6:48 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

6:37 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on immigration and the Dream Act.

6:35 p.m. Senator Daines wraps-up for the evening.

Items passed by UC: HR 2297, preventing Hezbollah from gaining access to international financial aid.

Items read for the first time: S.2288, prohibiting members and staff of the federal reserve system from lobbying for or against legislation.

UC that when the Senate adjourns, it do so until 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday November 18th.  At that time be in a period of morning business for one hour, until 11:00 a.m.   Further by unanimous consent the cloture motion on the motion to proceed to HR. 2577, the Transportation/HUD appropriations bill was vitiated, and the Senate will begin consideration of the bill at a time to be determined.

UC that the Senate will adjourn following the remarks of Senator Durbin.

6:34 p.m. S.J. Res 23 agreed to 52-46.

Aye’s: 49 Republicans, 3 Democrats.  (Donnelly, Heitkamp, Manchin)

No’s: 41 Democrats, 3 Republicans, (Ayotte, Collins, Kirk) 2 Independents.

Not voting: Graham and Rubio.

5.59 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on S.J. Res 23, a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of an EPA clean power rule.

5:58 p.m. S.J. Res 24 agreed to 52-46.

Aye’s: 49 Republicans, 3 Democrats.  (Donnelly, Heitkamp, Manchin)

No’s: 41 Democrats, 3 Republicans, (Ayotte, Collins, Kirk) 2 Independents.

Not voting: Graham and Rubio.

5:28 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on S.J.Res 24, a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of an EPA clean power rule.

4:50 p.m. Senators Hoeven and Enzi spoke on the clean power resolution.

4:40 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about terrorism before turning to discuss the pending clean power resolution.

4:35 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about terrorism.

4:17 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about the pending clean power resolution.

4:16 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell acheived UC to have votes on SJ Res 24 and SJ Res 23 beginning at 5:30 p.m. today.

4:00 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about Syrian refugees and terrorism before turning to discuss the pending clean power resolution.

3:58 p.m. Senator Vitter spoke about his bill to stop refugees from Syria after 270 days.

3:52 p.m. Senator Schatz spoke in support of the the Clean Power Plan.  He spoke in opposition to S.J.Res. 24.

3:44 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about energy and the Clean Power Plan.  He spoke in opposition to S.J.Res 23 and S.J.Res. 24.

3:33 p.m. Senator Markey spoke on climate and the Clean Power Plan. He opposes S.J.Res 24 and S.J.Res 23.

3:22 p.m. Senator Udall spoke on energy.

3:11 p.m. Senator Warren spoke on ISIL and Syrian refugees.

3:01 p.m Senator Daines spoke on energy.

2:52 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke on ISIL.

2:41 p.m. Senator Flake spoke on ISIL.

2:15 p.m. Senator McCain spoke on ISIL.

***

1:20 p.m. The Senate stands in recess for the weekly caucus lunches until 2:15 p.m.

1:10 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke on the resolution of disapproval of an EPA rule on power plant emissions.

1:05 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke on funding for NASA.

12:55 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the refugee crisis and terrorism.

12:45 p.m. Senator Shelby spoke on the Paris attacks and terrorism in the U.S.

12:36 p.m. Senator Shaheen spoke on climate change.

12:26 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke on climate change.

12:10 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on climate change.

11:50 a.m. Senator Coats spoke on terrorism.

11:19 a.m. Senator Boxer spoke against the resolution of disapproval.

11:00 a.m. The Senate voted by voice to proceed to S.J.Res. 24, a joint resolution of disapproval of an EPA rule on power plant emissions, with up to ten hours of debate. Senators Capito and Heitkamp spoke in favor of the resolution of disapproval.

10:46 a.m. Senator Klobuchar offered condolences for the terrorist attacks in Paris. She called for better intelligence on terrorism and for swifter senate action on executive nominations.

10:36 a.m. Senator Heller offered condolences for the terrorist attacks in Paris. He also spoke against the health law’s “Cadillac tax” on certain medical insurance policies.

10:27 a.m. Senator Durbin offered condolences for the terrorist attacks in Paris. He also spoke in favor of U.S. refugee policy and called for eliminating the Islamic State from Syria and Iraq, relying on such local forces as the Kurds.

10:08 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke in favor of the EPA’s clean power regulations. He paid tribute to Senator Mikulski; he noted that senators will shortly welcome the French ambassador to the U.S.; he criticized the Republican Senate leadership for the pace of action on executive nominations.

10:03 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell  spoke for the joint resolutions to disapprove of rules that the EPA has promulgated to limit power plant emissions. He also spoke about last week’s elections in Burma and about President Obama’s decision to honor Senator Mikulski with a Medal of Freedom.

***

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m.  There will be a moment of silence for victims of the Paris attacks.

At 11 a.m., Senator McConnell is expected to bring up S.J.Res. 24, a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of an EPA rule on carbon emissions guidelines.  Under title 5 of the U.S. code, there will be up to 10 hours debate equally divided before a vote on the joint resolution.

During Monday’s session, Senator McConnell filed cloture on the motion to proceed to HR 2577, the Transportation and Housing Appropriations bill.  If the Senate doesn’t reach agreement to vote earlier, they would vote on the cloture motion an hour after they convene on Wednesday, November 18.

7:03 Senate stands adjourned until 3:0o p.m. Monday, November 16th.

