4:52 p.m. The Senate adjourned. The Senate meets next at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 11th.Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R.5515, National Defense Authorization Act, post-cloture. At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5515.

4:49 p.m. Senator McConnell conducted wrap up and passed the following bills by u.c.

•  S.2734: a bill to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 1300 Victoria Street in Laredo, Texas, as the “George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse”
• S.2377: a bill to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 200 West 2nd Street in Dayton, Ohio, as the “Walter H. Rice Federal Building and United States Courthouse”
• S.Res.537: commending the Yale University Men’s Lacrosse team for winning the 2018 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championship
• S.Res.538: commending the Wesleyan University Men’s Lacrosse team for winning the 2018 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III Men’s Lacrosse Championship

2:53 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about Chinese telecom company ZTE.

2:52 p.m. Senator Cassidy spoke about Seersucker Thursday and health care.

2:20 p.m. Senator Wicker spoke about Seersucker Thursday and the economy.

2:19 p.m. The Senate invoked cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.5515, NDAA by a vote of 92-4. Senators Merkley, Paul, Sanders, and Wyden voted no.

1:45 p.m. The Senate began voting on the cloture motion on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5515.

1:25 p.m. Senator Fischer paid tribute to a fallen soldier from Nebraska.

1:22 p.m. Senatore Inhofe announced a vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5515 NDAA occur today at 1:45 p.m.

1:21 p.m. Senator Inhofe asked UC that the Senate resume the motion to proceed to H.R. 5515 with Senator Inhofe, Senator Boozman, and Senator Reed each be recognized to offer an amendment. Senator Paul objected unless he also be recognized to offer his amendment. Senator Inhofe objected.

1:20 p.m. The Senate has confirmed the Marcus nomination by a vote 50 to 46.

12:30 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the nomination of Kenneth Marcus to be Assistant Secretary of Education for Civil Rights.

12:23 p.m. Senator Murray spoke about the Marcus nomination.

12:10 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about national security regarding foreign students at U.S. universities.

12:04 p.m. Senator Moran spoke about the defense bill, and his Amendment #2269, on Army force structure.

11:55 a.m. Senator Alexander spoke in favor of the Marcus nomination.

11:37 a.m. Senator Nelson spoke about trade. He spoke about the danger of global warming to coastal areas.

11:21 a.m. Senator Flake spoke about trade.

11:14 a.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about the defense bill. He suggested that debate begin today on Boozman Amendment #2276 and Reed Amendment #2284. He said the bill can be completed next week.

11:02 a.m. Senator Booker spoke about the nomination of Kenneth Marcus to be the Assistant Secretary of Education for Civil Rights.

10:42 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about Turkey and the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 5515). He spoke about ZTE and trade restrictions. He spoke about Blumenthal, et al. v. Trump and presidential pardons.

10:39 a.m. Senator Tillis spoke about Pastor Brunson and the National Defense Authorization Act.

10:03 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 5515). He spoke about the Republican legislative record since January 2017.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m., and following any leader remarks, will begin consideration of the nomination of Kenneth Marcus to be Assistant Secretary of Education for Civil Rights, with a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination at 12:30 p.m.

7:06 a.m. The Senate adjourned until 10 a.m. Tuesday, whereupon it will resume post cloture consideration of the Wier nomination. A vote on confirmation will occur at 11 a.m.

6:40 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about immigration.

6:10 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about banking rules.

5:30 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the Wier nomination.

4:46 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about the burning of the HMS Gaspee.

4:02 p.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the Russia investigation, North Korea, and health insurance.

3:37 p.m . Senator Cornyn spoke about the defense authorization bill.

3:32 p.m.  Majority Leader McConnell spoke about nominations and the economy.

*****

The Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m. and resume consideration of the nomination of Robert Wier to be a United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky.

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

Majority Leader McConnell also filed cloture on the following nominations:

• Fernando Rodriguez to be a United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas
• Annemarie Axon to be a United States District Judge for the Northern District of Alabama

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.

