The Senate has adjourned until 3 p.m. Monday, April 14th and will resume consideration of H.R. 636, the FAA bill. Friday, April 15th will count as the intervening day with respect to the cloture motion on the motion to proceed to H.R. 2028.

During wrap-up:

• S. 1436, requiring the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for certain Indian tribes, was passed by unanimous consent.
• H.R. 1670, directing the Archicte of the Capitol to place in the U.S. Capitol a chair honoring American POW and MIA, was passed by unanimous consent.
• S. Res. 311, honoring Rutgers University on it’s 250th anniversary, was passed by unanimous consent.
• S.Res. 427, S.Res. 428, S.Res. 429, and S.Res. 430, were passed en bloc by unanimous consent.

*****

5:50 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke on allies of the US.

5:26 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on H1B visas.

5:07 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about the Zika virus.

4:05 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about Hillary Clinton using private email server.

3:53 p.m. Senator Peters spoke in favor of the FAA reauthorization bill.

3:17 p.m. Senator Casey spoke about ISIS and its financial support.

3:00 p.m. Senator King spoke about the bill he’s introducing, the Stop Taxing Death and Disability Act.

2:43 p.m. Senator Thune spoke on the FAA bill and moved the Senate to a period of morning business.

No further votes expected in the Senate today.

2:32 p.m ML McConnell entered a UC that on Monday April 18 at 5:30 p.m., the Thune Amendment #3680 and the Thune substitute amendment #3679 be agreed to, and the Senate vote on cloture on HR 636, the FAA bill.

12:39 p.m. Senator Sessions spoke about the entry/exit data system for  visitors /immigrants the U.S.

12:08 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about his proposed changing the classification of Cuban immigrants to combat fraud.

12:02 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about the FAA bill.  He offered a UC to schedule amendment votes.  Senator Boxer objected.  Senator Nelson offered a UC scheduling votes on Democratic amendments and Senator Thune objected.  No amendment votes were scheduled.

11:55 a.m. Senator Gardner spoke about virtual air traffic control towers.

11:30 a.m. Senator Boxer spoke about pilot fatigue.

11:09 a.m. Senator Ayotte spoke on veterans affairs department bonuses and wait list manipulation.  Asks UC to pass S. 627 on this topic.  Senator Cardin, reserving the right to object offered his own UC request to include two amendments.  Senator Ayotte objected to the modification and Senator Cardin objected to the original request.

11:08 a.m. Cloture was invoked on the Thune amendment to the FAA reauthorization, 94-4.   Senators Boxer, Lee, Portman and Rubio voted against.  Senators Cruz and Sanders did not vote.

10:30 a.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the Thune substitute amendment to HR 636, the FAA reauthorization bill.

9:36 a.m. DL Reid spoke on the energy bill, the budget and appropriations process and the Supreme Court vacancy.

9:32 a.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on the motion to proceed to the energy and water appropriations bill; HR 2028.  He then spoke about the FAA bill and the agreement on the energy bill.

***

The Senate convened at 9:30 a.m. and has resumed consideration of H.R. 636, the FAA reauthorization bill.
At about 10:30 a.m., a vote will occur on the motion to invoke cloture on the Thune substitute amendment.

Meanwhile, the Senate has reached an agreement on amendments to the S. 2012, the energy bill — with the specific date and time to go to the bill still to be determined.

When the Senate goes to the energy bill, these amendments will be called up and reported en bloc:

• Heller #3286
• Vitter #3075
• Portman #3168
• Shaheen #3229
• Heinrich #3155
• Manchin #3270
• Cantwell #3313
• Cantwell#3214
• Vitter #3266
• Sullivan #3310
• Heinrich #3317
• Vitter #3265
• Kane #3012
• Gillibrand/Cassidy #3004
• Warner #3233
• Thune ##3239
• Udall/Portman #3203
• Coons #3203
• Portman #3209
• Flake  #3206
• Inhofe #3251

Immediately following the reporting of the amendments, the Senate will vote on them, en bloc. After that vote, these amendments to the energy bill will be called up and reported en bloc:

• Murkowski/Cantwell #3234
• Isaacson/Bennet #3202
• Burr #3175
• Lankford #3210
• Boozeman #3311
• Udall #3312
• Paul #3787

After two hours of debate, there will be votes on the amendments in the order listed, with 60 votes needed for passage. Following the disposition of the Paul amendment,  the Cassidy substitute (#2953) will be agreed to and the Senate will proceed to a cloture vote on the energy bill. If cloture is invoked, the Senate will immediately vote on final passage.

