The Senate convened at 9 a.m. for a pro forma session, Senator Gardner presiding. No legislative business was conducted.

The Senate then adjourned until its next legislative session convenes on Wednesday, July 6 at 10 a.m.

• At that time, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to the sanctuary cities bill (S. 3100).

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

• At 2:15 p.m., the Senate will enter Executive Session in order to consider the nomination of Brian Martinotti to be a United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey, with a vote expected at 2:45 p.m. on confirmation of the Martinotti nomination.

• Following disposition of the Martinotti nomination, the cloture motions filed during the session of Wednesday, June 29 will ripen in the following order.
• If cloture is invoked on any of the below items, there will be up to thirty hours of post-cloture debate prior to adoption of the given motion, at which point the next cloture petition will ripen for a vote.
• If cloture is not invoked on any of the below items, the Senate will immediately proceed to the next cloture vote.

o    Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to the sanctuary cities bill (S. 3100).

o    Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to Kate’s Law (S. 2193)

o    Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 764 [GMO legislation] with a Roberts amendment in the nature of a substitute (#4935)

o    Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (H.R. 5293)

8:50 p.m. Senator Sasse spoke about Russian crackdowns on free speech and religious observance.

8:30 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about addiction.

8:00 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on climate change.

7:52 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke about the June 11 passing of Veterans Activist Fred Becker, aka Bulldog.

The next roll call vote is expected next Wednesday, July 6, at 2:45pm on confirmation of the Martinotti nomination (NJ judge) and cloture petition(s) filed today.

On Wednesday evening, ML McConnell moved to proceed to Calendar #531, S.3100 (Sanctuary Cities) and filed cloture on the motion to proceed (FIRST CLOTURE TO RIPEN).  He then moved to proceed to Calendar #276, S.2193 (Kate’s Law) and filed cloture on the motion to proceed (SECOND CLOTURE TO RIPEN). ML McConnell made a new motion to concur with the new GMO amendment (Roberts-Stabenow), filed cloture on the motion, and filled the tree (THIRD CLOTURE TO RIPEN). He then moved to proceed to Calendar #524, H.R.5293 (DOD Appropriations) and filed cloture on the motion to proceed (FOURTH AND FINAL CLOTURE TO RIPEN).

Upon disposition of the Martinotti nomination, the cloture petitions filed tonight will ripen in the order offered (Sanctuary Citites, Kate’s Law, GMO, DOD Approps). If cloture is invoked on any of them, there will then be up to 30 hours of debate followed by a vote on the motion followed by an immediate vote on the next cloture motion.

The Senate took five roll call votes during Wednesday’s session:

1. By a vote of 68 to 32, cloture was invoked on S. 2328, the vehicle for the Puerto Rico debt measure.
2. By a vote of 44-54, the Senate rejected a Menendez motion. The Menedez motion was to table the motion to concur with amendment #4865 to S. 2328.
3. By a vote of 85-13, the Senate voted to waive the budget act in regards to the Sanders’ point of order

7:20 p.m. The motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 2328 was agreed to by a vote of 68-30. Republicans voting no: Boozeman, Capito, Cotton, Cruz, Daines, Ernst, Grassley, Heller, Lee, Moran, Murkowski, Perdue, Portman, Sasse, Scott, Shelby, Tillis, Wicker. Democrats voting no: Baldwin, Booker, Boxer, Brown, Cantwell, Markey, Menendez, Merkley, Murray, Sanders, Tester and Warren. Warner and Manchin did not vote.

7:02 p.m. The motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Budget point of order was agreed to by a vote of 85-13.

6:30 p.m. The motion to table the motion to concur to amendment #4865 was not agreed to by a vote of 44-54. Republicans voting aye: Cruz, Lee, and Paul. Democrats voting no: Donnelly, Feinstein and King.

5:44 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about the Department of Homeland Security.

5:30 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about Zika and about Puerto Rico.

4:55 p.m. Senator Vitter spoke about the Obamacare and the rules for covering Congress and staff.

