6:08 The Senate adjourned and will reconvene at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday March 11th. The Senate will resume consideration of S. 178 – the human trafficking bill. No votes are scheduled at this time. In Wrap up, the Senate passed S. Res 93, a Sense of the Senate bill regarding slain Russian opposition leader, Boris Nemtsov.

5:18 p.m. Senator Shaheen spoke on the 50th anniversary of the Selma/Montgomery voting rights march.

5:10 p.m. Senator Kirk attempts to call up his amendment, amendment 273. Senator Leahy objects on behalf of colleagues.

4:40 p.m. Senator Vitter attempts to bring up an amendment that has had a slight modification, Senator Leahy objected on behalf of other Democratic Senators. Senator Vitter explained his amendment, regarding “birth tourism”.

4:05 p.m. Senators Cornyn and Leahy spoke on S. 178, the human trafficking bill and abortion language within the bill.

3:23 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on the Smarter Sentencing Act.

2:40 p.m. Senator Portman offered amendment 271 regarding homeless children and youth.

2:30 p.m. – Senator Portman spoke on S. 178, the human trafficking bill.

2:20 p.m. – Senator Hach spoke in morning business on President Obama’s stance against Iran.

2:15 p.m. – Senator Cassidy spoke on S. 178, the human trafficking bill.

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

12:25 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about federal employees.

12:15 p.m. Senator King spoke about a possible nuclear agreement with Iran and against an open letter sent by Senate Republicans opposed to the letter.

12:05 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke about a possible nuclear agreement with Iran, the threat of ISIL and the need to budget for defense.

12:04 p.m. Senator Manchin congratulated Senator Capito.

11:50 a.m.  Senator Capito gave her maiden speech.

11:41 a.m.  Senator Cornyn spoke on human trafficking.

11:28 a.m.  Senator Leahy spoke on human trafficking.

11:12 a.m.  Senator Grassley spoke on the earned income tax credit regarding undocumented workers and human trafficking.

11:08 a.m.  Senator Leahy spoke on the Republican letter to Iran.

11:01 a.m.  Senator Durbin spoke on the Republican letter to Iran.

10:51 a.m.  Senator Stabenow spoke on former Senator Vandenberg’s foreign relations policy and the Republican letter to Iran.

10:48 a.m.  Senator Nelson spoke on the Republican letter to Iran.

10:28 a.m.  Senator Toomey spoke on S. 474, protecting students against sexual and violent predators.

10:22 a.m.  Senators Thune spoke on human trafficking.

10:06 a.m.  Senator Reid spoke on healthcare and the nomination of Loretta Lynch.

10:02 a.m.  ML McConnell spoke on human trafficking and paid tribute to former U.S. Senator Edward W. Brooke.

***

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and be in a period of morning business until 11:00 a.m.  Then the Senate will proceed to S-178, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015, for debate only.  The Senate will recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. for caucus lunches.

5:55 p.m.  The Senate adjourned and will reconvene at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 30. The next vote will occur at 5:30 on Monday, February 2.

5:35 p.m. S. Res. 58 (designating January 2015 as National Mentoring Month) was approved by voice vote.

5:00 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke about the economy.

4:35 p.m.  Senator Cornyn spoke about the budget.

4:28 p.m.  Senator Hoeven thanked Senator Murkowski and Senator  Cantwell for managing S.1.

4:09 p.m.  Senator Murkowski and Senator Cantwell thanked each other and their staffs.

No further votes this week.

4:06 p.m. S.1, Keystone bill is passed by a vote of 62-36.  Democrats in favor: Bennet, Carper, Casey, Donnelly, Heitkamp, Manchin, McCaskill, Tester, and Warner.  Senators Reid and Rubio missed.

3:47 p.m. Roll call vote begins on final passage of S.1, Keystone bill.

3:46 p.m. The Cantwell/Boxer amendment # 131 is withdrawn.

3:45 p.m. By a vote of 44-54, the Markey amendment is not agreed to.

3:27 p.m. Roll call vote begins on the Markey amendment #178.

3:26 p.m. By a vote of 36-62, the Markey amendment is not agreed to.

3:08 p.m. Roll call vote begins on the Markey amendment, #141.

3:06 p.m. The Boxer amendment, #130 is NOT agreed to by voice vote.

3:05 p.m. By a vote of 41-56, the Booker amendment # 155 is not agreed to.

AFTER the series of votes this afternoon on S.1, the next Senate vote is Mon. 2/2 @ 5:30pm on HR 203

2:34 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke against the Booker amendment.

2:33 p.m. Senator Booker spoke on his amendment.

2:22 p.m. Senators Thune and Nelson spoke on the Motor Vehicle Safety Whistleblower Act and recent problems with  vehicle safety and recalls

2:16 p.m. Senator Brown spoke to urge funding the federal health insurance for low income children known as the CHIP program.

2:12 p.m.  Senator Murphy spoke about funding the department of Homeland Security.

2:00 p.m. Senator McConnell asked unanimous conent that on Monday February 2 at 4:30 p.m. the Senate vote on HR 203,

1:35 p.m.  Senator Collins and Senator Nelson spoke about the Retirement and Securities Act.

1:10 p.m. Cloture invoked 62-35.  Democrats voting in favor: Bennet, Carper, Casey, Donnelly, Heitkamp, Manchin, McCaskill, Tester, and Warner.  Senators Reid and Rubio missed.

12:45 p.m.  Cloture vote on S.1 begins.

12:43 p.m. The Cardin amendment #124 is withdrawn.