7:30 p.m.  The Senate adjourned and will reconvene at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 14. The Senate will resume consideration of H.R. 636, the FAA reauthorization bill. Unless an agreement is reached, the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Thune substitute amendment at approximately 10:30 a.m.  The following bills and resolutions were passed by voice vote during wrap up.

• H.R 1493- protect and preserve international cultural property act. with Casey amendment
• S. Res. 388-supporting the goals of National Women’s Day
• S.Res. 419-Congratulating the University of North Dakota Men’s Hockey Team
• S.Res. 420-Congratulating the Augustana  College basketball team
• S.Res. 421-Congratulating the UConn women’s basketball team
• S. Res. 422-Supporting the mission and goals of the crime victims rights week
• S.Res. 423-Congratulating the University of Minnesota women’s hockey team
• S.Res. 424- supporting take our sons and daughters to work day.
• H. Con. Res. 115-Use of Emancipation Hall
• H.Con. Res. 117- Use of Capitol Grounds for peace officers ceremony
• H. Con. Res. 120-Use of Capitol Grounds for Fallen Firefighters flag ceremony.

6:18 p.m. Senator Whitehouse gave his weekly speech on climate change.

6:12 p.m. Senator Hoeven congratulated the University of North Dakota men’s hockey team.

6:10 p.m. Senator McConnell announced a deal on S. 2012, the Energy Bill. When the Senate goes to the Energy Bill the following amendments will be called up and reported en bloc:

• Cantwell #3276
• Kobuchar #3302
• Flake #3335
• Flake #3050
• Hatch #3237
• Murkowski #3308
• Heller #3286
• Vitter #3075
• Portman #3168
• Shaheen #3229
• Heinrich #3155
• Manchin #3270
• Cantwell #3313
• Cantwell#3214
• Vitter #3266
• Sullivan #3310
• Heinrich #3317
• Vitter #3265
• Kane #3012
• Gillibrand/Cassidy #3004
• Warner #3233
• Thune ##3239
• Udall/Portman #3203
• Coons #3203
• Portman #3209
• Flake  #3206
• Inhofe #3251

Immediately following the reporting of the amendments the Senate will vote on the amendments en bloc. After that vote the following amendments will be called up and reported en bloc:

• Murkowski/Cantwell #3234
• Isaacson/Bennet #3202
• Burr #3175
• Lankford #3210
• Boozeman #3311
• Udall #3312
• Paul #3787

There will be two hours of debate on those amendments followed by votes on the amendments in the order listed with a 60 vote affirmative threshold. Following the disposition of the Paul amendment,  the Cassidy substitute amend #2953 will be agreed to and the Senate will proceed to a vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S. 2012, the Energy Bill and if cloture is invoked, the Senate will immediately proceed to a vote on final passage.

5:37 p.m. Senators Coons, Blumenthal and Klobuchar spoke on Iran, Russia and Israel.

5:20 p.m. Senator Fischer asked unanimous consent that the Senate take up and pass Calendar #278, S.2200, Workplace Advancement Act.Senator Murray objected and asked consent that the HELP Committee be discharged from further consideration of S.862, the Paycheck Fairness Act, and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration, the bill be read a third time and passed.  Senator Fischer objected.

5:18 p.m. Senator Fischer spoke about wage gap.

4:57 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about the drug addiction and overdose epidemic.

4:47 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke in support of the FAA reauthorization bill.

4:19 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke about essential air service in Alaska.

4:08 p.m. Senator Rounds spoke about a bill he is introducing: the RESPECT Act, Repealing Existing Substandard Provisions Encouraging Conciliation with Tribes Act.

3:44 p.m. Senator Cotton spoke about the passing of Arkansas Congressman Ray Thornton.

3:30 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke in support of the FAA bill.

3:16 p.m. Senator Coats spoke on government waste.

2:57 p.m. Senator Enzi spoke on coal mining.

2:42 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on gun violence, the financial troubles in Puerto Rico and the FAA bill.