4:46 p.m. Senators Alexander and Corker spoke in recognition Tennessee basketball coach Pat Summit after her death.

4:20 p.m. The Senate stands in recess until 4:40 p.m.

3:54 p.m. Senator Grassely spoke about the Puerto Rico debt crisis.

3:39 p.m. Senator Heitkamp and Senator Cantwell spoke about the Export Import bank.

3:37 p.m. Senator Menendez made his motion to table the debt bill and secured consent for the Yea’s and nays.

3:10 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke against the debt bill. He said if his tabling motion succeeds, he will offer an amendment that, among other provisi0ns,  would deal with the powers of the oversight board under the debt measure.

2:56 p.m. Senator Hatch moved to waive the provisions of the Budget Act raised in the point of order. Senator Hatch then spoke in favor of the Puerto Rico debt measure.

2:56 p.m. Senator Sanders raised his budget point of order on the bill.

2:39 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke on financial assistance to Puerto Rico.

2:34 p.m. Senator Reid spoke on the upcoming votes on financial assistance to Puerto Rico.

2:32 p.m. The Senate has reconvened and ML McConnell set up 3 votes for approximately 7:30 this evening:

1. Vote on the Menendez motion to table, the motion to concur with amendment #4865 to S. 2328
2. Vote on the motion to waive the budget act in regards to the Sanders’ point of order.
3. The vote on the motion to concur with the House amendment to  S. 2328, the Puerto Rico Public Finances Assistance bill.

****

1:08 p.m. The Senate went into recess until 2:15 p.m.

11:00 a.m. Senator McConnell offered a 2nd degree amendment #4866 to his amendment #4865 (date change).

10:59 a.m.  By a vote of 68 to 32, cloture was invoked on S. 2328, the vehicle for the Puerto Rico debt measure. Voting Aye: 36 Republicans, 31 Democrats and 1 Independent (King).

Republicans voting Nay: Boozman, Capito, Cotton, Cruz, Daines, Donnelly, Ernst, Grassley, Heller, Lee, Moran, Murkowski, Perdue, Portman Sasse, Shelby, Scott, Tillis,Wicker.

Democrats voting Nay: Baldwin, Booker, Boxer, Brown, Cantwell, Manchin, Markey, Menendez, Merkley, Murray, Tester, Warren.

Independent voting Nay: Sanders.

10:30 p.m. The vote began on the cloture motion for S. 2328.

10:21 a.m. Senator Menendez spoke against cloture on the Puerto Rico debt measure.

10:12 a.m. Senator Durbin criticized aspects of of the Puerto Rico bill but said it is a compromise response to the debt crisis that he supports.

10:07 a.m. Senator Cantwell spoke against cloture for the Puerto Rico package.

9:55 a.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about water resources legislation.

9:54 a.m. Senator Durbion made a parliamentary inquiry.

9:53 a.m. The Senate resumed consideration of the House message accompanying S. 2328, the Puerto Rico debt package.

9:40 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke about the progress in the campaign against the Islamic State. He criticized Republicans for including in the Zika vehicle reduced levels of spending for birth control and other purposes. He criticized Republican-sponsored aspects of the Puerto Rico debt measure but said he will support it.

9:33 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the terrorist attack in Istanbul. He criticized Democrats for opposing the MilCon-VA spending bill, which included money to respond to the outbreak of the Zika virus. He spoke in favor of the legislative vehicle for the Puerto Rico debt measure.

* * * * * * * * * *

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

At 10:30 a.m., there will be a cloture vote on the House amendment to S. 2328 (the vehicle for the Puerto Rico debt relief measure).

6:07 p.m. Senate stands adjourned until Monday June 27 at 3:00 p.m.

6:06 p.m. ML McConnell UC that when the Senate adjourns, it do so until Monday, June 27 at 3:00 p.m.  Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 5:00 p.m.  Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the Rossiter nomination to be US District Judge for the district of Nebraska; with a vote on the nomination expected at 5:30 p.m.

