6:20 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will next convene on Tuesday, June 2, at 10:00 a.m. Following leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the nomination of Victor Mercado to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense.

A vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Mercado nomination is expected sometime Tuesday morning as well as a confirmation vote on Mercado at 2:15 p.m. and confirmation on the Miller nomination at 4:00 p.m. (if cloture is invoked on those nominations).

The Senate will recess from 12:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. for weekly policy lunches.

6:16 p.m. The Badalamenti nomination was confirmed 55-22.

5:30 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the nomination of John Badalamenti to be a district judge for the middle district of Florida.

5:09 p.m. Senator Collins spoke about the death of George Floyd and the current unrest.

4:41 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the death of George Floyd and the current unrest.

4:25 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the death of George Floyd and the current unrest.

4:15 p.m. Senator Hawley spoke about the death of George Floyd and the current unrest.

3:22 p.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the police killings of black citizens and the ensuing protests. He spoke about judicial nominations. He criticized the president’s reaction to the current protests.

3:30 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about recent deaths of black citizens at the hands of police. He spoke about the actions of protestors during the current unrest. He called for an end to violence and destruction of property. He acted under Rule XIV to bring S. 3833, the coronavirus relief bill, directly to the floor.

He spoke about the House-passed coronavirus relief measure..

He spoke about China’s actions in Hong Kong.

3:02 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the death of George Floyd and the current unrest.

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

Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of Executive Calendar #644, Drew Tipton to be US District Judge for the Southern District of Texas.

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of John Badalamenti to be US District Judge for the Middle District of Florida.

Cloture has been filed on the following nominations:

1. Victor Mercado to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense.
2. Brian Miller to be Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery.
3. James Anderson to be a Deputy Under Secretary of Defense.
4. Drew Tipton to be US District Judge for the Southern District of Texas.

The Senate convened for a pro forma session only at 9:00 a.m. with no business conducted. Senator Blunt presided.

5:48 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will meet on May 22nd at 9:00 a.m. for a pro forma session.

5:16 p.m. Senator Sullivan paid tribute to the Alaskan of the Week, Sharon Long and on the Due Process Protections Act.

5:02 p.m. ML McConnell conducted wrap up:

ML McConnell asked u.c. that the Senate meet in pro forma sessions on:

Friday, May 22nd at 9:00 a.m.

Tuesday, May 26th at 9:30 a.m.

Thursday, May 28th at 11:00 a.m.

ML McConnell asked for the first reading of the following bills en bloc: S. 3833, a bill extending the loan forgiveness period for the Paycheck Protection Program and on H.R. 6800, the Heroes Act.

Adopted S.Res.597, designating May 2020 as ‘‘Older Americans Month’’.

Adopted S.Res.598, recognizing National Foster Care Month as an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges of children in the foster care system, and encouraging Congress to implement policies to improve the lives of children in the foster care system.

Adopted S.Res.599, honoring the life and legacy of Judge Lee Roy West.

Agreed to by u.c.: S.Res. 556, Designating May 1st as U.S. Foreign Service Day.

Confirmed by voice vote en bloc: PN1608 – Christopher T. Hanson to be a Member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the term of 5 years PN1333 – David A. Wright to be a Member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the term of 5 years

Confirmed by voice vote: Executive Calendar #654 Kenneth J. Braithwaite to be Secretary of the Navy.

5:00 p.m. ML McConnell spoke about upcoming legislative business, including Great American Outdoors Act and NDAA.

3:34 p.m. Senator Collins spoke about strengthening PPP legislation.

3:15 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about essential workers unable to work from home.

2:41 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke on the Memorial Day holiday.

2:37 p.m. Senator Cramer spoke about Major General Scott Spellmon.

2:25 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke about recent increases in addiction issues as well as increases in mental and behavioral health issues.

2:23 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on the following:

Executive Calendar #644 Drew B. Tipton to be U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Texas.

Executive Calendar #656 James H. Anderson to be a Deputy Under Secretary of Defense.

Executive Calendar #652 Brian D. Miller to be Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery.

Executive Calendar #655 Victor G. Mercado to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense.

2:21 p.m. The #Senate invoked cloture on John Badalamenti to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Florida by a tally of 65-28.

