6:57 p.m. The Senate adjourned.

6:45 p.m. Senator Brown spoke against the Quarles nomination and later both the summit in Helsinki and attacks on the press.

6:31 p.m. Senator Sasse spoke about the summit in Helsinki.

6:29 p.m. ML McConnell wraps up business for the day. Items passed by voice vote: S. Res 386, regarding the Congo. UC that when the Senate adjourns it return Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.
UC that at 11:45, vote on confirmation of the nomination of the Blew nomination, followed by a cloture vote on the nomination of Randal Quarles to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve. UC that the Senate adjourn following remarks of Senators Sasse and Brown.

6:12 p.m. The Senate proceeded to consideration of the nomination of James Blew to be Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development at the Department of Education.

6:11 p.m. The nomination of Scott Stump to be Assistant Secretary for Career, Technical and Adult education at the Department of Education was confirmed 85-0.

Senators not voting:
9 Republicans: Boozman, Graham, Heller, Inhofe, Isakson, Kennedy, McCain, Moran and Shelby.
6 Democrats: Gillibrand, Jones, Leahy, Peters, Shaheen and Stabenow.

5:31 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the Stump nomination.

5:22 p.m. Senator Murray spoke in support of the Stump nomination.

4:44 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about President Trump’s remarks in Helsinki.

3:52 p.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke against President Trump’s remarks in Helsinki.

3:39 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the Kanvanaugh nomination. He spoke about the economy.

3:31 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke against President Trump’s defense of Russia.

3:05 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the Kavanaugh nomination to the Supreme Court.

************

The Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m. and proceed to the consideration of the nomination of Scott Stump to be Assistant Secretary for Career, Technical, and Adult Education at the Department of Education.

At 5:30pm, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on confirmation of the Stump nomination.

Majority Leader McConnell filed cloture on the following nominations:

• Randal Quarles to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
• Andrew S. Oldham to be a United States Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit
• Ryan Wesley Bounds to be a United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit

Those cloture motions will be processed one at a time, after disposition of the previous nomination. Each is subject to up to thirty hours of post-cloture debate.  By rule, the first cloture vote will occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Tuesday, July 17.

6:49 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 10th. Following leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the Bennett nomination post-cloture. The Senate will recess from 12:30 to 2:15 pm for the weekly policy lunches.

At 2:15 p.m., there will be two votes:

1. Confirmation of Mark Jeremy Bennett to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the 9th Circuit. 
2. Cloture on the nomination of Brian Allen Benczkowski to be an Assistant Attorney General.

****

6:29 p.m. Senator Brown spoke against large banks.

6:27 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Bennett nomination 72-25.

Senators voting against: 23 Republicans: Barrasso, Blunt, Boozman, Burr, Cotton, Crapo, Cruz, Daines, Enzi, Ernst, Flake, Gardner, Heller, Hoeven, Inhofe, Lankford, Moran, Paul, Risch, Rounds, Sasse, Scott, Thune; 2 Democrats: Booker and Hirono.

Senators not voting: Fischer, McCain and Sullivan.

5:33 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the Bennett nomination.

5:21 p.m. Senator Hirono spoke against the Bennett nomination.

4:47 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy.

3:50 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about algae blooms in Florida.

3:40 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy.

3:25 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy.

3:05 p.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy.

3:03 p.m.  The Senate resumed consideration of the cloture motion for the nomination of Mark Bennett to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

*******

The Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m. and proceed to the nomination of Mark Bennett to be a US Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.

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

ML McConnell filed cloture on the Bennett, Benczkowski, and Ney nominations. Those cloture motions will be processed one at a time, after disposition of the previous nomination. Each is subject to up to thirty hours of post-cloture debate.

At a date and time to be determined, the Senate will proceed to up to 5 hours of debate, equally divided, followed by a vote on confirmation of Exec. Cal. # 601 James Blew to be Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation, & Policy Development, Department of Education (u.c. agreement from June 25, 2018).

The Senate convened for a pro forma session at 9:00 a.m.  Senator Portman presided and no business was conducted.

The Senate will convene for pro forma sessions on the following days, with no business being conducted:

•  Friday, June 29^th at 8:30 am
• Tuesday, July 3^rd at 9:00 am
• Thursday, July 5^th at 1:00 pm

On Monday, July 9, 2018 the Senate will convene at 3:00 pm and proceed to the nomination of Mark Jeremy Bennett to be a United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.