6:55 p.m. Wrap up.  the Senate passed the following in wrap up:  S. 1203 – (as amended) VA improvements; H.R. 2262 – Commercial space development; S. 2280 – Empowering domestic violence survivors and S. Res 302 – SoS in support of Israel. Executive calendar nominations for Foreign Service PN 643,800 and 877.

Senate will reconvene on Monday, November 16th at 3:00 p.m. with the next vote occurring at 5:30 pm on the nomination of LaShann M. DeArcy, NY, to be U.S. District Judge.

6:47 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke on oil development.

6:10 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke about crude oil pipelines.

5:59 p.m. Senator Brown spoke on Veterans.

5:35 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke on religious liberty.

5:20 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about Veterans.

5:15 p.m. Senator Tillis spoke on the passing on Senator Jesse Helms wife.

5:00 p.m. Senator Sessions spoke on the TPP trade agreement.

4:40 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke on early childhood education.

4;25 p.m.  Senator Cassidy on Veterans Affairs.

4:15 p.m. Senator Warren on Wall Street.

4:07 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on oversight.

3:52 p.m. Senators Whitehouse and Brown spoke on climate change.

3:39 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke on Missouri veterans.

3:38 p.m. Blumenthal motion to instruct conferees relative to rail safety was agreed to by voice vote.

3:36 p.m. Wicker motion to instruct was agreed to 56-31.

Senators voting YES: 39 Democrats, 15 Republicans, 2 Independents.

Senators voting NO: 29 Republicans and 2 Democrats: Heitkamp and Tester.

Senators not voting: 3 Democrats and 10 Republicans: Boxer, Crapo, Cruz, Gardner, Graham, Heller, Inhofe, Johnson, Leahy, Paul, Rubio, Vitter, and Warner.

3:12 p.m. The Senate is currently voting on Senator Wicker’s motion to instruct conferees relative to truck size.

3:11 p.m. The compound motion to go to conference on H.R. 22 was agreed to by unanimous consent.

3:10 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the compound motion to go to conference on H.R. 22 by a vote of 82 -7.

Senators voting YES: 38 Republicans, 42 Democrats, 2 Independents.

Senators voting NO: 7 Republicans: Corker, Flake, Lee, Perdue, Risch, Sasse, and Shelby.

Senators not voting: 9 Republicans, 2 Democrats: Crapo, Cruz, Gardner, Graham, Heller, Johnson, Leahy, Paul, Rubio, Vitter, and Warner.

2:38 p.m. Senator Boxer spoke on the highway bill.

2:15 p.m. The Senate returns from recess.  Senator Wicker spoke on the motion to instruct he will offer later today about double tractor trailers.

1:40 p.m. The Senate stands in recess until 2:15 p.m.

1:30 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke on the highway bill and Guantanomo.

1:13 p.m. Senators Carper spoke on the highway bill conference process.

1:09 p.m. ML McConnell moves to go to conference on the Highway bill and files cloture on the motion.  Acheived UC to have three roll call votes: one cloture vote, and if cloture is agreed to, the motion to go to conference would be agreed to, after which two further votes on motions to instruct conferees. This all happens this afternoon beginning at 2:45 p.m.

1:08 p.m. HR 2029, MilCon/VA appropriations is agreed to 93-0.

12:42 p.m. ML McConnell offered the following amendments to H.R. 2029, Mil Con Appropriations, which were passed en bloc: 2774, 2775, 2776, 2779, 2781, 2785, 2786, 2787, 2788, 2789, 2795, 2794 and 2798.  The majority leader then offered an amendment for Senator Brown, #2801 which was agreed to by voice vote. The Kirk Amenement #2764 was withdrawn and Kirk Amendment #2763,  subsititute was passed by voice vote.  Senate is now voting on final passage.

12: 05 p.m. The Senate agreed to the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 1356, (passage of the NDAA conference report) by a roll call vote of 91-3.  (Senators Merkley, Sanders and Wyden voted against.  Senators Cruz, Graham, Heller, Paul, Rubio and Vitter did not vote. The Senate then took up H. Con. Res. 90. Senator McCain immediately offered amendment 2796 that was agreed to by voice vote.

11:31 The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 1356, (passage of the NDAA conference report).

11:14 a.m. Senator Reed spoke in support of the NDAA conference report, (the House amendment to S. 1356).  He also spoke in praise of the leadership of Senator McCain.

11:06 a.m. Senator McCain spoke in support of the NDAA conference report.

11:01 Senator McCain moved to concur in the House Amendment to S. 1356.

Senator McCain put forth a UC that he be recognized to offer an amendment when H. Con Res 90 is brought up (after the vote on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 1356).  Further, that amendment will be agreed to by UC.

10:40 a.m. Senator Collins spoke on the Milcon/VA appropriations.

10:32 a.m. Senator Mikulski spoke on the defense authorization and the MilCon/VA appropriations.

10:23 a.m. Senator Lee spoke on and tried to pass S. Res 312 regarding pregnancy centers.  Senator Murray objected to its passage.

10:22 a.m. The Senate resumed consideration of H.R. 2029, the MilCon/VA appropriations bill.

10:13 a.m. Democratic Leader Reid spoke on the MilCon/VA bill, immigration and Veterans Day.

10:03 a.m. ML McConnnell discussed the Senate schedule, highlights of the MilCon/VA bill, and Veterans Day. He indicated if the Senate can finish the MilCon bill and send the highway bill to conference with the House, we can adjourn for the week.