12:41 p.m.The Barrasso amendment #245, as modified is agreed to by voice vote.

12:39 p.m. Udall amendment not agreed to 45-53.

12:24 p.m. Roll call vote begins on the Udall amendment #77.

12:22 p.m. Burr amendment not agreed to 59-39.

11:57 a.m. Roll call vote begins on the Burr amendment #92, as further modified.

11:55 a.m. Daines amendment not agreed to 47-51.

11:28 a.m. Roll call vote began on the Daines amendment.

11:27 a.m. Senator Murkowski spoke in favor of the Daines amendment.

11:26 a.m. Senator Bennet spoke against the Daines amendment.

11:22 a.m. Senator Stabenow spoke on the bill.

11:20 a.m. Senator Murkowski gets UC to move Barasso and Cardin amendments to follow the vote on the Udall amendment.  Votes will start shortly.

11:15 a.m. Senator Vitter spoke on revenue sharing, withdraws his amendment, #80.

11:10 a.m. Senator Murkowski spoke on the keystone bill, theLNG bill and revenue sharing.

11:04 a.m. Senator Udall spoke on the Keystone bill and his amendment on renewable electricity sources.

10:40 a.m. Senator Roberts spoke about the IRS.

10:29 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about the economy.

10:26 a.m.  Senator Boozeman paid tribute to Lt. Col. Steve Gray on his retirement.

10:11 a.m.  Senator Mikulski spoke on Dept. of Homeland Security appropriations.

10:05 a.m.  Senator Cardin spoke on Dept. of Homeland Security appropriations and Holocaust rememberance.

9:51 a.m.  Senator Carper spoke on Dept. of Homeland Security appropriations.

9:35 a.m.  Senator Durbin spoke on Dept. of Homeland Security appropriations, immigration and Cuba.

9:32 a.m.  ML McConnell spoke on the Senate’s schedule and the Keystone Pipeline.

•The Senate will convene at 9:30am and proceed to a period of morning business for one hour. Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1; the Keystone XL Pipeline bill for fifteen minute.

• At approximately 11:00am, the Senate will proceed to up to six roll call votes as in relation to the following amendments, each amendment is subject to an affirmative 60-vote threshold, with no second-degree amendments in order.

Burr amendment (permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund #92, as modified)

Udall amendment to establish a renewable electricity standard, and for other purposes. #77

Barrasso amendment (clarify that treaties with Indian tribes remain unaffected) #245

Cardin amendment (clarify that treaties with Indian tribes remain unaffected) #124

• Following disposition of the above amendments, the Senate will immediately proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S. 1, upon reconsideration.

• If cloture is invoked on S. 1, all post-cloture time will be deemed expired at 2:30pm, at which point any remaining non-germane amendments will fall, and the Senate will proceed to vote in relation to remaining pending germane amendments to S. 1, which are listed below.

o Booker amendment to allow permitting agencies to consider new circumstances and new information. #155
o Markey amendment to require an analysis of the impacts of carbon pollution associated with tar sands development on extreme weather events. #141
o Markey amendment to ensure that products derived from tar sands are treated as crude oil for purposes of the Federal excise tax on petroleum. #178
o Cantwell-Boxer amendment to ensure that if the Keystone XL Pipeline is built, it will be built safely and in compliance with United States environmental laws. #131
o Boxer amendment to preserve existing permits and the authority of the agencies issuing the permits to modify the permits if necessary. #130

• Following disposition of the above pending germane amendments, the Senate will immediately proceed to a roll call vote on passage of S. 1, as amended.

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Senate adjourned at 10:35 p.m.

If the Senate does not receive a message that the House of Representatives has adopted a concurrent resolution providing for a conditional adjournment or recess of the Senate and an adjournment of the House of Representatives (S.Con.Res. 44), the Senate will convene for pro forma sessions on the following dates, during which no business will be conducted:

• Monday, September 22^nd at 4:00pm
• Thursday, September 25^th at 12:00pm
• Monday, September 29^th at 12:00pm
• Thursday, October 2^nd at 12:00pm
• Monday, October 6^th at 2:00pm
• Thursday, October 9^th at 12:00pm
• Monday, October 13^th at 12:00pm
• Thursday, October 16^th at 12:00pm
• Monday, October 20^th at 10:15am
• Thursday, October 23^rd at 12:00pm
• Monday, October 27^th at 12:00pm
• Thursday, October 30^th at 12:00pm
• Monday, November 3^rd at 12:00pm
• Thursday, November 6^th at 12:00pm
• Monday, November 10^th at 12:00pm

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

• If the Senate does receive a message that the House of Representatives has adopted S.Con.Res. 44, the Senate will not convene for the above pro forma sessions, but will convene at 10:00am on Wednesday, October 15 for a pro forma session only, during which no business will be conducted.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

• The Senate will convene at 2:00pm and proceed to a period of morning business until 5:30pm, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to ten minutes each.  The time will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders, or their designees.

• At 5:30pm, the Senate will enter Executive Session and proceed to roll call votes on the motions to invoke cloture on the following nominations:

• Randolph D. Moss to be a United States District Judge for the District of Columbia
• Leigh Martin May to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia

• By unanimous consent, if cloture is invoked on the Moss and May nominations, the Senate will proceed to roll call votes on confirmation of the nominations at 2:15pm on Thursday, November 13, 2014.

• Following disposition of the Moss and May nominations, the Senate will immediately proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2013 (S. 1086).