2:23 p.m. Senators Blumenthal and Murphy spoke on Newtown and the “Newtown 26” bike ride that arrived in Washington yesterday.

2:11 p.m. Senator Perdue spoke on the Iran deal.

2:09 p.m.  Senator Nelson acknowledges that Senator Boxer will get a vote on her amendment, Senator Boxer hopes it is not tied to a poison pill.

1:45 p.m. Senator Boxer spoke on the FAA bill and her amendment regarding cargo plane pilots.

12:36 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke about opiate addicition.

11:58 a.m. Senator Rubio spoke about student loans.  He paid tribute to the heavily-Hispanic 65th Infantry Regiment of the Army, recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal.. He spoke about a benefits policy for immigrants.

11:38 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about for-profit colleges.

11:02 a.m. Senator Lankford spoke on terrorism and the Middle East.

10:54 a.m. The Senate resumed consideration of the FAA bill and Senator Thune gave an update on what is in the bill and where the Senate is in the process, hoping to finish the bill this week.

9:37 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke about baseball, joined in the tribute to Christine Catucci and criticized Senator Grassley’s position on the Supreme Court vacancy.

9:33 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the FAA bill and saluted Christine Catucci on her 40th anniversary as a Senate employee.

***

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m.  and will resume consideration of H.R.636, the FAA Reauthorization.

6:30 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.

6:28 p.m. Senator Thune called up an amendment (#3680) to his substitute, #3679. By voice vote the Senate passed S. 2133, a bill to improve financial controls in federal agencies, as amended. The Senate agreed to convene Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. and to resume consideration of the FAA bill.

6:27 p.m. By voice vote, the Senate tabled the Thune substitute (Amendment#3463) to the FAA bill. Senator McConnell called up Amendment #3679, a substitute for Senator Thune, and filed a cloture motion on it. Senator McConnell also filed a cloture motion on the underlying FAA bill, H.R. 636.

6:16 p.m. Senator Heitkamp spoke about pay equity.

6:07 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke in support of the FAA bill.

5:55 p.m. Senator Flake spoke about the Flake amendment #3556, the Visa Waiver Program.

5:42 p.m. Senator Ayotte spoke about pay equity.

5:23 p.m. Senator Sessions spoke about a biometric exit system.

5:09 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke about the FAA bill.

4:57 p.m. Senator Tester spoke about the Hoeven-Tester Air Ambulance Relief Amendment.

4:51 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke about the Hoeven-Tester Air Ambulance Relief Amendment.

4:34 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy.

4:17 p.m. Senator Moran spoke about medical care for veterans.

4:02 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke about springtime and tax returns.

3:44 p.m.  Senator Donnelly spoke about the domestic steel industry.

3:29 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about the Gold King Mine spill.

3:16 p.m. Senator Wyden paid tribute to author Beverly Cleary on her 100th birthday.

3:04 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about pay equity and about victims of crime..

2:45 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about pay equity.

2:36 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about the FAA bill.

2:15 p.m. The Senate took Senator Gillibrand spoke about pay equity.

12:30 p.m. The Senate adjourned for the weekly party caucuses.

12:21 p.m. Senator Murray spoke about pay equity.

12:09 p.m. Senator Shaheen spoke about pay equity.

12:05 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about pay equity.

12:01 a.m. Senator Baldwin spoke about pay equity.

11:55 a.m. Senator Warren spoke about pay equity.

11:47 a.m. Senator Mikulski spoke about pay equity.

11:42 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about pay equity.

11:32 a.m. Senator Hirono spoke about pay equity.

11:05 a.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about the FAA bill. He also spoke about the Paris agreement on climate change.

10:55 a.m. Senator Fischer spoke about pay equity.

10:35 a.m. Senator Boxer spoke about pay equity and about her amendment to the FAA bill, on safety regulations for pilots.

10:26 a.m. Senator Leahy spoke about pay equity for women.

10:20 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke about the Supreme Court opening.

10:15 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the FAA bill.

***

The Senate stands convened at 10 a.m. and will resume consideration of H.R. 636, the legislative vehicle for the FAA reauthorization.