6:00 p.m. ML McConnell wraps up for the evening.  UC that at 5:00 p.m. Monday June 27, consider the nomination of Robert F Rossiter, to be US District Judge for the district of Nebraska until 5:30 p.m, at which time vote on confirmation of the nomination.  Further UC that at a time to be determined on July 6, the Senate proceed to Executive Session to consider the nomination of Brian Martinotti, to be US District Judge for the district of New Jersey for thirty minutes, and then proceed to vote on the nomination.

Items passed by UC:

Legislative Business

Passed Calendar #472, H.R.3114 – an act to provide funds to the Army Corps of Engineers to hire veterans.

Passed Calendar #506, S.795 with committee-reported substitute amendment – to enhance whistleblower protection for contractor and grantee employees.

Agreed to S.Con.Res.39 with Nelson amendment to the preamble – honoring the members of the United States Air Force who were casualties of June 25, 1996, terrorist bombing of the United States Sector Khobar Towers military housing complex on Dhahran Air Base.

Adopted S.Res.512 – designating June 2016 as “National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month” and June 27, 2016, as “National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day.”

Completed the Rule 14 process to place on the Legislative Calendar of Business H.R.5447, Small Business Health Care Relief.

Completed the Rule 14 process to place on the Legislative Calendar of Business H.R.5456, Family First Prevention Services.

Executive Business

The Senate confirmed by voice vote:

Julie Helene Becker, to be Associate Judge of the Superior Court

Steven Nathan Berk, to be Associate Judge of the Superior Court

Elizabeth Carroll Wingo, to be Associate Judge of the Superior Court

R. David Harden, to be an Assistant Administrator US AID

5:48 p.m. Senator Murkowski paid tribute to Frederick Charles Becker.

5:19 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke on economic issues.

4:28 p.m. Senator Sessions spoke on todays Supreme Court decision of US vs Texas.

4:09 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about a transportation grant for Columbus.

3:40 p.m. Senator Brown listed items of good news for Ohio. He also spoke about voting rights.

2:50 p.m. Democratic Leader Reid and Senator Mikulski spoke on the Collins amendment and gun control.

2:45 p.m. The chair lays before the Senate the Conference report to accompany HR 2577, the Transportation/Housing and URban Development Appropriations bill, and Majority Leader McConnell files cloture on the conference report.

2:44 p.m. Motion to table agreed to 67-31.

Senators in favor of tabling the amendment: 24 Republicans, 42 Democrats. 1 Independent (King).

Senators opposed to tabling the amendment: 30 Republicans (Alexander, Blunt, Burr, Capito, Cassidy, Coats, Cochran, Corker, Ernst, Graham, Grassley, Hatch, Heller, Inhofe, Isakson, Johnson, Lankford, Lee, McCain, McConnell, Murkowski, Perdue, Portman, Rounds, Rubio, Scott, Tillis, Toomey, Vitter and Wicker); 1 Democrat: Manchin.

Senators not voting: 1 Democrat (Feinstein) and 1 Independent (Sanders).

2:25 p.m. Roll call vote began on a motion to table the Johnson amendment #4859.

2:24 p.m. Senators Johnson, Mikulski and Heitkamp spoke in relation to the Johnson amendment.

2:23 p.m. Motion to table the motion to commit (the Collins amdt) not agreed to 46-52.

Senators in favor: 46 Republicans.

Senators against: 43 Democrats, 8 Republicans (Alexander, Ayotte, Coats, Collins, Flake, Graham, Kirk and Toomey).  1 Independent (King).

Senators not voting: 1 Democrat (Feinstein) and 1 Independent (Sanders).

2:02 p.m Roll call vote began on the motion to table.

2:00 p.m. Senator McConnell made a motion to table the motion to commit (which contains Collins amendment).

1:59 p.m. Senator Collins spoke on her amendment.