The following amendments/motion are currently pending to the House message to accompany the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2013 (S. 1086):

• Reid amendment to change the enactment date. (#3923)

• Reid second-degree amendment to Reid amendment #3923, of a perfecting nature. (#3924)

• Reid motion to refer the House message with respect to S. 1086 to the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee with instructions to report back forthwith with an amendment, to change the enactment date. (#3925)

• Reid amendment to Reid motion to refer #3925, of a perfecting nature. (#3926)

• Reid second-degree amendment to Reid amendment #3926, of a perfecting nature. (#3927)

During Thursday’s Session

The House message to accompany the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2013 (S. 1086)

• Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 1086.

Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2015 (H.J.Res. 124)

• H.J.Res. 124 passed by a roll call vote of 78-22.

• The motion to invoke cloture on H.J.Res. 124 was agreed to 73-27.

• Cruz motion to table Reid second-degree amendment to Reid amendment #3851, of a perfecting nature (#3852) was not agreed to by a roll call vote of 50-50.

The Senate passed/adopted the following by voice vote:

• Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act of 2014 (S. 1691, as amended by a Committee-reported substitute amendment, which was amended by a Carper amendment, which were agreed to by unanimous consent.)
• Preventing Conflicts of Interest with Contractors Act (S. 2061, as amended by a Committee-reported substitute amendment, which was agreed to by unanimous consent.)
• A concurrent resolution providing for a conditional adjournment or recess of the Senate and an adjournment of the House of Representatives. (S.Con.Res. 44)The Senate passed/adopted the following by unanimous consent:
• Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act of 2014 (H.R. 4323)
• A bill to require the Secretary of the Interior to assemble a team of technical, policy, and financial experts to address the energy needs of the insular areas of the United States and the Freely Associated States through the development of energy action plans aimed at promoting access to affordable, reliable energy, including increasing use of indigenous clean-energy resources, and for other purposes. (H.R. 83, as amended by Murkowski amendment in the nature of a substitute (#3928), which was agreed to by unanimous consent.)
• Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research, and Education Amendments of 2014 (H.R. 594)
• To amend the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act to clarify how the Act applies to condominiums. (H.R. 2600)
• Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act of 2013 (H.R. 3043)
• Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe – Fish Springs Ranch Settlement Act (H.R. 3716)
• IMPACT Act of 2014 (H.R. 4994)
• Examination and Supervisory Privilege Parity Act (H.R. 5062)
• Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2014 (H.R. 5404)
• Federal Data Center Consolidation Act of 2013 (S. 1611, as amended by a Committee-reported substitute amendment, which was amended by Bennet and Carper amendments, all of which were agreed to by unanimous consent.)
• Blackfoot River Land Exchange Act of 2014 (S. 2040, as amended by Crapo amendment in the nature of a substitute, which was agreed to by unanimous consent.)
• E-LABEL Act (S. 2583)
• United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014 (S. 2673, as amended by a Boxer amendment, which was agreed to by unanimous consent.)
• A bill to require the Secretary of State to offer rewards totaling up to $10,000,000 for information on the kidnapping and murder of James Foley and Steven Sotloff. (S. 2778)
• A bill to authorize the award of the Medal of Honor to Henry Johnson. (S. 2793)
• Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act (H.R. 4980)
• Improper Payments Agency Cooperation Enhancement Act of 2014 (S. 1360, as amended by a Carper-Coburn amendment in the nature of a substitute, which was agreed to by unanimous consent.)
• Don’t Tax Our Fallen Public Safety Heroes Act (S. 2912)
• A resolution celebrating the 125th anniversary of the State of South Dakota. (S.Res. 566)
• A resolution designating the week of October 6 through October 12, 2014, as “Naturopathic Medicine Week” to recognize the value of naturopathic medicine in providing safe, effective and affordable health care. (S.Res. 420)
• A resolution recognizing Veterans Day 2014 as a special “Welcome Home Commemoration” for all who have served in the military since September 14, 2001. (S.Res. 479, as amended by an amendment to the preamble, which was agreed to by unanimous consent.)
• A resolution recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and commending its members for their courage and sacrifice in service to the United States. (S.Res. 529)
• A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the current situation in Iraq and the urgent need to protect religious minorities from persecution from the Sunni Islamist insurgent and terrorist group the Islamic State, formerly known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), as it expands its control over areas in northwestern Iraq. (S.Res. 530, as amended by a Committee-reported substitute amendment, a Committee-reported amendment to the preamble, and a title amendment, which were agreed to by unanimous consent.)
• A resolution recognizing the severe threat that the Ebola outbreak in West Africa poses to populations, governments, and economies across Africa and, if not properly contained, to regions across the globe, and expressing support for those affected by this epidemic. (S.Res. 541, as amended by a Committee-reported amendment to the preamble, which was agreed to by unanimous consent.)

• A resolution designating September 30, 2014, as “United States and India Partnership Day”. (S.Res. 571)
• A resolution congratulating the Sailors of the United States Submarine Force upon the completion of 4,000 ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) deterrent patrols. (S.Res. 572)
• A resolution relative to the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act (S.Res. 573)
• A resolution designating the week of September 20 through September 27, 2014 as “National Estuaries Week”. (S.Res. 574)
• A resolution designating September 2014 as “National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month”. (S.Res. 575)

Executive Session

Judicial Nominations/Cloture

• Senator Reid filed cloture on the following judicial nominations:
  • Randolph D. Moss to be a United States District Judge for the District of Columbia
  • Leigh Martin May to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of GeorgiaThe Senate confirmed the following nominations by voice vote:

• Mark William Lippert to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Korea
• Adam M. Scheinman to be Special Representative of the President for Nuclear Nonproliferation, with the rank of Ambassador
• Kevin F. O’Malley to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Ireland
• Bathsheba Nell Crocker to be an Assistant Secretary of State (International Organization Affairs)
• Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall to be Deputy Secretary of Energy
• Robert W. Holleyman II to be a Deputy United States Trade Representative, with the rank of Ambassador
• Eric Rosenbach to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense
• D. Nathan Sheets to be an Under Secretary of the Treasury
• Charles H. Fulghum to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Homeland Security

• Alfonso E. Lenhardt to be Deputy Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development

• Thomas Frieden to be US Representative to the World Health Organization

8:06 p.m. ML Reid filed cloture on the following nominations: (with votes scheduled to occur on both at 5;30 p.m., Tuesday November 12) Randolph Moss, MD, to be US District Judge for DC; Leigh Martin Ma, GA, To be US District Judge for Northern GA.   ML Reid also filed cloture on  the motion to concur to the House Amendment to S. 1086, childcare block grant bill , he then filled the Amendment tree.

6:39 p.m. The following nominations were confirmed by voice vote: Lippert, Scheinman, O’Malley, Crocker, Sherwood-Randell, Holleyman, Rosenbach, Sheets, Fulghum, Lenhardt, Friedman.

6:37 p.m. ML Reid asked unanimous consent to modify the executive calendar consent that was agreed to Wednesday, Sept. 17, to include the nomination of Thomas Friedman, NY, to be Representative of the United States on the Executive Board of the World Health Organization.

6:35 p.m. H.J. Res. 124 was passed by a vote of 78-22.

6:17 p.m. Cloture was invoked on H.J. Res. 124 by a vote of 73-27.

6:00 p.m. Cruz/Sessions motion to table the Reid Amdt #3852 fails by a vote of 50-50.  Five Democratic Senators voted to table:   Hagan, Landrieu, Manchin, Pryor and Shaheen.  Senate now voting on Cloture motion to H.J. Res 124 –  Continuing Resolution until December 11, 2014.

5:27 p.m. The Senate is currently voting on Senator Cruz’s motion to table Reid amendment # 3852.

5:22 p.m. Senator Leahy asked unnimous consent that the Senate pass H.R. 4323. Passed without objection, after comments by Senators McConnell, Cornyn, and Mikulski.

5:20 p.m. Senator Leahy asked unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to H.R. 4323, Reauthorize the Debbie Smith Act of 2004. Passed without objection.

5:07 p.m. Senator Mikulski spoke on the continuing resolution.

5:00 p.m. Senator Coburn spoke on the continuing resolution.

4:53 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke on Syria.

4:46 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke on Syria.

4:41 p.m. Senator Mikulski asked unanimous consent to modified the Executive Calender consent to include executive calendar # 925, the Alfonso E. Lenhardt, NY to be Deputy Administrator  of the U.S. Agency for International Development. Unanimous consent confirmed.

4:39 p.m. Senator Lee asked unanimous consent to offer amdt. # 3845. Senator Mikulski objected.

4:23 p.m. Senator Lee spoke on amnesty and ISIS.

4:16 p.m. Senator Cruz moved to table Reid amdt. # 3852 to offer Cruz/ Session amdt. #3859. Senator Mikulski seconded the motion.

4:09 p.m. Senator Cruz spoke about the border and amnesty.

3:45 p.m. Senator Sessions spoke about the border and executive amnesty.

3:30 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the CR and ISIS.

3:20 p.m. Senator Begich spoke about not supporting arming Syrian rebels.

3:10 p.m. Senator Graham spoke about ISIS.

3:02 p.m. Senator McCain  spoke about the CR, ISIS and Syria.

2:59 p.m. Senator Ayotte spoke about Ukraine.

2:48 p.m. Senator King spoke about ISIS.

2:41 p.m. Senator Mikulski paid tribute to the Baltimore Orioles.

2:10 p.m. Senator Levin, and at 2:30 p.m. Senator Tester spoke about the Islamic State.

1:22 p.m. Senator Paul sought a unanimous consent agreement to conduct a separate vote on war spending. Senator Mikulski objected. Senator Paul spoke against intervention in Syria.

1:01 p.m. Senators Mikulski and Shelby spoke in favor of the continuing resolution (H.J. Res. 124).

1:00 p.m. The Senate turned to H.J. Res. 124 and Senator Reid filled the amendment tree and filed cloture on the Resolution.  Votes on cloture and final passage are expected after up to four and a half hours of debate.

12:19 a.m. Senator Boxer spoke about the importance of the vote on H.J. Res 124 and then responded to the colloquy on the Keystone XL pipeline.

12:13 a.m. Senator Nelson urged the Senate to give President Obama broad authority to fight ISIS.

11:33 a.m. Senator Hoeven engages in a colloquy with Senators Barrasso, Isakson, and Inhofe on the Keystone XL pipeline.

11:29 a.m. Republican Leader  McConnel spoke on the address from the President of Ukraine this morning. before turning to discuss the CR.

11:26 a.m. Senator Cruz continues on ISIS.

11:25 a.m. Senator Hirono objects.

11:13 a.m. Senator Cruz discussed ISIS; asks UC to take up and pass S.2779, regarding US citizens joining ISIS would be renouncing their US citizenship .

The Senate is in a period of morning business until 1:00 p.m.

At 1:00 p.m., the Senate will turn to H.J. Res. 124 (the House-passed CR). Votes on H.J. Res. 124 (the CR), including final passage, are expected to begin around 5:30 p.m, Thursday, September 18, 2014.