6:29 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

6:02 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about Exxon Mobile’s role in climate change.

5:41 p.m. Senator Rubio asked u.c. that when the Senate adjourns tonight it meets on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. following Leader remarks the Senate consider the Montgomery nomination as under the previous order and the Senate vote on the nomination at 3:15 p.m. Following the disposition of the Montgomery nomination, the Senate resume legislative session and all post-cloture time on the motion concur on the House amend to the S. 2372 be considered expired and the Senate vote on the cloture motions in relation to the McWilliams nominations.

5:40 p.m. Adopted S.Res. 346, resolution recognizing the importance and effectiveness of trauma-informed care and Adopted S.Res. 519, Legal Counsel by voice vote.

5:39 p.m. Senator Rubio asked u.c. that action with respect to calendar number 403, H.R. 4743 be vitiated and the Senate agree to return the papers to the House of Representatives on H.R. 4743.

5:37 p.m. Senator Rubio conducted wrap up and confirmed the following Department of Justice nominations en bloc by voice vote:

4:59 p.m. Senator Rounds spoke against the VA Choice bill.

4:48 p.m. Senator Manchin asked u.c. to consider S. 2906, Senator Tillis objected.

4:32 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about tax reform.

4:06 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about mass shootings.

3:58 p.m. Senator Isakson spoke about the Veterans Choice bill.

3:47 p.m. Senator Tester spoke about the Veterans Choice bill.

3:28 p.m. Senator Moran spoke supporting the Veterans Choice bill.

3:01 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about the Alaskan of the Week.

2:38 p.m. Senator Murray spoke about the need to support the VA’s caregivers programs.

2:15 p.m. Senator Daines spoke about the Veterans Choice bill.

1:04 p.m. The Senate recessed to accommodate the weekly caucus lunches.

1:03 p.m. The Senate invoked cloture by vote of 91-4 in the House amendment to S.2372, Veterans Choice. Senators voting no: Lee (R), Merkley (D), Rounds (R), and Sanders (I). Senators not voting: Gardner, Cardin, Duckworth and McCain.

12:40 p.m. The Senate began a cloture vote on the House message to accompany S.2372, the Veterans Choice Health Care program.

12:39 p.m. By a vote of 50 to 45, the Senate confirmed the nomination of Dana Baiocco to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. YEAS: 49 Republicans and Democrat Manchin; NAYS: 43 Democrats, 2 independents. NOT VOTING: Democrats Bennet, Cardin and Duckworth; Republicans Gardner and McCain.

12:08 p.m. The Senate began voting on confirmation of the nomination of Dana Baiocco to be a Commissioner on the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

12:02 p.m. Senator Thune spoke supporting the Baiocco nomination.

11:49 a.m. Senator Nelson spoke about rural health care and against the Baiocco nomination.

11:40 a.m. Senator Jones spoke about rural health care.

11:22 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the economy.

11:09 a.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke against the Baiocco nomination.

11:00 a.m. Senator Ernst spoke supporting the VA Choice legislation.

10:48 a.m. Senator Isakson spoke supporting the VA Choice legislation.

10:29 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about sanctions against ZTE, political interference in law enforcement matters.

10:12 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the Santa Fe high school shooting and fraud at for profit universities.

10:00 a.m. The Majority Leader spoke about VA Choice and the freedom to fish act.

*****

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

Following leader remarks, resume consideration of the nomination of Dana Baiocco to be a Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, post-cloture.

There will be two roll call votes at noon —confirmation of the Baiocco nomination and cloture on VA Choice.

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

12:00 noon on Tuesday—2 roll call votes

1. Confirmation of  Baiocco nomination.
2. Cloture on motion to concur in House amendment to S.2372, VA Choice

6:22 p.m. The Senate adjourned for the evening.

6:20 p.m. ML McConnell wraps up for the evening: Adopted S. Res 517, designating May 2018 as “Older Americans Month”.   Completed the Rule 14 process to place S.2878, a bill to amend the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 to reform the procedures provided under such Act for the initiation, investigation, and resolution of claims alleging that employing offices of the legislative branch have violated the rights and protections provided to their employees under such Act, including protections against sexual harassment and discrimination.