• At 5:30pm, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Bennett nomination.

• ML McConnell filed cloture on the Bennett, Benczkowski, and Ney nominations during today’s session. Those cloture motions will be processed one at a time, after disposition of the previous nomination. Each is subject to up to thirty hours of post-cloture debate.

7:38 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 8:30 a.m. on Friday, June 29th.

7:36 p.m. The Senate passed calendar #424, S.2559, Marrakesh Treaty Implementation.

7:35 p.m. The Senate passed H.R. 5956, Northern Mariana Islands U.S. Workforce Act.

7:34 p.m. The Senate passed the following (hydro) bills en bloc:

• S. 724, Hydropower Authorizations (amended on the floor)
• H.R. 219, Swan Lake Hydroelectric Project Boundary Correction Act
• H.R. 220, Authorizing Expansion of a Hydroelectric Project
• S. 215, A bill to authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue an order continuing a stay of a hydroelectric license for the Mahoney Lake hydroelectric project in the State of Alaska, and for other purposes.
• S. 490, A bill to reinstate and extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project involving the Gibson Dam.
• H.R. 2292, To extend a project of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission involving the Cannonsville Dam.
• H.R. 951, To extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project.
• H.R. 446, To extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project.
• H.R. 447, To extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project.
• H.R. 2122, To reinstate and extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project involving Jennings Randolph Dam.

7:34 p.m. The Senate adopted S.Res. S.Res. 568, Designating June 2018 as “Great Outdoors Month”.

7:33 p.m. The Senate adopted S. Res. 567, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the American Homebrewers Association.

7:32 p.m. The Senate passed Exec. Cal. #453-465 (postal naming bills) en bloc.

7:31 p.m. The Senate passed H.R. 1029, Pesticide Registration w/ Udall amendment by voice vote.

7:30 p.m. The Senate confirmed the following Military Promotions: Exec. Cal. 951-973 and 975-993 and all nominations placed on the Secretary’s desk in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Navy.

7:29 p.m. The Senate ratified Executive Treaty #6, Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled.

7:28 p.m. The Senate confirmed Exec. Cal. #902, by voice vote

• Tara Sweeney, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Interior

7:25 p.m. The Senate confirmed the following Department of State nominations en bloc and all nominations on the Secretary’s desk in the foreign service:

• #923 Robin Bernstein to be Ambassador to the Dominican Republic
• #925 Joseph Mondello to be Ambassador to Trinadad and Tobago
• #927 Gordon Sondland to be Ambassador to the European Union
• #928 Harry Harris to be Ambassador to the Republic of Korea
• #929 Ronald Gidwitz to be Ambassador to Belgium
• #930 Brian Nichols to be Ambassador to the Republic of Zimbabwe
• #932 Tibor Nagy to be an Assistant Secretary of State (African Affairs)

7:24 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on Exec. Cal. #686 Paul C. Ney, Jr., of Tennessee, to be General Counsel of the Department of Defense

7:24 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on Exec. Cal. #639 Brian Benczkowski to be an Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department.

7:23 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on Exec. Cal. #836 Mark Bennett, of Hawaii, to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit

7:23 p.m. ML McConnell began wrap up.

6:11 p.m. Senator Schatz spoke about the Kilauea volcano.

6:06 p.m. Senator Daines spoke about the priorities of ranchers in H.R. 2.

5:56 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke thanking Senator Roberts and staff for efforts on H.R. 2.

5:54 p.m. Senator Roberts spoke thanking staff and Senator Stabenow for their work on H.R. 2.

5:53 p.m. The Senate passed H.R. 2, the Farm bill, as amended 86-11.

• 11 Republicans voted no: Senators Burr, Corker, Cotton, Flake, Heller, Inhofe, Johnson, Lankford, Lee, Paul, and Toomey.
• 3 Senators did not vote: Senator Alexander, Leahy, and McCain

5:27 p.m. The Senate is voting on passage of H.R. 2, the Farm bill, as amended.

5:26 p.m. The Lee amendment was not agreed to by a vote of 38 to 57. The Thune amendment #3134 was agreed to by voice vote and the Roberts substitute amendment #3224 was agreed to by a voice vote.