1:58 p.m. Senator Mikulski yielded the floor to Senator Collins.

1:57 p.m. Senator Heitkamp spoke on Collins amendment.

1:55 p.m. Senator Heinrich spoke on Collins amendment.

1:54 p.m. Senator King spoke on Collins amendment.

1:51 p.m. Senator Flake spoke on Collins amendment.

1:51 p.m. Senator Heitkamp yielded the floor to Senator Flake.

1:48 p.m. Senator Mikulski spoke on Collins amendment #4858.

1:46 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke on Collins amendment #4858.

1:40 p.m. Senator Collins spoke in her amendment #4858.

1:34 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke on Collins amendment #4858.

1:13 p.m. ML McConnell withdrew his motion to recommit H.R. 2578 and moved to commit the bill to the judiciary committee with instructions to report back with amendment #4858 (Collins on guns). He then offered, for Senator Johnson, amendment #4859 (on due process/guns) (to amendment #4858) and McConnell amendment #4860 (date change) (to amendment #4859).

1:13 p.m. Senator Carper spoke on guns legislation.

****

12:07 p.m. The Senate stands in recess subject to the Call of the Chair.

****

11:58 a.m. Senator Hirono spoke on gender discrimination.

11:45 a.m. Senator Merkley spoke on the We The People Act.

11:34 a.m. Senator Udall spoke on the We The People Act.

11:21 a.m. Senator Tillis spoke about the House sit-in.

11:05 a.m. Senator Carper spoke on the appropriations bill, H.R. 2578 and Isis.

10:53 a.m. Senator King spoke on guns.

10:41 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke on the Dream Act and the Supreme Court vote.

10:23 a.m. Senator Manchin continued to speak on opioid drug addiction.

10:08 a.m. Senator Durbin joined in a colloquy on addiction.

10:02 a.m. Senator Manchin spoke about opioid drug addiction.

9:42 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell acted under Rule XIV to put on the calendar H.R. 5457 (group health plans) and H.R. 5456 (Social Security). He also spoke about the pending legislation to pay for the campaign against the Zika virus.

9:32 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke about legislation to combat the Zika virus.

*****

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. By consent, the Senate will resume consideration of the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill at 10:30 a.m.

A motion has been filed to reconsider the vote by which the Senate failed on Wednesday to invoke cloture for the McCain “lone wolf” amendment.

As of 9 a.m., no votes have been scheduled for Thursday.

6:29 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 9:30 a.m. Thursday. By consent, the Senate will resume consideration of the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill at 10:30 a.m.

6:28 p.m. Senator McConnell secured consent for second reading, en bloc, of H.R. 5447 (on group health plans) and H.R. 5456 (on amendments to Social Security).

5:39 p.m. Senator Moran spoke about veterans.

5:08 p.m. Senators Mikulski, Sullivan, Boozman and Blumenthal have joined in the colloquy on veterans.

4:32 p.m. Senator Isakson spoke on veterans.

4:09 p.m. Senator Lee spoke on the McCain amendment #4787.

3:39 p.m. Senator Moran spoke on general aviation.

3:06 p.m. Senators Brown and Portman paid tribute to the Cleveland Cavaliers; passes by UC S Res 509, congratulating the Cavaliers.

3:01 p.m. Senator Brown spoke in favor of the Veterans First Act.

2:16 p.m. Senator Coats spoke about terrorism and government waste.

2:02 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about guns and terrorism.

1:17 p.m. Senator McCain spoke about guns and terrorism.

1:05 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about terrorism and radical Islam.

12:50 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about global warming.

12:35 p.m. Senator Mikulski supported Senator Murray’s amendment for equal pay.

12:32 p.m. Senator Murray introduced an amendment on equal pay.

12:21 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke on gun control.

11:54 a.m. Senator Inhofe spoke on Orlando and gun control.

11:33 a.m. Senator Portman spoke on opioid crisis.

11:25 a.m. ML McConnell, who changed his vote to no, offered a motion to reconsider.

