The Senate convened for a pro forma session at 2:00 p.m. Senator Tillis presided and no business was conducted.

4:01 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned. The Senate will convene for a pro forma session with no business conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 17th. When the Senate adjourns on Friday, it will next convene at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21st. Following Leader remarks, the Senate will recess subject to the call of the Chair. At 1:00 p.m., the Senate will sit as a court of Impeachment for the impeachment trial of Donald John Trump, President of the United States.

3:54 p.m. ML McConnell spoke about USMCA and opioid legislation. ML McConnell began wrap up. Senate considered en bloc, S.Res. 476, congratulating North Dakota State University Bison football team; S.Res. 477, designating the week of February 3 through February 7, 2020, as “National School Counseling Week”; S.Res. 478, designating the week of January 26 through February 1, 2020, as “National School Choice Week”; passed by u.c. ML McConnell asked when the Senate completes its business today it meet in a pro forma session on Friday, January 17th at 2:00 p.m. The Senate will meet on Tuesday, January 21st at 12:30 p.m.

2:34 p.m. The Senate went into legislative session for a quorum call.

2:33 p.m. In its capacity as the impeachment court, the Senate adjourned until Tuesday, January 21 at 1 p.m., when the trial will resume.

2:30 p.m. Senator McConnell secured unanimous consent for details of the impeachment trial, including printing of trial paperwork; deadlines for filing of the president’s trial briefs and the House rebuttal; and installation of extra furniture on the Senate floor.

2:11 p.m. The clerk called senators — in groups of four, by alphabetical order — to sign the oath book at the secretary’s desk.

2:10 p.m. Chief Justice Roberts administered the oath to the Senate.

2:08 p.m. Senator Grassley declared that a quorum is present and, at Senator McConnell’s instruction, administered the oath to Chief Justice Roberts.

2:01 p.m. The clerk conducted the live quorum call.

2 p.m. Senator Grassley called the Senate to order and recognized Senator McConnell, who previewed the afternoon’s business.

12:22 p.m. The Senate adjourned until the call of the chair.

12:21 p.m. Senator Grassley recognized Senator McConnell, who informed the Senate of the live quorum call at 2 p.m. The Senate will receive Chief Justice Roberts at that time.

12:07 p.m. Representative Schiff introduced the House managers and read the articles of impeachment.

12:06 p.m. The sergeant at arms proclaimed the order that all present must remain silent during the exhibition of the articles of impeachment.

12:06 p.m. Senator Grassley directed the sergeant at arms to make a proclamation to the Senate.

12:05 p.m. Sergeant at Arms Stenger announced the presence of the House managers.

12:05 p.m. Senate President Pro Tempore Grassley directed the sergeant at arms to present the House managers to the Senate.

12:05 p.m. Senator McConnell announced that the Senate would receive the House managers for presentation of the articles of impeachment.

11:57 a.m. By a vote of 89 to 10, the Senate approved the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement. YEA: 51 Republicans, 47 Democrats, independent King. NAY: Democrats Booker, Gillibrand, Harris, Markey, Reed, Schatz, Schumer, Whitehouse; independent Sanders; Republican Toomey. NOT VOTING: Inhofe.

11:30 a.m. By a vote of 78 to 21, the Senate waived the budget point of order. YEA: 45 Democrats, 31 Republicans and both independents. NAY: Republicans Barrasso, Blackman, Braun, Cassidy, Cruz, Enzi, Fischer, Gardner, Johnson, Kennedy, Lankford, Lee, Paul, Perdue, Romney, Scott of Florida, Scott of South Carolina, Tillis, Toomey, Young. NOT VOTING: Inhofe.

11:00 a.m. Roll call vote began on the motion to waive the budget act regarding H.R. 5430, USMCA.

10:57 a.m. The following legislation was agreed to by unanimous consent:

1. S. Res. 474, to authorize representation by the Senate legal counsel in the case of Martin F. McMann versus Senator Ted Cruz et al.
2. S. Res. 3201, a bill to extend the temporary scheduling order for Fentanyl-related substances.
3. S. 3084, a bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the limitation on pay for certain high-level employees and officers of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
4. H.R. 886 and McSally amendment, Veteran Treatment Court Coordination Act of 2019.

10:56 a.m. The vote began on the point of order on the trade deal.

10:51 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the trade deal.

10:42 a.m. Senator Toomey spoke about the trade deal.