4:56 p.m. The Senate is voting on the Lee amendment #3074 (60 vote threshold). Following the vote on the Lee amendment, there will be three additional votes:

1. Adoption of Thune Amendment #3134 (voice vote expected)
2. Roberts substitute amendment #3224, as amended if amended (voice vote expected)
3. Passage of H.R.2, the Farm Bill, as amended if amended (60 vote affirmative threshold)

4:53 p.m. Senator Roberts asked u.c. that the following amendments be called up and agreed to en bloc:

• Isakson amendment #3348 to modify the provision relating to economic adjustment assistance for upland cotton users, to provide payments for losses relating to peach and blueberry crops, and the strike the provision relating to the use of the Commodity Credit Corporation
• Wyden-Murkowski amendment #3346 to provide that research and extension grants may be made for the purposes of researching hop plant health
• Enzi amendment #3181 to improve the Rural Energy for America Program
• King-Collins amendment #3221 to provide for a report on funding for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and other extension programs
• Gillibrand-Toomey amendment #3390 to prohibit the slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption
• Heinrich amendment #3287 to modify the study of marketplace fraud of traditional foods
• Rubio amendment #3364 to prohibit the use of funds to carry out programs in Cuba in contravention of the National Security Presidential Memorandum prohibiting transactions with entities owned, controlled, or operated by or on behalf of military intelligence or security services of Cuba
• Sullivan amendment #3303 to ensure that the Secretary of Agriculture enforces certain Buy American requirements with respect to fish harvested within United States waters
• Hirono amendment #3321 to provide additional assistance under the non-insured crop assistance program for certain producers
• Cortez Masto-Portman amendment #3388 to establish the Council on Rural Community Innovation and Economic Development
• Durbin amendment #3389 to reauthorize the rural emergency medical services training and equipment assistance program under section 330J of the Public Health Service Act
• Brown amendment #3323 to add a provision relating to extension and agricultural research at 1890 land-grant colleges
• Cantwell amendment #3365 to avert the waiving of liability for a utility whose line clearing work ignites a wildfire
• Moran amendment #3171 to include a provision on requirements for the calculation of a separate actual crop revenue and agriculture risk coverage guarantee for irrigated and non-irrigated covered commodities
• Thune amendment #3371C to provide that producers may change their election to participate in agriculture risk coverage or price loss coverage in the 2021 crop year

4:47 p.m. Senator Lee spoke about amend his #3074 (commodity promotion programs).

3:29 p.m. Senator Heitkamp spoke about the food stamp program.

3:08 p.m. Senator Murkowski and Senator Sullivan spoke in favor of Tara MacLean Sweeney as the nominee to be assistant secretary of the Interior for Indian affairs.

3:03 p.m. Senators Roberts and Stabenow announced they hope to have a unanimous consent agreement to finalize the farm bill shortly.

3:02 p.m. The motion to table the Kennedy amendment was agreed to 68-30.

YEAS: 46 Democrats, 2 independents, 20 Republicans.

NAYS (all Republican): Barrasso, Burr, Cassidy, Cornyn, Cotton,  Cruz, Daines, Enzi, Ernst, Fischer, Flake, Gardner, Heller, Hyde-Smith, Inhofe, Johnson, Kennedy, Lankford, Lee, McConnell, Paul, Risch, Rubio, Sasse, Scott, Thune, Tillis, Toomey, Wicker, Young.

NOT VOTING: Duckworth, McCain.

2:21 p.m. The Senate began voting on the Motion to table Kennedy/Cruz/Lee amendment #3383 in relation to H.R.2, the Farm Bill

2:12 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke against the Kennedy/Cruz/Lee amendment.

2:08 p.m. Senator Kennedy spoke about his amendment regarding work requirements with Senators Cruz and Lee.

2:00 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke about the farm bill.

1:48 p.m. Senator Graham spoke about Syria.

1:21 p.m. Senator Nelson asked u.c. to consider S. 2066, Disaster Displacement Act of 2017; Senator Johnson objected.

1:18 p.m. Senator Nelson asked u.c. to consider S. 2880, Disaster Housing Assistance Act; Senator Johnson objected.

12:51 p.m. Senator Ernst spoke supporting the farm bill.

12:41 p.m. Senator Rounds spoke supporting the farm bill.