According to the time agreement, the Senate will have up to four and a half hours of debate on H.J. Res. 124 (the CR).  Only a Sessions (or designee) motion to table or a budget point of order and an applicable motion to waive will be in order to the Joint Resolution.  If the motion to table is agreed to, Majority Leader Reid will be recognized.  If a motion to table is not agreed to, the Senate will proceed to vote on a cloture motion on H.J. Res. 124 (the CR).  If cloture is invoked, all post-cloture time will be considered expired and the Senate will proceed to a vote on final passage of H.J. Res. 124.  

Following disposition of H.J. Res 124, the Senate will consider a series of military nominations — Executive Calendar # 1009-1026.

Following that, the Senate will consider the following nominations:

• Mark William Lippert, of Ohio, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Korea.  (Cal.#893)
• Adam M. Scheinman, of Virginia, to be Special Representative of the President for Nuclear Nonproliferation, with the rank of Ambassador. (Cal.# 524)
• Bathsheba Nell Crocker, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of State. (Cal.# 702)
• Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, of California, to be Deputy Secretary of Energy.  (Cal.# 1002)
• Robert W. Holleyman II, of Louisiana, to be a
  Deputy United States Trade Representative (Cal.#  997)
• Eric Rosenbach, of Pennsylvania, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense. (Cal.# 708)
• D. Nathan Sheets, of Maryland, to be an Under Secretary of the Treasury. (Cal.# 996)
• Charles H. Fulghum, of North Carolina, to be Chief Financial
  Officer, Department of Homeland Security (Cal.# 1917)
• Kevin F. O’Malley, of Missouri, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Ireland (Cal.# 959)

6:04 p.m. Senate adjourns

5:57 p.m. Senator Heitkamp wraps up the days session.

Items passed by UC: S.2539: amending the Public Health Service Act.  S. 1214: requiring the purchase of domestically made flags of the US for use by the federal government. HR 4149: Providing for the elimination or modification of federal reporting requirements. S. 2117; S. 2511: Amending the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. S. 2440: Expanding and extending the program to improve coordination by the Bureau of Land Management. S. Res 506: Recognizing the patriotism of auxiliaries of veteran service organizations. S Res 540, 547, 548, and 549.  UC that Senate adjourn until 10:00am, period of morning business until 12:00noon.  At 12:00noon, vote on the following nominations:

1. John Bass to be Ambassador to Turkey (roll call vote expected)

2. Eric Schultz – to be Ambassador to Zambia (voice vote expected)

3. Thomas Daughton to be Ambassador to Namibia (voice vote expected)

4. David Pressman to be Alternate Representative of the US for Special Political Affairs in the United Nations, with the rank of Ambassador (voice vote expected)

5. David Pressman to be an Alternate Representative of the United States of America to the Sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations (voice vote expected)

6. Debra S. Wada – to be an Assistant Secretary of the Army (voice vote expected)

7. Laura S. Wertheimer – to be Inspector General of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (voice vote expected)

8. Bradford Raymond Huther – to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Housing and Urban Development (voice vote expected)

5: 27 p.m. Senators Moran and Heitkamp engaged in a colloquy on the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act.

5:24 p.m. Majority Leader Reid entered into a UC to have votes on the following nominations at 12:00noon on Wednesday:

1. John Bass to be Ambassador to Turkey (roll call vote expected)

2. Eric Schultz – to be Ambassador to Zambia (voice vote expected)

3. Thomas Daughton to be Ambassador to Namibia (voice vote expected)

4. David Pressman to be Alternate Representative of the US for Special Political Affairs in the United Nations, with the rank of Ambassador (voice vote expected)

5. David Pressman to be an Alternate Representative of the United States of America to the Sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations (voice vote expected)

6. Debra S. Wada – to be an Assistant Secretary of the Army (voice vote expected)

7. Laura S. Wertheimer – to be Inspector General of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (voice vote expected)

8. Bradford Raymond Huther – to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Housing and Urban Development (voice vote expected)

5:00 p.m. Senator Reed spoke on student loans.

4:21 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke on energy issues and the keystone pipeline.

4:06 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on ISIS.

4:05 p.m. Senator Stabenow wrapped up the colloquy on S.2432.

4:01 p.m. Senator Warren requested that the Senate take up S. 2432 (The Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act) by unanimous consent. Senator Cornyn objected.

3:04 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke on student loans and held a colloquy with Senators Baldwin, Shaheen, Franken, Schumer, and  Warren.

3:01 p.m. The following nominations were confirmed by voice vote:

• Linda A. Schwartz to be Assistant Secretary of Veteran’s Affairs
• Matthew T. Harrington to be Ambassador to Lesotho
• Todd D. Robinson to be Ambassador to Guatemala
• Jane D. Hartley to be Ambassador to France
• Jane D. Hartley to be Ambassador to Monaco
• Nina Hachigian to be Representative of the U.S. to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
• Gordon O. Tanner to be General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force

2:40 p.m   By a vote of 56-44, the Baren nomination was confirmed, and the Senate began voting on confirmation of the nomination of Steven Burns to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

2:15 p.m. The Senate returned and began voting on confirmation of the nomination of Jeffery Baran to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

12:35 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 2:15 p.m.

12:25 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about the benefits of the Affordable Care Act (12:10 p.m.); Senator Barrasso spoke about problems with the Affordable Care Act (12:24 p.m.).

Executive Calendar #976 Joseph L. Nimmich – to be Deputy Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security

11:45 a.m. Senator Thune spoke on a “do nothing Senate” (11:25); Senator Enzi spoke on the CR and spending (11:35) and Senator Sanders spoke on poverty and a living wage (11:45).