10:35 a.m. Senator Wyden spoke about the trade deal.

10:21 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about impeachment and the trade deal with Mexico and Canada.

10:08 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about impeachment.

9:52 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about impeachment. He spoke about the U.S.-Canada-Mexico Trade Agreement.

9:47 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about National Religious Freedom Day.

*****

The Senate will convene at 9:45 a.m. and will resume consideration of H.R.5430, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act.

• Senator Toomey or his designee will raise a Budget Act point of order against H.R.5430. Senator Grassley or his designee will move to waive all applicable points of order.

• At 11 a.m., two roll call votes are expected:

• A motion to waive the budget point of order is raised.
  • Passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act.

• At noon, the Senate will receive the House managers to present the articles of impeachment against President Donald John Trump.

• Senators are asked to be in their seats on the floor at noon.

• There will be a Democratic Caucus luncheon from approximately 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m.

• At 2 p.m., the Senate will proceed to the consideration of the articles of impeachment. Senator Grassley will swear in the Chief Justice, who will then swear in senators.

• When the Chief Justice swears in the Senate, he will read the oath to the body and senators will respond collectively with, “I do.”  The clerk will call up senators in alphabetical groups of four to sign the impeachment oath book at the desk. Senators must sign the oath book to sit in the trial.

After agreements on the scheduling of trial proceedings and the Senate floor set-up, the trial is expected to adjourn until Tuesday, January 21.

6:46 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will convene at 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, January 16^th and resume consideration of H.R. 5430, the USMCA Act. Debate time on USMCA will expire at 11:00 a.m. and Senator Toomey or his designee will be recognized to raise a budget point of order.

There will be 2 vote at 11:00 a.m.:

1. The motion to waive the budget act in relation to H.R. 5430, the USMCA Act
2. Passage of H.R. 5430, the USMCA Act

At 12:00 noon, the Senate will receive the Managers on the part of the House of Representatives to present and exhibit the articles of impeachment.

At 2:00 p.m., the presence of the Chief Justice of the United States is requested as presiding officer for consideration of the articles of impeachment, pursuant to Article I, Section 3, Clause 6 of the U.S. Constitution.

During wrap-up:

• H.R. 133, to promote economic partnership and cooperation between the United States and Mexico, was passed by unanimous consent.
• S.Res. 371, reaffirming the support of the United States for the people of the Republic of South Sudan and calling on all parties to uphold their commitments to peace and dialogue as outlined in the 2018 revitalized peace agreement, was adopted by voice vote.
• S.Res. 472, commending the Louisiana State University Tigers football team for winning the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship, was adopted by unanimous consent.
• S.Res. 473, congratulating the University of Charleston men’s soccer team for winning the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II Men’s Soccer Championship at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was adopted by unanimous consent.

6:35 p.m. Senators Hoeven and Cramer spoke about the North Dakota State University football team.

5:37 p.m. The Senate received the message from the House that the articles of impeachment were ready. S.Res.471, allowing the taking of a photograph in the Senate Chamber, was adopted by unanimous consent.

5:13 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke against USMCA.

5:06 p.m. Senator Cantwell spoke in tribute to staffer Chris Allen and supporting USMCA.

5:03 p.m. Senator Brown spoke in tribute to staffer Chris Allen.

4:44 p.m. Senator Portman spoke on USMCA.

4:33 p.m. Senator Carper spoke on USMCA.

3:28 p.m. Senators Wyden, Grassley, and Brown spoke about USMCA.

3:18 p.m. Senator Markey spoke about Iran.

3:03 p.m. Senator Barasso spoke about the impeachment process.

2:40 p.m. Senator Grassley paid tribute to Chris Allen, a member of the Finance Committee Staff.

2:30 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about Puerto Rico.

2:19 p.m. By voice vote, the Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to H.R. 5430-USMCA. There will be 20 hours of debate evenly divided.

2:11 p.m. Senator Blackburn spoke on the USMCA.

1:30 p.m. Senator Casey spoke on Iran.

1:11 p.m. Senator Van Hollen spoke about impeachment and on election security.

1:02 p.m. Senator Gardner spoke about USMCA.

12:27 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about Iran.

12:01 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about impeachment and USMCA.

11:03 a.m. Minority Leader Schume spoke about impeachment.

10:37 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about the trade deal.

10:15 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about impeachment, trade and student debt.

10:04 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about impeachment. He spoke about the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. He secured second reading for S. 3193, to amend the Controlled Substances Act.