12:28 p.m. Senator Hirono spoke about the KIWI Act and the Kennedy seat.

12:24 p.m. S. 2245, the KIWI Act, was passed without objection and Senator Lee spoke about the KIWI Act.

12:00 p.m. Senator Cantwell spoke about the farm bill.

11:41 a.m. Senator Heinrich spoke about immigration.

11:30 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke about the Kennedy seat.

11:19 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the Kennedy seat.

10:37 p.m. Senator Perdue spoke about the farm bill.

10:27 a.m. Senator Stabenow spoke about the farm bill.

10:20 a.m. Senator Roberts spoke about the farm bill.

9:57 a.m. Minority Leader spoke about the Kennedy seat.

9:34 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about Justice Kennedy and the nomination of his successor. He spoke about the farm bill. He spoke about the tax program.

*********

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and resume consideration of H.R. 2, the 2018 Farm Bill.

On Wednesday evening, ML McConnell filed cloture on both the substitute amendment and the underlying bill.

Roll call votes in relation to the farm bill are expected during Thursday’s session.

6:15 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00 a.m. Wednesday June 27.  During wrap up the Senate passed  S. 2385 – Public Alert Systems by unanimous consent.

6:05 p.m. Senator Roberts announced that there will be no roll call votes during today’s session. Further, that at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 27 the Senate will proceed to H.R. 2, the 2018 Farm bill and a substitute amendment will be offered on the underlying bill. The first amendment offered following will be a Thune Amendment on Conversation Preserve Programs.

5:17 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about the economy.

4:44 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.

4:32 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about the Farm Bill.

4:22 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke about the Farm Bill.

4:12 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke about the Farm Bill.

4:01 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke about the passing of Charles Krauthammer and also about his brother-in-law Raymon Hansen.

3:09 p.m. Senator Gillibrand spoke about the Farm bill.

2:50 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about healthcare.

2:34 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about immigration.

2:30 p.m. Senator Daines spoke about National Great Outdoors Month.

2:15 p.m. Senator Fischer spoke about the Farm Bill.

12:31 p.m. The Senate has recessed until 2:15 p.m. for the weekly policy lunches.

12:21 p.m. Senator Roberts spoke about the Farm Bill.

12:14 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the Farm Bill.

12:06 p.m. Senator Kennedy spoke about the National Flood Insurance Program.

10:45 a.m. Senator Stabenow spoke about the farm bill.10:41 a.m. Senator Roberts spoke about the farm bill.

10:24 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the farm bill. He spoke about the tax program.

10:02 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the farm bill and about the tax program.   Under the provisions of Rule XIV, H.R. 6, the opioid addiction treatment bill was placed on the Senate calendar.

***

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and resume consideration of the motion to proceed to the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (H.R. 2), post-cloture.

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

5:35 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 25. They will resume consideration of Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019, H.R. 5895 with a vote on final passage at 5:30 p.m. Following that vote there will be a vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to the Farm Bill, H.R. 2.

During wrap-up:

• The Senate agreed to the house message to accompany the Grandparents raising grandchildren bill, S. 1091
• Passed a bill to support the GI Bill Commemoration Week, S. Res. 551.
• Confirmed Jean Hovland to be the Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans.

5:30 p.m. Senator McConnell withdrew the cloture motion to amendment #2910, the substitute, and on the bill. A manager’s package of amendments and the substitute amendment were agreed to by voice vote. Senator McConnell also filed cloture on the motion to proceed to the Farm Bill, H.R. 2.

4:16 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about immigration.

3:40 p.m. Senator Tillis spoke about Pastor Andrew Brunson.

3:17 p.m. The motion to table the Lee amendment passed by a vote of 62-34.

2:47 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the motion to table the Lee amendment #3021 to the Alexander amendment #2911.

2:45 p.m. Senator Lee spoke about his amendment #3021.

2:44 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about the pending appropriations bill and Senator Alexander moved to table the Lee amendment, #3021.

2:41 p.m. ML McConnell spoke about the pending appropriations bill and called up the Lee amendment #3021, as modified, to the Alexander amendment #2911.

2:39 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke about the pending appropriations bill.

2:38 p.m. The Senate agreed to the Bennett/Gardner amendment #2983 by a vote of 96 to 0.

2:04 p.m. The Senate began voting on the Bennett/Gardner amendment #2983.