10:35 a.m. Senator Durbin responds to Senator Alexander on labor issues and the paycheck fairness act; after which he discussed the economy that President Obama inherited in 2009; the Affordable Care Act; student loans, and campaign finance reform.

10:21 a.m. Senator Alexander spoke briefly on the ebola outbreak before discussing the   National Labor Relations Board.

10:08 a.m. RL McConnell pays tribute to Navy Yard shooting survivors, before turning to discuss Democratic agenda, and finally the US response to the Ebola virus outbreak.

10:05 a.m. ML Reid offers motion to proceed to S.2432, regarding student loans.  Discussed Republican efforts to block Democrats agenda.

The Senate convened at 10:00 a.m. and is in morning business until 12:30 p.m. when it will break for party lunches.

The Senate will reconvene at 2:15 p.m. and will have two roll call votes on confirmation of  Jeffery Baran and Steven Burns to be members of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Following those votes, the Senate will consider the following nominations:

• Linda A. Schwartz, of Connecticut, to be an Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs  (Calendar # 594)
• Matthew T. Harrington, of Virginia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the
  United States of America to the Kingdom of Lesotho. (Calendar # 546)
• Todd D. Robinson, of New Jersey, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the
  United States of America to the Republic of Guatemala. (Calendar # 958)
• Jane D. Hartley, of New York, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the French Republic.(Calendar #960)
• Jane D. Hartley, of New York, to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Principality of Monaco.(Calendar # 963)
• Nina Hachigian, of California, to be Representative of the United States of America to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, with the rank and status of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. (Calendar #784)
• Gordon O. Tanner, of Alabama, to be General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force (Calendar #870)

7:06 p.m. The Senate adjourned.

7:03 Senator Reid did wrapup and the Senate passed the following items by unanimous consent:

H.R. 5134, an Act to extend the National Advisory Committee on Instutional Quality and Integrity and Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance for one year.

S. Res. 544 Designating the year of 2014 as the International Year of Family Farming.

6:52 p.m. Senator Reid spoke about the Tesla battery plant to be built in Nevada.

6:35 p.m. Senator Mikulski spoke about the failure to invoke cloture on S. 2199, the Paycheck Fairness Act.

6:35 p.m. By a roll call vote of 52-39, the Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of Jeffery Baran to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

By a roll call vote of 54-37, the Senate invoked cloture  on the nomination of Steven G. Burns to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

6:00 p.m Roll call vote began on the cloture motion of the nomination of Jeff Baran to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

5:58 p.m Cloture not invoked 52-40.

5:30 p.m. Roll call vote began on the cloture motion with respect to S.2199, Paycheck Fairness Act.

5:10 p.m.  Senators Boxer and Klobuchar spoke about the paycheck fairness act.

4:10 p.m Senator Whitehouse spoke for the 78th time on climate change.

2:50 p.m.  Senator Wicker spoke on ISIL.

2:15 p.m.  ML Reid and President Pro Tem Leahy spoke in tribute to  the recent passing of Tommy Boggs.  Reid also spoke on S. 2199, paycheck fairness.

The Senate reconvened at 2:00 p.m and is in morning business until 5:30 p.m. There will be 3 roll call votes at 5:30 p.m.:

• Motion to invoke cloture on S. 2199 (paycheck fairness)
• Motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Jeffery Baran to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
• Motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Steven Burns to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

If cloture is invoked on the nominations the votes on confirmation will occur on Tuesday, September 16 at 2:15.

6:55 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m.

6:20 p.m. Senator Brown spoke in favor of the Constitutional Amendment.

6:05 p.m.  Senator Roberts spoke against the Constitutional Amendment.

5:45 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke in favor of the Constitutional Amendment.

5:40 p.m. Senator Walsh spoke in favor of the Constitutional Amendment.

5:30 p.m. Senator Udall spoke in favor of the Constitutional Amendment.

5:20 p.m. Senator Hirono spoke in favor of the Constitutional Amendment.

4:33 p.m. Senator Cruz spoke against the Constitutional Amendment.

4:20 p.m. Senator Reed spoke in favor of the Constitutional Amendment.

4:01 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke on ISIS and the Constitutional Amendment.

3:49 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke on ISIS.

3:15 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on ISIS and commodity in the Senate and Congress.  He also spoke on Burger King and inversion.

2:50 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on bills passed by the House and not brought up in the Senate, before turning to discussion of foreign policy in Iraq and Ukraine.

2:29 p.m. Senators Murray and Stabenow spoke on equal pay and minimum wage legislation.

2:15 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke against the Constitutional Amendment.

12:55 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 2:15 p.m. for policy luncheons.

12:40 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke for the constitutional amendment.

12:12 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke against the consitutional amendment.

12:01 p.m. Senator Franken spoke for the constitutional amendment on campaign finance

11:46 a.m. Senator Thune spoke against the proposed constitutional amendment, S J Res 19.

11:31 a.m. Senator Coats spoke about the danger of ISIS or IS.

11:30 a.m. The Senate turned to the Motion to Proceed to S J Res 19 — proposing an amendment to the U.S. constitution relating to contributions intended to affect elections.  The Senate invoked cloture on this motion to proceed last night.

11:03 a.m. Senators Klobuchar, Cantwell and Graham spoke in favor of reauthorizing the Ex-Im Bank.

10:55 a.m. Senator Cardin spoke on the costs of college.