10:03 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about Iran.

***

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. and will be in a period of morning business with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

 Roll call votes are possible during Wednesday’s session of the Senate.

5:39 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on climate change.

5:31 p.m. Senator Brown spoke on the USMCA.

5:19 p.m. Senator Cramer spoke against the war powers legislation.

4:50 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke on the war powers legislation.

4:45 p.m. Senator Portman spoke on the articles of Impeachment being sent by the House of Representatives and on the Opioid  crisis.

4:35 p.m. Senators Lankford spoke on Iranian attacks and the death of Solemani.

4:00 p.m.  Senators Barrasso and Enzi paid tribute to the life of Geraldine Brown of Wyoming.

3:55 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke on the committee passing the USMCA legislation.

3:00 p.m. The Senate is in a quorum call.

2:47 p.m. Senator Blackburn spoke on war powers and Iran.

2:43 p.m. Senator Barasso spoke on the USMCA.

2:16 p.m. Senator Cotton spoke on Iran and war powers.

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

12:04 p.m. The Senate recessed to accommodate the caucus luncheons.

12:03 p.m. The Gaynor nomination was confirmed, 81 to 8. 

Senators voting NO: Brown, Gillibrand, Harris, Menendez, Schumer, Stabenow, Udall, and Van Hollen.

Senators NOT VOTING: Booker, Cassidy, Cramer, Inhofe, Johnson, Kennedy, Klobuchar, Markey, Murphy, Sanders, and Warren.

11:29 a.m. Roll call vote began on the nomination of Peter Gaynor to be administrator of FEMA.

11:26 a.m. Senator Reed spoke in support of the Gaynor nomination.

11:12 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about impeachment and USMCA.

10:49 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about impeachment.

10:38 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about the war powers resolution.

10:25 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about impeachment. He criticized the first phase of the U.S.-China trade deal.

10:03 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about impeachment. He spoke about the measure on the use of war powers against Iran.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m.  Following any leader remarks, resume consideration of the nomination of  Peter Gaynor to be administrator of FEMA.

At 11:30 a.m., the Senate will vote on confirmation of the Gaynor nomination.

The Senate will recess for the caucus luncheons from 12:30 – 2:15 p.m.

6:49 p.m. The Senate adjourned.

6:46 p.m. ML McConnell wrapped up for the evening.

HR 434, regarding the Emancipation national historic trail was passed by voice vote.  HR 468, regarding Jocelyn Burdick was passed by unanimous consent.

6:04 p.m. Senators Sullivan, Whitehouse and Menendez spoke on protecting oceans and “Save our Seas 2.0”.

6:01 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Gaynor nomination, 76-8.

Senators voting in favor: 45 Republicans, 30 Democrats; 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 8 Democrats:  Brown, Gillibrand, Harris, Menendez, Schumer, Stabenow, Udall and Van Hollen.

Senators not voting:8 Republicans: Cassidy, Cramer, Graham, Inhofe, Kennedy, Risch, Scott of South Carolina and Toomey; 7 Democrats: Bennet, Booker, Durbin, Klobuchar, Markey, Warner and Warren; 1 Independent: Sanders.

5:31 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the Gaynor nomination.

5:20 p.m. Senator Johnson spoke about the Gaynor nomination.

4:37 p.m. Senator Harris spoke about impeachment.

4:22 p.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about impeachment.

3:34 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about impeachment.

3:06 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about Iran. He spoke about impeachment.

The Senate will convene at 3 p.m and will resume consideration of the nomination of Peter Gaynor to be administrator of FEMA with a cloture vote to occur on the nomination at 5:30 p.m.

5:36 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene at 3:00 p.m on Monday, January 13. They will resume consideration of the nomination of Peter Gaynor to be administrator of FEMA with a cloture vote to occur on the nomination at 5:30 p.m.

Passed by voice vote during wrap up:

• Calendar #289, S.2629, United States Public Health Service Modernization Act of 2019
• H.R. 263, to rename the Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge as the Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay Wildlife Refuge.
• S.J.Res.265, providing for the reappointment of John Fahey as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.
• S.J.Res.266, providing for the appointment of Denise O’Leary as a citizen of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution
• S.J.Res.267, providing for the reappointment of Risa Lavizzo-Mourney as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution
• H.R. 925, North American Wetlands Conservation Extension Act, w/ Barrasso amdts
• S. 1982, Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, w/Sullivan substitute amdt

The following nominations were confirmed by voice vote:

• Executive Calendar #541, Cynthia L. Attwood, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission for a term expiring April 27, 2025.  (Reappointment)
• Executive Calendar #542, Amanda Wood Laihow, of Maine, to be a Member of Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission for the remainder of a term expiring April 27, 2023.
• Executive Calendar #552, Crosby Kemper III, of Missouri, to be Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services for a term of four years.