11:25 a.m. Cloture was not invoked on the McCain amendment 58-38.

Senators in favor: 46 Republicans, 11 Democrats (Casey, Heitkamp, Klobuchar, Manchin, McCaskill, MIkulski, Nelson, Reed, Reid, Warner, Whitehouse); 1 Independent (King).

Senators against: 30 Democrats, 8 Republicans (Daines, Gardner, Heller, Lee, McConnell*, Murkowski, Paul), 1 Independent (Sanders).  *McConnell changed his vote in order to offer a motion to reconsider.

Senators not voting: 3 Democrats (Donnelly, Feinstein, Menendez) and 1 Republican (Crapo).

10:30 a.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the McCain amendment #4787.

10:23 a.m. Senator McCain spoke about self radicalization.

10:20 a.m. Senator Wyden spoke on the FBI and the USA Freedom Act.

10:13 a.m. Senator Burr spoke on guns.

10:06 a.m. Senator Wyden spoke on guns.

10:00 a.m. Senator Leahy spoke on amendment #4787.

9:50 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke on Zika.

9:38 a.m. Senator Reid spoke on guns and Zika.

9:33 a.m. Senator McConnell spoke on the attacks in Orlando.

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and will resume consideration of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 2578).

• At 10:30 a.m., the Senate will vote on cloture for the McCain amendment on “lone wolves” and related terrorism issues (#4787).

The following amendments/motion are pending to the appropriations bill:

• Shelby-Mikulski substitute (#4685);

o    McCain (#4787);

• McConnell motion to recommit H.R. 2578 to the Appropriations Committee for a period of 14 days. 

6:52 p.m. The Senate adjourned.  It will convene at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday June 22, 2016 and will then resume consideration of H.R.2578, Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations. A cloture vote is scheduled to occur at 10:30 a.m.on Wednesday on McCain amendment #4787 (lone wolf and national security letters).

6:50 p.m. ML McConnell did wrap-up and the Senate adopted the following three measures:

S.Res.507, designating July 8, 2016 as Collector Car Appreciation Day and recognizing that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.

S.2736, Patient Access to Durable Medical Equipment, with Thune amendment.

H.R. 1777, to amend the Act of August 25, 1958, commonly known as “Former Presidents Act of 1958,” with respect to the monetary allowance payable to a former President, and for other purposes with an Ernst substitute amendment.

6:45 p.m. ML McConnell propounded a unanimous consent agreement t0 have confirmation votes on judicial nominees: At a time to be determined by the Republican Leader in consultation with the Democratic Leader, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider individually the following nominations:
Executive Calendar #357, Brian R Martinotti, US District Judge for New Jersey;
Executive Calendar #358, Robert F Rossiter, US District Judge for Nebraska;

6:15 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke on GDP.

6:00 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on climate change.

5:45 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke against for-profit colleges.

5:20 p.m. Senator Coats spoke about conflict in Israel.

4:21 p.m. Senator Capito spoke about legislation to assist coal miners.

4:11 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about the attack in Orlando and about gun control measures.

3:55 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the shooting in Orlando and ISIS.

3:35 p.m. Senators Menendez spoke on the situation in Puerto Rico, and asked UC to take up his Puerto Rico recovery bill, Senator Cornyn objected.

3:25 p.m. Senator Mikulski discussed the McCain amendment and her own amendment.

3:17 p.m. Senator Wyden responded to Senator McCain on privacy and security.

2:58 p.m. Senator McCain spoke on the FBI, cyberterrorism and lone wolves.

2:48 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke on national security letters.

2:43 p.m. Senator Hatch continued to talk about Social Security.

2:37 p.m. Senator Mikluski asked Senator Hatch a question about Social Security

2:15 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke on Social Security.

12:28 p.m. Senator Gillibrand spoke on Orlando and gun control votes. She also spoke about three amendments she proposed.

12:21 p.m. Senator Murray spoke about Zika research funding.

