7:31 p.m. Senate adjourned until 10:00 a.m. Tuesday.

7:18 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke on gun violence.

7:05 p.m. Senator Gillibrand spoke on gun violence.

7:02 p.m. ML McConnell wraps up for the evening.  S. 1894, regarding the Jones Act was read for the first time.  S.396, regarding marine fish conservation;and H.R. 1616, authorizing the National Computer Forensics Institute were passed by voice vote.  UC that when the Senate adjourns it do so until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, and resume consideration of the Cissna nomination.  Recess for weekly conference luncheons from 12:30-2:15.  Adjourn following remarks of Senators Gillibrand and Blumenthal.

6:15 p.m. Senators Murphy, Durbin and Casey spoke on guns.

6:12 p.m. ML McConnell calls up and files cloture on the following four nominations:

1. Lee Cissna to be Director of Citizenship and Immigration Services.

2. Eric Hargan to be Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services.

3. Randle Quarles to be a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

4. Callista Gingrich to be Ambassador to the Holy See.

6:05 p.m. Senator Flake spoke on the nomination of Amy Barrett to be a Circuit Court judge on the Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

6:04 p.m. The Pai nomination was confirmed 52-41.

Senators in favor: 48 Republicans 4 Democrats: Manchin, McCaskill, Peters and Tester.

Senators against: 40 Democrats, 1 Independent: Sanders.

Senators not voting: 4 Republicans: Cochran, Heller, McCain and Toomey. 2 Democrats: Cortez Masto and Menendez. Independent: Sanders

5:33 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the Pai nomination.

5:29 p.m. Senator Thune spoke in support of the Pai nomination.

5:04 p.m. Senator Cantwell spoke about Las Vegas and the Pai nomination.

4:44 p.m. Senator Fischer paid tribute to Nebraskans Lyle Strom and William Riley.

4:34 p.m. Senator Warren spoke about Las Vegas and the Pai nomination.

4:23 p.m. Senator Capitol spoke about Las Vegas and the Pai nomination.

4:03 p.m. Senator Udall spoke about Las Vegas. He spoke against the Pai nomination.

3:52 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about Las Vegas and about taxes.

3:35 p.m. Senator Moran spoke about regulation of the internet. He spoke in favor of the Pai nomination.

3:38 p.m. Senator Schatz spoke about Law Vegas.

3:07 p.m. The Senate resumed consideration of the Pai nomination. Senator Hatch spoke about the Las Vegas massacre. He paid tribute to the late Elder Robert D. Hales of the Church of Latter Day Saints. He spoke about criminal justice reform.

3:04 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the Las Vegas massacre.

3:03 p.m. The Senate observed a moment of silence for the victims of the massacre in Las Vegas.

**********

The Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m.

There will be a moment of silence when the Senate convenes to acknowledge the tragedy in Las Vegas.

Following any leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the nomination of Ajit Pai to be a member of the Federal Communications Commission until 5:30 p.m.

At 5:30 p.m., all post-cloture time will expire and the Senate will vote on confirmation of the Pai nomination.

5:18 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned.

5:08 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell announced the Senate meets next Monday, October 2nd at 3:00 p.m. Following Leader remarks the Senate will resume consideration of Executive Calendar #251, Ajit Pai, to be a member of the FCC. At 5:30 p.m. all post-cloture time will expire and the Senate will vote on confirmation of the Pai nomination.

During wrap up:

Passed by voice vote H.R. 2519: The American Legion 100^th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act.

Passed Calendar #217, S.770: to require the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to disseminate resources to help reduce small business cybersecurity risks, and for other purposes, with committee-reported amendment and Schatz amendment.

Adopted S.Res.267: designating September 2017, as “National Workforce Development Month”.

Adopted S.Res.272: commemorating the 230^th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States.

Adopted S.Res.273: expressing support for the designation of September 2017 as “Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month” in order to educate communities across the United States about sickle cell disease and the need for research, early detection methods, effective treatments, and preventative care programs with respect to sickle cell disease, complications from sickle cell disease, and conditions related to sickle cell disease.

Adopted S.Res.274: supporting the goals and ideals of National Retirement Security Week, including raising public awareness of the various tax-preferred retirement vehicles, increasing personal financial literacy, and engaging the people of the United States on the keys to success in achieving and maintaining retirement security throughout their lifetimes.

Adopted S.Res.275: congratulating Northeastern Illinois University on the sesquicentennial of the University.

Adopted S.Res.276: designating September 2017, as “Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month”.

Adopted S.Res.277: designating the week of September 25, through September 29, 2017, as “National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week”.

Began the Rule 14 process to place on the Legislative Calendar of Business S.1894, to exempt Puerto Rico from the coastwise laws of the United States (commonly known as the “Jones Act”) [McCain-Lee].

