The Senate convened at 11:45 a.m. for a pro forma session only, Senator Wicker presiding. No business was conducted.
The Senate will next convene at 3 p.m. on Monday, December 16, and will resume consideration of the conference report accompanying S.1790, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020.
At 5:30 p.m. Monday, the Senate will vote on cloture on the NDAA conference report.
5:00 p.m. Senate adjourned. The Senate returns at 11:45 a.m. on Friday, December 13th for a pro forma session only, with no business conducted.
When the Senate adjourns on Friday, it will next convene at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, December 16, 2019. Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the conference report accompanying S.1790, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. At 5:30pm, the Senate will vote on cloture on the NDAA conference report.
4:58 p.m. ML McConnell began wrap up.
4:11 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about the Alaskan of the Week.
3:53 p.m. Senator Cotton paid tribute to fallen police office Stephen Carr.
3:47 p.m. Senator Ernst paid tribute to retiring Senator Isakson.
3:34 p.m. Senator Udall spoke about constitutional war powers.
3:31 p.m ML McConnell filed cloture on conference report to accompany S. 1790, NDAA.
3:11 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the USMCA and on IG Horowitz’s report.
2:43 p.m. Senator Casey spoke honoring First Lieutenant Michael Cleary of Dallas, PA who was killed in action.
2:15 p.m. Senator Thune spoke supporting legislation against robocalls.
2:13 p.m. The Senate confirmed the nomination of Stephen Hahn, of Texas, to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Department of Health and Human Services by a tally of 72-18.
1:43 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of Stephen Hahn to be a commissioner of the Food and Drugs Administration.
1:36 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about the open enrollment deadline for Healthcare.gov.
1:17 p.m. Senators Manchin, Murkowski, and King spoke on energy innovation.
1:08 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on health care.
12:59 p.m. Senator Cruz spoke on language in the Defense Authorization against the construction by Russia of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
12:50 p.m. Senators Menendez and Cruz spoke on and achieved UC to take up and pass S Res 150 on Armenian genocide.
12:49 p.m. The Sullivan nomination was confirmed 70-22.
Senators voting in favor: 50 Republicans; 21 Democrats; 1 Independent: King.
Senators voting against: 22 Democrats: Baldwin, Bennet, Blumenthal, Brown, Cantwell, Casey, Gillibrand, Harris, Heinrich, Hirono, Markey, Menendez, Murray, Peters, Reed, Schatz, Schumer, Smith, Stabenow, Warner, Whitehouse and Wyden.
Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Duckworth, Klobuchar and Warren; 3 Republicans: Burr, Isakson and Paul; 1 Independent: Sanders.
12:23 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the nomination of John Sullivan to be Ambassador to Russia.
12:22 p.m. The Skipwith nomination was confirmed 52-39.
Senators voting in favor: 49 Republicans; 3 Democrats: Jones, Manchin and Sinema.
Senators voting against: 38 Democrats; 1 Independent: King.
Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Duckworth, Klobuchar and Warren; 4 Republicans: Burr, Isakson, Paul and Shelby; 1 Independent: Sanders.
11:45 a.m. The Senate began voting on the nomination of Aurelia Skipwith to be the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.
11:31 p.m. Senator Shaheen spoke about international family planning funding.
11:07 a.m. Senator Portman spoke about U.S. and Mexico trade deal.
10:53 a.m. Senator Durbin criticized the pace of legislative work under Senator McConnell’s leadership. He spoke about nominations. He spoke about student debt owed to for-profit colleges.
10:39 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about hate crimes against Jews in New York and New Jersey. He spoke about impeachment. He criticized Senator Graham’s reading of the Horowitz report. He spoke about tax policy.
10:29a.m. Senator Blackburn spoke about the Hong Kong protests.
10:07 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about legislative priorities and about nominations. He spoke about the defense authorization and appropriations bills. He said the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade pact may become “a casualty” of impeachment proceedings. He spoke about the House measure on drug prices.
*****
The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. Thursday, December 12 and will resume post-cloture consideration of the nomination of Aurelia Skipwith to be director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
There will be votes at 11:45 a.m. on confirmation of two nominations:
There will be a confirmation vote at 1:45 p.m. on the nomination of Stephen Hahn to be a commissioner of the Food and Drugs Administration.
