 6 Democrats: Cardin, Carper, Jones, Manchin, Murphy and Sinema.

Senators voting against: 37 Democrats, 1 Independent: King; 1 Republican: Paul.

Senators not voting: 3 Republicans: Alexander, Roberts and Rounds; 2 Democrats: Booker, Klobuchar; 1 Independent: Sanders.

12:16 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the nomination of Brian Callanan to be General Counsel for the Department of Treasury.

12:15 p.m. The nomination of Brent McIntosh to be an Under Secretary of the Treasury was confirmed 54-38. 

Senators voting in favor: 50 Republicans, 4 Democrats: Jones, Manchin, Murphy and Sinema. 

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

Senators not voting: 3 Republicans: Alexander, Roberts and Rounds; 4 Democrats: Bennet, Booker, Klobuchar and Warren; 1 Independent: Sanders

11:48 a.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the nomination of Brent McIntosh to be an Under Secretary of the Treasury.

11:47 a.m. The Destro nomination was confirmed 49-44.

Republican Collins and Independent King joined all Democrats present voting against.

Senators not voting: 3 Republicans: Alexander, Roberts and Rounds; 3 Democrats: Booker, Klobuchar and Warren; 1 Independent: Sanders

11:09 a.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the nomination of Robert Destro to be Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.

11:00 a.m. DL Schumer spoke on the appropriations process, election security, carbon pollution standards, and the pending Destro nomination.

10:37 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke on nicotine, tobacco and vaping.

10:28 a.m. Senator Thune spoke on military funding.

10:03 a.m. ML McConnell paid tribute to David Jones Sr.; discussed the appropriations process, the situation in the Middle East; energy policy;

10:02 a.m. Senator Grassley paid tribute to an Iowa serviceman from World War II.

10:00 a.m. The Senate convened.

***

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

Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of Robert Destro to be Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, post-cloture.

11:00 a.m. – 3 roll call votes expected:

1.       Confirmation of Executive Calendar #223, Robert Destro to be Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.

2.       Confirmation of Executive Calendar #419, Brent McIntosh to be an Under Secretary of the Treasury.

3.       Confirmation of Executive Calendar #418, Brian Callanan to be General Counsel for the Department of the Treasury.

Cloture has also been filed on the motion to proceed to H.R.2740: Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Defense, State, Foreign Operations, and Energy and Water Development Appropriation­s Act, 2020. If no agreement is reached, that vote would occur immediately upon disposition of the Callanan nomination.

There is also an effort to go to conference on NDAA before the end of the week.

10:17 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 10 a.m. Wednesday.

10:03 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about guns.

9:13 p.m. Senators Whitehouse, Murphy and Schatz spoke about guns.

8:18 p.m. Senators Van Hollen, Casey, Brown and Murphy spoke about guns.

7:25 p.m. Senators Murray, Heinrich, Gillibrand, Udall, Bennet, Cantwell, Markey and Blumenthal spoke on background checks and gun safety.

5:26 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about gun safety and background checks.

5:18 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke about the need for background checks.

5:17 p.m. ML McConnell announced that following the remarks of Democrats this evening, the Senate will reconvene at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday and the Senate will have 3 votes at 11:00 a.m.:

1. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #223 Robert A. Destro to be Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor

2. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #419 Brent James McIntosh to be an Under Secretary of the Treasury

3. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #418 Brian Callanan to be General Counsel for the Department of the Treasury.

5:17 p.m. The Senate invoked cloture on Brian Callanan to be General Counsel for the Department of the Treasury by a tally of 55-37.

Democrats voting yes: Senators Carper, Jones, Manchin, Murphy, and Sinema.

Republican voting no: Senator Paul

Senators not voting: Alexander, Booker, Harris, Johnson, Klobuchar, Roberts, Sanders and Warren.

4:56 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #418 Brian Callanan to be General Counsel for the Department of the Treasury.

4:55 p.m. The Senate invoked cloture on Brent James McIntosh to be an Under Secretary of the Treasury by a vote of 54-40.