6:19 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Baiocco nomination by a tally of 49-45.

Senators voting in favor: 48 Republicans, 1 Democrat: Manchin.

Senators voting against: 43 Democrats, 2 Independents: King and Sanders.

Senators not voting: Capito, Duckworth, Hoeven, McCain, Shaheen and Tester.

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

4:32 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about the shooting at Santa Fe High School.

4:06 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the shooting at Santa Fe High School.

3:10 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke on NAFTA and the Puerto Rico Economic Empowerment Act.

3:00 p.m. The Majority Leader spoke about the Baiocco nomination and tax cuts.

*****

The Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m. and proceed to the consideration of the nomination of Dana Baiocco to be a Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

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

Senator McConnell filed cloture on the following during Thursday’s session:

• Dana Baiocco to be a Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission
• House message to accompany S. 2372 [VA Mission Act]
• Jelena McWilliams to be Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Corporation
• Jelena McWilliams to be Member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Corporation
• James Rudolph Evans to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Luxembourg

The above 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.

6:03 The Senate stands adjourned until 9:30 Wednesday, May 16th.

5:40 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on pensions.

5:15 Senator Rubio spoke on U.S. Chinese relations.

4:54 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke on pensions.

4:48 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke on pensions.

4:32 p.m. Senator Peters spoke on the central states pension fund.

4:04 p.m. Senator Donnelly spoke about pensions.

3:51 p.m. Senator Collins spoke about price of prescription drugs.

3:42 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke about Peace Officers Memorial Day.

3:23 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke about Peace Officers Memorial Day.

3:02 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke about Peace Officers Memorial Day.

2:30 p.m. Senator King spoke in praise of law enforcement in conjunction with Peace Officers Memorial Day.

2:16 p.m. Senator Murray spoke against the Zais nomination.

2:15 p.m. The Senate returned from the recess and began consideration of the nomination of Mitchell Zais to be Deputy Secretary of Education.  There are up to ten (10) hours of debate on the nomination.

1:00 p.m. The Senate stands in recess until 2:15 p.m.

12:59 p.m. The Nalbandian nomination was confirmed by a vote of 53 to 45.

Senators in favor: 50 Republicans, 3 Democrats: Donnelly, Heitkamp and Manchin.

Senators against: 43 Democrats, 2 Independents: King and Sanders.

Senators Duckworth and McCain were absent.

12:34 p.m. The Senate is now voting on confirmation of John Nalbandian to be Judge for the 6th Circuit.

12:33 p.m. The Carson nomination was confirmed by a vote of 77 to 21.

Senators in favor: 50 Republicans, 26 Democrats: Bennet, Blumenthal, Cardin, Carper, Coons, Donnelly, Durbin, Feinstein, Hassan, Heinrich, Heitkamp, Jones, Kaine, Klobuchar, Leahy, Manchin, McCaskill, Murphy, Nelson, Schatz, Schumer, Shaheen, Tester, Udall, Van Hollen and Warner; 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 20 Democrats, 1 Independent: Sanders.

Senators Duckworth and McCain were absent.

11:59 a.m. The Senate is now voting on confirmation of Joel Carson III to be Judge for the 10th Circuit.

11:57 a.m. At 2:15 p.m. the Senate will proceed to the nomination of Mitchell Zais to be Deputy Secretary of Education.

10:51 a.m. Senator Leahy spoke about harmful budget cuts.

10:22 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about Brown vs. Board anniversary, Medicare cuts, and infastructure.

10:03 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about National Police week and on judicial nominations.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and resume consideration of the nomination of Joel Carson to be a judge on the 10^th circuit.

At 12:00 noon, the Senate will conduct two roll call votes:

• Confirmation of Executive Calendar #729, Joel Carson III, of New Mexico, to be Judge for the 10th Circuit
• Confirmation of Executive Calendar #777, John Nalbandian, of Kentucky, to be Judge for the 6th Circuit.