1:31 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on John Leonard Badalamenti to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Florida.

1:16 p.m. Senator Cruz spoke about the coronavirus and on Chinese persecution of the Uighurs.

12:46 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about the need to remain in session over the Memorial Day recess.

12:35 p.m. The Senate confirmed the nomination of John Ratcliffe to be Director of National Intelligence on a party line vote of 49-44.

Senators not voting: Alexander, Burr, Markey, Murkowski, Murray, Rounds, & Sanders.

12:00 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on the nomination of John Ratcliffe to be the Director of National Intelligence.

11:31 a.m. Senator Wyden spoke against the Ratcliffe nomination.

11:09 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke supporting the Ratcliffe nomination and on the Russia investigation.

10:52 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke supporting the need for additional coronavirus funding.

10:33 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about Senate action on the coronavirus.

10:23 a.m. DL Schumer spoke about unemployment numbers and increasing deaths due to the coronavirus. Senator Schumer also spoke about the need for economic relief and against the Ratcliffe nomination.

10:04 a.m. ML McConnell spoke on the legislative accomplishments of the Senate and on the House voting by proxy. ML McConnell asked u.c. that the action of the Senate with respect to S.J. Res. 72, providing for the reappointment of Michael M. Lynton as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, be vitiated.

10:02 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about religious persecution in Nigeria.

10:00 a.m. The Senate has convened.

****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and begin consideration of the nomination of John Ratcliffe to be Director of National Intelligence.

There will be a vote on confirmation of the Ratcliffe nomination at 12:00 noon.

Following the vote on the Ratcliffe nomination, the Senate will resume consideration of the nomination of John Badalamenti to be a US District Judge for the middle district of Florida.

There will be a cloture vote on the Badalamenti nomination at 1:30 p.m.

If cloture is invoked, the confirmation vote would occur at 5:30 p.m. on Monday June 1, 2020.

7:11 p.m. The Senate adjourned.

7:05 p.m Senator Portman wrapped up for the evening. Passed in wrap-up: S. Res 590, S Res 591, S Res 571, S. 1380, SJ Res 72, S 3782, S 1130 (passed by voice vote), S. 2927 (passed by voice vote).

6:36 p.m. Senator Portman spoke on Covid-19 and our financial situation.

6:04 p.m. Senator Kennedy spoke on coronavirus funding for states and local governments; and asked UC to take up and pass S. 3608 on that topic. Senator Scott of Florida objected.

5:46 p.m. Senator Portman spoke on China and US research.

5:30 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on the borrower defense rule and later on immigrant essential workers.

5:14 p.m. Senator Blackburn paid tribute to gold star families.

5:13 p.m. The Heil nomination was confirmed by a vote of 75 to 17.

Senators voting NO: Blumenthal, Booker, Brown, Cantwell, Gillibrand, Harris, Hirono, Klobuchar, Menendez, Merkley, Murray, Schatz, Schumer, Stabenow, Van Hollen, Warren and Wyden.

Senators not voting: Alexander, Burr, Leahy, Markey, Murkowski, Rounds, Sanders, and Whitehouse.

4:43 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the Heil nomination.

4:42 p.m. Senator Lankford achieved UC that the Senate vote at noon on Thursday on confirmation of John Ratcliffe to be National Intelligence Director, and at 1:30 on cloture on the nomination of John Badalamenti to be a judge for the Middle District of Florida; if cloture is invoked, the confirmation vote would be scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Monday June 1.

4:27 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke in support of the Heil nomination, Memorial Day, Decoration Day, and essential workers.

4:11 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about helping small business during the pandemic.

3:55 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the peaceful transition of power for the presidency.

3:54 p.m. The Manasco nomination was confirmed 71 to 21.

Senators voting NO: Bennet, Blumenthal, Booker, Brown, Cantwell, Coons, Gillibrand, Harris, Heinrich, Hirono, Klobuchar, Menendez, Merkley, Murray, Schatz, Schumer, Stabenow, Udall, Van Hollen, Warren, and Wyden.

Senators not voting: Alexander, Burr, Leahy, Markey, Murkowski, Rounds, Sanders, and Whitehouse.