4:30 p.m. The Senate invoked cloture on the Destro nomination to be Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights by a vote of 49-44. Senator Collins joined 42 Democrats and 1 Independent voting no.

Senators Alexander, Bennet, Booker, Cruz, Harris, Roberts, Sanders and Warren did not vote.

4:09 p.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to invoke cloture on Robert A. Destro to be Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights.

4:08 p.m. The Senate confirmed the nomination of Kenneth Howery to be Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden by a vote of 62-32.

3:30 p.m. The Senate began voting on confirmation of Kenneth Howery to be the Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden.

3:02 p.m. Senator Coons spoke on gun violence.

2:21 p.m. Senator Feinstein spoke on gun violence.

2:15 p.m. The Senate returned from recess. Senator Perdue paid tribute to Senator Isakson.

1:23 p.m. The Senate recessed until 2:15 p.m.

1:22 p.m.  Cloture was invoked on the Howery nomination, 63-29.

Senators voting in favor: 51 Republicans; 11 Democrats: Carper, Coons, Hassan, Jones, Kaine, Manchin, Merkley, Murphy, Shaheen, Sinema and Warner; 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 29 Democrats.

Senators not voting: 5 Democrats: Bennet, Booker, Harris and Warren and Wyden; 2 Republicans: Alexander and Roberts; 1 Independent: Sanders.

12:52 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Kenneth Howery to be the Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden.

12:50 p.m. The Senate confirmed the nomination of John Rakolta to be Ambassador to the UAE by a tally of 63-30.

Senators voting in favor: 51 Republicans, 11 Democrats: Coons, Hassan, Jones, Manchin, Murphy, Peters, Shaheen, Sinema, Stabenow, Tester and Van Hollen; 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 30 Democrats.

Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Bennet, Booker, Harris and Warren; 2 Republicans: Alexander and Roberts; 1 Independent: Sanders.

12:00 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of John Rakolta to be Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

11:56 a.m. Senator Romney spoke in favor of the Rakolta nomination.

11:46 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about taxes and the cost of prescription drugs.

11:27 a.m. Senator Kennedy spoke about taxes.

11:08 a.m. Senator Tester spoke about impact on agriculture due to tariffs.

11 a.m. Senator Blackburn spoke about the charges against Justice Kavanaugh.

10:46 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about a pioneering advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, Marcia Bristo. He spoke against the transfer of military funds to construction of a border wall.

10:40 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about agricultural trade.

10:33 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about appropriations. He spoke about Democratic plans to hold the floor tonight for speeches on gun control.

10:03 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the floor schedule for appropriations.

10:02 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about Constitution Day.

*****

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

Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the nomination of John Rakolta to be Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, post-cloture.

12:00 noon – 2 roll call votes:

1. Confirmation of John Rakolta to be Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.
2. Cloture on Kenneth Howery to be Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden.

Following the Howery cloture vote, the Senate will recess until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

3:30pm – 4 roll call votes:

1. If cloture is invoked, confirmation of Kenneth Howery to be Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden.
2. Cloture on Robert Destro to be Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.
3. Cloture on Brent McIntosh to be an Under Secretary of the Treasury.
4. Cloture on Brian Callanan to be General Counsel for the Department of the Treasury.

During Monday’s session, Majority Leader McConnell filed cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.2740, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Defense, State, Foreign Operations, and Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2020. That cloture vote is expected to occur during Wednesday’s session.

If cloture is invoked on the nominations, then expected at TBD Wednesday September 18 – 4 roll call votes:

1. Confirmation of Robert Destro to be Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.
2. Confirmation of Brent McIntosh to be an Under Secretary of the Treasury.
3. Confirmation of Brian Callanan to be General Counsel for the Department of the Treasury.
4. Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.2740, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Defense, State, Foreign Operations, and Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2020

6:22 p.m. The Senate adjourned.

6:11 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on climate change.

6:08 p.m. ML McConnell wrapped up for the evening.

6:07 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Rakolta nomination 55-27.

Senators voting in favor: 44 Republicans, 10 Democrats: Coons, Hassan, Jones, Manchin, Murphy, Peters, Shaheen, Sinema, Stabenow and Tester; 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 27 Democrats.