10:46 a.m. Senator Barrasso spoke on the Affordable Care Act.

10:30 a.m. Senator Lee spoke on the campaign finance amendment.

10:15 a.m. ML Reid responds to RL McConnell comments on campaign finance amendment.

10:09 a.m. RL McConnell spoke on ISIS and the campaign finance amendment.

10:02 a.m. ML Reid laid out the days schedule, and discussed the pending campaign finance Constitutional amendment.

The Senate convened at 10:00 am and is currently in morning business.  At approximately 11:00 am, the Senate will turn to S.J. Res 19, post cloture.  When the Senate recesses for lunch between 12:30 and 2:15, the cloture clock will continue.

The Senate convened at 11:00 a.m.

Senator Coons called up H.Con. Res. 112, providing for the conditional adjournment of the House of Representatives and the conditional recess or adjournment of the Senate.  It was agreed to by unanimous consent.

The Senate remained in morning business.

The Senate will meet in pro forma session at 9:15 am on Friday August 8, 2014.

Following that, the Senate will next meet at 2:00 p.m. on September 8, 2014.

6:15 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 28. At 5:30 p.m. there will be up to 5 votes on nominations.

6:10 p.m. The following resolutions were agreed to by voice vote:

• S. Res. 462-Recognizing Cambodia and Laos Freedom fighters
• S. Res. 519-Designating Aug. 16 as National Airborne Day

5:45 p.m. McConnell spoke about Burma

5:15 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.

5:00 p.m. Senator Harkin spoke about funding for NIH.

4:15 p.m. Senator Cruz spoke about Israel and immigration.

3:54 p.m. Senator Sessions spoke about Immigration

3:40 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about Israel and Gaza

3:30 p.m. There will be NO further votes this week. Next votes will be on Monday, July 28th.  Senator Durbin spoke on Migrant crisis at the U.S. border and Senator Portman spoke on taxes.

3 p.m. Senator Baldwin spoke about the border crisis. Senator Heller spoke about the conflict in Gaza. Senator Hatch spoke about the “Bring Jobs Home” bill. Senator Durbin spoke about the border crisis.

2:21 p.m. On voice votes, the Senate confirmed these nominations:
— Lisa S. Disbrow as assistant secretary of the Air Force;
— Victor M. Mendez as deputy secretary of transportation;
— Peter M. Rogoff as transportation under secretary for policy;
— Bruce H. Andrews as deputy secretary of commerce.

2:19 p.m. On a vote of 54 to 41, the Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of Pamela Harris to the  U.S. Circuit Court for the Fourth Circuit. (Roll call on con firmation is to occur on Monday, July 28.)

2:18 p.m. On a voice vote, the Senate passed the motion to proceed to S. 2569 (“Bring Jobs Home” bill).

1:35 p.m. Senator Vitter spoke about the effects of the immigration crisis on Louisiana.

1:26 p.m. Senator Reed spoke in favor of highway bill.

1:12 p.m. Senator Thune spoke against the “Bring Jobs Home Act.”

12:40 p.m.  Senators Murray and Cantwell discuss the wildfires in Washington.  Senator Cantwell pivoted to discuss the Export Import bank, followed by Senator Kaine on the same topic.

12:35 p.m. Majority Leader Reid gets UC agreement to confirm following nominations by voice vote after vote sequence later this afternoon:
Victor Mendez to be Deputy Secretary of Transportation; Peter Rogoff to be Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy; and Bruce Andrews to be Deputy Secretary of Commerce.

Further UC that at a time to be determined, after consultation with RL McConnell Senate proceed to consider following nominations:

Elliot Kaye to be member and chairman of Consumer Product Safety Commission; Joseph Mohorovic to be member of Consumer Product Safety Commission; and Brian McKeon to be Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense.

11:57 a.m. Senators Cardin and Grassley spoke on the Harris nomination.

11:47 a.m. Senator Heller spoke on the “Bring Jobs Home Act.”

11:32 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about immigration.

11:25 a.m. Senator Begich, a member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, spoke about the veterans legislation and the process.

11:19 a.m. Senator Sanders and Senator McCain engaged in a colloquy about how to move forward with the veterans legislation.

11:16 a.m. Senator McCain urged calm about the Veterans Affairs conference committee process.  There is a meeting scheduled at 12:00 p.m. today.

11:03 a.m. Senator Sanders, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs,  spoke about House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman’s plan to have a conference committee on a Veterans Affairs bill without consulting Senators.

10:54 a.m. Senator Tester spoke about the duty to Veterans and his frustration with politics interfering with a bill to improve services for veterans.

10:49 a.m. Senator Reid propounded a UC providing for four hours of debate and a vote on confirmation of Robert Alan McDonald as Secretary of the VA.

10:44 a.m. Senator Warner spoke about public servants.

10:24 a.m. Senator Moran spoke on the Israeli and Palestinian conflict.

9:33 a.m. Senators Reid and McConnell paid tribute to officers Chestnut and Gibson. McConnell also spoke  the EPA and the death of Kentucky Airman  Lt. Col. John Loftit.

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

At  1:45 p.m the Senate will conduct a voice vote on the motion to proceed to S.2569, the “Bring Jobs Home” bill . Thursday July 24, 2014.  That will be followed by a cloture vote on the nomination of Pamela Harris of Maryland to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit and a vote on confirmation of Lisa Disbrow, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Air Force.

7:20 The Senate stands adjourned until 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 23rd.  At 11:00 a.m. the Senate will vote on the cloture motion to the motion to proceed to S. 2567 – Jobs bill.