6:28 p.m. Senate stands adjourned until 10 a.m. Thursday.
6:19 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.
6:08 p.m. Senator Carper spoke in celebration of Delaware Day, December 11. He made note of the December 15 deadline to sign up for medical coverage at healthcare.com
6:07 p.m. Leader McConnell secured second reading for the resolution to continue federal spending, S-3009, under Rule 14. The Senate consented to convene at 10 a.m. Thursday.
6:05 p.m. The Senate agreed to confirmation votes on the Skipwith and Sullivan nominations at 11:45 a.m. Thursday and the Hahn nomination at 1:45 p.m. Thursday.
6:03 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Skipwith nomination 53-41.
Senators voting in favor: 50 Republicans, 2 Democrats: Jones and Manchin.
Senators voting against: 40 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.
Senators not voting: 3 Democrats: Bennet, Booker and Warren; 3 Republicans: Burr, Isakson and Paul; 1 Independent: Sanders.
5:40 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Skipwith nomination.
5:38 p.m. Senators Carper and Barrasso spoke on the Skipwith nomination.
5:37 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Hahn nomination, 74-19.
Senators voting in favor: 50 Republicans, 23 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.
Senators voting against: 19 Democrats: Blumenthal, Cantwell, Duckworth, Gillibrand, Harris, Hassan, Heinrich, Hirono, Klobuchar, Leahy, Markey, Merkley, Murray, Reed, Schatz, Schumer, Smith, Stabenow and Udall.
Senators not voting: 3 Democrats: Bennet, Booker and Warren; 3 Republicans: Burr, Isakson and Paul; 1 Independent: Sanders.
5:14 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Hahn nomination to be Commissioner of the FDA.
5:13 p.m. Senators Murray and Alexander spoke on the Hahn nomination.
5:12 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Sullivan nomination, 69-25.
Senators voting in favor: 51 Republicans, 17 Democrats: Cardin, Carper, Coons, Cortez Masto, Feinstein, Hassan, Jones, Kaine, Leahy, Manchin, Merkley, Murphy, Rosen, Shaheen, Sinema, Tester and Van Hollen; 1 Independent: King.
Senators voting against: 25 Democrats.
Senators not voting: 3 Democrats: Bennet, Booker and Warren; 2 Republicans: Burr and Paul; 1 Independent: Sanders.
4:49 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the nomination of John Sullivan to be Ambassador to Russia.
4:48 p.m. The VanDyke nomination was confirmed 51-44.
Senators voting in favor: 51 Republicans.
Senators voting against: 42 Democrats, 1 Republican: Collins; 1 Independent: King.
Senators not voting: 3 Democrats: Bennet, Booker and Warren; 1 Republican: Paul; 1 Independent: Sanders.
4:05 p.m. Roll call vote began on the confirmation of the VanDyke nomination.
3:58 p.m. Senators Merkley, Shaheen and Gardner joined the colloquy in tribute to Senator Isakson.
3:11 p.m. Senators Capito, Hassan and Jones paid tribute to Senator Isakson.
3:00 p.m. Senator Isakson thanked his staff upon his imminent retirement.
2:15 p.m. Senator Braun spoke about his year in the Senate and also about trade.
1:57 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke about agriculture and the economy.
1:43 p.m. Senator Durbin also paid tribute to former Congressman Berkeley and also spoke about the Hahn nomination. He also paid tribute to a Chicago minister-Dr. Clay Evans.
1:26 p.m. Senator Grassley paid tribute to the former Congressman from Iowa, Berkeley He also spoke about China and the economy and also spoke about Pearl Harbor.
1:15 p.m. Senator Moran paid tribute to Kelly McManus, a fellow departing his office.
12:54 p.m. Senator Casey spoke on health care and later the supplemental nutrition assistance program and coal miners health care.
12:36 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on health care and asked unanimous consent to take up and pass S. 1416 Democratic Leader Schumer objected.
12:35 p.m. The Senate passed H.R.2333, the Support for Suicide Prevention Coordinators Act by a tally of 95-0.
Senators not voting: 3 Democrats:Bennet, Booker and Warren;1 Independent: Sanders; 1 Republican: Paul.