Senators not voting: 9 Republicans: Alexander, Cruz, Hyde Smith, Kennedy, Risch, Roberts, Romney, Toomey and Wicker; 8 Democrats: Bennet, Booker, Gillibrand, Harris, Klobuchar, Murray, Schatz and Warren; 1 Independent: Sanders.

5:30 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the nomination of John Rakolta to be Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

5:09 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about United Auto Workers and women’s healthcare.

4:51 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about Justice Kavanaugh.

4:06 p.m. Democrat Leader Schumer spoke about gun control and China.

3:43 p.m. Senator McConnell filed cloture on H.R. 2740, the appropriation for the Departments of Labor and Health  and Human Service and other agencies.

3:31 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the attack on Saudi oil facilities. He spoke about appropriations. He spoke about trade with China. He spoke about the charges against Justice Kavanaugh.

3:02 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the football game between Iowa and Iowa State.

***

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

Following Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 5:00 p.m.

At 5:00 p.m., the Senate will proceed to Executive Session and resume consideration of John Rakolta to be Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Rakolta nomination.

Majority Leader McConnell also filed cloture on the following nominations:

1. Kenneth Howery to be Ambassador to Sweden.
2. Robert Destro to be Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.
3. Brent McIntosh to be an Under Secretary of the Treasury.
4. Brian Callanan to be General Counsel for the Department of the Treasury.

The Senate convened for a pro forma session at 5:00 p.m.  Senator Capito presided and no business was conducted.

The Senate convened for a pro forma session at 9:19 a.m. Senator Daines presided and no business was conducted.

The Senate convened for a pro forma session at 1:00 p.m. with Senator Cornyn presiding.  No business was conducted.

3:15 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 3 p.m. on September 6. The Senate will convene for pro forma sessions only, with no business conducted, on the following dates and times:

Friday, August 2^nd at 1 p.m.

Tuesday, August 6^th at 9 a.m.

Friday, August 9^th at 9 a.m.

Tuesday, August 13^th at 12:30 p.m.

Friday, August 16^th at 3 p.m.

Tuesday, August 20^th at 9 a.m.

Friday, August 23^rd at 9:15 a.m.

Tuesday, August 27^th at 10 a.m.

Friday, August 30^th at 5 p.m.

Tuesday, September 3^rd at 1 p.m.

Friday, September 6^th at 8:30 a.m.

When the Senate adjourns on Friday, September 6, it will next convene at 3 p.m., Monday, September 9. Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of  Kelly Craft, of Kentucky, to be Representative of the United States to the UN General Assembly.

At 5:30 p.m. on September 6, the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Craft nomination.

2:55 p.m. Senator McConnell filed cloture on these nominations:

3:35 p.m. During wrap-up, the Senate took these actions:

— Passed S. 862, Rebuilding Small Businesses After Disasters Act, w/ Kennedy amdts.;

— Passed S.394, Presidential Transition Enhancement Act;

— Passed the following Judiciary bills by voice vote:

H.R.3311, Small Business Reorganization;

H.R.2336, Family Farmer Relief Act;

H.R.2938, HAVEN Act;

H.R.3304, National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act.

3:35 p.m. The Senate took these actions:

— By voice vote, adopted:

S.Res.304, designating September as “National Workforce Development Month”;

S.Res.305, designating the week of September 14 through September 21, 2019, as ‘‘National Estuaries Week’’

Executive Business

The Senate confirmed the following nominations:

NAVY

Vice Adm. Michael M. Gilday for appointment as Chief of Naval Operations

THE JUDICIARY

M. Miller Baker, of Louisiana, to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade;

Exec. Cal. #58 – Timothy M. Reif, of the District of Columbia, to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade

U.S. INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

Randolph J. Stayin, of Virginia, to be a Member of the United States International Trade Commission for a term expiring June 16, 2026;

Amy Karpel, of Washington, to be a Member of the United States International Trade Commission for a term expiring June 16, 2023

LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION

Matthew Keenan, of Kansas, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation for a term expiring July 13, 2020