11:58 a.m. Senator Baldwin spoke on Orlando and gun control.

11:38 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke on globalization.

11:23 a.m. Senator Thune spoke on Isis.

11:17 a.m. Senator Cotton declared computer science teacher Joel Spencer as “Arkansan” of the week.

11:05 a.m. Senator Cotton spoke on Great Britian and their upcoming vote this Thursday deciding if they will remain in the European Union.

10:50 a.m. Senator Flake spoke on guns.

10:18 a.m. The Senate will resume consideration of H.R. 2578 and recess for weekly policy lunches around 12:30 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on gun violence.

10:07 a.m. Senator Reid spoke on Orlando and guns.

10:03 a.m. ML McConnell spoke on Orlando and ISIL.

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. and will be in morning business until 12:30 p.m., when it will recess until 2:15 p.m. for weekly caucus luncheons.

The Senate will then resume consideration of H.R.2578, Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations.

Senator McConnell has offered and has filed cloture on McCain amendment #4787 (lone wolf and national security letters). A cloture vote could occur after the Senate convenes on Wednesday.

Amendments pending to H.R.2578, CJS Approps:

Shelby amendment #4685 (substitute)

McCain amendment #4787 (lone wolf and national security letters)

McConnell motion  to recommit the bill for a period of 14 days

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m. for a pro forma session only.  No legislative business will be conducted.

The Senate will next convene for legislative business at 3 p.m. Monday, June 20 at 3 p.m. At 4 p.m., the Senate will resume consideration of H.R 2578, the Commerce, Justice Science Appropriations bill.

In accord with Thursday’s agreement, the Senate will begin roll call votes at 5:30 p.m. on cloture motions for the four firearms-related amendments offered, respectively, by Senators Grassley, Murphy, Cornyn and Feinstein.

9:09 p.m. The Senate adjorned until 9:30 a.m. Thursday, June 9, 2016.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.2943, the National Defense Authorization Act.

At 11:15 a.m. the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Reed amendment #4549 (non-defense increase) to McCain amendment #4229 (OCO increase) to S.2943, NDAA. If cloture is not invoked, the Senate will immediately vote on McCain amendment #4229.

9:00 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on S.2943, the National Defense Authorization Act.  Unless an agreement is reached, that cloture vote will be one hour after the Senate convenes on Friday, June 10.

8:37 p.m. By a roll call vote of  56-38, the Senate rejected  the Sullivan motion to instruct conferees.  His motion, subject to a 60-vote threshold, would simplify permitting and is designed to simplify bridge replacement and improvement.

8:35 p.m. By a roll call vote of 46-49, the Senate did not adopt the Nelson motion to instruct conferees (not to redirect any money designated to funding the fight against Ebola to fighing Zika)

Senator Nelson spoke in favor and Senator Blunt spoke against the Nelson motion.

The Senate adopted the motion to go to conference on H.R. 2577 by voice vote.

The Senate invoked cloture on the motion to disagree in the House amendment and to agree to the motion to appoint conferees by a roll call vote of 93-2.

6:27 p.m. Senator Cornyn propounded a UC and at 7:30pm the Senate will proceed to up to 4 roll call votes on the following in relation to H.R.2577, the THUD/MilConVA Appropriations bill:

1. Motion to invoke cloture on the compound motion to go to conference on H.R.2577
2. Motion to go to conference on H.R.2577
3. Nelson motion to instruct conferees (60 vote affirmative threshold)
4. Sullivan motion to instruct conferees (60 vote affirmative threshold)

6:00 p.m. Senator Graham spoke about military funding.

5:49 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke on his proposed amendement, including one requiring the purchase of blackhawk helicopters.

5:29 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke about her amendment, #4222, which would eliminate cuts to the Basic Housing Allowance.

5:22 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke about the NDAA and spending.

5:17 p.m. Senator Isakson spoke about his disagreement with the Attorney General’s decision not to defend the Veterans Accountability and Choice Act and the firing of Sharon Helen under the act.