Noon. The vote began on passage of the veterans suicide prevention bill, H.R. 2333.
11:54 a.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about the veterans suicide bill.
11:50 a.m. Senator Tester spoke about veterans and suicide.
11:13 a.m. Senator Brown spoke about taxes.
10:57 a.m. Senator Carper spoke on the economy and the tax code.
10:44 a.m. Senator Wyden spoke about the 2nd anniversary of the Trump tax law widening the economic gap in America.
10:36 a.m. Senator Boozman spoke honoring officer Steven Carr of the Fayetteville police department who was killed in the line of duty on Saturday.
10:33 a.m. Senator Manchin spoke on benefits for coal miners.
10:18 a.m. DL Schumer spoke about the shooting in Jersey City, on impeachment and on the Inspector General report on election interference.
9:49 a.m. Senator Thune spoke against Speaker Pelosi’s prescription drug plan.
9:40 a.m. ML McConnell spoke on impeachment and on the need to pass vital legislation such as the USMCA and NDAA before the end of the year.
9:38 a.m. The Majority Leader asked u.c. that at 4:15 p.m., the Senate will proceed to 4 votes: 1. Confirmation of Lawrence Vandyke to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit 2. Motion to invoke cloture on John Sullivan to be Ambassador of the U.S. to the Russian Federation 3. Motion to invoke cloture on Stephen Hahn to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Department of Health and Human Services 4. Motion to invoke cloture on Aurelia Skipwith to be Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
9:30 a.m. The Senate convened and resumed post-cloture considerations of the VanDyke nomination.
****
The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and will resume post-cloture consideration of the nomination of Lawrence VanDyke, of Nevada, to be a United States Circuit Court judge for the Ninth Circuit, post cloture.
At noon, the Senate will vote on passage of H.R.2333, the Support for Suicide Prevention Coordinators Act.
Also expected Wednesday are votes on confirmation of the VanDyke nomination and on cloture for these nominations:
5:35 p.m. Senator Blackburn spoke about the legislative to-do list.
5:21 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke on health care.
4:58 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the legislative to-do list.
4:52 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke supporting the USMCA, NDAA, and government funding.
4:33 p.m. Senators Blumenthal and Murphy spoke against the VanDyke nomination.
4:24 p.m. Senator Rick Scott spoke on government funding.
4:19 p.m. Senator Capito spoke about the legislative to-do list.
4:13 p.m. Senator Ernst spoke about the legislative to-do list: USMCA, funding the government, and VAWA.
4:07 p.m. Senator Cortez Masto spoke against the VanDyke nomination.
3:42 p.m. Senators Van Hollen and Schumer spoke about Russian election interference. Senator Van Hollen asked u.c. to consider S. 1060, Defending Elections from Threats by Establishing Redlines Act. Senator Crapo objected.
3:40 p.m. The Senate invoked cloture on Sherri Lydon to be a District Judge for S. Carolina, 79-14.
Voting no: Senators Bennet, Brown, Cantwell, Blumenthal, Gillibrand, Hirono, Klobuchar, Markey, Merkley, Murray, Schatz, Schumer, Smith and Van Hollen.
3:16 p.m. Roll call vote began on passage of S.2740: the Over-the-Counter Monograph Safety, Innovation and Reform Act.
3:11 p.m. Senators Casey, Isakson and Burr spoke in relation to S. 2740.
3:10 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the VanDyke nomination on a party line vote of 53-40.
Senators voting in favor: 53 Republicans.
Senators voting against: 39 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.
Senators not voting: 6 Democrats: Bennet, Booker, Harris, Klobuchar, Warner and Warren; 1 Independent: Sanders.
2:45 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on cloture on the nomination of Lawrence VanDyke to be a circuit judge for the 9th circuit.
2:44 p.m. The Bumatay nomination was confirmed 53-40.
Senators voting in favor: 53 Republicans.
Senators voting against: 39 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.
Senators not voting: 6 Democrats: Bennet, Booker, Harris, Klobuchar, Warner and Warren; 1 Independent: Sanders.
2:15 p.m. The Senate returned from the recess and began a roll call vote on confirmation of the Bumatay nomination.
12:40 p.m. The Senate recessed until 2:15 p.m.
12:30 p.m. Senator Rosen spoke against the Van Dyke nomination.