2:00 p.m. Senators Bennett and Gardner spoke supporting amendment #2983.

1:50 p.m Senator Hach paid tribute to staffer Mark Prater.

1:18 p.m. Senator Coons spoke about immigrati0n.

1:13 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke about the appropriations debate. He secures consent for a 2 p.m. vote on the Gardner-Bennet amendment, #2983.

12:52 p.m. Senator Rounds spoke about immigration and also about the pending appropriations bill.

12:28 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about immigration.

12:10 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about immigration and families.

12:10 p.m. The following bills were read for the 2nd time and placed on the calendar.

• S. 3093-amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to address the protective custody of alien children accompanied by parents
• S. 3100-a bill to establish the mountains to sound greenway national heritage area in Washington state.

11:59 a.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about the Alaskan of the Week.

10:45 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke about the tax program.

10:30 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about immigration.

9:47 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the work on appropriations bills. He spoke about the tax code.

*****

The Senate will convene at 9:45 a.m. and resume consideration of the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019 H.R.5895.

Amendment votes relative to H.R.5895 are expected during Thursday’s session.

Cloture motions were filed on the Shelby substitute #2910 and on the underlying bill, but the hope is that these clotures may be vitiated and the bill processed with time agreement.

6:39 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 20th.

6:21 Senator Bennett spoke on immigration.

6:20 p.m. ML McConnell asked u.c. to resume consideration of H.R. 5895  Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and VA Appropriations, called up the Crapo amendment #2943 as modified, and the Baldwin amendment #2985 and asked consent that at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, the Senate vote in relation to the Crapo and Baldwin amendments.

6:17 p.m. ML McConnell conducted wrap up and passed the following bill by voice vote: S. 2269, a bill to reauthorize the global food security act of 2016 for 5 additional years.

5:59 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.

5:10 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about immigration and appropriations.

4:54 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke about immigration.

4:52 p.m. Senator Crapo spoke about appropriations.

4:33 p.m. Senator Booker spoke about immigration.

4:14 p.m. Senator Alexander, for planning purposes, announced the possibility of a vote at 4:45 p.m on a proposal by Senator Crapo and Senator Whitehouse which would be a pilot program for advanced reactor fuel.

3:51 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about displaced persons and refugees.

3:28 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke about the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act.

3:22 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about appropriations.

3:16 p.m. Senator Daines spoke about appropriations.

The Senate is considering H.R.5895, Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and VA Appropriations.

3:15 p.m. The Carper amendment #2920 was agreed to 96-0.

Senators Duckworth, McCain, Nelson, and Shaheen did not vote.

2:57 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Carper amendment #2920, directing the Secretary of the Army to submit a report on the status of returning to non federal project sponsors excess non federal funds.

2:56 p.m. The Gardner amendment #2914 was agreed to 93-3.

Senators Lee, Paul and Toomey voted against.

Senators Duckworth, McCain, Nelson, and Shaheen did not vote.

2:25 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Gardner amendment #2914; regarding the need for funding for innovative scientific research.

2:23 p.m. Senator Alexander calls up the Gardner amendment #2914.

2:15 p.m. The Senate returned from the recess.  Senator Carper offered an amendment, #2920; regarding the Army Corps of Enginners.

12:37 p.m. The Senate is in recess until 2:15 p.m. to accommodate the weekly caucus lunches.

12:11 p.m. Senator Coons spoke about Energy and Water appropriations and pancreatic cancer.

12:01 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about immigration.

11:50 a.m. Senator Feinstein spoke about appropriations and nuclear weapons funding.

11:42 a.m. Senator Corker spoke about trade and diplomatic relations.

11:33 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about the economy.

11:13 a.m. Senator Gardner spoke about the Colorado forest fires and drone usage.

10:52 a.m. Senator Schatz spoke about MILCON.

10:47 a.m. Senator Boozman spoke about MILCON.

10:36 a.m. Senator Leahy spoke about appropriations.

10:27 a.m. Senator Shelby spoke about Appropriations.

10:17 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about immigration and health care.

7:40 p.m. The Senate adjourns.

7:39 p.m. Senator Lankford does wrap up for the evening. Passed by UC: S. Res 550, congratulating the Golden State Warriors. UC that the Senate adjourn until 10:00 a.m. at which time resume consideration of  (H.R. 5515). UC that the Senate recess for the weekly luncheons.