The Senate convened at 10:00 a.m and will shortly resume consideration of the MilCon/VA Appropriations (H.R. 2029)until 11:00 a.m.

• At 11:00am, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of the House message to accompany H.R. 1356 (the vehicle for the Defense Authorization).
• Senator McCain or his designee will be recognized in order to offer a motion to concur in the House message to accompany H.R. 1356.  There will then be twenty minutes for debate.

• At approximately 11:20 a.m., the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to concur in the House message to accompany H.R. 1356 [passage of NDAA].

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

• Additional roll call votes are expected during Tuesday’s session of the Senate.

6:05 p.m. The Senate has adjourned until tomorrow, Friday, July 17th at 10:40 a.m. for a pro forma session only. The Senate will next convene on Tuesday, July 21st at 10:00 a.m. and a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on H.R. 22 (the vehicle for a highway bill) is expected at 2:15 p.m.

During wrap-up:

S.139, to allow an exclusion under the supplemental security income program, was passed by unanimous consent.

H.R. 3038, extension of federal-aid highway and highway safety bill, had its first reading.

During today’s session, the Senate passed S. 1177, the Every Child Achieves Act and  S. 192-Older Americans Act.

****

6:02 p.m. ML McConnell spoke on the shooting in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

5:28 p.m. Senator Heitkamp spoke on Vietnam veteran’s of North Dakota and the export/ import bank.

5:21 p.m. The Senate passed S. 192-Older Americans Act-by voice vote.

4:52 p.m. Senator Enzi spoke on coal.

4:27 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke on the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

4:16 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke on Planned Parenthood.

3:08 p.m. Senator Whitehouse and Senator Collins spoke about Older Americans Act.

2:59 p.m. Senator Coats spoke about government waste.

2:40 p.m. Senator Alexander and Senator Murray spoke about passage of S. 1177.

2:39 S. 1177, Education reauthourization adoped 81-17.  No votes: Blunt, Booker, Crapo, Cruz, Daines, Flake, Lee, Moran, Murphy, Paul, Risch, Rubio, Sasse, Scott, Shelby,Vitter and Warren.  Senators not voting: Graham and NElson.

2:20 p.m.  Roll call vote begins on final passage of S. 1177.

2:14 p.m. Cloture invoked on S. 1177 by a vote of 79-18.  No votes: Booker, Blunt, Cardin, Crapo, Cruz, Daines, Gillibrand, Lee, Mikulski, Moran, Murphy, Paul, Risch, Sasse, Schumer, Shelby, Vitter, and Warren.

1:47 p.m. The Senate began voting on cloture on S. 1177.

1:41 p.m. Senator Alexander and Senator Corker engaged in a colloquy about violence in Chatanooga, Tennessee.

1:31 p.m. Senator Udall spoke about New Mexicans affected by nuclear testing.

1:24 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke on his substance abuse and addiction amendment.

1:16 p.m. Senator Gardner spoke about dual enrollment programs enabling high school students to earn college credit.

1:15 p.m.  The Senate adopted the Peters amendment #2095 and the subsitute amendment (as amendmend)#2089, by voice vote.

1:13 p.m. The following amendments were agreed to by voice vote: Hatch #2082, Warren #2106, Schatz #2130, Murphy #2186, Nelson #2215 (as modified), Manchin #2222, Bozeman #2231, Baldwin #2188, Capito #2156, Thune #2232, King #2256, Schatz #2240, Warren #2249.

1:07 p.m. Senator Thune spoke on his amendment regarding violent prevention activities.

1:06 p.m. Casey amendment not agreed to 45-52.  Senators not voting: Graham, Nelson, and Rubio.

12:45 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Casey amendment #2242.  (60 vote threshold)

12:43 p.m. Brown amendment agreed to 53-44.  Republicans in favor: Ayotte, Blunt, Capito, Collins, Hoeven, Isakson, and Portman.  Senators not voting: Graham, Nelson, and Rubio.

12:23 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Brown amendment #2100.

12:20 p.m. Burr amendment agreed to 59-39.  Democrats/Independents in favor: Bennet, Boxer, Cantwell, Donnelly, Feinstein, Franken, Heitkamp, King, Klobuchar, McCaskill, Merkley, Murray, Shaheen, Tester, Udall, and Wyden.   Republicans against: Capito, Cassidy, Fischer, Johnson, Kirk, Lee, Portman, Sasse, Toomey, and Vitter.  Senators not voting: Graham and Nelson.

12:03 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Burr amendment #2247.

12:00 p.m. Coons amendment agreed to 68-30. Republicans voting in favor: Ayotte, Blunt, Boozman, Capito, Cotton, Crapo, Cruz, Daines, Gardner, Hoeven, Inhofe, Kirk, McCain, Moran, Risch, Rubio, Sasse, Scott, Sullivan, Toomey, and Vitter.  Senators not voting: Graham and Nelson.

11:42 a.m. Roll call vote began on the Coons amendment #2243.

11:41 a.m. Sanders amendment not agreed to 43-55.  Democrat/Independent voting against: King and Manchin.  Senators not voting: Graham and Nelson.

11:23 a.m. Roll call vote began on the Sanders amendment #2177.

11:21 a.m.  Cruz amendment not agreed to 40-58.  Republicans voting against: Alexander, Ayotte, Capito, Cochran, Collins, Corker, Flake, Gardner, Kirk, Murkowski, Portman, Rounds, and Thune.  Senators not voting: Graham and Nelson.