12:15 p.m. Senator Hassan spoke on protecting and improving healthcare.
12:05 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke on how many trips are made to the drugstore in year and healthcare in America.
11:33 a.m. Senators Markey, Cantwell and Wyden spoke on net neutrality. Senator Markey asked unanimous consent to take up and pass S.682, the “Save the Internet Act”. Senator Wicker objected.
11:29 a.m. Senator Murray spoke on S.2740: the Over-the-Counter Monograph Safety, Innovation and Reform Act.
11:22 a.m. Senator Tester spoke on judicial nominations, specifically the VanDyke nomination.
11:15 a.m. Senator Gardner spoke about the Colorado farm bureau.
10:55 a.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about the 150th anniversary of women’s suffrage in Wyoming. He later spoke about health care.
10:43 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about ‘Net neutrality.
10:27 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the Justice Department report on the of the FBI investigation of meddling in the 2016 elections. He spoke on the trade pact, trade agreement and Internet neutrality.
10:02 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about pending business, including the defense authorization, federal appropriations and the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade pact.
***
The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 and will resume post-cloture consideration of the nomination of Patrick J. Bumatay, of California, to the U.S. Circuit Court for the Ninth Circuit.
The Senate will recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. for weekly caucus lunches.
At 2:15 p.m., three roll call votes will occur:
1. Confirmation of Bumatay nomination;
2. Cloture on the nomination of Lawrence Vandyke, of Nevada, to the U.S. Circuit Court for the Ninth Circuit.;
3. Passage of S.2740: #22.
The Senate stands adjourned until 3 p.m. on Monday, December 9, when it will resume consideration of Patrick Bumatay’s nomination to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court.
At 5:30 p.m. Monday, there will be a cloture vote on the Bumatay nomination
5:59 p.m. The Senate adjourned.
5:56 p.m. Senator Blackburn wrapped up the days session. The Senate confirmed the nomination of Hugh Halpern to be Director of the Government Publishing Office.
Passed by UC: S Res 446, regarding printing of tributes to Senator Hagan and HR 5277.
5:39 p.m. Senator Brown paid tribute to Harrison Dillard.
5:07 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on climate change for the 260th time; on this occassion discussing a recently released report from the National Council for Science and the Environment.
4:59 p.m. Senator Blackburn spoke the situation in Hong Kong.
4:32 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke on various legislative proposals that have passed the House before discussing health care.
4:21 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about USMCA.
4:13 p.m. Senator King spoke about blueberries.
4:04 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke on his recent trip with the President to Afghanistan and the defense authorization and appropriations bills.
4:03 p.m. The Barlow nomination was confirmed 88-4.
Senators voting NO: Gillibrand, Klobuchar, Markey, and Merkley. Senators absent: Booker, Harris, Johnson, Murkowski, Rounds, Sanders, Tillis, and Warren.
3:30 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the nomination of David Barlow, to be a United States District Judge for the District of Utah.
3:30 p.m. The Huffaker nomination was confirmed, 89-4.
Senators voting against: 4 Democrats: Gillibrand, Klobuchar, Markey and Merkley.
Senators not voting: 3 Democrats: Booker,Harris and Warren; 3 Republicans: Johnson, Murkowski and Rounds; 1 Independent: Sanders.
3:11 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the nomination of Austin Huffaker to be a United States District Judge for the Middle District of Alabama.
3:10 p.m. The Cole nomination was confirmed 64-29.
Senators voting in favor: 50 Republicans, 13 Democrats: Brown, Carper, Casey, Coons, Durbin, Hassan, Jones, Leahy, Manchin, Murphy, Reed, Sinema and Whitehouse; 1 Independent: King.
Senators voting against: 29 Democrats.
Senators not voting: 3 Democrats: Booker,Harris and Warren; 3 Republicans: Isakson, Murkowski and Rounds; 1 Independent: Sanders.
2:55 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the nomination of Douglas Cole to be a United States District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio.
2:54 p.m. The Pitlyk nomination was confirmed 49-44.
Senators voting in favor: 49 Republicans.
Senators voting against: 42 Democrats, 1 Republican: Collins; 1 Independent: King.