Amendments pending to H.R.636, FAA Reauthorization:

Thune amendment #3464 (substitute)

Gardner #3460 (unmanned aircraft systems)

Cantwell #3490 (penalties re: ticket agents)

Bennet #3524 (families)

Amendments that are in order to be called up and made pending:

• Thune #3462 (accident victims)
• Thune #3463 (nuclear material)

Senate adjourned at 8:19 p.m. to reconvene tomorrow a.m. at 10:00.

Wrap Up for Monday, April 11, 2016

Roll Call Votes

1. Confirmation of the nomination of Executive Calendar #215, Waverly Crenshaw, to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Tennessee; confirmed: 92-0.

Legislative Business

Adopted S.Res.417 – Arbor Day.

The Senate also agreed to the following amendments to H.R.636, FAA Reauthorization, by voice vote:

Cassidy #3476, as modified (stage 2 airplanes)

Inhofe #3492, as modified (unmanned aircraft systems)

Hoeven #3500 (unmanned aircraft system extension)

Flake #3526 (airspace management advisory committee)

Cotton #3535 (airport leases)

Nelson #3621 (aircraft avionics systems)

Booker #3620 (small business definition)

Nelson #3633 (lithium batteries)

Cantwell #3534 (national multimodal freight advisory)

Whitehouse #3623 (criminal penalties re: unmanned aircraft)

Cochran #3567 (unmanned aircraft research)

Bennet #3524, as modified (families)

Schedule for Tuesday, April 12, 2016

The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00am on Tuesday, April 12, 2016.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for one hour, with Democrats controlling the first half and Republicans controlling the final half.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of Calendar #55, H.R. 636, the legislative vehicle for the FAA reauthorization.

Amendments pending to H.R.636, FAA Reauthorization:

Thune amendment #3464 (substitute)

Gardner #3460 (unmanned aircraft systems)

Cantwell #3490 (penalties re: ticket agents)

Bennet #3524 (families)

The following amendments are in order to be called up and made pending:

• Thune #3462 (accident victims)
• Thune #3463 (nuclear material)

6:01 p.m. The Senate confirmed Waverly Crenshaw, to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Tennessee by a roll call vote of 92-0.

4:00 p.m. The Senate resumed H.R. 636, the vehicle for F.A.A. Authorization. Senator Cornyn spoke on the legislation.

3:50 p.m. Senator Markey spoke on his amendments to H.R. 636, the vehicle for F.A.A. Authorization.

3:10 p.m. Senator Reid spoke on confirmation of the Crenshaw nomination.

3:00 p.m. Leader McConnell spoke on the F.A.A. Authorization.

The Senate will convene at 3 p.m. and will resume consideration of H.R. 636, the vehicle for the FAA reauthorization.

At 5 p.m., the Senate will consider the nomination of Waverly D. Crenshaw, Jr., of Tennessee, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Tennessee.

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on confirmation of the Crenshaw nomination.

The following amendments are pending to H.R. 636:

*         Thune-Nelson substitute (#3464);

o    Gardner amendment (#3460) on authorization of unmanned aircraft operators;

o    Cantwell amendment (#3490) to protect air carrier customer service representatives against assault;

o    Bennet amendment (#3524) to improve air service for families and pregnant women;

The following amendments may be made pending to Thune-Nelson substitute:

*   Thune amendment (#3462) on equal treatment of families of victims of aircraft accidents and families of passengers;

*   Thune amendment (#3463) to limit aircraft operations at nuclear material storage facilities.

The Senate will next convene Monday, April 11th,  at 3:00 pm. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of Morning business until 4:00 pm with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

Following Morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.636, the vehicle for the FAA reauthorization.

At 5:00 pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #215, Waverly D. Crenshaw, Jr., of Tennessee, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Tennessee.

At 5:30 pm, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the Crenshaw nomination.

5:07 p.m. Senate adjourned until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, April 11th.  On Monday, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 4:00pm. At 4:00pm, the Senate will resume consideration of Calendar #55, H.R. 636, the legislative vehicle for the FAA reauthorization.  At 5:00pm, the Senate will enter Executive Session to consider the nomination of Executive Calendar #215, Waverly Crenshaw, to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Tennessee. There will be 30 minutes of debate equally divided followed by a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination.

5:06 p.m. The Senate adopted the following amendments to H.R.636, the legislative vehicle for FAA reauthorization, by voice vote:

Wyden #3499, as modified (heads-up guidance system displays)

Collins #3508 (weather observers program)

Tester #3505 (GAO study – advanced imaging technologies)

Heller #3495 (veterans employment opportunities)

Casey-Toomey #3458, as modified (cockpit doors)

4:25 p.m. Senator Peters spoke on the Flint water crisis.