5:27 p.m. The Senate reconvened.

3:32 p.m. The Senate stands in recess subject to the call of the chair.

3:15 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about the Alaskan of the Week! – Doug and April Moore of Moore’s Hardware in Talkeetna.

3:10 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke about USMCA.

3:02 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about NAFTA and trade.

2:27 p.m. Senators Cramer and Hoeven paid tribute to former Senator Jocelyn Burdick.

2:25 p.m. Senator Scott of FL spoke about Iran.

2:23 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on the nomination of Peter Gaynor to be Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

2:22 p.m. The Ray nomination was confirmed on a party line vote of 50-44.

Senators not voting: 3 Republicans: Alexander, Moran and Perdue; 2 Democrats: Booker and Warren; 1 Independent: Sanders.

1:37 p.m. The Senate began a vote on confirmation of the nomination of Paul Ray to be administrator of thiOffice of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget.

1:22 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about departing staffer Lauren Oppenheimer.

1:08 p.m. Senator Blackburn spoke supporting the Ray nomination and on Iran.

12:50 Senator Carper spoke about carbon emissions, on Iran, and against the Ray nomination.

12:41 p.m. Senator Gardner spoke about Iran.

12:23 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about the USMCA trade agreement.

12:07 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about Iran.

11:37 a.m. Senators Cornyn and Leahy spoke on impeachment.

11:36 a.m. Cloture was invoked on the Ray nomination on a party line tally of 50-45.

Senators not voting: 3 Republicans: Alexander, Moran and Perdue; 2 Democrats: Booker and Warren.

11:03 a.m. The vote began on whether to invoke cloture on the nomination of Paul Ray to be administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget.

11 a.m. Senator Johnson spoke for the Ray nomination.

10:56 a.m. Senator Peters spoke in opposition to the Ray nomination.

10:46 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about impeachment.

10:29 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about Iran and about impeachment.

10:04 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about impeachment.

10:03 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about Iran.

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and resume consideration of the nomination of Paul Ray to be Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget. 

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

The Ray nomination is subject to up to two hours of post cloture debate prior to a confirmation vote, which is expected to occur in the afternoon.

6:26 p.m., the Senate adjourned until 10 a.m. Thursday and will resume consideration of the nomination Paul J. Ray, of Tennessee, to be administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.

6:24  p.m. By a vote of 91 to 7, the Senate confirmed  the nomination of Michael DeSombre to be Ambassador of the U.S. to Thailand. NAYs: Booker, Gillibrand, Harris, Klobuchar, Markey, Sanders and Warren. NOT VOTING: Alexander and Perdue.

5:55 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the nomination of Michael DeSombre to be Ambassador of the U.S. to Thailand.

5:54 p.m. By a party line vote of 51 to 47  the Senate confirmed the Roumel nomination.  Republicans Alexander and Perdue did not vote.

5:36 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of Eleni Roumel to be a Judge for the US Court of Federal Claims.

5:35 p.m. The Solomson nomination was confirmed, 89-8.

Senators voting in favor: 51 Republicans, 37 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 8 Democrats: Booker, Gillibrand, Harris, Klobuchar, Markey, Schumer and Wyden; 1 Independent: Sanders.

Senators not voting: 2 Republicans: Alexander and Perdue; 1 Democrat: Warren.

5:00 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of Matthew Solomson to be a Judge for the US Court of Federal Claims.

4:19 p.m. Senator Cotton spoke about antisemitism and attacks and later about Iran.

4:13 p.m. Senator Murray spoke about Suleimani.

4:00 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about Suleimani.

3:46 p.m. Senator Udall spoke about Iran and war.

3:45 p.m. The Senate reconvened and resumed consideration of the Solomson nomination.

2:31 p.m. The Senate has recessed until 3:45 p.m. When the Senate returns, it will resume consideration of the Solomson nomination.

2:23 p.m. The following legislation was passed by unanimous consent.