3:00 p.m. Roll call began on confirmation of the Manasco nomination.

2:54 p.m. Senator Warner spoke about the shooting of
Bijan Ghaisar.

2:09 p.m. Senators Ernst, Blunt, Capito, Hoeven, Collins, Young, and Roberts spoke about Memorial Day.

1:53 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the pandemic.

1:33 p.m. Senator Hawley spoke about China and the World Trade Organization.

1:31 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Heil nomination by a vote of 76 to 16. Senators voting NO: Blumenthal, Booker, Brown, Cantwell, Gillibrand, Harris, Hirono, Klobuchar, Menendez, Merkley, Murray, Schatz, Schumer, Stabenow, Van Hollen, and Wyden. Senators not voting: Alexander, Burr, Markey, Murkowski, Rounds, Sanders, Warren, and Whitehouse.

12:45 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the nomination of John Heil to be US District Judge for Northern, Eastern and Western Oklahoma.

12:36 p.m. Senator Loeffler spoke about the CARES Act and the pandemic.

12:13 p.m. Senators Menendez, Cassidy, and Collins spoke about the pandemic and the SMART Act.

11:56 a.m. Senator Sasse spoke about China and the pandemic.

11:45 a.m. Senator Kennedy spoke about China and the pandemic. He sought consent to passage of S. 945, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

11:42: a.m. By a vote of 72 to 20, the Senate invoked cloture on the Manasco nomination.

11:03 a.m. Roll call began on the motion to invoke cloture on Anna Manasco to be a judge for the Northern District of Alabama.

10:51 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about school reopenings.

10:36 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about coronavirus relief.

10:06 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about Dr. Monahan and coronavirus relief.

10:03 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about coronavirus relief. He spoke about Dr. Brian Monahan, the Senate’s attending physician.

10:02 a.m. Senator Grassley paid tribute to the college journalists of The Daily Iowan.

***

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. and will resume consideration of the nomination of Anna Manasco to be a judge for the Northern District of Alabama.

• At 11 a.m., the Senate will vote on cloture for the Manasco nomination.

• At 12:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on cloture for the nomination of John Heil to be a judge for the Northern, Eastern and Western Districts of Oklahoma.

• If cloture has been invoked on the Manasco nomination, the Senate will vote at 3 p.m. on confirmation of Manasco.

• If cloture has been invoked on the Heil nomination, the Senate will vote at 4:30 p.m. on confirmation of Heil.

• Upon disposition of the Heil nomination, a cloture vote will be in order for the nomination of John Leonard Badalamenti to be a judge for the Middle District of Florida. 

5:27 p.m. The Senate adjourned with a mark of respect to the late Senator Tom Coburn and will reconvene at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20. The Senate will vote on cloture on the nominations of Anna Manasco to be US District Judge for the Northern District of Alabama  and John Heil to be US District Judge for the Northern, Eastern and Western districts of Oklahoma at 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. respectively. If cloture is invoked, votes on confirmation will occur at 3:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Adopted during wrap-up:

S.Res.582, designating Michael P. DiSilvestro as Director Emeritus of Senate Security of the United States Senate.

S.Res.583, honoring the life and achievements of former United States Senator Thomas Allen Coburn and expressing condolences to the family of Thomas Allen Coburn on his passing.

S.Res.584, constituting the Majority’s Intelligence committee membership.

S.Res.585, Expressing support for the designation of May 1, 2020, as “Silver Star Service Banner Day”

S.Res.586, designating the week of May 17 through May 23, 2020, as ‘‘National Public Works Week’’

S.Res.587, expressing support for the designation of May 17, 2020, as ‘‘DIPG Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Day’’ to raise awareness of and encourage research on diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma tumors and pediatric cancers in general.

S.Res.588, designating May 2020 as ‘‘ALS Awareness Month’’.

5:14 p.m. The Trainor nomination was confirmed by a vote of 49-43.

4:30 p.m. The Senate began voting on the Trainor nomination.

4:17 p.m. Senator Capito spoke about the coronavirus and the economy.

4:07 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the coronavirus and the economy.

3:42 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about the coronavirus.

3:29 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about government response to the coronavirus.