4:15 p.m. Senator Wicker spoke on Alzheimer’s.

3:27 p.m. Senator McCain spoke on veteran’s healthcare.

3:23 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke about the FAA reauthorization bill.

3:02 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy and his experience resisting White House pressure throughout his career.

2:59 p.m. No further votes this week. The next vote is expected Monday, April 11th at 5:30 p.m. on the nomination of Waverly D. Crenshaw, Jr., of TN, to be the US District Judge for the Middle District of Tennessee. 

The Senate concurred in the House message to S. 192 (Reauthorize the Older Americans Act) by voice vote and passed S. Res. 392 (Regarding the Prosecution of Former President Mohammed Nashid) by unanimous consent.

****

2:48 p.m. Senator Cassidy spoke on the FAA reauthorization bill.

2:28 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke about the water crisis in Flint and the Supreme Court vacancy.

2:15 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about the CARA act.

2:12p.m.  The Schumer amendment #3483 was not agreed to by a vote 42-54.

1:38 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about his amendment #3483-airplane seat size.

1:30 p.m. Senator Cantwell offered her amendment #3490-airport employee safety.

1:16 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about the SAFE Lending Act.

1:10 p.m. Senator Cotton spoke about Iran.

1:15 p.m. The Heinrich amendment # 3482 was agreed to by a vote of 91-5.  Voting no: Barrasso, Enzi, Flake, Paul and Scott. Absent: Cornyn, Cruz, Durbin, and Sanders.

12:40 p.m. The Thune amendment #3512 was passed by a vote of 85-10. Voting no: Booker, Brown, Casey, Hirono, Leahy, Markey, Merkley, Murray , Warren and Wyden.  Absent: Cornyn, Cruz, Durbin, Sanders, and Udall.

11:59 a.m. Senator Nelson offered Schumer amendment #3483.

11:50 a.m. The Thune amendment #3512 was modified by unanimous consent. Senator Thune offered Casey-Toomey amendment #3458, as modified, Heller amendment #3495, and Bennett amendment #3524.

At 12:05 p.m. the Senate will vote on Thune amendment #3512, as modified, and Heinrich amendment #3482, as modified. 

At 1:45 p.m. the Senate will vote on the Schumer amendment #3483

****

11:35 a.m. Senator Fischer spoke in favor of the FAA reauthorization bill.

11:18 a.m. Senator Toomey spoke about a second barrier, in addition to reinforced cockpit doors.

11:12 a.m. Senator Casey spoke about a second barrier, in addition to reinforced cockpit doors.

11:05 a.m. Senator Heinrich called up his amendment #3482, regarding airport security.

9:59 a.m. Senator Nelson spoke about the FAA reauthorization bill.

9:40 a.m. Senator Reid spoke about the FAA reauthorization bill, the Supreme Court vacancy, and the Nevada mountains.

9:32 a.m. Senator McConnell spoke about the FAA reauthorization bill and also about a couple from Kentucky that were killed in Brussels terrorist attack.

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and resume consideration of H.R. 636-vehicle for FAA reauthorization. Votes are expected but not scheduled.

8:20 p.m.  The Senate adjourned and will reconvene at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 7. They will resume consideration of FAA reauthorization bill with votes to occur on amendments but not scheduled at this time. During wrap up the Senate passed the following by voice vote:

• S. 1638-Homeland Security headquarters consolidation
• S. 1492-Conveyance of Federal property to Anchorage, Alaska
• S. Res. 415-Congratulating Villanova Wildcats

8:15 p.m. The Senate agreed to, by voice vote, the motion to proceed to the FAA reauthorization bill. Senator Thune offered a substitute amendment to the bill. He also offered two amendments to the substitute-one for himself and one for Senator Gardner.

6:25 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about the Supreme Court Vacancy and also about manufacturing.

5:54 p.m. Senator Warner spoke about federal servant, John Wagner.

5:20 p.m. Senator McCain and Senator Flake spoke about the FAA reauthorization bill.

5:05 p.m. Senator Casey and Senator Toomey spoke about their amendment on aviation security to the FAA reauthorization bill.