Executive Business

Confirmed the following nominations:

ARMY

• Executive Calendar #338 – Col. Michael R. Fenzel to be Brigadier General

AIR FORCE

• Executive Calendar #339 – Maj. Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost to be Lieutenant General
• Executive Calendar #340 – The following to be Brigadier General:
• Col. Jeffery D. Aebischer
• Col. Nathan B. Alholinna
• Col. Boris R. Armstrong
• Col. Kimberly A. Baumann
• Col. Robert L. Bell
• Col. Shawn N. Bratton
• Col. Jeffrey L. Butler
• Col. Michael E. Callahan
• Col. Kevin J. Campbell
• Col. Thomas S. Cauthen
• Col. Lawrence L. Christensen
• Col. Shawn A. Clouthier
• Col. Darwin L. Craig
• Col. Robert C. Desko
• Col. Kevin M. Donovan
• Col. Bobbi J. Doorenbos
• Col. David M. Dziobkowski
• Col. Randal K. Efferson
• Col. Howard L. Eissler, III
• Col. Shawn D. Ford
• Col. Jed J. French
• Col. Daniel E. Gabrielli
• Col. Mark P. Gaul
• Col. Rainer G. Gomez
• Col. Patrick M. Guinee
• Col. Penny C. Hodges-Goetz
• Col. Jeremy C. Horn
• Col. Cassandra D. Howard
• Col. Paul D. Johnson
• Col. Edward S. Jones
• Col. Gary W. Kirk
• Col. Heidi L. Kjos
• Col. Meaghan Q. LeClerc
• Col. Gregor J. Leist
• Col. Suzanne B. Lipcaman
• Col. Keith G. MacDonald
• Col. Rolf E. Mammen
• Col. Gerald E. McDonald
• Col. Christopher G. McGraw
• Col. Michael R. Morgan
• Col. Rebecca L. O’Connor
• Col. Duke A. Pirak
• Col. Jeffrey L. Ryan
• Col. Jon S. Safstrom
• Col. William L. Sparrow
• Col. James R. Stevenson, Jr.
• Col. Jeffrey D. Storey
• Col. Bryan J. Teff
• Col. Edward L. Vaughan, IV
• Col. April D. Vogel
• Col. Charles M. Walker
• Col. Christopher S. Walker
• Col. David A. Weishaar
• Col. Wendy B. Wenke
• Col. Gregory T. White
• Col. Brent W. Wright
• Col. William T. Yates
• Col. Daniel S. Yenchesky

ARMY

• Executive Calendar #341 – Brig. Gen. John E. Cardwell to be Major General
• Executive Calendar #342 – Col. Joseph D’Costa to be Brigadier General
• Executive Calendar #343 – Maj. Gen. Michael A. Bills to be Lieutenant General
• Executive Calendar #344 – Brig. Gen. Daniel J. Christian to be Major General
• Executive Calendar #345 – Brig. Gen. Kenneth H. Moore to be Major General
• Executive Calendar #346 – Col. Matthew P. Easley to be Brigadier General
• Executive Calendar #347 – Col. Johnny R. Bass to be Brigadier General
• Executive Calendar #348 – Col. Tony L. Wright to be Brigadier General

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

• Executive Calendar #328 John R. Bass – to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
• Executive Calendar #334 Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. – to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Russian Federation
• Executive Calendar #335 Justin Hicks Siberell – to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Bahrain
• Executive Calendar #336 A. Wess Mitchell – to be an Assistant Secretary of State (European and Eurasian Affairs)

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

• Executive Calendar #316 Robert J. Higdon, Jr. – to be United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina for the term of four years
• Executive Calendar #317 J. Cody Hiland – to be United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas for the term of four years
• Executive Calendar #318 Joshua J. Minkler – to be United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana for the term of four years
• Executive Calendar #319 Byung J. Pak – to be United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia for the term of four years

4:10 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about tax reform.

3:51 p.m. Senator Hassan spoke against the Pai nomination.

3:40 p.m. Senator Schatz spoke about FCC.

3:29 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about hurricane relief.

3:11 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about Burma.

2:36 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke on health care.

2:29 p.m. Senator Portman spoke on child sex trafficking.

2:28 p.m. Senator Sasse spoke briefly on Puerto Rico.

2:27 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Pai nomination 55-41.

Senators in favor: 49 Republicans, 6 Democrats (Carper, Coons, Manchin, McCaskill, Peters and Tester).

Senators against: 39 Democrats, 2 Independents: King and Sanders.

Senators not voting: Cochran, Menendez, Strange and Tillis.

1:49 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the Pai nomination.

1:41 p.m. Senator Thune spoke in support of the Pai nomination.

1:30 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke on the situation in Puerto Rico.

1:26 p.m. H.R. 3823 (FAA extension) with a Cassidy amendment (flood insurance) was passed by unanimous consent.

1:04 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about the Alaskan of the Week, Roseanne Kimpton and also spoke about the U.S. economy.

12:56 p.m. Senator Moran spoke about privatization of FAA.

12:49 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke against the Pai nomination.