10:56 a.m. The Senate began voting on Cruz amendment #2180 to S. 1177.

10:30 a.m. Senator Alexander said the education bill appears likely to pass this afternoon.

10:25 a.m. Senator Murray spoke about the education bill.

10:16 a.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about the recent Supreme Court ruling on coal.

10 a.m. Senator Ayotte spoke about the revision of the public school testing system under the reauthorization of the public school education bill.

9:39 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke about the education, highway and Export-Import Bank reauthorizations.

9:34 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the “Every Child” education bill. He secured consent for a cloture vote to occur on the highway bill (H.R. 22) next Tuesday, July 21, at 2:15 p.m.

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

The Senate will come to order at 9:30 am Thursday, July 16, 2015.

At 10:45, the Senate will begin a series of votes in relation to up to 20 amendments to S. 1177, the Education bill:
Cruz #2180, Sanders #2177, Coons, #2243, Burr #2247 (as modified, Brown #2100, Casey #2242, Hatch #2082, Warren #2106, Schatz #2130, Murphy #2186, Nelson #2215 (as modified), Manchin #2222, Bozeman #2231, Baldwin #2188, Capito #2156, Thune #2232, King #2256, Schatz #2240, Warren #2249.

Further votes are expected throughout the day.

8:16 p.m. The Senate has adjourned until 9:30 a.m. tomorrow, Friday, May 22nd. Following leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R. 1314.

During wrap-up:

• Executive Calendar numbers 115-122 (Navy, Air Force, Marine, and Army nominations) and all nominations placed on the secretary’s desk for the Air Force, Army, Marines, and Navy were confirmed by unanimous consent.
• H.R. 1690, S.261, and S. 612 were passed by unanimous consent en bloc.
• S. 501, making technical corrections to the Navajo Water Rights Settlement and the state of New Mexico, was passed by unanimous consent.
• S. Res. 168, National Foster Care Month, was passed by unanimous consent.
• S. Res. 109, acknowledging and honoring the brave young men from Hawaii who enabled the US to establish and maintain jurisdiction in remote equatorial islands as prolonged conflict in the pacific led to World War II.
• S. Res. 185, 186, and 187 were passed by unanimous consent en bloc.

As a reminder, the post-cloture time on the Hatch substitute amendment #1221 is set to expire at 5:00 p.m tomorrow, Friday, May 22nd. 

****

6:45 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke on the pending trade bill.

6:29 p.m. Senator Portman spoke on the pending trade bill.

6:18 p.m Senator Fischer spoke on the Highway Trust Fund.

6:07 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke on the pending trade bill.

5:54 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on the pending trade bill.

5:51 p.m.  ML McConnell spoke on the Senate finishing its business before the Memorial Day recess.  The Senate also confirmed the nominations of Patricia D. Cahill, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Mark Scarano, to be Federal Chairperson of the Northern Border Regional Commission, by voice vote.

5:50 p.m. The Senate confirmed Jose Rolando Olvera Jr. of Texas, to be US District Judge by a vote of 100-0.

5:32 p.m. The Senate confirmed Jill Parrison, of Utah, to be US District Judge by a vote of 100-0.

4:10 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about medical care.

4:01 p.m. Senator Flake spoke about trade.

3:48 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about medical care.

3:28 p.m. Senator Ayotte spoke about the trade bill.

2:57 p.m. Senators Boxer and Carper spoke on the trade bill.

2:55 p.m. Senator Hatch achieved a UC that the Senate be in a period of morning business until 4:00 p.m.

2:37 p.m Senator Hatch spoke in favor of the pending trade bill; with Senators Manchin and Warren engaging him for questions.

2:24 p.m. Senators Manchin and Warren spoke on the pending trade bill; Senator Warren asks UC to take up and pass S.1381, regarding making texts of trade agreements public; Senator Hatch objected.

2:19 p.m. Senator Tillis spoke about an amendment he has offered regarding H2-B visas.

2:06 p.m. Senator Franken spoke in support of the USA Freedom Act.

2:03 p.m. Senator Brown spoke on the pending trade bill, and his amendment SA #1251 (docking).

1:27 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke on the oil spill in California, and recollects past spills near Florida.

10:57 a.m. ML McConnell, DL Reid, and Senator Hatch all spoke briefly about moving forward on amendments.

The following amendments are pending to H.R.1314, Trade:

1. Hatch SA #1221 (substitute)
2. Flake SA #1243 (strike TAA)
3. Inhofe SA #1312, as modified (AGOA)
4. McCain SA #1226 (catfish)
5. Portman-Stabenow SA #1299 (currency manipulation)
6. Brown SA #1251 (docking)
7. Shaheen SA #1227 (small business)
8. Warren SA #1327 (investor state dispute)
9. Hatch #1411 to the language proposed to be stricken by amendment #1299, as modified (currency)

Any pending amendments that are not germane are subject to a point of order and they would fall if a point of order is raised. Upon the use or yielding back of the post-cloture time, the Senate will vote in relation to any remaining pending amendments and on the Hatch substitute. If all time is used, the post-cloture debate on the Hatch substitute would expire at approximately 5:00pm tomorrow, Friday, May 22.

Upon disposition of the Hatch substitute, there would be a cloture vote on the underlying bill. If cloture is invoked on the underlying bill, there would be an additional 30 hours of post-cloture debate time, but no further amendments would be in order prior to a vote on passage of H.R.1314, as amended, if amended.