Following the votes, the Senate will recess for the weekly caucus luncheons until 2:15 p.m.

A special note about the lunches:  The President will be attending the GOP policy luncheon. Access will be restricted on the East side of the Ohio Clock Corridor and movement throughout the second floor will be impacted during his visit.  Those wishing to attend, can enter the OCC via the West Grand Staircase. Those wishing to catch Senators should seek alternatives to the east side of the OCC. The bank of six elevators will be open during POTUS visit, but reporters will likely not be able to move with Senators throughout the corridor and possible be held in place while POTUS moves through the building.  Only hard passes will be accepted for today’s event (not a good day to forget your pass!). Please follow gallery staff guidance and thanks in advance for your cooperation.

4:51 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 3:00 p.m. on Monday May 14th.

4:47 p.m. Senator Portman wraps up for the evening, Department of Justice nominations were confirmed en bloc by voice vote:

• Ex. Cal. #740 – Patrick Hovakimian, of California, to be a Member of the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States for a term expiring September 30, 2020.
• Ex. Cal. #830 – Gregory Allyn Forest, of North Carolina, to be United States Marshal for the Western District of North Carolina for the term of four years.
• Ex. Cal. #831 – Bradley A. Maxwell, of Illinois, to be United States Marshal for the Southern District of Illinois for the term of four years

4:35 p.m. Senator Portman spoke supporting the Haspel nomination.

3:27 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about fuel efficiency.

3:05 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about relationship with China.

3:05 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Nalbandian nomination, 52-43.

1:45 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the nomination of John Nalbandian to be a judge for the 6th Circuit.

1:43 p.m. ML McConnell acheives UC to vitiate cloture on the following nominations, and the confirmation votes occur Monday at 5:30 p.m.

• Michael Scudder to be a United States Circuit Judge for the 7^th Circuit
• Amy St. Eve to be a United States Circuit Judge for the 7^th Circuit

Further, that at 12:00 noon on Tuesday May 15, the Senate vote on confirmation of the Carson and Nalbandian nominations.

1:35 p.m. Senator Heller spoke against the bill approved today by the House regarding Yucca Mountain.

1:24 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke briefly on the Haspel nomination and then turned to discuss medicaid and its conditions in Florida.

1:15 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke in favor of the Haspel nomination.

1:14 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Carson nomination, 71-24.

Senators in favor: 49 Republicans, 21 Democrats: Bennet, Carper, Donnelly, Durbin, Feinstein, Hassan, Heinrich, Heitkamp, Jones, Kaine, Leahy, Manchin, McCaskill, Murphy, Nelson, Schatz, Schumer, Shaheen, Tester, Udall and Warner; 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 23 Democrats, 1 Independent: Sanders.

Senators not voting: 3 Democrats: Booker, Coons and Duckworth; 2 Republicans: Graham and McCain.

12:43 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the Carson nomination.

12:42 p.m. The Brennan nomination was confirmed on a party line tally of 49-46.

Senators not voting: Booker, Coons, Duckworth, Graham and McCain.

12:00 p.m. Roll Call vote began on confirmation of Michael Brennan to be a judge for the 7th Circuit.

11:44 a.m. Senators Tillis and Lankford spoke on Pastor Andrew Brunson imprisoned in Turkey.

11:24 a.m. Senator Flake asked u.c. to call up H.R. 1551, with an amendment related to immigration. Senator Lee objected.

11:11 a.m. Senator Warren spoke about nominations.

10:53 a.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about blue slips.

10:29 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about nominations, North Korea, Iran, and healthcare.

10:04 a.m. ML McConnell spoke about Secretary Pompeo, nominations, and tax reform.

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m.; at which time resume consideration of the nomination of Michael Brennan to be judge for the 7^th circuit, post cloture.

At 12:00 noon there will be a roll call vote on confirmation of the Brennan nomination followed by a cloture vote on the Carson nomination.