• S. Res. 343 – A resolution congratulating the people of the Czech Republic and the people of the Slovak Republic on the 30th Anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, the 26th anniversary of the formation of the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic, and the 101st anniversary of the declaration of independence of Czechoslovakia.
• S. Res. 385 – A resolution celebrating the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the reunification of both Germany and Europe, and the spread of democracy around the world.
• S. Res. 447 – A resolution expressing serious concern about widespread irregularities in Bolivia’s October 20, 2019, general elections and supporting the convening of new elections in Bolivia at the earliest possible date.
• S. Res. 142 – A resolution condemning the Government of the Philippines for its continued detention of Senator Leila De Lima, calling for her immediate release, and for other purpose, adopted by voice vote. 
• S. Res. 152 – A resolution expressing the importance of the United States alliance with the Republic of Korea and the contributions of Korean Americans in the United States.
• S. Res. 395 – A resolution recognizing the 40th anniversary of the Iran Hostage Crisis, and for other purposes, adopted by unanimous consent.
• S. 1228 – Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement Act.
• S. 1611 – Developing Innovation and Growing the Internet of Things Act.
• H.R. 583 – Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement Act.

1:55 p.m. Senator Collins spoke about legislation supporting success for rural students and communities.

1:26 p.m. Senator Blackburn spoke on judges.

12:36 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about health insurance,  journalists in the Philippines, the USMCA trade agreement, and the tobacco and vaping industries.

12:18 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about Iran.

12:17 p.m. The Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of Michael George DeSombre to be Ambassador of the U.S. to the Kingdom of Thailand by a tally of 64-31.

Senators voting in favor:51 Republicans, 13 Democrats: Baldwin, Bennet, Cardin, Hassan, Leahy, Manchin, Menendez, Peters, Reed, Rosen, Shaheen, Udall and Whitehouse.

Senators voting against: 30 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.

Senators not voting: 2 Republicans: Alexander and Perdue, 2 Democrats: Booker and Warren; 1 Independent: Sanders.

11:57 a.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #525 Michael George DeSombre to be Ambassador of the U.S. to the Kingdom of Thailand.

11:56 a.m. The Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of Eleni Maria Roumel to be a Judge of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims for a term of fifteen years by a party line tally of 51-44.

Senators not voting: 2 Republicans: Alexander and Perdue, 2 Democrats: Booker and Warren; 1 Independent: Sanders.

11:34 a.m. The Senate began a roll call on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #462 Eleni Maria Roumel to be a Judge of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims for a term of fifteen years.

11:33 a.m. The Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of Matthey Solomson to be a Judge for the U.S. Court of Federal Claims for a term of 15 years by a tally of 88-7.

Senators voting no: 7 Democrats: Gillibrand, Harris, Hirono, Klobuchar, Markey, Schumer, and Wyden.

Senators not voting: 2 Republicans: Alexander and Perdue, 2 Democrats: Booker and Warren; 1 Independent: Sanders.

11:00 a.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #329 Matthew H. Solomson to be a Judge of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims for a term of fifteen years.

10:36 a.m. Senator Duckworth spoke against limiting debate on the nomination of Michael DeSombre to be ambassador to Thailand. She spoke about Iran.

10:32 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about Iran.

10:23 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about Iran. He spoke about impeachment.

10:15 a.m. The Senate resumed consideration of the nomination of Matthew Solomson to be a judge on the U.S. Court f Federal Claims.

10:05 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about Iran. He spoke about impeachment.

10:03 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about Senate legislative procedure.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and resume consideration of the nomination of Matthew Solomson to be a Judge for the US Court of Federal Claims.

At 11:00 a.m., there will be three roll call votes:

o Cloture on the nomination of Matthew Solomson to be a Judge for the US Court of Federal Claims.
o Cloture on the nomination of Eleni Roumel to be a Judge for the US Court of Federal Claims.
o Cloture on the nomination of Michael DeSombre to be Ambassador to Thailand.

At 5:00 p.m., there will be three roll call votes:

o Confirmation of Matthew Solomson to be a Judge for the US Court of Federal Claims.
o Confirmation of Eleni Roumel to be a Judge for the US Court of Federal Claims.
o Confirmation of Michael DeSombre to be Ambassador to Thailand.

6:04 p.m. The Senate adjourned.

5:58 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about trade.

5:53 p.m. ML McConnell began wrap up. On Wednesday, following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of Matthew H. Solomson, to be a Judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims.