As a reminder, this morning Senator McConnell filed cloture on the motions to proceed to H.R.2048, USA Freedom Act, and S.1357, 2 month Patriot Act extension. Unless an agreement can be reached, the cloture vote on the motion to proceed to the USA Freedom Act would occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Saturday or upon disposition of the Trade bill, whichever is later.

10:56 a.m  The motion to invoke cloture on the Hatch substitute amendment, #1221, to H.R. 1314 (TPA)  was agreed to by a vote of 62-38. Democrats that voted in favor of cloture were: Bennet, Cantwell, Carper, Coons, Feinstein, Heitkamp, Kaine, McCaskill, Murray, Nelson, Shaheen, Warner and Wyden. Republicans that voted against: Collins, Lee, Paul, Sessions and Shelby.

10:15 a.m. Senator Hatch offered up 12 amendments to H.R. 1314 (TPA ) en bloc. Senator Brown objected.

9:54 a.m. Senator Wyden spoke in favor of TPA.

9:35 a.m. Senator Brown spoke against TPA.

9:19 a.m. Senator Sessions spoke against TPA.

9:11 a.m. Senator Hatch spoke in favor of TPA.

9:02 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell filed cloture motions on the motion to proceed to H.R. 2048 (USA Freedom Act) and on the motion to proceed to S. 1357 (two month Patriot Act extension). H.R. 2353 (extension of the Highway and Transportation funding act of 2015)  was read for the second time and placed on the calendar.

The Senate will convene at 9:00 a.m.  The Senate will vote on the cloture motion on the Hatch substitute amendment, #1221, to H.R. 1314, (Trade Promotion Authority) at 10:00 a.m.

6:01 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 2 p.m. Monday, May 18, to resume consideration of H.S. 1314. At 5:30 p.m., there will be votes on the Brown and the Lankford amendments.

5:54 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the police memorial.

In his wrap-up:

— Title amendments #1240 and 1241 were agreed to (notwithstanding the passage of H.R. 1295 and H.R. 644);

— S. 1356 (Border Patrol) passed by voice vote;

— S. Res. 179 (designating May 16 Kids to Park Day) passed by voice vote;

— These bills received 1st and 2d reading en bloc: S. 1350 (short-term highway authorizations); S. 1357 (roving surveillance authority); S. 2045 (provision of certain business records to the government).

5:20 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell UC: All post cloture time expired, Senator Hatch be recognized to offer substitute amendment, #1221 and a first degree amendment to strike title 2.  The only other amendments in order be a Brown amendment #1242 and a Lankford amendment #1314.  On Monday May 18, time until 5:30 equally divided, vote on Brown and Lankford amendments at 5:30 p.m, with no second degree amendments in order and both having 60 vote thresholds.

4:59 p.m. Senator Heitkamp paid tribute to North Dakotans killed in the Vietnam War.

4:24 p.m. Senator Moran spoke on biomedical research.

4:16 p.m. Senator Stabenow paid tribute to Rachel Jacobs, who was killed on the Amtrak train derailment earlier this week.

3:25 p.m. Senators Wyden, Murkowski, Portman, and Hatch spoke on HR 1314, TPA.

2:55 p.m. Senate passed by unanimous consent HR 606, the “Don’t Tax our Fallen Heros” bill which deals with survivor benefits for fallen law enforcement officers and firefighters. Both Senator Ayotte and Shaheen spoke in favor of passage.

2:50 p.m. By a vote of 65-33, cloture invoked on motion to proceed to HR 1314, Trade Promotion Authority bill.  Democrats in favor: Bennet, Cantwell, Carper, Coons, Feinstein, Heitkamp, Kaine, McCaskill, Murray, Nelson, Shaheen, Warner, Wyden.

1:55 p.m The Senate began the vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to HR 1314-Trade Promotion Authority legislation.

1:45 p.m. Senator Sessions spoke about the upcoming vote in relation to HR 1314.

1:30 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about the upcoming vote in relation to HR 1314.

12:56 p.m. Senators Hatch and Sanders spoke on the upcoming vote at 2:00 p.m. in relation to HR 1314.

12:54 HR 644 Customs bill passes 78-20.  Senators voting no: Alexander, Coats, Corker, Cornyn, Cotton, Cruz, Daines, Flake, Gardner, Heller, Inhofe, Johnson, Lee, McCain, Moran, Rubio, Sasse, Shelby, Tillis, and Toomey. Senators Cassidy and Sullivan missed.

12:27 Senate begins voting on HR 644.

12:25 HR 1295 was agreed to 97-1.  Senator Lankford voted no, Senators Cassidy and Sullivan missed.

12:05 Senate is now voting on H.R. 1295.

11:50 a.m. Senator Wyden spoke on the trade bills.

11:40 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke on the trade bills.

11:18 a.m. Senator Hatch spoke on the trade bills.

11:05 a.m. Senator Cornyn paid tribute to Austin Tice.

10:55 a.m. Senatory Wyden spoke on the trade bills.

10:42 a.m.  Senator Udall spoke on the Patriot Act.

10:04 a.m. Hatch amendment # 1223 to H.R. 1295 and Hatch amendment #1224 to H.R. 644 were passed by unanimous consent.

9:56 a.m. Senator Brown spoke on the trade promotion bill.

9:52 a.m. Senator Tester paid tribute to Deputy Sherrif Joe Dunn of Great Falls, Montana.

9:43 a.m. Senator Reid spoke on FISA, the Amtrak derailment, and medicare.