Senators not voting: 3 Democrats: Booker,Harris and Warren; 3 Republicans: Isakson, Murkowski and Rounds; 1 Independent: Sanders.
2:31 p.m. Roll call vote began on the nomination of Sarah Pitlyk to be a United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri.
2:30 p.m. The Senate confirmed the Sinatra nomination, 75-18.
Senators voting in favor: 50 Republicans, 24 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.
Senators voting against: 18 Democrats: Blumenthal, Brown, Cantwell, Duckworth, Durbin, Gillibrand, Heinrich, Hirono, Klobuchar, Markey, Menendez, Merkley, Murray, Schatz, Smith, Udall, Van Hollen and Wyden.
Senators not voting: 3 Democrats: Booker,Harris and Warren; 3 Republicans: Isakson, Murkowski and Rounds; 1 Independent: Sanders.
2:00 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the Sinatra nomination to be a United States District Judge for the Western District of New York.
1:40 p.m. Senator Sasse spoke supporting the USMCA.
1:34 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke supporting the USMCA.
1:26 p.m. Senator Tillis spoke supporting the USMCA.
1:14 p.m. Senator Ernst spoke supporting the USMCA.
12:58 p.m. Senator Peters spoke about Veteran’s job training, calls up and passes S.760 by voice vote.
12:57 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Duncan nomination, 91-1.
Senator Hirono voted no.
12:31 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the nomination of Robert Duncan to be a Governor of the United States Postal Service for a term expiring December 8, 2025.
12:31 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Lydon nomination, 79-14.
Senators voting in favor: 51 Republicans, 27 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.
Senators voting against: 14 Democrats: Bennet, Brown, Blumenthal, Cantwell, Gillibrand, Hirono, Klobuchar, Markey, Merkley, Murray, Schatz, Schumer, Smith & Van Hollen.
Senators not voting: 3 Democrats: Booker, Harris and Warren; 3 Republicans: Isakson, Murkowski and Rounds; 1 Independent: Sanders.
12:09 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the nomination of Sherri Lydon to be a United States District Judge for the District of South Carolina.
12:09 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Myers nomination, 72-22.
Senators voting in favor: 51 Republicans, 20 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.
Senators voting against: 22 Democrats: Baldwin, Bennet, Blumenthal, Brown, Cantwell, Cortez Masto, Gillibrand, Heinrich, Hirono, Klobuchar, Markey, Menendez, Merkley, Murray, Schatz, Schumer, Smith, Stabenow, Udall, Van Hollen, Whitehouse and Wyden.
Senators not voting: 3 Democrats: Booker, Harris and Warren; 2 Republicans: Murkowski and Rounds; 1 Independent: Sanders.
11:33 p.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Richard Ernest Myers II to be a US District Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
11:22 p.m. Senator Lee spoke on the Barlow nomination.
11:05 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about the trade agreement with Mexico and Canada.
10:48 a.m. Senator Lankford spoke about the economy and the federal deficit.
10:37 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about impeachment. He spoke about spending negotiations. He criticized proposed changes in the food stamp program.
10:27 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about a coming wave of new technology — “5G,” for fifth-generation — and the bandwidth and security it will need.
10:07 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about Hong Kong.
*****
The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. and will resume consideration of the nomination of Richard Ernest Myers II, of North Carolina, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
At 11:30 a.m., cloture votes will occur on these nominations:
At 2 p.m., confirmation votes will occur on these nominations:
Thursday December 5, if cloture has been invoked on these nominations, confirmation votes will occur:
7:01 a.m. The Senate convened for a pro forma session, Senator Moran presiding. No business was conducted.
The final pro forma session of the Thanksgiving recess will occur at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, November 29.
The Senate will next convene for a regular session at 3 p.m. on Monday, December 2, and will resume consideration of the nomination of Dan R. Brouillette of Texas as secretary of the Department of Energy.
A cloture vote on the Brouillette nomination will occur at 5:30 p.m. Monday.
9:34 a.m. The Senate met in pro forma session, Senator Blunt presiding. No business was conducted.
Two more pro forma sessions will be held during the Thanksgiving recess: Tuesday, November 26 at 7 a.m. and Friday, November 29 at 9:30 a.m.