3:17 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke about the White House response to the coronavirus.

3:10 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about the coronavirus and reopening of America.

3:07 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Trainor nomination by a vote of 50-43.

2:30 p.m. The Senate began voting on the cloture motion on the Trainor nomination.

2:16 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke about the Trainor nomination.

2:15 p.m. The Senate reconvened.

12:40 p.m. The Rash nomination was confirmed by a vote of 74 to 20. Not voting: Alexander, Brown, Markey, Rounds, Sanders and Whitehouse. The Senate is now in recess for weekly policy lunches until 2:15.

11:57 a.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of Scott H. Rash, of Arizona, to be United States District Judge for the District of Arizona.

11:47 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about Covid-19.

11:25 a.m. Senator Burr paid tribute to Dr. Tom Coburn.

10:45 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke on smallpox and Covid-19. He asked consent to take up and pass S Res. 579. Senator Risch objected. Senator Braun also stated his reasons for objecting. Senator Braun asked consent to bring up and pass S. 658 with an amendment. Senator Durbin objected.

10:22 a.m. Democratic Leader Schumer spoke on Covid-19 responses and paid tribute to Mike DiSilvestro.

10:03 a.m. ML McConnell spoke on Covid-19, the FBI and the 2016 election, and paid tribute to Mike DiSilvestro.

10:02 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke on China and the coronavirus.

The Senate has convened.

Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of Executive Calendar #564, Scott H. Rash, of Arizona, to be United States District Judge for the District of Arizona, post-cloture.

At 11:45am, the Senate will vote on confirmation of the Rash nomination.

Following disposition of the Rash nomination, the Senate will recess until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

At 2:30pm, the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Trainor nomination (FEC).

If cloture is invoked on the Trainor nomination, at 4:30pm, all post-cloture time will be considered expired, and the Senate will vote on confirmation of the Trainor nomination.

Cloture has also been filed on the following nominations:

1. Executive Calendar #600, Anna M. Manasco, of Alabama, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Alabama.
2. Executive Calendar #601, John F. Heil III, of Oklahoma, to be United States District Judge for the Northern, Eastern and Western Districts of Oklahoma.
3. Executive Calendar #602, John Leonard Badalamenti, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida.

6:43 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will next convene on Tuesday, May 19 at 10:00 a.m. Following leader remarks the Senate will resume consideration of the nomination of Scott H. Rash, of Arizona, to be United States District Judge for the District of Arizona.

At 11:45 there will be a confirmation vote on the Rash nomination.

Following the confirmation vote, the Senate will recess until 2:15 p.m. for weekly policy lunches.

At 2:30, the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of James E. Trainor III, TX, to be a Member of the Federal Election Commission.

If cloture is invoked, a confirmation vote on the Trainor nomination will occur at 4:30 p.m.

During wrap-up:
PN 1715 – Brian D. Miller, of Virginia, to be Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery (new position), was discharged from committee and placed on the Executive Calendar.

6:12 p.m. Senators Ernst and Braun paid tribute to former Senator Tom Coburn.

6:13 p.m. Cloture was invoked 67-21. Senators voting NO: Blumenthal, Booker, Cantwell, Casey, Durbin, Gillibrand, Harris, Heinrich, Hirono, Klobuchar, Menendez, Merkley, Murray, Reed, Schatz, Schumer, Stabenow, Udall, Van Hollen, Warren, And Wyden. Senators NOT voting: Alexander, Brown, Burr, Cardin, Leahy, Markey, Moran, Peters, Rounds, Rubio, Sanders, and Whitehouse.

6:13 p.m. Cloture was invoked 67-21. Senators voting NO: Blumenthal, Booker, Cantwell, Casey, Durbin, Gillibrand, Harris, Heinrich, Hirono, Klobuchar, Menendez, Merkley, Murray, Reed, Schatz, Schumer, Stabenow, Udall, Van Hollen, Warren, And Wyden. Senators NOT voting: Alexander, Brown, Burr, Cardin, Leahy, Markey, Moran, Peters, Rounds, Rubio, Sanders, and Whitehouse.

5:30 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the Rash nomination.

5:13 p.m. Senator Blackburn spoke on coronavirus pandemic.