9:33 a.m. ML McConnell spoke on the trade promotion bill and medicare.

The Senate will come to order at 9:30 a.m.

According to unanimous consent agreement, the Senate will vote at 12:00 p.m. on Calendar #57, H.R. 1295, which will be amended to replace the text with the text of S. 1267 (Hatch on preferences) and Calendar #56,  H.R. 644, which will be amended to replace the text with the text of S. 1269 (on customs). No further amendments are in order prior to votes on passage of the bills, as amended. Each bill is subject to a 60-affirmative vote threshold for passage.

At 2:00pm, the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 1314, the Trade Promotion Authority legislation, upon reconsideration. If cloture is invoked on the motion to proceed, all post-cloture time would expire at 10:00pm Thursday night.

Under this order, the trade bill would be open to amendments sometime late tomorrow night.

5:44 p.m.  The Senate has adjourned until 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 13th. Following one hour of morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R. 1314, the vehicle for the Trade Promotion Authority Bill.

During today’s session, the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 1314 was not agreed to by a vote of 52-45 and H.R. 1075 (designating the U.S. Customs and Border Protection port of entry in Douglas AZ, as the Raul Hector Castro Port of Entry) was agreed to by unanimous consent.

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3:40 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on H.R. 1314, the vehicle for the Trade Promotion Authority bill and expressed his disappointment at democrats filibustering the bill. He asked UC the Senate recess subject Call of the Chair.

3:20 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke on H.R. 1314, the vehicle for the Trade Promotion Authority bill.

3:15 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke on H.R. 1314, the vehicle for the Trade Promotion Authority bill and expressed his willingness to work with Republicans to get a bill passed.

3:10 p.m. Senator Reid followed pointing blame to Leader McConnell and the process used to move the trade legislation.

3:00 p.m. Leader McConnell called up H.R. 1314, the vehicle for the Trade Promotion Authority bill and made a motion to reconsider. He followed speaking on his disappointment with democrats holding up the trade legislation.

2:55 p.m.  Cloture on motion to proceed fails 52-45  Senator Carper, and ML McConnell (in order to be able to reconsider) switched.  Senators Booker, Graham and Rubio missed the vote.

2:30 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the motion to proceed to HR 1314, the vehicle for the Trade Promotion Authority bill.

2:28 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke for proceeding to the bill.

2:26 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke against the trade bill.

2:21 p.m. Senator Brown spoke against the trade bill.

2:15 p.m. Senator Gardner spoke for the trade bill.

12:22 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke against the trade bill package.

12:11 p.m. Senator Thune spoke on the trade bill package.

11:55 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke on the trade bill package; before turning to discuss Syria.

11:42 a.m. Senator Hatch spoke in favor of the trade bill package.

10:46 p.m. Senator Lee began a colloquy with Senators Leahy, Heller, Daines, and Blumenthal on the foreign intelligence law.

10:40 a.m. Senator Carper spoke about highways and other issues he wishes to be linked to trade.

10:18 a.m. Senator Boxer spoke about trade, highways, the minimum wage and student loans.

10:17 a.m. Senator Wyden spoke about the trade bill.

10:06 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke about Tom Brady, the Washington football team, and about the trade bill.

10:02 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about today’s cloture vote on moving to the trade bill.

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The Senate will come to order at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday May 12, 2015.  The Senate will be in morning business until it recesses from 12:30-2:15 to allow for weekly conference meetings.  At 2:30, the Senate will vote on cloture on the motion to proceed to HR 1314, the vehicle for the Trade Promotion Authority bill.

7:01 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 6th.

6:38 p.m. By a vote of 96 to 3, the Senate voted  to table the veto message to accompany S. J. Res 8, NLRB. ML McConnell filed cloture on the Corker Amendment #1140 to H.R. 1191 and H.R. 1191, Iran Sanction bill. Senator Grassley spoke on the U.S. Marshal Service and Casey spoke on Medicaid.

6:01 p.m. By a vote of 51 to 48, the Senate adopted the Conference Report to accompany S.Con. Res 11, the Budget Resolution.  Voting yes: 51 Republicans. Voting no: 44 Democrats, 2 Independents, and 2 Republicans (Senators Cruz and Paul).

5:00 p.m Senator Baldwin spoke against the budget.

4:54 p.m. Senator Flake spoke in favor of the budget.

4:47 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke against the budget.

4:37 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke against the budget.

4:30 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke in favor of the budget.

4:15 p.m. Senator Warren spoke against the budget.

4:05 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke in favor of the budget.

3:55 p.m. Senator Daines spoke against the budget.

3:45 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke against the budget.

3:35 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke against the budget.

3:25 p.m. Senator Tester spoke against the budget.

3:15 p.m. Senator Enzi spoke in favor of the budget.

3:00 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke against the budget.

2:35 p.m. Senator Portman spoke in favor of the budget, as well as his recent trip to Israel.

2:15 p.m. The Senate returned from the recess.  Senator Whitehouse spoke against the budget.

12:52 p.m. The Senate has recessed until 2:15 p.m. to allow for weekly policy lunches.

12:39 p.m. Senator Thune spoke in favor of the budget.

12:31 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke against the budget.

12:21 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke against the budget.

12:13 p.m. Senator McCain spoke in favor of the budget.

12:03 p.m. Senator Murray spoke against the budget.

11:47 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke in favor of the budget.

11:09 a.m. The budget was brought up. Senators Sanders and Boxer spoke against the budget.