The Senate will next convene in legislative session on Monday, December 2 at 3 p.m. At 5:30 p.m. on December 2, the Senate will vote on confirmation of the nomination of of Dan R. Brouillette, of Texas, to be secretary of of the Department of Energy. The Senate will then vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Eric Ross Komitee to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
5:07 p.m. The Senate adjourned and Senator Fischer asked u.c. that when the Senate meet next for pro forma sessions on:
5:00 p.m. Executive Calendar #456 John E. Kramer to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Transportation. 2. Executive Calendar #493 Ian Steff to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, Executive Calendar #495 Carl Bentzel to be a Federal Maritime Commissioner for the term expiring June 30, 2024, confirmed en bloc by voice vote.
4:59 p.m. Executive Calendar 129, Department of Labor John Lowry to be Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training, confirmed by voice vote.
4:57 p.m. En bloc consideration of Executive Calendar #482 Joshua Deahl to be an Associate Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals for the term of 15 years; Exec. Cal. #483 Deborah J. Israel to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of 15 years; and Exec. Cal. #484 Andrea L. Hertzfeld to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of 15 years. The nominations were confirmed en bloc by voice vote.
4:56 p.m. Executive Calendar #420 E. Sequoyah Simermeyer to be Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission for the term of 3 years, confirmed by voice vote.
4:55 p.m. En bloc consideration of Executive Calendar #485 Robert Dixon to be U.S. Marshal for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of 4 years; Executive Calendar #537 Thomas O’Connor to be U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Texas for a term of 4 years; and Executive Calendar #539 Ralph Sozio to be U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of New York for the term of 4 years, the nominations were confirmed en bloc.
4:54 p.m. Military Promotions confirmed by unanimous consent: Executive Calendar #510 – 517, and all nominations on the Secretary’s Desk in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard and Foreign Service.
4:53 p.m. S.Res. 435, reaffirming the importance of the General Security of Military Information Agreement between the Republic of Korea and Japan, and for other purposes, adopted by u.c.
4:52 p.m. S. 1846, with Peters substitute amendment: State and Local Government Cybersecurity Act.
4:51 p.m. S. 333, National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium Act, passed by u.c.
4:51 p.m. passed en bloc:
4:50 p.m. H.R. 2334, Wilson and Young Medal of Honor VA Clinic, passed by u.c.
4:50 p.m. S. 900, Travis W. Atkins Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic, passed by u.c.
4:49 p.m. S. 1430, Representative Payee Fraud Prevention Act, passed as amended with the Lankford-Peters amendment.
4:48 p.m. S 2193, CHARGE Act., passed as amended.
4:46 p.m. Senator Fischer began wrap up and asked u.c. for the en bloc consideration of:
3:58 p.m. Senator Reed spoke about crimes committed by members of the Armed Forces.
3:50 p.m. Senator Cortez Masto spoke about health care.
3:37 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about the Alaskan of the week, Rose Marie Havish.
3:22 p.m. Senator Van Hollen spoke about the NDAA.
3:03 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the Violence Against Women Act.
2:55 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about the pardon of Chief Petty Officer Edward Gallagher.
2:38 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about renaming NASA’s Plumbrook Station in Ohio after Neil Armstrong. He then spoke about China stealing research.
2:37 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Brouillette nomination by a vote of 74 to 18.
Voting NO: Senators Baldwin, Bennet, Blumenthal, Brown, Cortez Masto, Gillibrand, Hirono, Leahy, Markey, Menendez, Merkley, Reed, Rosen, Schatz, Schumer, Van Hollen, Whitehouse, and Wyden.
1:33 p.m Roll call vote began on cloture on the Brouillette nomination.
1:31 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke in favor of the Brouillette nomination.
1:16 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke against the Brouillette nomination.
1:12 p.m. Senator Brown spoke on pensions for coal miners.
1:02 p.m. Senators Menendez and Cruz spoke on Armenian Genocide; asked UC to take up and pass S Res 150; Senator Perdue objected.
1:00 p.m. ML McConnell passed H Con Res 75; (correction in enrollment of HR 3055); filed cloture on nomination of Robert Duncan to be a governor of the US Postal Service.
12:59 p.m. The CR HR 3055;was agreed to 74-20.