12:48 p.m. The Senate confirmed the nomination of Ralph R. Erickson to be US Circuit Judge for the Eight Circuit by a vote of 95-1. Senator Warren voted no. (Senators Cochran, Menendez, Strange, and Tillis did not vote).

12:15 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the nomination of Ralph R. Erickson to be US Circuit Judge for the Eigth Circuit.

12:12 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke in favor of the Erickson nomination.

12:09 p.m. Senator Manchin paid tribute to West Virginia educator Mary Jo Brown.

12:01 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about recovery in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, the FAA and the Pai nomination.

11:42 a.m. Senator Markey spoke against the Pai nomination.

11:31 a.m. At 12:15 p.m. there will be a confirmation vote on the Erickson nomination. Once that nomination is disposed of then the Senate will resume consideration of the Pai nomination with a cloture vote at 1:45 p.m. 

11:28 a.m. Senator Wicker spoke supporting the Ajit Varadaraj Pai nomination to be a member of the FCC.

11:14 a.m. Senator Baldwin spoke about student loan debt and asked u.c. to call up S. 1808, Federal Perkins Loan Program Extension Act. Senator Alexander objected.

11:13 a.m. Cloture was invoked on the Erickson nomination by a vote of 95-1. Senator Warren voted no. (Senators Cochran, Franken, Menendez, and Strange did not vote).

10:45 a.m. The cloture vote began on the Erickson nomination.

10:41 a.m. Senator Heitkamp spoke supporting the Erickson nomination.

10:24 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the Pai nomination, health care, Puerto Rico’s hurricane damage, and taxes.

10:05 a.m. Senator Wyden spoke against the Pai nomination.

9:32 a.m. The Senate resumed consideration of the Erickson nomination.

**********

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and will resume consideration of the nomination of Ralph R. Erickson, of North Dakota, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit.

A cloture vote on the Erickson nomination is expected between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

If cloture is invoked and post-cloture debating time is ceded back, a confirmation vote on Erickson would ensue, followed by a cloture vote on the nomination of Ajit Varadaraj Pai, of Kansas, to be a member of the Federal Communications Commission.

6:23 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 9:30 a.m. Thursday. The Senate will resume consideration of the nomination of Ralph R. Erickson, of North Dakota, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit. A cloture vote is expected between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.  If cloture is invoked and post-cloture time is ceded back, a confirmation vote would ensue, followed by a cloture vote on the nomination of Ajit Varadaraj Pai, of Kansas, to be a member of the Federal Communications Commission.

6:21 p.m. Senator Inhofe secured consent for passage of these measures: H.R. 3819, to extend certain statutes related to veterans; H.R. 2266, as amended, to allow for the appointment of more federal bankruptcy judges; S.Res. 269, to make September, 2017 National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

By consent, the Senate confirmed the nomination of Marine General Joseph Dunford to a new term as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

6:01 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about federal regulations.

5:40 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke on Medicare.

5:34 p.m. Senator Thune achieved UC that the Senate resume consideration of the Erickson nomination.  He then talked about tax reform.

5:33 p.m. The Senate confirmed the Delrahim nomination by a vote of 73 -21.  Nay votes: Democrats: Baldwin, Booker, Cantwell, Cortez Masto, Duckworth, Gillibrand, Harris, Hassan, Heinrich, Kaine, Markey, Merkley, Murphy, Murray, Schatz, Schumer, Udall, Warren, Whitehouse and Wyden.  Independent: Sanders.

5:03 p.m.  The Senate began voting on the nomination of Makan Delrahim to be assistant attorney general.

5:02 p.m.   The Senate confirmed the Tarbet nomination by a vote of 87 to 8. Nay votes were independent Sanders and Democrats Gillibrand, Harris, Hirono, Markey, Merkley, Schatz and Warren.

Senators not voting: Cochran, Donnelly, Menendez, Strange and Young.

4:31 p.m. The Senate began voting on the Health Tarbert nomination to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.

4:28 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke supporting the Delrahim nomination.

4:18 p.m. Senator Crapo spoke supporting the Heath Target nomination.

4:01 p.m. Senator Warren spoke on corporate consolidation and against the Delrahim nomination.

3:41 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke about the hurricane destruction in Puerto Rico, and the Pai nomination.

3:11 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell asked and received unanimous consent that there be 5 hours of debate on the nominations of Heath P. Target to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury and Makan Delrahim to be an Assistant Attorney General followed by a vote on confirmation in that order. 

2:04 p.m. Senator Perdue spoke about tax reform.

1:44 p.m. Senators Blunt and Capito spoke on tax reform.

1:16 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.

12:58 a.m. Senator Coons spoke about health care.

12:47 a.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about tax reform.

11:55 a.m. Senator Merkley spoke about the need for government to be for the people.

11:39 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about tax reform.

11:24 a.m. Senator Cantwell spoke against the nomination of Ajit Pai to another term on the Federal Communications Commission.