4:54 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke on the coronavirus pandemic.

4:30 p.m. Senators Grassley and Booker spoke on Safeguarding America’s First Responders Act.

4:20 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the coronavirus pandemic.

3:35 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about the coronavirus pandemic.

3:17 p.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the coronavirus response. He spoke about the firing of the inspector general for the State Department.

3:03 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the coronavirus pandemic.

3:02 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about high school graduates.

The Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m. Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of Executive Calendar #564, Scott H. Rash, of Arizona, to be United States District Judge for the District of Arizona. At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Rash nomination.

5:21 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2020. Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of Executive Calendar #564, Scott H. Rash, of Arizona, to be United States District Judge for the District of Arizona. At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Rash nomination.

5:02 p.m. Senator Sullivan paid tribute to the Alaskans of the Week, Adam Crumb and Dr. Ann Zink.

4:36 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the accomplishments of the Senate over the past two weeks. Senator Cornyn began wrap up and all Military Promotions confirmed by consent: Cal.#583, Cal. #633 – Cal. #639 and all nominations on the Secretary’s Desk in the Army, Marine Corps and Navy; passed as amended by voice vote S. 3607, extending public safety officer death benefits officers whose death was caused by COVID-19 with the Grassley-Booker amendment; The Senate passed by u.c. S. 3434, a bill to make Federal law enforcement officer peer support communications confidential; passed by u.c. S. 2746, requiring the Director of the FBI to provide a report on suicide rates and law enforcement; passed by u.c. S.Res. 555, recognizing and supporting the advocates, counselors, volunteers, and first responders who served survivors on an emergency basis during national sexual assault awareness and prevention month; passed by u.c. S.Res. 560, recognizing the goals and ideals of National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

4:04 p.m. ML McConnell called up and passed by u.c. S. 3744, a bill to condemn gross human rights violations of ethnic Turkic Muslims and calling for an end of detention, torture and harassment of these communities inside and outside of China.

4:03 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on Executive Calendar #602 John Leonard Badalamenti to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Florida.

4:01 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on Executive Calendar #601 John Heil III to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern, Eastern and Western Districts of Oklahoma.

4:00 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on Executive Calendar #600 Anna Manasco to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Alabama.

3:59 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on Executive Calendar #564 Scott H. Rash to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Arizona.

3:56 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on Executive Calendar #564 Scott H. Rash to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Arizona.

2:52 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke honoring National Police Week.

2:37 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke about voting by mail and ask u.c. to pass a bill modifying the provisions on funding for election security grants. Senator Johnson objected.

2:34 p.m. By a tally of 80-16, the Senate passed H.R.6172, FISA, as amended. (60 vote affirmative threshold)

Voting against 14 Democrats and 2 Republicans: Senators Baldwin, Brown, Burr, Cantwell, Durbin, Heinrich, Hirono, Markey, Merkley, Murray, Paul, Schatz, Tester, Udall, Warren and Wyden.

Not voting: Senators Alexander, McSally, Sanders, and Sasse.

1:24 p.m. Senate began a roll call vote on passage of H.R. 6172, as amended. 60 votes required.

12:48 p.m. Senator Cramer, Senator Schumer and Senator Shaheen spoke about adding Vietnam Veteran Sailors names being added the Vietnam Memorial. Senator Cramer asked for UC that the Senate pass S. 849. Senator Murkowski objected.

12:47 p.m. The Paul amendment failed by a vote of 11-85. Voting aye: Blackburn, Braun, Cruz, Daines, Kennedy, Lee, Moran, Murkowski, Paul, Scott of FL, and Sullivan.

Senators Alexander, McSally, Sanders, and Sasse did not vote.

11:33 a.m. Senator Paul spoke about the FISA.

11:18 p.m. Senator Udall spoke about FISA.

11:01 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about unemployment and fiscal relief.

10:50 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about the economic emergency.

10:38 a.m. Senator McConnell spoke about unemployment

10:32 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about public input on Federal Regulations.

The Senate will convene at 10:30 a.m. Following leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R. 6172, FISA Reauthorization.

12:00 noon – roll call vote on the Paul amendment, if offered (rights of Americans). 60 votes required.