4:41 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about the FAA reauthorization bill.

4:34 p.m. Senator Moran spoke about FAA reauthorization bill.

4:16 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about gun violence.

3:07 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy.

2:57 p.m. Senator Coons spoke on Iran.

2:27 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy.

2:00 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on nuclear sanctions.

1:01 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy.

12:26 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about the FAA reauthorization bill.

12:17 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about the FAA reauthorization bill.

12:00 p.m. Senator Reid spoke about Senator Grassley and the Supreme Court vacancy.

11:31 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about defense department whistle blowers.

11:30 a.m. The motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 636 (FAA reauthorization) was agreed to by a vote of 98-0. Senators Cruz and Sanders were absent.

10:20 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke in praise of Sen. Grassley, chairman of the Judiciary Committee and about the Supreme Court vacancy.

10:18 a.m. The Senate is on the Motion to Proceed to HR 636, the vehicle for FAA Reauthorization.

10:13 a.m. Senator Reid spoke about the FAA reauthorization and the Supreme Court vacancy.

10:08 a.m. ML McConnell spoke about FAA Reauthorization.  There will be a vote on cloture on the motion to proceed at 11:00 a.m. today.   ML McConnell also spoke about administration regulations on investment advisors anticipated today that he believes will be harmful to lower and middle class investors.

10:00 ML McConnell opened the Senate.

The Senate has adjourned until 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 6th, and will resume consideration of H.R. 636, the legislative vehicle for the FAA Re-authorization. At 11:00 am the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.636.

During wrap-up:

• Exec. Cal. #434, the nomination of John E. Sparks, VA, to be a Judge of the US Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, was confirmed by voice vote.

• S.Res.406 – Girl Scout Gold Award, was passed by voice vote.

• S.Res.413 – Gold Star Wives, was passed by voice vote.

****

4:30 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on the SCOTUS nomination.

4:22 p.m. Senator Toomey paid tribute to Villanova’s NCAA basketball championship and spoke on the FAA reauthorization bill.

4:03 p.m. Senator Enzi paid tribute to Tom McGrady and Joseph Medicine Crow.

3:20 p.m. Senator Coats spoke on government waste.

2:33 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke on the Affordable Care Act.

2:15 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on climate change.

12:30 p.m. The Senate recessed for the weekly party caucuses.

12:00 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke on the SCOTUS nomination.

11:45 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the SCOTUS nomination and current process.

11:20 a.m. Senator Casey spoke on the Villanova game and followed with opioid addiction.

11:00 a.m. Senator Thune spoke on terrorism, drug trafficking, and airline employees.

10:49 a.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke in favor of considering Judge Garland and on tick-borne diseases.

10:25 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke in favor of considering Judge Garland.

10:10 a.m. DL Reid spoke about FAA reauthorization, immigration and prisoners at Guantanamo Bay.  He also urged the Senate to move forward with the confirmation process for Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland.

The Senate convened at 10:00 a.m.  ML McConnell spoke about the Senate moving to bipartisan FAA re-authorization.  He also spoke about President Obama’s executive order on immigration, which will be contested in the Supreme Court.  He spoke about releasing prisoners from Guantanamo Bay.

6:10 p.m. S.1890, the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 was agreed to by a roll call vote of 87-0.

5:20 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke in favor of S. 1890.

5:00 p.m. The Senate resumed consideration of Cal.#355, S.1890, the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016.

4:01 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about watchdogs.

3:20 p.m. Senator Daines paid tribute to the late Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow and Heller Mayor, Russ Whitter.

3:10 p.m. Leader Reid spoke on the judicial nomination and confirmation process.

3:00 p.m. Leader McConnell welcomed the Senate back and praised the actions of the Capitol Police during an emergency last week. He also welcomed the new Capitol Police Chief. He then spoke on S. 1890, the Defend Trade Secrets Act. He asked moved to the Motion to Proceed to H.R. 636,the vehicle for F.A.A. REAUTHORIZATION.

**Today in the Senate**
Senate will convene at 3:00 pm. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of Morning business until 5:00 pm with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each. At 5:00 pm, the Senate will proceed to consideration of Cal.#355, S.1890, the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016. There will be 30 minutes of debate, equally divided. At 5:30 pm the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on passage of S.1890, as amended.