7:00 p.m. Senator Durbin and Portman spoke on Taxes.  Senatore Chambliss spoke on Russia’s involvement in the downing of the Malaysian flight.

5:10 p.m. Senator Harkin spoke on disability rights

4:50 p.m. Senator Vitter spoke on Immigration issues

4:30 p.m. Senators Reed and Whitehouse spoke on the 60th anniversary of the Newport Jazz Festival

4:00 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke on bringing American jobs home

3:22 p.m. deGravelles nomination confirmed 100-0.

2:57 p.m. Rosenberg nomination confirmed 100-0.  Roll call vote begins on confirmation of deGravelles nomination.

2:43 p.m. Birotte nomination confirmed 100-0.  Roll call vote begins on confirmation of Rosenberg nomination.

2:15 p.m. Senate returns from recess and begins confirmation vote on the Birotte nomination.

12:34 p.m.  Senate stands in recess until 2:15 p.m.

12:20 p.m. Senator Thune spoke on Senate Democrats priorities.

12:07 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke on climate change.

11:56 a.m. Senator Coats spoke on the airplane shot down over Ukraine.

11:55 a.m. Cloture invoked on deGravelles nomination 57-39.

11:33 a.m. Cloture invoked on Rosenberg nomination, 58-42.  Roll call vote begins on the nomination of John deGravelles to be a US District Judge for the Middle District of Louisiana.

11:14 a.m. Cloture invoked on Birotte nomination, 56-43.   Roll call vote begins on the nomination of Robin Rosenberg to be a US District Judge for the Southern District of Florida.

10:45 a.m. Roll call vote began on cloture motion on nomination of Andre Birotte to be a US District Judge for the Central District of California.

10:41 a.m. Senator Warren spoke about the Consumer Financial Protection Agency.

10:35 a.m. Senator Leahy spoke about problems in crime labs.

10:24 a.m. Senator Alexander spoke about the HELP Committee’s work and about human rights in Venezuela.

10:19 a.m. Senator Murray spoke about the highway program.

10:11 a.m. Minority Leader McConnell spoke about bipartisan legislation and about the late Senator Jeremiah Denton.

10:04 a.m. Majority Leader Reid spoke about the day’s schedule and the proposed bill to return businesses to the U.S. (S. 2569).

***

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

The Senate is scheduled to conduct three cloture votes at 10:45 a.m.  The first vote will be on Andre Birotte Jr, of California, to be U.S. District Judge for the Central District of California.  The second vote will be on Robin L. Rosenberg, of Florida, to be U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Florida.  The third vote will be on John W. deGravelles, of Louisiana, to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Louisiana.

The Senate will recess from 12:30 to 2:15 for weekly caucus lunches.

8:30 p.m. — The Senate adjourned until 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 10.

***

8:28 p.m. —  On a voice vote, the Senate confirmed the nominati0on of Crystal Nix-Hines of California to be permanent U.S. representative to the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

***

7:45 p.m. — Senator Whitehouse on global warming and on the burning of H.M.S. Gaspee.

7:37 p.m. — Senator Boxer on global warming.

7:09 p.m. — Senator Inhofe on global warming.

7:05 p.m. — Senator Whitehouse on global warming.

***

7:03 p.m. — The majority leader secured unanimous consent for a schedule for  Tuesday:

— At 10 a.m., confirmation of M. Hannah Lauck’s nomination to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia;

— At noon, confirmation of the nominations of Leo T. Sorokin to the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and Richard Franklin Boulware II to the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada.

— At 12:30 p.m. , recess until 2:15 p.m. for weekly policy luncheons.

— At 2:30 p.m., cloture on the n0minations of Lael Brainard of the District of Columbia and Jerome H. Powell of Maryland to the board of the Federal Reserve, and of Stanley Fischer of New York to be vice chairman of the board of the Federal Reserve.

***

6:57 p.m. — Senator Heinrich spoke on global warming.

6:45 p.m. — Senator Sanders spoke on global warming.

6:43 p.m. — Senator Markey spoke on global warming.

6:39 p.m. — Senator Heller spoke on the Las Vegas shootings.

***

6:38  p.m. — On a vote of 53 to 34, the Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of Richard Franklin Boulware II to the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada.

***

6:19 p.m. — On a vote of 52 to 33, the Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of Leo T. Sorokin to the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

***

6:02 p.m. — On a vote of 52 to 32, the Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of M. Hannah Lauck to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

***

5:12 p.m.  — The majority leader filed cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 2432, the student loan bill. A cloture vote could occur on Wednesday.

***

2 p.m. — The Senate convened. The majorioty leader spoke on the Las Vegas shooting and on Miss Nevada and Miss U.S.A.

These senators spoke between the opening gavel and the majority leader’s appearance before the 5:30 p.m. votes:

Alexander on student loans; Heinrich, in honor of the late Chester Nez, World War II code talker; Grassley, in opposition to the nomination of Peter Kadzic as assistant attorney general; Coates on the health care law; Cruz on the Bergdahl exchange.

The Senate will be in session at 2:00 pm and will be in morning business until 5:30 pm.

At 5:30pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session in order to consider judicial nominations, and proceed to the following three roll call votes:

1)  Motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of M. Hannah Lauck to be a United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia

2) Motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Leo T. Sorokin to be a United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts

3) Motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Richard Franklin Boulware II to be a United States District Judge for the District of Nevada.

If cloture is invoked on these three nominations then, according to a unanimous consent agreement, the Senate will proceed to the vote on confirmation for the three on Tuesday, June 10, at 10:00 am.