11:06 a.m. Senator King spoke about hurricanes and about opiod drugs abuse.

10:50 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about taxes ad about hurricanes.

10:21 a.m. H.R. 3354, Omnibus Appropriations for FY 2018 was read for the second time (rule 14) and was placed on the calendar. ML McConnell spoke about the tax code.

10:00 a.m. The Senate resumed consideration of S. 1519.

***

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. and will resume consideration of S.1519, a version of the defense bill, only for use as a legislative place-holder. No action is expected on this bill.

Cloture has been filed on these nominations:

— Executive Calendar #312, Ralph R. Erickson, of North Dakota, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit;

— Executive Calendar #251, Ajit Varadaraj Pai, of Kansas, to be a member of the Federal communications Commission.

If no agreement is reached, the cloture vote on the Erickson nomination would occur 1 hour after the Senate convenes on Thursday. If cloture is invoked, there would be up to 30 hours for debate prior to a confirmation vote on Erickson. Upon disposition of the Erickson nomination, there would be a cloture vote on the Pai nomination. Again, if cloture is invoked, there would be up to 30 hours of debate prior to a confirmation vote.

Wednesday votes are possible but unlikely.

6:40 p.m. Senator Van Hollen spoke on hurricane relief to Puerto Rico

6:30 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the Hurricane relief higher education act and wrapped up the Senate for today.

6:15 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke on climate change.

5:51 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke on reinsurance and election process in the U.S.

5:37 p.m. Senator Bennett spoke on the fall of the current healthcare legislation.

5:24 p.m. Senate Rubio spoke on his visit to Puerto Rica and the desperate need for aid.

5:07 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke on the fall of the current healthcare legislation and the My Child Care legislation.

4:30 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell filed cloture on Executive Calendar #312, Ralph R. Erickson, of North Dakota, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit; and Executive Calendar #251, Ajit Varadaraj Pai, of Kansas, to be a member of the Federal communications Commission.

4:19 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke about Puerto Rico.

4:11 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about doorkeeper Tim O’Neil’s 27 years of  public service.

3:58 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about hurricane relief.

3:01 p.m. Senators Udall, Heitkamp, and Cortez Masto spoke about Medicaid expansion.

2:55 p.m. Senator Gillibrand spoke about Puerto Rico.

2:40 p.m. Senator Carper echoed Senator Markey on health care.

2:34 p.m. Senator Markey spoke about Puerto Rico and health care.

2:25 p.m. Senator Heinrich spoke on health care.

2:21 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke about the aftermaths of the hurricanes in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

2:15 p.m. The Senate returned from recess.  Senator Reed spoke on health care.

12:37 p.m. The Senate recessed until approximately 2:15 p.m. to accommodate the weekly caucus lunches.

12:25 p.m Senator Cornyn spoke on the recent hurricane in Texas.

12:14 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about recent scandals concerning Wells Fargo and Equifax.

12:07 p.m. Senator Flake spoke about health care.

11:15 a.m. Senator Sasse spoke about health care.

10:35 a.m. Democratic Leader Schumer spoke about health care and Puerto Rico.

10:16 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about health care.

10:02 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke abut health care and about hurricane relief.

***

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. and will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to the 2018 defense bill, S.1519.

No votes have been scheduled as of yet.

From 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m., the Senate will be in recess for weekly policy luncheons.

7:49 p.m. The Senate has adjourned until 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 26th.

7:37 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about health care.

7:16 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about health care.

6:59 p.m. Senator Warren spoke about forced arbitration with financial institutions and health care.

6:16 p.m. Senator Brown discussed the situation in Puerto Rico, and later paid tribute to two Senate Recording Studio employees.

6:08 p.m. Senator Boozman payid tribute to the Little Rock nine.

6:07 p.m. ML McConnell moved to proceed to S.1519. Further gains UC that when the Senate adjourns it do so until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 26 and resume the motion to proceed to S.1519; and that the Senate recess for the weekly caucus luncheons from 12:30-2:15 p.m.

6:06 p.m. The Emanuel nomination was confirmed on a party line vote of 49-47.

Senators not voting: 3 Republicans: Cochran, Rubio and Strange. 1 Democrat: Menendez.

5:30 p.m. Roll call vote began on the nomination of William Emanuel to be a member of the National Labor Relations Board.

5:20 p.m. Senator Warren spoke on the Emmanuel nomination.

4:53 p.m. Senator Johnson received unanimous consent that not with standing the passage of H.R. 2810, NDAA, the instructions to the clerk in amendments 1065 and 1086 be modified with the changes at the desk. He then spoke on health care.

4:46 p.m. Senator Peters spoke on health care.

4:27 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke on antitrust.

4:23 p.m. Senator Murray spoke about health care and against the Emmanuel nomination for the National Labor Relations Board.

4:10 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about the destruction of Puerto Rico after the hurricane and the Graham-Cassidy health care bill.

4:04 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about health care and the National Labor Relations Board.