7:22 p.m Senator Lankford spoke on immigration.

6:56 p.m. Senator Alexander urged colleagues to agree to an open amendment process and gave his opening statement on the different appropriations included in the “minibus”.

6:55 p.m. Senator Shelby offered the substitute amendment, #2910.

6:54 p.m. The motion to proceed to HR.5895 was agreed to by voice vote.

6:53 p.m. 92-3 the Senate invoked cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5895, Minibus Appropriations. Senators voting no: Gillibrand, Markey, and Warren.

6:28 p.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to Energy & Water, Legislative Branch, & Military Construction & Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act

6:26 p.m. The Senate passed (H.R. 5515), NDAA, 85-10. 8 Democrats and 2 Republicans voted no: Senators Feinstein, Gillibrand, Harris, Lee, Markey, Merkley, Paul, Sanders, Warren and Wyden voted no.

6:06 p.m. The Senate began voting on passage of H.R. 5515, passage of National Defense Authorization Act.

6:05 p.m. Senator Inhofe asked u.c. to call up 44 bipartisan amendments en bloc, Senator Paul objected.

6:05 p.m. The motion to waive the budget act was agreed to, 81-14. Senators voting no: 7 Republicans: Barrasso, Corker, Enzi, Kennedy, Lee, Paul, Perdue; 6 Democrats: Gillibrand, Harris, Markey, Merkley, Warren and Wyden; 1 Independent: Sanders. 5 Senators not voting: Republicans Boozman, Cassidy, and McCain Democrats: Duckworth and Shaheen.

Next: vote on passage of Defense Authorization.

5:31 p.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to H.R.5515, NDAA, as amended.

5:12 p.m. Senators Reed and Inhofe spoke supporting H.R. 5515, NDAA.

4:53 p.m. Senator King spoke supporting NDAA and spoke about immigration.

4:44 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke supporting the National Defense Authorization Act.

4:43 p.m. Senator Sanders asked u.c. to consider amendment #2905, #2657,  #2660, and #2506, Senator Inhofe objected. Senator Sanders raised a point of order against Section 4106 of the Congressional Budget Act on the Inhofe substitute amendment. Senator Inhofe asked u.c. that the vote on the motion to waive the budget act with respect to the Sanders p.o.o. occur at 5:30 p.m.

4:28 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke about immigration. He also spoke about the National Defense Authorization Act, defense spending, and the Constitutional authority for war.

4:07 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the National Defense Authorization Act and immigration.

3:58 p.m. Senator Gillibrand spoke about immigration.

3:46 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about immigration.

The Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m. and resume consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 5515) post-cloture.

At 5:30 p.m., we expect three roll call votes:

1.  We expect Senator Sanders to raise a Budget Act point of order.  If raised, the Senate would then proceed to a roll call vote on a motion to waive the Budget Act.

2. Passage of the Defense Authorization.

3. Cloture on the motion to proceed to the Energy & Water, Legislative Branch, & Military Construction & Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act (H.R. 5895).

4:33 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 3:00 p.m. Monday, June 18. Next votes will be at 5:30 p.m. The Senate passed the following in wrap up:

S. Res. 503 – Commemorating the tricentennial of San Antonio, Texas (as Amended)

S. Res 547 – Designating June 19th as Juneteenth Independence day.

4:01 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about the opioid crisis and the STOP act.

3:01 p.m. S. 2652 (Congressional Gold Medal for Steve Gleason) was passed by voice vote.

2:54 p.m. Senator Cassidy spoke about football player Steve Gleason.

2:35 p.m. Senator Murray spoke about football player Steve Gleason.

2:33 p.m. The motion to invoke cloture on H.R. 5515, NDAA, was agreed to by a vote of 81 to 15.

2:13 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the motion to invoke cloture on H.R. 5515, NDAA.

2:11 p.m. Reed amendment #2885 was agreed to by a vote of 97 to 0. Boozman amendment #2276 and the Inhofe substitute amendment #2282 were agreed to by voice votes.

1:49 p.m. The Senate is now voting on Reed amendment #2885 (McCain fellowship).

1:48 p.m. Senator Reed spoke about his amendment #2885.

1:48 p.m. Senator Rounds withdrew his amendment #2273.