Senators voting against: 20 Republicans Blackburn, Braun, Cruz, Daines, Enzi, Ernst, Fischer, Hawley, Inhofe, Lee, Paul, Perdue, Risch, Romney, Rounds, Sasse, Scott of Florida, Scott of South Carolina, Tillis and Toomey.
Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 1 Republican: Cassidy; 1 Independent: Sanders.
12:33 p.m. Vote on passage of the CR began.
12:32 p.m. Cloture was invoked, 75-19.
Voting against: 19 Republicans Blackburn, Braun, Cruz, Daines, Enzi, Ernst, Fischer, Hawley, Inhofe, Lee, Paul, Perdue, Risch, Romney, Rounds, Sasse, Scott of Florida, Tillis and Toomey.
Not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 1 Republican: Cassidy; 1 Independent: Sanders.
12:10 p.m. The vote began on cloture for the appropriations package.
12:09 p.m. By a vote of 73 to 20, the Senate tabled the Paul motion to cut the appropriation by 1 percent.
YEA: All 40 Democrats present; independent King and 31 Republicans.
NAY: 20 Republicans Blackburn, Braun, Cornyn, Crapo, Cruz, Daines, Ernst, Fischer, Kennedy, Lankford, Lee, McSally, Paul, Risch, Romney, Sasse, Scott of South Carolina, Sullivan, Tillis and Young.
NOT VOTING: Democrats Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; independent Sanders; Republicans Cassidy and Cotton.
11:33 a.m. Senator Leahy spoke against the Paul amendment.
11:25 a.m. Senator Paul spoke on his amendment, #1250 to reduce the appropriation by 1 percent and put the savings toward the Highway Trust Fund and certain Environmental Protection Agency public works.
10:58 a.m. Senator Manchin spoke about the Farmington mine disaster and West Virginia miners.
10:51 a.m. Senator Boozman spoke about the Arkansas Gazette.
10:43 a.m. Senator Cotton spoke about the 200th Anniversary of The Arkansas Gazette.
10:32 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about Thanksgiving and about the impeachment inquiry. He spoke about the appropriations package.
10:26 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about Hong Kong.
10:07 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the continuing appropriations package. He spoke about the defense authorization. He secured second reading for H.R. 2920, to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. He spoke about nominations.
Senator McConnell filed cloture motions on these nominations: Eric Komittee to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York; John L. Sinatra Jr. to U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York; Sarah E. Pitlyk to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri; Douglas Russell Cole to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio; R. Austin Huffaker Jr. to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama; David B. Barlow to the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah; Richard Earnest Myers II to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina; Sherry Lydon to the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina;
10:03 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about foster care.
*****
The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. and will resume consideration of the nomination of Dan Brouillette to be secretary of the Department of Energy.
At 11:30 a.m., the Chair will lay before the Senate the House message to accompany H.R.3055 (Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2020, and Further Health Extenders Act of 2019).
Senator Paul will move to concur with further amendment and Senator Shelby will move to table the Paul motion.
Following disposition of the Paul motion, Senator McConnell will move to concur in the House amendment to Senate amendment. Cloture is expected to be filed on the McConnell motion to concur. The cloture vote will occur immediately. If cloture is invoked, all post-cloture time will be yielded back.
The Senate will then vote on the motion to concur with the House message. There will be no intervening action or debate.
Thus, at 11:30 a.m., the following roll call votes are expected:
NOTE: Cloture has been filed on the Brouillette nomination. A roll call vote on cloture for Brouillette possible today.
6:20 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will convene at 10:00 am on Thursday, November 21. The Senate will then resume consideration of Dan R. Brouillette to be Secretary of Energy.
At 11:30 a.m. Senator Paul, or his designee, will be recognized to offer a motion to concur with further amendment (re: 1 percent cut), and Senator Shelby, or his designee, will be recognized to make a motion to table the Paul motion.
Following disposition of the Paul motion, the Majority Leader, or his designee, will be recognized to make a motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment. If cloture is filed on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment, the vote on the cloture motion will occur immediately. If cloture is invoked, the post-cloture time will be yielded back, and the Senate will vote on the motion to concur with no intervening action or debate.
At 11:30 a.m. there will be up to 3 ROLL CALL VOTES:
During wrap-up:
S.2920, Re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act, was placed on the calendar via the Rule 14 process.