The Senate meets on Monday, September 25th, at 4:00 p.m. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to resume consideration of the nomination of William Emanuel to be a Member of the National Labor Relations Board. At 5:30 p.m., there will be a roll call vote on confirmation of the Emanuel nomination.

The Senate convened for a pro forma session at 8:30 a.m. Senator Blunt presided and no business was conducted.

The Senate is now adjourned until Monday, September 25th, at 4:00 p.m.

On Monday, following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to resume consideration of the nomination of William Emanuel to be a Member of the National Labor Relations Board, with the time until 5:30 p.m.

At 5:30 p.m., there will be a roll call vote on confirmation of the Emanuel nomination.

7:15 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 8:30 a.m. on Thursday.

7:03 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke about health care.

6:59 a.m. In wrap-up, Senator McConnell secured consent for Amendment #545 to H.R. 2810 to be adopted; for passage of H.R. 3110, to modify the term of the independent member of the Financial Stability Oversight Council; and for passage of S. Res. 265, making Sept. 22 National Falls Prevention Awareness Day.

The Senate also consented to schedule a pro forma session at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 21, followed by adjournment until 4 p.m. on Monday, September 25. The Senate will then resume consideration of the William Emanuel nomination to the N.L.R.B., with a confirmation vote at 5:30 p.m.

6:40 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about Hurricane Irma.

6:17 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.

5:54 p.m. Senator Kennedy spoke about taxes.

5:42 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke about health care.

5:25 p.m. Senator Hassan spoke about health care.

4:59 p.m. Senator Franken spoke about health care.

4:42 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke about health care.

4:39 p.m. Senators McCain and ML McConnell gave tribute to long time McCain staffer Joe Donahue.

4:38 p.m. By a party-line vote of 49 to 44, cloture was invoked on the Emanuel nomination to be a member of the NLRB. Not voting: Cochran, Hirono, Menendez, Moran, Nelson, Schatz and Strange.

4:02 p.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to invoke cloture on Exec. Cal. #176 , William Emanuel to be a member of the NLRB.

3:56 p.m. Senator King spoke about health care.

3:48 p.m. Senator Shaheen spoke about health care.

3:47 p.m. There will be a 4:00 p.m. vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of William J. Emanuel to be a member of the National Labor Relations Board.

3:18 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about health care.

2:54 p.m. Senator Collins introduced a re-insurance health care bill.

2:26 p.m. Senators Cardin and Cantwell  spoke about the Graham-Cassidy healthcare bill.

2:15 p.m. Senator Warren spoke on the Equifax breach.

2:15 p.m. The Senate returned from recess.

12:58 p.m. The Senate recessed to accomodate the weekly caucus luncheons.

12:57 p.m. The Senate confirmed the nomination of Noel J. Francisco to be the Solicitor General by a party line vote of  50 to 47.  Senators Cochran,  Menendez and Moran did not vote.

11:59 a.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke on health care.

11:45 a.m. Senator Markey spoke on health care.

11:35 a.m. Senator Boozman paid tribute to the U.S. Air Force.

11:34 a.m. Cloture was invoked on the Francisco nomination by a party line vote of 49 to 47. Senators Cochran, Graham, Menendez and Moran did not vote. The vote on confirmation is expected at 12:15 p.m.

11:00 a.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the Francisco nomination to be Solicitor General.

10:42 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about health care.

10:31 a.m. Senator Schumer expressed displeasure regarding the process for bringing up the Graham-Cassidy proposal.

10:22 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the London Subway attack, reauthorizing section 702 of FISA, and modernization of CFIUS.

10:14 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke supporting the Francisco nomination, the need for tax reform, and supporting the Graham-Cassidy proposal.

10:00 a.m. The Senate convened and resumed consideration of the Francisco nomination.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and resume consideration of the nomination of Noel J. Francisco to be Solicitor General of the United States, with the time until 11:00 a.m. equally divided.

At 11:00 a.m., the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Francisco nomination.

If cloture is invoked, all post-cloture time will expire at 12:15 p.m., at which point the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination.

Following disposition of the Francisco nomination, the Senate will recess until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus luncheons.

10:39 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 10 a.m. Tuesday.

10:06 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about health care.

9:52 p.m. Senator Schatz spoke about health care.

9:29 p.m. Senator Casey spoke about health care.

8:48 p.m. Senator Booker spoke about health care.

7:56 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about health care.

7:41 p.m. Senator Baldwin spoke about health care.

7:34 p.m. Senator Warren spoke about health care.

7:32 p.m. Senator Lankford secured consent for the passage of S. 1888, banning the use of federal funds for portraits of federal employees and of Senate Resolutions 260, 261 and 262, en bloc.

The Senate consented to convene Tuesday at 10 a.m., to resume consideration of the Francisco nomination, to vote on cloture at 11 a.m. and, with post-cloture time deemed expired, to vote on confirmation at 12:15 p.m.