1:43 p.m. Senator Boozman spoke about the Defense Authorization bill.

1:16 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke about the Defense Authorization bill.

1:11 p.m. Senator Daines spoke about flag burning.

1:02 p.m. Senator Lee made a unanimous consent request to agree to a list of amendments to NDAA en bloc. Senator Graham objected and Senator Lee spoke about his request.

12:57 p.m. Senator Cantwell spoke about football player Steve Gleason.

12:56 p.m. Senator McConnell announced that there would be up to 5 votes at 1:45 p.m.:

1. Rounds #2273 (re: Transition Assistance Program) (expected to be withdrawn)
2. Reed #2885 (re: McCain fellowship)
3. Boozman #2276 (re: US troops in Poland)
4. Adoption of Inhofe substitute amendment #2282, as modified, as amended, if amended
5. Motion to invoke cloture on H.R.5515, NDAA, as amended, if amended

12:20 p.m. Senator Peters spoke about the NDAA.

12:00 p.m. Senator Blumenthal asked UC to bring up his amendment regarding a forever stamp for gold star families. Senator Inhofe objected.

11:50 a.m. Senator Inhofe called up amendment #2773 to the language proposed to be stricken by amendment #2282, the amendment is pending.

11:49 a.m. Senator Inhofe called up amendment #2276 for Senator Boozman, the amendment is pending.

11:49 a.m. Senator Reed called up amendment #2885, the amendment is pending.

11:49 a.m. A point of order has been raised against Toomey amendment #2700. The amendment is not germane to H.R.5515, NDAA, and the amendment falls.

11:48 a.m. A point of order has been raised against Lee amendment #2366. The amendment is not germane to H.R.5515, NDAA, and the amendment falls.

11:47 a.m. The Senate invoked cloture on the Inhofe substitute amendment #2282, as modified by a vote of 83 -14.

11:15 a.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the Inhofe substitute amendment #2282, as modified.

11:14 a.m. Cloture was not invoked on the Toomey amendment #2700 by a vote of 35-62

• 14 Republican Senators voted no: Senators Boozman, Burr, Collins, Cornyn, Cotton, Daines, Fischer, Graham, Hoeven, Murkowski, Risch, Roberts, Rubio, and Shelby
• Senators Duckworth, McCain and Portman did not vote

10:39 a.m. The cloture vote on the Toomey amendment, #2700, (to require congressional review of certain regulations issues by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) has begun.

10:38 a.m. Senator Toomey spoke about his amendment.

10:35 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke against the Toomey amendment, #2700.

10:24 a.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about the upcoming NDAA amendment vote, #2700.

10:01 a.m. Senator Inhofe provided an update of the day’s agenda. He spoke about the NDAA and the US Army’s birthday.

9:44 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about the North Korea summit and the DOJ IG’s report of the 2016 election, which will be submitted this afternoon. He spoke about the NDAA and a ZTE amendment.

9:34 a.m. ML McConnell spoke about the farm bill, the Defense Authorization bill, and tax reform. He also filed cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5895, Appropriations for Energy and Water Development.

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and resume consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 5515).

At 10:30 a.m., there will be a cloture vote on the Toomey amendment (to require congressional review of certain regulations issued by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (#2700)).

6:39 p.m. The Senate adjourned.

6:32 p.m. Senator Sasse spoke about the Defense authorization and specifically about cyber-security.

6:10 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke on immigration and his recent trip to the border.

6:07 p.m. Senator Ernst achieved UC that following the remarks of Senators Merkley and Sasse the Senate adjourn until 9:30 a.m. on Thursday.

6:03 p.m. Senator Ernst spoke on the Defense Authorization.

5:46 p.m. Senator Shaheen joined Senator Tillis to discuss Andrew Brunson and then later on the situation in Afghanistan.

5:39 p.m. Senator Tillis moved the Senate into morning business.  He then spoke about Andrew Brunson being held in Turkey for over  600 days.

5:30 p.m. Senator Donnelly spoke on the Defense authorization.

5:26 p.m. Senator Perdue attempts to call up two amendments to amendment 2282, regarding ZTE; Senator Van Hollen and the Senator Donnelly objected.

4:59 p.m. Senators Cotton and Van Hollen have a colloquy about Chinese companies such as ZTE.