Julie Reiskin, of Colorado, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation for a term expiring July 13, 2019 (Reappointment)

Robert J. Grey, Jr., of Virginia, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation for a term expiring July 13, 2020 (Reappointment)

Abigail L. Kuzma, of Indiana, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation for a term expiring July 13, 2019

Abigail L. Kuzma, of Indiana, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation for a term expiring July 13, 2022 (Reappointment)

John G. Levi, of Illinois, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation for a term expiring July 13, 2020 (Reappointment)

John G. Malcolm, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation for a term expiring July 13, 2020

Frank X. Neuner, Jr., of Louisiana, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation for a term expiring July 13, 2019

Frank X. Neuner, Jr., of Louisiana, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation for a term expiring July 13, 2022 (Reappointment)

Gloria Valencia-Weber, of New Mexico, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation for a term expiring July 13, 2020 (Reappointment)

UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE

Ron A. Bloom, of New York, to be a Governor of the United States Postal Service for a term expiring December 8, 2020

Roman Martinez IV, of Florida, to be a Governor of the United States Postal Service for a term expiring December 8, 2024

John McLeod Barger, of California, to be a Governor of the United States Postal Service for a term expiring December 8, 2021

UNITED STATES POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION

Ann C. Fisher, of the District of Columbia, to be a Commissioner of the Postal Regulatory Commission for a term expiring October 14, 2024

Ashley Jay Elizabeth Poling, of North Carolina, to be a Commissioner of the Postal Regulatory Commission for a term expiring November 22, 2024

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Mark Schultz, of Nebraska, to be Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION

Sharon Fast Gustafson, of Virginia, to be General Counsel of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for a term of four years

Charlotte A. Burrows, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for a term expiring July 1, 2023

NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES

Kathe Hicks Albrecht, of California, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2024.

Keegan F. Callanan, of Vermont, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2024.

David Armand DeKeyser, of Alabama, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26.

Kim R. Holmes, of Virginia, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2022.

Phyllis Kaminsky, of Arizona, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2020.

Jean M. Yarbrough, of Maine, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2022.

Marjorie Fisher Furman, of Michigan, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2022.

Russell A. Berman, of California, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2020.

William English, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2024.

John Fonte, of Virginia, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2020.

Claire Griffin, of Washington, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2022.

Adair Margo, of Texas, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2022.

Matthew Rose, of Iowa, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2024.

Noel Valis, of Connecticut, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2020.

William Schneider, Jr., of Colorado, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2020.

Joyce Malcolm, of Virginia, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2020.

Mary Anne Carter, of Tennessee, to be Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Arts for a term of four years

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Wilmer Ocasio, of Puerto Rico, to be United States Marshal for the District of Puerto Rico for the term of four years

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Thomas McCaffery, of California, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Michael Eric Wooten, of Virginia, to be Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy

COMMERCE

Jennifer L. Homendy, of Virginia, to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board for a term expiring December 31, 2024.

Michael J.K. Kratsios, of South Carolina, to be an Associate Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Robert L. Sumwalt III, of South Carolina, to be Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board for a term of three years. (Reappointment)

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Mark Lee Greenblatt, of Maryland, to be Inspector General, Department of the Interior.

THE JUDICIARY

James A. Crowell IV, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years.

Jason Park, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years.

Rainey R. Brandt, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years.

Shana Frost Matini, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years.

UNITED STATES TAX COURT

Exec. Cal. #293 – Emin Toro, of Virginia, to be a Judge of the United States Tax Court for a term of fifteen years

UNITED STATES TAX COURT

Courtney Dunbar Jones, of Virginia, to be a Judge of the United States Tax Court for a term of fifteen years

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Michael Faulkender, of Maryland, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Lisa M. Schenck, of Virginia, to be a Judge of the United States Court of Military Commission Review

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Kenneth S. George, of Texas, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Oriental Republic of Uruguay

W. Patrick Murphy, of Vermont, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Cambodia

Richard K. Bell, of Pennsylvania, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire

Jonathan R. Cohen, of California, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Arab Republic of Egypt