The Senate agreed to recess for policy luncheons Tuesday from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m.

7:04 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about health care.

6:52 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on health care.

6:51 p.m. ML McConnell called up and filed cloture on the nomination of William Emanuel to be a member of the National Labor Relations Board.

6:50 p.m. By a tally of 89-8, the Senate passes H.R.2810, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018.

Voting against:
4 Democrats: Gillibrand, Leahy, Merkley and Wyden
3 Republicans: Corker, Lee and Paul
1 Independent: Sanders

Not voting: Graham, Menendez and Rubio

6:22 p.m. Roll call vote began on passage of H.R.2810, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018.

6:19 p.m. Several amendments agreed to by unanimous consent. Here is the list:
Democrats
1. Kaine #277
2. Tester #434
3. Heitkamp #574
4. Merkley #660
5. Whitehouse #750
6. Van Hollen #756
7. Murray #833
8. Brown #890
9. Cardin #900
10. Leahy #903
11. Baldwin #904
12. Peters #950
13. Heitkamp #976
14. Cantwell #995
15. Stabenow #1014
16. Whitehouse #1015
17. Harris #1021
18. Sanders #1023
19. Cantwell #1065
20. Bennet #1087
21. Wyden #1088
22. Kaine #1089
23. Cortez Masto #1094
24. Durbin #1100

Republicans
1. Lee #470
2. Moran #601
3. Portman #712
4. Inhofe #780
5. Ernst #873
6. McCain #874
7. Johnson #879
8. Murkowski #908
9. Rubio #927
10. Isakson #943
11. Flake #945
12. Moran #1006
13. Tillis #1031
14. Perdue #1033
15. Strange #1034
16. Lankford #1038
17. Rounds #1039
18. Scott #1050
19. Portman #1055
20. Tillis #1063
21. Sullivan #1073
22. Strange #1086
23. Graham #1096
24. Isakson #1032

6:04 p.m. Senators Reed and McCain spoke on Defense authorization.

6:03 p.m. Cloture invoked on H.R. 2810, Defense authorization 90-7.

Senators voting against:
4 Democrats: Durbin, Gillibrand, Merkley and Wyden
2 Republicans: Lee and Paul
1 Independent: Sanders

Senators not voting:
2 Republicans: Graham and Rubio
1 Democrat: Menendez

5:32 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on H.R.2810, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018.

5:09 p.m. UC achieved that Senators McCain and Reed have twenty minutes of debate time between the two votes this evening.

4:52 p.m. Senator Hirono spoke on health care.

4:40 p.m. Senator Cotton spoke on the defense bill.

4:21 p.m. Senator Young spoke on the defense bill.

4:12 p.m. Senator Van Hollen spoke on health care.

3:55 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about the defense bill and health care.

3:33 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about Hurricane Irma and about the defense bill.

3:26 p.m. Senator Lee spoke in support of the nominee for assistant attorney general for the anti-trust division of the Justice Department.

3:25 p.m. The Senate resumed consideration of the defense bill.

3:02 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the defense bill, a law enforcement nominee and a retiring Senate Library employee.

***

The Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m. and resume consideration of H.R.2810, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018..

At 5:30 p.m., the McCain amendment #545 will be withdrawn, the Senate will adopt the Amend #1003, as modified and vote on the motion to invoke cloture on H.R.2810, NDAA.  If cloture is invoked, all post-cloture time will be considered expired and the Senate will vote on passage of the bill, as amended.

Monday, September 18 at 5:30pm – 2 roll call votes

1. Motion to invoke cloture on H.R.2810, National Defense Authorization Act, as amended
2. Passage of H.R.2810, NDAA, as amended

6:04 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until Monday, September 18 at 3:00 p.m.  Next votes will be at 5:30 p.m.

The Senate adjourned at 6:04 p.m. until 3:00pm on Monday, September 18, 2017. When the Senate convenes, it will resume consideration of H.R.2810, National Defense Authorization Act.

At 5:30pm, the McCain amendment #545 will be withdrawn, the Senate will adopt the McCain-Reed substitute amendment #1003, as modified, and vote on the motion to invoke cloture on H.R.2810, NDAA. If cloture is invoked, all post-cloture time will be considered expired and the Senate will vote on passage of the bill, as amended.

Monday, September 18 at 5:30pm – There will be 2 roll call votes

1. Motion to invoke cloture on H.R.2810, National Defense Authorization Act, as amended
2. Passage of H.R.2810, NDAA, as amended

Passed Calendar #26, S.129 – National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2017, with Wicker substitute amendment.

Passed Calendar #202, S.1393 – to streamline the process by which active duty military, reservists, and veterans receive commercial driver’s licenses.

Passed Calendar #203, S.1532 – to disqualify from operating a commercial motor vehicle for life an individual who uses a commercial motor vehicle in committing a felony involving human trafficking.

Passed Calendar #204, S.1536 – Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles, with committee-reported substitute amendment.