At 1:45 p.m., there will be a cloture vote on the Carson nomination. If cloture is invoked on both nominations, the time will run concurrently.

12:00 noon—2 roll call votes

1. Confirmation of  Michael Brennan to be Judge for the 7^th Circuit
2. Cloture Joel Carson to be Judge for the 10^th Circuit

1:45 p.m.—1 roll call vote

1. Cloture on John Nalbandian to be Judge for the 6^th Circuit

6:21 p.m. Senate adjourns.

6:18 p.m. ML McConnell wraps up for the evening, the following nomination was confirmed by UC: Vice Adm. Karl L. Schultz to be Admiral in the Coast Guard.

5:05 p.m. Senators Shaheen, Cortez Masto and Brown spoke about net neutrality.

5:00 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke on the Brennan nomination and the Iran deal.

4:08 p.m. Senators Markey, King, Wyden, Cantwell, Hassan adn Klobuchar spoke about net neutrality.

3:47 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the Haspel nomination.

3:09 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke about judicial nominations.

2:50 p.m. Senator Johnson spoke in favor of the Brennan nomination.

2:24 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about unemployment.

2:07 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about unemployment.

2:02 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about net neutrality.

1:36 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke in favor of the Brennan nomination; and later on the blue slip issue.

1:10 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke on the one year anniversary of President Trump firing James Comey; and the attempted undermining of the work of the FBI and other intelligence agencies.

1:05 p.m. On a party line vote of 49-47, cloture was invoked on the nomination of Michael Brennan to be a US Circuit court judge for the 7th circuit.

Senators not voting: 2 Democrats (Donnelly and Duckworth), 2 Republicans (Graham and McCain).

12:37 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the nomination of Michael Brennan to be a US Circuit court judge for the 7th circuit.

12:36 p.m. The Engelhardt nomination was confirmed 62-34.

Senators in favor:  Republicans, 12 Democrats (Bennet, Coons, Heitkamp, Jones, Klobuchar, Leahy, Manchin, McCaskill, Murphy, Nelson, Tester and Warner; 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 33 Democrats, 1 Independent: Sanders.

Senators not voting: Donnelly, Duckworth, Graham, McCain.

12:01 p.m. The Senate is now voting on confirmation of the Engelhardt nomination.

11:48 a.m. Senator Peters spoke about net neutrality.

11:27 a.m. Senator Hatch spoke about the 3 prisoners in North Korea coming home, the detainment of Joshua Holt in Venezuela and the Haspel nomination. He also paid tribute to Assistant Parliamentarian Michael Beaver.

11:11 a.m. Senator Murphy spoke about healthcare.

10:53 a.m. Senator Thune spoke on tax reform.

10:38 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about teacher appreciate week, blue slip nominations, against the Brennan nomination, and on net neutrality.

10:00 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about Secretary of State Pompeo’s trip to North Korea, the Gina Haspel nomination, judicial nominations, and on historian Jim Klotter.

****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and resume consideration of the nomination of Kurt Engelhardt to be a US Circuit Judge for the 5th Circuit, post-cloture.

At 12:00 p.m., the Senate will proceed to two roll call votes:

1. Confirmation of the Engelhardt nomination.
2. Cloture on the nomination of Michael Brennan to be a US Circuit Judge for the 7th Circuit.

Cloture has also been filed on the following nominations

• Joel Carson to be a US Circuit Judge for the 10^th Circuit
• John Nalbandian to be a US Circuit Judge for the 6^th Circuit
• Michael Scudder to be a US Circuit Judge for the 7^th Circuit
• Amy St. Eve to be a US Circuit Judge for the 7^th Circuit

The cloture motions on each nomination will ripen one at a time, after disposition of the previous nomination. Each is subject to up to thirty hours of post-cloture debate.

6:38 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.

6:27 p.m. Senator Brown spoke on the opiod epidemic.

6:24 p.m.   ML McConnell outlined the schedule for tomorrow. The Senate will vote on the nomination of Kurt Engelhardt, US Circuit judge 5th Circuit at noon.