10:52 a.m. Senator Enzi spoke for the budget.

10:50 a.m. By a vote of 53 to 44, the Senate agreed to proceed to the conference report on the FY 2016 budget. Up to 10 hours of debate will be in order.

10:08 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke about Cinco de Mayo, the budget and the highway program.

10:02 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the budget. After passage of the budget, he said the Senate would resume consideration of the Iran bill and then move to the Pacific trade measure.

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The Senate will come in at 10 a.m. and after leader remarks will be on the veto message to accompany S. J. Res 8.

At 10:15 a.m., the Senate will vote on the motion to proceed to the Budget conference report.

5:48 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene on Monday, April 27 at 3:00 p.m. They will resume consideration of H.R. 1191  (legislative vehicle for the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act). At 5:00, they will vote on confirmation of the nomination of Dava Newman to be Deputy Administrator of NASA. During wrap up the Senate passed the following resolutions by unanimous consent:

• H. Con. Res. 21-Authorizing the Capitol grounds for the Greater Washington Soapbox Derby
• H. Con. Res 25- Authorizing the Capitol grounds for the Peace officers memorial service
• S. Con. Res. 3- Authorizing the use of Emancipation hall  for an event to celebrate the birthday of King Kamehameha the 1st.

The following resolutions were agreed to en bloc: S. Res. 149, 150 and 151

5:21 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke about the state of the Senate.

4:45 p.m. Senator Heitkamp spoke about Vietnam Veterans from Minnesota

4:02 p.m. Senator Cotton spoke about the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act.

3:53 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act and the sinking of the boat in the Mediterranean.

3:41 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke in support of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act.

3:39 p.m. Senator Corker spoke in support of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act.

3:28 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke in support of the Iran Nuclear Agreement review act.

3:15 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about the Iran Nuclear Agreement review act.

3:00 p.m. The Senate agreed to the Motion to Proceed to HR 1191 (The legislative vehicle for the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act) by unanimous consent. Senator Corker offered his substitute amendment #1140.

2:35 p.m. Senator Fischer spoke on trade.

2:21 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the anti-trafficking bill and other accomplishments in the Senate this year.

2:09 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke on the first 100 days of Republicans in control of the Senate agenda.

2:05 p.m  ML McConnell announces no further votes for the week, moves Senate into period of morning business.

2:03p.m. Senate confirms Lynch nomination by a vote of 56-43.  GOP in favor: Ayotte, Cochran, Collins, Flake, Graham, Hatch, Johnson, Kirk, McConnell, and Portman.   Senator  Cruz mised.

1:37 p.m. Senate begins voting on the Lynch nomination, this is the last vote of the week.

1:33 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke on the Lynch nomination.

1:29 p.m. Senator Durbin paid tribute to Dr Irwin Schatz,and later on the Lynch nomination.

1:03 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke on TPP and trade.

12:42 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about the Lynch nomination.

12:22 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on the Lynch nominaton and related matter.

12:16 p.m. Leader McConnell, with Leader Reid’s assent, secured consent for debate to begin at 3 p.m. today on the bill to create a congressional review of the deal on Iran’s nuclear program (H.R. 1191). Senator Corker, or his designee, will offer the substitute amendment, which is the text of S.615, as reported.  By consent, following Leader remarks on Tuesday, April 28^th, Senator Corker will be recognized to offer an amendment to the substitute. We expect to consider the bill for debate only on Monday

12:15 p.m.  Cloture invoked on Lynch nomination  66-34. GOP in favor: Alexander, Ayotte, Burr, Capito, Cochran, Collins, Corker, Cornyn, Flake, Gardner, Graham, Hatch, Johnson, Kirk, McConnell, Portman, Roberts, Rounds, Tillis, and Thune.

11:45 a.m. Cloture vote began on Lynch nomination.

10:35 a.m. Senators Sessions, Leahy, Cruz, Klobuchar, and Feinstein spoke on the Lynch nomination.

9:43 a.m. Senator Reid spoke on the guest chaplain Reverend Dr. Ralph E. Williamson, Iran, and the nomination of Loretta Lynch to be U.S. Attorney General.

9:35 a.m. ML McConnell spoke on the sexual trafficking legislation passed in the Senate yesterday and Iran.

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The Senate convened at 9:30am; and is considering the nomination of Loretta E. Lynch, of New York, to be Attorney General. The consent agreement sets forth 2 hours of debate followed by a roll call vote (approximately 11:30 am if all time is used) on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination. If cloture is invoked, there will then be 2 more hours of debate prior to a roll call vote (approximately 2:00pm if all time is used) on confirmation.

10: 12 p.m. The Senate adjourned to reconvene on Wednesday, April 15th at 9:30 a.m. The Senate passed H.R. 2, SGR/Doc Fix by a vote of 92 to 8 without any amendments. The 8 no votes were Cruz, Lee, Perdue, Rubio, Sasse, Scott, Sessions and Shelby.

McConnell filed cloture on the Cornyn Amendment #1120 to S. 178- Human Trafficking. Senator Portman withdrew his amendments (#270 and #271). A vote is expected on Thursday one hour after the Senate convenes.
Wrap Up:
H Con Res 9 – emancipation hall use for holocaust victims
S. Res 135 – Minority party appointments
S. 95 – discharged from committee and referred to another.

The Senate will recess at 12:30 tomorrow for a bipartisan luncheon.