Adopted S.Res.256 – recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of Latinos in the United States and the immense contributions of Latinos to the United States.

Adopted S.Res.257 – designating September 16, 2017, as “Isaac M. Wise Temple Day”.

Adopted S.Res.258 – designating the week beginning September 10, 2017, as “National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week”.

Adopted S.Res.259 –  expressing support for the designation of the week of September 11 through September 15, 2017, as “National Family Service Learning Week”.

Confirmed by voice vote the following nominations:

Executive Calendar #280 – Peter E. Deegan, Jr., of Iowa, to be United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa.

Executive Calendar #281 – Marc Krickbaum, of Iowa, to be United States Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa.

Executive Calendar #283 – D. Michael Dunavant, of Tennessee, to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.

Executive Calendar #284 – Louis V. Franklin, Sr., of Alabama, to be United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.

Executive Calendar #285 – Jessie K. Liu, of Virginia, to be United States Attorney for the District of Columbia.

Executive Calendar #286 – Richard W. Moore, of Alabama, to be United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama.

Executive Calendar #304 – Bart M. Davis, of Idaho, to be United States Attorney for the District of Idaho.

Executive Calendar #305 – Kurt G. Alme, of Montana, to be United States Attorney for the District of Montana.

Executive Calendar #306 – Donald Q. Cochran, Jr., of Tennessee, to be United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.

Executive Calendar #307 – Russell M. Coleman, of Kentucky, to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky.

Executive Calendar #308 – Brian J. Kuester, of Oklahoma, to be United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

Executive Calendar #309 – R. Trent Shores, of Oklahoma, to be United States Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma.

Executive Calendar #310 – Daniel J. Kaniewski, of Minnesota, to be Deputy Administrator for National Preparedness, Federal Emergency Management Agency.

5:35 p.m. Senator Lee spoke on his DACA amendment regarding due process.

5:02 p.m. Senators Cassidy and Graham spoke about health care.

4:12 p.m. Senator Fischer spoke spoke on North Korea and NDAA.

4:11 p.m. By a vote of 84-9 Cloture invoked on the McCain Substitute amendment, as modified

• 6 Democrats voting no: Senators Booker, Durbin, Gillibrand, Markey, Merkley, and Wyden.
• 2 Republicans voting no: Senators Lee & Paul
• 1 Independent voting no: Senator Sanders

3:26 p.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the McCain substitute Amend #1003, as modified.

3:20 p.m. Senators McCain and Reed spoke expressing they understand Senator Baldwin’s frustration.

3:18 p.m. Senator Baldwin spoke on her buy America amendment and expressed displeasure there will not be a vote on the amendment.

3:17 p.m. Senator McCain asked u.c that following 10 minutes of debate equally divided, the Senate vote on the McCain substitute amendment as modified.

3:17 p.m. By a vote of 80 to 17, the Patenaude nomination was confirmed.

Voting “Nay” were Democrats Blumenthal, Booker, Brown, Duckworth, Gillibrand, Harris, Heinrich, Hirono, Markey, Merkley, Schatz, Schumer, Udall, Warren, Whitehouse and Wyden and independent Sanders.

Not voting was Democrats Menendez and Nelson and Republican Rubio.

1:42 p.m. The Senate began voting on Executive Calendar #109, confirmation of Pamela Patenaude to be Deputy Secretary of HUD.

1:31 p.m. Senator Brown spoke on the Patenaude nomination and about the Equifax breach of data.

1:11 p.m. Senator Markey spoke supporting the Watertown Ranger’s field hockey team and the dangers of nuclear war.

1:02 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about health care.

1:00 p.m. The Senate proceeded to Executive Session to consider the nomination of Pamela H. Patenaude to be Deputy Secretary of HUD with up to 40 minutes of debate.

12:51 p.m. Senator McCain spoke on NDAA.

12:48 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell announced at approximately 1:45 p.m. the Senate will vote on confirmation of Pamela Hughes Patenaude to be Deputy Secretary of HUD, an additional vote is possible on cloture on NDAA. ML McConnell filed cloture on the nomination of Noel J. Francisco to be Solicitor General.

12:33 p.m. Senator Warren spoke about NDAA.

12:29 p.m. Senator Gillibrand spoke about NDAA.

12:09 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about NDAA.

11:54 a.m. Senator Blumethal spoke about NDAA.

11:44 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about NDAA and sequestration.

11:18 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about military medical research.

11:10 a.m. Senator Ernst spoke in favor of NDAA.

10:49 a.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke about the Graham-Klobuchar amendment to combat election hacking.

10:46 am.: Senator Reed spoke about the defense bill.

10:39: Senator McCain and Schumer agreed that it is reasonable to prepare the defense bill for a passage today or Monday.

10:20 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the defense bill and about the immigration talks with President Trump. He spoke about the Equifax security breach. He spoke about taxes.

10:02 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the defense bill and about the Rohingya minority in Burma. He spoke about tax reform.