1:30 p.m. —  roll call vote on passage of H.R. 6172, as amended. 60 votes required.

6:42 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will next convene on Thursday, May 14. Following leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R. 6172, FISA Reauthorization.

12:00 noon – Roll call vote on the Paul amendment, if offered (rights of Americans). 60 votes required.

1:30 p.m. – Roll call vote on passage of H.R. 6172, as amended. 60 votes required.

During wrap-up:

• H.R. 943, to authorize the Director of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to support Holocaust education programs, and for other purposes, was passed by voice vote.
• S. Res. 573, honoring the life and achievement of Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach Donald Francis Shula and expressing condolences to his family on his passing, was adopted by unanimous consent.
• S. Res. 574, designating the week of April 18, 2020, through April 26, 2020 as “National Park Week”, was adopted by unanimous consent.
• S. Res. 577, designating the week of May 10 through May 16, 2020, as ‘‘National Police Week’’, was adopted by unanimous consent.

6:03 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about the covid-19 pandemic and China as well as National Police Week.

5:52 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about FISA Reauthorization.

5:43 p.m. Senator Gardner spoke about suicide and S.2661 and the Gardner substitute, was adopted by voice vote.

5:43 p.m. Senator Gardner spoke about suicide and S.2661, and the Gardner substitute, was adopted by voice vote.

5:42 p.m. The Senate adopted the Lee-Leahy amendment #1584 by a vote of 77 — 19.
Senators voting NO: Blunt, Boozman, Burr, Capito, Cornyn, Cotton, Fischer, Graham, Hyde Smith, Inhofe, Manchin-D, McConnell, Roberts, Romney, Rubio, Shelby, Thune, Warner-D & Young.

Senators NOT voting: Alexander, Murray, Sanders and Sasse.

4:20 p.m. Roll call began on the Lee-Leahy amendment #1584, Amicus Reform and Exculpatory Evidence, to H.R. 6172, FISA Reauthorization. 60 vote threshold.

4:15 p.m. Senator Lee introduced and spoke on his amendment #1584 to H.R. 6172.

4:03 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke about FISA Reauthorization.

3:40 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about FISA Reauthorization.

3:23 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about the covid-19 pandemic.

3:07 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke about the covid-19 pandemic.

2:46 p.m. Senator Gardner spoke about National Police Week.

2:35 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about the covid-19 pandemic.

2:38 p.m. Senator Young spoke about the covid-19 pandemic.

2:22 p.m. Senator Capito spoke about the covid-19 pandemic.

2:14 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke about the covid-19 pandemic.

2:05 p.m. Senator Blackburn spoke about the covid-19 pandemic.

1:58 p.m. Senator Ernst spoke about the covid-19 pandemic.

1:26 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on National Foster Care Month.

1:03 p.m. Senator Cramer achieved unanimous consent that the Senate vote on the Lee-Leahy amendment at 4:15 p.m.

12:59 p.m. Senator Romney spoke about how Utahans are helping fight Covid-19.

12:58 p.m. The Daines-Wyden amendment was not agreed to 59–37 (60 vote threshold).

Senators in favor: 34 Democrats, 24 Republicans: Braun, Cassidy, Cramer, Crapo, Cruz, Daines, Enzi, Ernst, Gardner, Grassley, Hawley, Hoeven, Kennedy, Lee, Loeffler, McSally, Moran, Murkowski, Paul, Risch, Rounds, Scott of Florida, Scott of South Carolina and Sullivan; 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 27 Republicans, 10 Democrats: Carper, Casey, Feinstein, Hassan, Jones, Kaine, Manchin, Shaheen, Warner and Whitehouse.

Senators not voting: 2 Republicans: Alexander and Sasse; 1 Democrat: Murray; 1 Independent: Sanders.

12:15 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Daines-Wyden amendment.

12:14 p.m. Senator Daines spoke on amendment #1583.

11:54 a.m. Senator Wyden introduced his amendment #1583 and spoke on it.

11:45 a.m. Senator Daines spoke on FISA.

11:33 a.m. Senator Warner spoke about covid-19 and the economy.

11:24 a.m. Senator Scott of Florida objected.