****
5:37 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell filed cloture on the nomination of Dan R. Brouillette to be Secretary of Energy.
5:19 p.m. Senator Shaheen spoke about healthcare and asked unanimous consent that the Senate adopt S. 455. Senator Braun objected and asked unanimous consent that Senator Shaheen modify her request that the Senate adopt S.913. Senator Shaheen objected.
5:03 p.m. Senator Blackburn spoke about the
4:52 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke about the CR.
4:43 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about Sergei Magnitsky.
4:27 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke about permanent funding for HCBUs. He asked UC that the Senate proceed to S. 2557 (permanent funding for HCBUs). Senator Brown objected.
4:18 p.m. Senator Burr spoke about funding for HCBUs.
4:15 p.m. Senator Coons asked UC that the Senate proceed to H.R. 2486 (short term funding for HCBUs). Senator Alexander objected.
4:05 p.m. Senators Carper and Coons spoke about HCBUs.
3:40 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the pension system.
3:30 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about taxes and the spending bills.
3:19 p.m. Senator Hirono spoke about gun violence.
3:15 p.m. The Zuckerman nomination was confirmed, 65-30.
Senators voting in favor: 53 Republicans, 11 Democrats: Carper, Coons, Hassan, Jones, Manchin, Menendez, Murphy, Rosen, Shaheen, Sinema and Warner; 1 Independent: King.
Senators voting against: 30 Democrats.
Senators not voting 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 1 Independent:Sanders.
2:37 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the Zuckerman nomination.
2:32 p.m. Senator Blackburn spoke about The Violence Against Women Act.
2:22 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about The Violence Against Women Act.
2:22 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke about The Violence Against Women Act.
2:15 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about The Violence Against Women Act.
2:06 p.m. Senator Ernst spoke about The Violence Against Women Act.
1:54 p.m. Senator Feinstein spoke about The Violence Act Women Reauthorization Act of 2019 and asked unanimous consent that at a time to be determined by both leaders, the Senate proceed to immediate consideration of S. 2843 and vote with a 60 vote threshold for amendments and passage. Senator Ernst objected and spoke on the legislation.
1:07 p.m. Senator Gardner paid tribute to former fellow in his office and Foreign Service Officer Nathan Lane who recently died in Poland.
12:46 p.m. Senators Wyden and Brown spoke on health care.
12:30 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Zuckerman nomination, 65-30.
Senators voting in favor: 53 Republicans, 11 Democrats: Carper, Coons, Hassan, Jones, Manchin, Menendez, Murphy, Rosen, Shaheen, Sinema and Warner; 1 Independent: King.
Senators voting against: 30 Democrats.
Senators not voting 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 1 Independent:Sanders.
12:o4 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on cloture on the nomination of Adrian Zuckerman to be Ambassador to Romania.
12:03 p.m. the Lagoa nomination was confirmed 80-15.
Senators voting no: 15 Democrats: Bennet, Brown, Cantwell, Gillibrand, Hirono, Markey, Merkley, Murray, Rosen, Schatz, Schumer, Stabenow , Van Hollen and Wyden.
Senators not voting 4 Democrats: Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 1 Independent:Sanders.
11:30 a.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of Barbara Lagoa to be a judge for the Eleventh U.S. Circuit Court
11:12 a.m. Senator Blunt spoke supporting the USMCA and on National Adoption Month.
11:08 a.m. Senator Daines spoke supporting the USMCA.
11:01 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about nominations.
10:50 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about student loans.
10:36 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the intelligence estimate on the Islamic State and Syria. He spoke about the defense authorization and Russian interference in the U.S. elections of 2016.
10:09 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the Hong Kong measures that passed the Senate Tuesday. He spoke about trade, the rural economy, and the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
10:03 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the opioid epidemic.
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The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. and will resume post-cloture consideration of the nomination of Barbara Lagoa to be a Judge for the Eleventh U.S. Circuit Court.
Votes at 11:30 a.m.:
The Zuckerman nomination is subject to up to two hours of post cloture debate prior to a confirmation vote, which is expected to occur in the afternoon.
The Senate is expected to consider a continuing resolution to December 20, 2019 during this week’s session of the Senate.