***

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. and will resume consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 2810).

Cloture has been filed on McCain substitute Amend #1003, as modified, and on the underlying defense bill for fiscal year 2018. Unless a different agreement is reached, the cloture vote on the McCain substitute would ripen one hour after the Senate convenes on Friday, September 15^th. If cloture is invoked, up to 30 hours of post-cloture debate would follow before the Senate votes on adoption. The cloture vote on the underlying bill would occur upon disposition of the McCain substitute.

If agreement is reached, roll call votes are possible today.

Pending to the defense bill, besides the McCain substitute, is the McCain amendment (#545) to strike the section relating to the treatment of storm water collection systems as utilities.

At a time to be determined, the Senate will debate the nomination of Pamela Hughes Patenaude (deputy secretary of Housing and Urban Development) for up to 40 minutes and will then vote on confirmation.

Pending: H.R. 2810, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018.

The Senate has adjourned until 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 14th under provisions of S. Res. 254 as a mark of respect for former Senator Pete Domenici.

During wrap-up the following legislation was passed by unanimous consent:

• S. Res. 252- Designating September 2017 as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day
• S. Res. 253- National Hispanic Serving Institutions Week
• S. Res. 254- Relative to the death of Pete Domenici, former U.S. Senator, the State of New Mexico

****

6:37 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about the wildfires in Oregon.

6:34 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell filed cloture on H.R. 2810, NDAA and the McCain substitute amendment #1003, as modified. Both ripen Friday. At a time TBD, the Senate will have 40 minutes of debate on the nomination of Pamela Hughes Patenaude followed by a vote on confirmation. The nomination of Douglas W. Domenech, to be an Assistant Secretary of Interior, was agreed to by voice vote.

6:09 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on climate change.

5:49 p.m. Senator McCain modified his substitute amendment to H.R. 2810 by unanimous consent and spoke on the defense authorization bill. Senator Reed spoke on the defense authorization bill.

5:31 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke about DACA.

5:52 p.m. Senator Baldwin spoke about an amendment to deal with Buy American provisions of the defense bill.

4:03 p.m. Senator Donnelly spoke about a measure to combat the shift of jobs overseas.

3:46 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke about the NDAA.

3:34 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke about medical marijuana research.

3:14 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about healthcare.

3:03 p.m. Senator Tester spoke about wildfire devastation.

2:37 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke on her amendment on election apparatus security.

2:25 p.m. Senator Wicker spoke about possible base closures and the McCain amendment on that topic.

2:10 p.m. Senator Isakson spoke on the NDAA, in particular on its effects in Georgia.

2:05 p.m. Senator Rounds spoke about Tricare and NDAA.

1:54 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke about NDAA.

1:41 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about tax reform.

1:15 p.m. Senator Coons spoke about AUMF and DACA.

12:56 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about disaster relief efforts and the NDAA.

12:55 p.m. Senator McConnell called up McCain amendment #545.

12:55 p.m. The Senate tabled the Paul amendment #871 by a vote of 61-36.

• Senators voting yes: 48 Republicans, 13 Democrats (Carper, Casey, Cortez Masto, Donnelly, Hassan, Manchin, McCaskill, Reed, Schatz, Shaheen, Stabenow, Warner, and Whitehouse)
• Senators voting no: 31 Democrats, 3 Republicans, (Heller, Lee, and Paul) and 2 Independents.

12:17 p.m. Senator Corker moved to table the Paul amendment and the Senate began voting on the motion to table.

12:05 p.m. Senators Reed, McCain, and Corker spoke on the Paul amendment.

11:54 a.m. Senator Paul spoke on his amendment #871.

11:46 a.m. Senator Moran spoke against the Paul amendment #871.

11:41 a.m. Senator Murphy spoke in support of Paul amendment #871.

11:36 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke in support of Paul amendment #871

11:31 a.m. Senator Cardin spoke in support of Paul amendment #871.

11:23 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell paid tribute to former New Mexican Senator Peter Domenici.

• The Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to  H.R. 2810, NDAA, by voice vote and McCain offered substitute amendment #1003 and McConnell offered Paul amendment #871 to #1003.

10:58 a.m. Senator Reed spoke on the Defense Authorization bill.

10:25 a.m. Senator McCain thanks DL Schumer for advocacy of bipartisan work. Discusses Defense authorization bill.

10:13 a.m. Democratic Leader Schumer spoke on tax reform and health care, and briefly on DACA.

10:04 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke on the Defense Authorization.  Achieved UC that there will be one hour equally divided on the motion to proceed between Senators McCain and Reed.

The Senate convened at 10:00 a.m.

***

Following any leader remarks, resume consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R. 2810, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018;  with no post-cloture time remaining.

Once the bill is pending, we expect Senator McCain to offer a substitute amendment and for Majority Leader McConnell to offer Senator Paul’s AUMF amendment.

We could see a vote on a motion to table the AUMF amendment in the morning.