Christopher Landau, of Maryland, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the United Mexican States

Richard B. Norland, of Iowa, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to Libya

Philip S. Goldberg, of the District of Columbia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Ambassador, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Colombia

Jessica E. Lapenn, of New York, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Representative of the United States of America to the African Union, with the rank and status of Ambassador

Mary Beth Leonard, of Massachusetts, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Federal Republic of Nigeria

INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

Eliot Pedrosa, of Florida, to be United States Executive Director of the Inter-American Development Bank for a term of three years

TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY

William B. Kilbride, of Tennessee, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority for a term expiring May 18, 2023

1:11 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke about the ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

12:56 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about National Parks.

12:35 p.m. Senator Durbin paid tribute to a soldier killed in Afghanistan.

12:22 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke on the budget.

12:14 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about returning to Texas to talk to constituents.

12:13 p.m. By a tally of 67-28 the Senate passed H.R. 3877, Bipartisan Budget act of 2019.

Senators voting in favor: 37 Democrats, 29 Republicans, 1 Independent: King.

11:56 a.m. The Senate invoked cloture on H.R. 3877 by a tally of 67-27.

Democrats voting against (5): Senators Bennet, Carper, Klobuchar, Manchin, and Tester. Republicans voting against (22): Senators Blackburn, Braun, Cotton, Cruz, Daines, Enzi, Fischer, Gardner, Hawley, Johnson, Kennedy, Lankford, Lee, Paul, Risch, Romney, Rubio, Sasse, Scott of FL, Scott of SC, Tillis and Toomey.

Senators Booker, Gillibrand, Harris, Isakson, Sanders and Warren did not vote.

11:37 a.m. The Senate is now voting on the motion to invoke cloture on H.R. 3877, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019.

11:37 a.m. By a tally of 23-70, Senate did not adopt the Paul amendment #932.

23 Republicans voted yes: Senators Barrasso, Blackburn, Braun, Cornyn, Crapo, Cruz, Daines, Enzi, Ernst, Fischer, Johnson, Kennedy, Lankford, Lee, Moran, Paul, Risch, Romney, Rubio, Sasse, Scott (SC), Toomey & Young.

7 Senators did not vote (6 Democrats/1 Republican): Senators Bennet, Booker, Gillibrand, Harris, Isakson, Sanders and Warren.

11:00 a.m. The Senate is now voting on Paul amendment #932 to HR.3877, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019 (60 vote threshold).

10:54 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the budget bill.

10:46 a.m. Senator Paul called up his amendment #932.

10:38 a.m. Senator Paul spoke about the budget.

10:28 a.m. Senator Murphy spoke about defense spending and on Yemen.

10:15 a.m. Senator Perdue spoke about the budget.

10:08 a.m. Senator Warner spoke about election security.

9:51 a.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke about election security.

9:41 a.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke about election security.

9:40 a.m. Senator McConnell filed cloture on the budget deal.

9:33 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about a natural gas explosion in Danville, KY. He spoke about nominations and about the pending budget deal.

9:32 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about his proposed Medicaid initiative.

*****

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m.  Following any leader remarks, resume consideration of H.R.3877, the budget bill.

There will be up to two hours of debate, followed by up to 4 votes:

• Paul amendment #932, with a 60 vote threshold
• Cloture on H.R.3877
• Motion to waive budget act (if a point of order is raised)
• Passage of H.R.3877

Votes are expected to begin at approximately 11:00 a.m.

***

The votes on the nominations in the below UC agreement are not expected until after the August recess:

At a time to be determined by the Majority Leader in consultation with the Democratic Leader, the Senate will vote on confirmation of following nominations:

1. Executive Calendar #233, Stephanie Haines to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania
2. Executive Calendar #326, Ada Brown to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Texas
3. Executive Calendar #352, Steven Seeger to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois
4. Executive Calendar #344, Mary McElroy to be United States District Judge for the District of Rhode Island
5. Executive Calendar #346, Stephanie Gallagher to be United States District Judge for the District of Maryland