5:06 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about a Chicago resident who is a member of the Irish Senate and Trump’s remarks about a judge.

5:00 p.m. Senator Collins spoke about her support of the Murkowski amdendment.

4:56 p.m. Senator Daines spoke about his amendment about military pay raises.

4:50 p.m. Senator Franken spoke about the Supreme Court Vacancy and Merrick Garland.

4:30 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about TSCA.

4:01 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about his measure to require that presidential candidates release their tax returns.

3:47 p.m. Senator Cats spoke about government waste.

3:16 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke against the Reed amendment. He also spoke about the visit of Prime Minister Modi.

3:09 p.m. Senator Murray spoke for the Reed amendment on non-defense spending.

2:54 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke on healthcare.

2:38 p.m. Senator Warner spoke on nominees yet to be confirmed and asked unanimous consent that the Senate vote on a series of 15 nominations. ML McConnell objected. Senator Warner then asked unanimous consent to vote on 9 district court judges. ML McConnell objected. Senator Warner asked unanimous consent that the Senate vote on the 4 longest waiting nominations. Senator Hatch objected. Senator Warner asked unanimous consent to vote on the nomination of Brian R. Marionotti to be US District judge for the District of NJ. Senator Hatch objected.

2:22 p.m. Senator Mikulski spoke on the defense authorization bill.

1:59 p.m. Senator McCain spoke on the defense authorization bill.

1:27 p.m. Senator Baldwin spoke in support of Senator Reed’s amendment #4549 to aid non-defense programs.

12:56 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about his amendment, #4299 to the Defense authorization regarding the war in Yemen.

12:22 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke on the recent comments by Donald Trump regarding Judge Curiel; and judicial nominations in the Senate.

12:20 p.m. The Senate returned from the joint meeting recess.

10:30 a.m. The Senate recessed, subject to the call of the chair, for a Joint Meeting of Congress for an address by the Prime Minster Modi of India.

9:59 a.m. Senator Reed spoke on his amendment #4549  to add money to non-defense programs.

9:37 a.m. Minority Leader Reid joined Senator McConnell in welcoming Prime Minister Modi and spoke on Zika legislation as well as Donald Trump.

9:33 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the Zika legislation, yesterday’s passage of the toxic substances bill, the defense authorization and this morning’s visit from the prime minister of India.

***

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

Debate has begun on the McCain amendment (#4229) which would add $18 billion to the defense authorization and on the Reed second-degree amendment (#4549) to add money to non-defense programs.

Cloture was filed Wednesday night on both amendments.

Absent a time agreement, the cloture vote on the Reed second-degree amendment will occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Thursday, June 8, 2016.

At 10:30 a.m., the Senate will recess until the call of the chair for a Joint Meeting of Congress with His Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India.  Senators will gather in the Senate Chamber at 10:35 a.m. to depart as a body to the Hall of the House of Representatives at 10:40 a.m.  The Joint Meeting will begin at 11 a.m.

7:06 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 7, 2016.

6:55 p.m. ML McConnell spoke about Muhammed Ali and then did wrap-up.  In wrap-up, the Senate confirmed the following nominations by voice vote:

Executive Calendar #506, Jennifer Choe Groves, of Virginia, to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade; and

Executive Calendar #507, Gary Stephen Katzmann, of Massachusetts, to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade.

The Senate also Adopted S.Res.484, authorizing the taking of a photograph in the Senate Chamber.

And the Senate completed the Rule 14 process to place on the Legislative Calendar of Business S.3011, Bolster Accountability to Drive Government Efficiency and Reform Washington Act of 2016 (Johnson).

6:31 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke on protecting children of service members.

6:30 p.m. Senator McCain offers amendment #4229.

6:29 p.m. The Fischer amendment was agreed to 91-0.  Senators not voting:  Barrasso, Booker, Coats, Flake, Heitkamp, Hoeven, Johnson, Kirk, and Sanders.