4:52 p.m. Senator Inhofe attempted to call up and make pending 10 amendments.  Senator Paul objected.

4:45 p.m. Senator Flake paid tribute to Senator McCain and spoke briefly about two nominations.

4:34 p.m. Senator Fischer spoke on the defense authorization.

4:18 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke about 2019 National Defense Authorization Act amendments and the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

4:09 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke about rising healthcare costs.

4:03 p.m. Senator Murray spoke about rising healthcare costs.

3:55 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke about Virginia’s Medicare expansion and the increase of healthcare costs.

3:47 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about preexisting health conditions.

3:40 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about healthcare cost increases.

3:33 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about healthcare premium increases.

3:31 p.m. The motion to table the Lee amendment #2366 (indefinite detention) was not agreed to by a vote of 30-68.

Voting in favor: 27 Republicans: Blunt, Boozman, Burr, Capito, Corker, Cornyn, Cotton, Graham, Grassley, Hyde-Smith, Inhofe, Isakson, Johnson, McConnell, Perdue, Portman, Roberts, Rounds, Rubio, Sasse, Shelby, Sullivan, Thune, Tillis, Toomey, Wicker, and Young.

3 Democrats: Cortez-Masto, Donnelly, and Manchin.

3:04 p.m. Senator Inhofe moved to table the Lee amendment #2366 and the Senate began voting on the motion to table.

3:03 p.m. Senator Graham spoke against the Lee amendment.

3:01 p.m. Senator Lee supporting his amendment relating to the indefinite detention of American citizens.

3:00 p.m. Motion to table the Reed amendment (on nuclear weapons) was not agreed to by a vote of 47-51. Republican Senators Collins, Murkowski, and Paul voted No.

2:30 p.m. Senator Inhofe moved to table the Reed amendment #2842 and the Senate began voting on the motion to table.

2:26 p.m. Senator Reed spoke supporting his amendment.

2:22 p.m.  Senator Inhofe spoke opposing the Reed amendment.

2:11 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke about Senator McConnell’s record of being the longest serving Republican leader and NDAA.

2:02 p.m. Senator Rounds spoke supporting the NDAA.

1:50 p.m. Senator King spoke on FDA food labeling related to maple syrup and honey.

1:41 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke supporting NDAA.

1:33 p.m. Senator Flake spoke in favor of preserving our alliances and responsible diplomacy.

1:20 p.m. Senator Reed spoke about his amendment.

1:12 p.m. Senator Markey spoke about the Warren/Reed amendment regarding nuclear weapons.

1:05 p.m. Senator Warren spoke about nuclear weapons development.

12:52 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about tax cuts.

12:45 p.m. Senator Jones spoke about the NDAA.

12:31 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke about the Oklahoma economy and also spoke about the NDAA.

12:13 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about health care.

11:52 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about immigration.

11:37 a.m. Senator Wicker spoke about in support of the Defense Authorization bill.

11:02 a.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke about the anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, gun violence, and violence towards LGBT youth.

10:49 a.m. Senator Murphy spoke about the anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando and gun violence.

10:39 a.m. Senator Moran spoke about the proposed NDAA amendment regarding the Army National Guard Bureau and military honors rendered at funerals. He also spoke about a proposed NDAA amendment to increase Congerssional oversight of Army force modernization and stationing decisions.

10:22 a.m. Senator Hatch spoke on the suicide epidemic among LGBT youth.

9:48 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke on the concessions to North Korea, health care, and on the Mueller investigation.

9:46 a.m. Senator Kennedy spoke on the meeting with North Korea.

9:41 a.m. H.R. 5895, Energy & Water, Legislative Branch, & Military Construction & Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, for FY 2019 was read for the second time and placed on the calendar.

9:30 a.m. The Majority Leader spoke on the bipartisan farm bill, the need to pass the 58th annual NDAA bill to continue to protect our nation from existing threats, and on the economy.

******

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and resume consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 5515).

Majority Leader McConnell filed cloture on Toomey amendment #2700, Inhofe substitute amendment #2282, and the underlying bill during Tuesday’s session.  Absent a time agreement, the first cloture vote on the Toomey amendment will occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Thursday.  The cloture motions will be processed one at a time, after disposition of the previous item. Each is subject to up to thirty hours of post-cloture debate.

Roll call votes are possible during Wednesday’s session.