9:25 p.m. The Hatch motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Sessions point of order was agreed to by a vote of 71 to 29. The Session point of order is not sustained.

9:20 p.m. The Cardin motion to waive the Budget Act to the Hatch point of order was not agreed to by a vote of 58 to 42. The point of order was sustained and the Cardin Amend #1119, repealing therapy caps fell.

8:49 p.m. By a vote of 11 to 89, the Cotton Amendment regarding fee schedule was not agreed to.

8:40 p.m. By a vote of 42 to 58 the Lee Amendment #1116, to strike the exclusion from PAYGO requirements was not agreed to. By a vote of 43- 57 the Murray motion to waive the Budget Act to the Hatch Point of Order was not agreed to, the P.O.O. was sustained and the Murray Amend # 1117, regarding women’s health fell.

7:59 p.m. By a vote of 50 to 50, the motion to waive the Budget Act failed, the Hatch Point of Order was sustained and the Bennet Amendment #1115 fell.

7:39 p.m. Senator Cornyn Amendment #1114 – to repeal individual mandate was not agreed to by 54 – 45. Next up is a vote on the Bennet Amend #1115 – 4 years of CHIP. Hatch raised a point of order that the Bennet violates the Budget Act. Bennet offered a motion to waive the Budget Act and the Senate is now voting on that motion.

7:05 p.m. ML McConnell outlined the following Unanimous consent agreement for consideration of H.R. 2 – SGR aka Doc fix bill. Senate will vote on six amendments (3 GOP/3 DEM) followed by final passage. Final passage is expected tonight.

6:30 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about cyber security.
5:40 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on climate change.

5:15 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke in favor of doc fix.

3:25 p.m. Senator Sessions spoke about the budget.

3:15 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke about the Lynch nomination.

2:25 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the SGR (Strategic Growth Rate) aka “doc fix.”

12:17 p.m. Senator Lee spoke about the Medicare bill and the “doc fix.”

11:47 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about the proposed nuclear agreement with Iran.

11:37 a.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about taxation under the health care law.

10:35 a.m. Senate stands in recess until 11:30 a.m. to accommodate an all Senators briefing on Iran.

10:15 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the tornadoes in Illinois last week.

10:10 a.m. DL Reid opening remarks, highlighting “equal pay day”.

10:03 a.m. ML McConnell opening remarks, busy week and work period, including budget conference, doc fix, human trafficking. Highlights committee work on cyber-crime, education, and Iran.

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The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 13.  The Senate will recess from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for an all Senators briefing with Secretary of State Kerry.   The Senate will recess again from 12:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. for weekly policy lunches.

5:53 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene on Monday, March 23 at 12:00 p.m. and they will take up the Budget.  There will be a vote on an amendment to the Budget resolution at 5:30 p.m.

During wrap-up the Senate passed S. Res. 106-Designating March 22 as Rehab Counselors Appreciation Day.

5:03 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about Syria.

4:53 p.m. Senator Cotton spoke about the elections in Israel.

4:35 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about the elections in Israel.

4:25 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke about S. 178, the human trafficking bill and the Safe Harbor Act.

4:22 p.m. Senator Heitkamp and Senator Collins spoke about S. 178, the human trafficking bill.

3:45 p.m. Senator Murray and Senator Cantwell spoke about the Oso, WA mudslide.

3:40 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke

3:06 p.m. Senator Boozman spoke about S. 178, the human trafficking bill.

2:56 p.m. Senator Bennet spoke on the Lynch nomination as U.S. Attorney General.

2:45 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on S. 178, the human trafficking bill.

2:10 p.m. Senator Tillis spoke about the Hyde amendment and the moving forward on S. 178, the human trafficking bill.

1:30 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke about S. 178, the human trafficking bill and procedure.

1:02 p.m. Cloture fails, 56-42, on cloture on the underlying bill, S. 178, the human trafficking bill.  Democrats in favor: Casey, Donnelly, Heitkamp and Manchin.  ML McConnell changed vote to reconsider.  Senators Alexander and Boxer absent. 

12:32 p.m. Cloture fails 56-42, on cloture on the substitute amendment to S. 178, the human trafficking bill.  Democrats in favor: Casey, Donnelly, Heitkamp and Manchin.  ML McConnell changed vote to reconsider.  Senators Alexander and Boxer missed. 

12:00 p.m Roll call vote begins on cloture on substitute amendment to S.178, human trafficking bill.

11:50 a.m.  Senator Leahy spoke on human trafficking and the abortion language in the legislation.

11:42 a.m.  Senator Collins spoke on diabetes.

11:30 a.m.  Senator Cornyn spoke on human trafficking and the abortion language in the legislation.

11:20 a.m.  Senator Durbin spoke on the nomination of Loretta Lynch.

11:15 a.m.  Senator McCain spoke on the nomination of Loretta Lynch.

11:14 a.m.  Senator Reid spoke on human trafficking and the abortion language in the legislation.

11:02 a.m.  ML McConnell spoke on human trafficking and pre-natal opiate abuse.

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The Senate will convene at 11:00 a.m.

There will be up to 2 cloture votes relating to the human trafficking bill, S. 178 at noon. The first will be on the committee-reported substitute amendment and, if cloture is not invoked, there will be a cloture vote on the underlying bill, S. 178.

Note: At 12:30 p.m. here in the daily press gallery, Senators Schumer and Sanders will hold a pen and pad briefing on Democratic amendments to the budget resolution.