5:30 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Fischer amendment #4206 to the Defense authorization.

5:12 p.m. Senators Tillis and Portman spoke on the 72nd anniversary of D-Day.

4:47 p.m. Senator Coons spoke about South Africa.

4:23 p.m. Senate Reed spoke in favor of S.2943, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017.

4:22 p.m. Senator McCain offered amendment (#4206) for Fischer to modify the requirement that the Secretary of Defense maintain the wartime readiness of military medical personnel.

4:20 p.m. The Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to S.2943, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017.

3:26 p.m. Senators Cornyn and McCain spoke on the Defense authorization.

2:03 p.m. DL Reid spoke on Donald Trump.

***

The Senate convened at 2:00 p.m. and will be in morning business until 4 p.m.

At 4 p.m., the motion to proceed to S.2943, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, will be agreed to. Senator Fischer will offer her amendment (#4206) to modify the requirement that the Secretary of Defense maintain the wartime readiness of military medical personnel.

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on the Fischer amendment, with no second degree amendments in order before the vote.

The Senate remains in recess this week for its observance of Memorial Day.

On Friday, June 3 at 1 p.m., the Senate will convene for a pro forma session only. No business will be conducted.

The Senate will next convene for legislative business on Monday June 6 at 2 p.m

The Senate will then be in morning business until 4 p.m. Monday.

At 4 p.m., the motion to proceed to S.2943, the National Defense Authorization Act, will be agreed to. Senator Fischer, or her designee, with be recognized to offer her amendment #4206.

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on the Fischer amendment with no second degree amendments in order before the vote.

6:38 p.m. Senate stands adjourned until 10:00 a.m. Tuesday May 24.

6:37 p.m. ML McConnell wraps up for the evening.   Items passed by UC: S. Res 375, raising awareness of modern slavery.  UC that Senate convene on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.

6:27 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke on the Sexual assault survivors rights act.

6:17 p.m. Senator Wicker spoke on a resolution disapproving a US Department of Agriculture regulation that may be voted on tomorrow.

6:14 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about visiting a GM plant near Youngstown, Ohio that recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

6:14 p.m. The Senate proceeds to a period of morning business.

6:13 p.m. S. 2613 is agreed to 89-0. Senators not voting: Booker, Boxer, Carper, Cruz, Kirk, Menendez, Murkowski, Peters, Sanders, Toomey and Vitter.

5:40 p.m. Roll call vote began on S.2613, the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act.

5:31 p.m. Senator McCain spoke on the need to pass the National Defense Authorization Act, S. 2943.  He asked for unanimous consent to pass the bill.  Democratic Leader Harry Reid objected.

5:30 p.m. ML McConnell called up a motion to proceed to S.2943, the National Defense Authorization Act and filed cloture on that motion.

5:00 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on S. 2613, the Adam Walsh re-authorization bill.

4:35 p.m. Senator Shaheen spoke on the Sexual assault survivors rights act.

4:34 p.m. The Senate begins consideration of S.2613, the Adam Walsh re-authorization bill.

4:10 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about human rights in Vietnam.

3:51 p.m. Senator Warren spoke about the 2008 financial crisis.

3:10 p.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke about the need for federal spending to combat the Zika virus. He also paid tribute to Marvin Simms.

3:02 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about last week’s passage of appropriations measures. He also previewed today’s vote on the Adam Walsh child protection bill and this week’s consideration of the defense authorization bill — including a provision to combat international sexual trafficking. Senator McConnell also paid tribute to Marvin Simms of the Senate Recording Studio, who is about to retire.

***

The Senate will convene at 3 p.m. and will proceed at 4:30 p.m. to debate the Adam Walsh Reauthorization Act of 2016 (a child protection measure, S. 2613) for one hour.

At about 5:30 p.m., a Grassley amendment and a committee-reported substitute, as amended, will be agreed to by unanimous consent, and the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on passage of S. 2613, as amended.