6:13 p.m. Senator Baldwin spoke on the “blue slip” process for judicial nominations.

5:53 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke on health insurance

5:34 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on climate change.

4:40 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke on President Trump’s decision to pull out of the nuclear deal with Iran.

4:20 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about “blue slips’ and the process of judicial nominations in the Senate.

4:10 p.m. Senator Leahy also spoke about “blue slips’ and the process of judicial nominations in the Senate.

4:00 p.m. Senator Hirono spoke about “blue slips’ and the process of judicial nominations in the Senate.

2:58 p.m. Senator Merkley paid tribute to the Assistant Parliamentarian Michael Beaver and talked about judicial nominations.

2:44 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about Haspel nomination.

2:37 p.m. ML McConnell spoke about the memorial service for the four Capitol Police Officers killed in the line of duty. He also spoke about the Englehardt and Brennan nominations and tax reform.

****

The Senate will convene at 2:30 p.m. and resume consideration of the nomination of Kurt Engelhardt to be a US Circuit judge for the 5th circuit, post cloture.

The Senate convened for a pro forma at 2:30 p.m. No business was conducted. Senator Isakson presided.

6:14 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25th and the Senate will resume consideration of the Pompeo nomination.

6:12 p.m. ML McConnell does wrap up for the evening. Asked UC that the President of the Senate his Excellency Emanuel Macron, to the Joint Meeting of Congress

• H.R.2061, North Korean Human Rights w/Rubio amdt, passed by UC
• Adopted by UC S.Res.482, congratulating the Villanova University Wildcats for winning the 2018 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament.

5:55 p.m. Senator Portman spoke supporting the Grenell nomination and the Pompeo nomination.

5:42 p.m. Senator Udall spoke about the Koch brothers.

5:20 p.m. Senator Markey spoke about the Koch brothers.

5:03 p.m. Senator Warren spoke about the Koch brothers.

4:51 p.m. Senator Cortez Masto spoke about influence of the Koch brothers.

4:42 p.m. Senator Flake spoke about North Korea.

4:20 p.m. Senator Thune spoke in favor of the Duncan nomination.

3:34 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on the nominations of Mike Pompeo to be Secretary of State and Richard Grenell to be Ambassador to Germany.

3:33 p.m. The Duncan nomination was confirmed by a vote of 50 to 47. Senator Manchin voted YES. Senators Duckworth, McCain and Paul were absent.

3:00 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the Duncan nomination.

2:55 p.m. Senator Kennedy spoke in favor of the Duncan nomination.

2:37 p.m. Senators Menendez and Blumenthal spoke against the Duncan nomination.

2:15 p.m. Senator Hassan spoke against the Duncan nomination.

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

12:27 p.m. The Senate stands in recess until 2:15 p.m.

12:13 p.m. Senators Warren and Murray spoke against the Duncan nomination.

12:06 p.m. Senator Peters spoke against the Duncan nomination.

11:55 a.m. Senator Hatch spoke supporting the Pompeo nomination for Secretary of State.

11:50 a.m. ML McConnell asked u.c. consider Executive Calendar #765 Lt. Gen. Paul M. Nakasone (Army) to be appointed General. The nomination was confirmed by voice vote. The Majority Leader asked u.c. that all post-cloture time on the Duncan nomination expire at 3:00 p.m. today, and that the Senate vote on confirmation of the nomination.

11:34 a.m. Senator Lankford spoke about his proposed Senate rules change.

11:18 a.m. Senator Cantwell spoke against the Duncan nomination.

10:58 a.m. Senator Wyden spoke against the Duncan nomination.

10:31 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about measures to prevent the firing of special counsel Mueller.

10:18 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke abut the Pompeo nomination.

10:03 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke in favor of the Pompeo nomination. He spoke about drug abuse.

****

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

At that time, resume post-cloture debate on the nomination of Stuart Duncan to be a U.S. Circuit Court Judge for the Fifth Circuit..

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