At 11:00 a.m., the Senate will vote on the motions to invoke cloture on the Solomson (US Court of Federal Claims), Roumel (US Court of Federal Claims), and DeSombre (Ambassador to Thailand) nominations.

If cloture is invoked on any of the nominations, at 5:00p.m. on Wednesday, all post-cloture time will be considered expired, and the Senate will vote on confirmation of the nominations.

4:40 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on climate change.

4:30 p.m. Senator Boozman  paid tribute to the Battle of the Bulge.

4:15 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke in support of President Trump.

3:55 p.m. Senator Markey spoke about Trump attack in Iran and threat of hurting sacred sites.

3:31 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke about the war powers resolution filed last week.

2:50 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about Iran.

2:30 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke about Iran and foreign policy in the Middle East.

2:15 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about impeachment.

Noon: Senator Rubio spoke about the Carranza nomination.

11:46 a.m. Senator Thun spoke about impeachment.

11:30 a.m. Senator Blunt spoke about Iran.

11:05 a.m. Senator Murphy spoke about Iran.

10:46 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about Iran and impeachment.

10:23 a.m. Democratic Leader Schumer spoke on Iran and impeachment.

10:03 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about Iran and impeachment.

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. After leader remarks, the Senate will resume post-cloture consideration of Jovita Carranza to be Administrator of the Small Business Association with a vote on confirmation at 12:15 p.m.

McConnell filed cloture on the following during yesterday’s session:

1. Exec. Cal. #329 – Matthew H. Solomson, MD, to be a Judge of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims for a term of 15 years.
2. Exec. Cal .#462 – Eleni Maria Roumel, MD, to be a Judge of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims for a term of 15 years.
3. Exec. Cal. #525 – Michael George DeSombre, IL, to be Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand.

6:50 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will convene Tuesday, January 7 at 10:00 a.m. After leader remarks, the Senate will resume post-cloture consideration of Jovita Carranza to be Administrator of the Small Business Association with a vote on confirmation at 12:15 p.m.

During wrap-up,

• S. 3076 – to release a federal reversionary interest in Chester County, Tennessee, to manage certain Federal land in Bath County, Virginia, and for other purposes, was passed by unanimous consent.
• S. Res. 464 – to constitute the majority party’s membership on certain committees for the One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, or until their successors are chosen, was adopted by unanimous consent.

McConnell filed cloture on the following during today’s session:

1. Cal. #329 – Matthew H. Solomson, MD, to be a Judge of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims for a term of 15 years.
2. Cal .#462 – Eleni Maria Roumel, MD, to be a Judge of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims for a term of 15 years.
3. Cal. #525 – Michael George DeSombre, IL, to be Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand.

****

6:14 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.

6:13 p.m. By a vote of 86 to 5, the Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of Jovita Carranza to be administrator of the S.B.A.  Democrats voting NAY: Gillibrand, Harris, Merkley, Schatz, Wyden. NOT VOTING: Alexander, Booker, Klobuchar, Lee, Markey, Perdue, Sanders, Shaheen, Warren.

4:29 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke on Iran.

4:22 p.m. Senator Hawley spoke on impeachment.

4:01 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on impeachment and the assassination of General Soleimani.

3:42 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke on Impeachment and Iraq and the assassination of General Soleimani.

3:32 p.m. Senator McConnell filed a cloture motion on Eleni Roumel, MD, to be Federal Claims Judge for a term of fifteen years.

Senator Grassley opened the day’s session and spoke on the USA- Mexico-Canada trade agreement.

The Senate will convene at 3 p.m.

At 5 p.m., Senator-Appointee Kelly Loeffler of Georgia will be sworn in.

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Jovita Carranza to be administrator of the Small Business Administration.

1:18 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will convene at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, January 6. At 5:00 p.m. Senator-Appointee Kelly Loeffler of Georgia will be sworn in.

The motion to invoke cloture on Jovita Carranza, to be Administrator of the Small Business Administration, is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

****

12:54 p.m. Senator Van Hollen spoke on Impeachment and the killing of Qasem Soleimani.

12:32 p.m. Democratic Leader Schumer spoke on the killing of Qasem Soleimani and impeachment.

12:02 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke on the killing of Qasem Soleimani and impeachment.

The Senate convened for the beginning of the 2nd session of the 116th Congress at 12:00 noon.  There are NO votes today.