11:06 a.m. Senator Kennedy spoke about pandemic relief proposals. He sought consent for the Senate to take steps to consider his relief bill, S-3608, and an amendment #1581.

10:59 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about proposed legislation to respond to the virus-related crises.

10:43 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about federal legislation to address the health and economic crises.

10:41 a.m. Senator Schumer rebutted Senator Braun’s argument.

10:34 a.m. Senator Braun objected.

10:20 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the coronavirus. He asked that the Senate consent to passage of S.Res. 572, a resolution calling for release of the quarantine guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control.

10:04 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the intelligence reauthorization.

10:02 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about training in the Iowa prison system.

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

Following Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of H.R. 6172, FISA reauthorization.

The only amendments in order are the following to be proposed by the following Senators or their designees:

·       McConnell or designee side-by-side amendment to the Daines-Wyden amendment

·       Daines-Wyden amendment (re: Sec. 215 Web Browser/Search History Data Collection Prohibition)

·       McConnell or designee side-by-side amendment to the Lee-Leahy amendment

·       Lee-Leahy amendment (re: Amicus Reform and Exculpatory Evidence)

·       McConnell or designee side-by-side amendment to the Paul amendment

·       Paul amendment (re: Rights of Americans)

All of the amendments are subject to 60-affirmative vote thresholds.

At approx. 12:00 noon – 2 roll call votes expected:

1.     McConnell or designee side-by-side amendment to the Daines-Wyden amendment  

2.     Daines-Wyden amendment (re: Sec. 215 Web Browser/Search History Data Collection Prohibition)

Expected at approx. 4:00pm – up to 2 roll call votes:

       1. If offered, McConnell or designee side-by-side amendment to the Lee-Leahy amendment

       2. Lee-Leahy amendment (re: Amicus Reform and Exculpatory Evidence)

Votes on the remaining amendments and on passage of the bill, as amended if amended, are expected during Thursday’s session.

:30 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on his legislation about the harmers and food producers in the U.S. and national police week.

5:20 p.m. The confirmation of Troy Edgar to be Chief Financial Officer for the Department of Homeland Security was agreed to by a roll call vote of 62-31.

4:09 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about the FCC ruling. at 4:30 p.m. the Senate will vote on the confirmation of Troy Edgar to be Chief Financial Officer for the Department of Homeland Security./

3:12 p.m. Senator Lee spoke on federalism and the separation of powers.

2:54 p.m. Senator Thune asked u.c that the Senate vote on confirmation of the Edgar nomination at 4:30 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about the essential work of Congress.

2:54 p.m. By a tally of 62-31 the Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of Troy Edgar to be Chief Financial Officer for the Department of Homeland Security.

2:15 p.m. The Senate reconvened and began a roll call vote on cloture on
Troy Edgar to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Homeland Security.

1:01 p.m. The Senate stands in recess until 2:15 p.m.

1:00 p.m. The Senate confirmed the nomination of Brian Montgomery by a tally of 61-32.

9 Democrats and 1 Independent voted yes: Senators Carper, Coons, Jones, King, Manchin, Menendez, Murphy, Sinema, Tester and Warner.

Not voting: Senators Alexander, Leahy, Markey, Murray, Sanders, Sasse, and Whitehouse.

12:00 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation on the Montgomery nomination.

11:47 a.m. Senator Fischer spoke about the unprecedented challenges related to the pandemic.

11:32 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on economic challenges because of the pandemic.

11:16 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the need to protect workers like those in meat packing facilities.

10:52 a.m. DL Schumer spoke on the pandemic and the need for Senate action on additional funding for families and small businesses.

10:34 a.m. ML McConnell spoke on economic recovery plans.

10:32 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the pandemic.

10:30 a.m. The Senate convened.

****

The Senate will convene at 10:30 a.m. and resume consideration of Executive Calendar #547 Brian Montgomery to be Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

At 12:00 noon, there will be a confirmation vote on the Montgomery nomination.

Following the vote, the Senate will recess until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

At 2:15 p.m., there will be a cloture vote on Executive Calendar #339, Troy Edgar to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Homeland Security.

If cloture is invoked on the Edgar nomination, we expect the vote on confirmation to occur in the 4:30 p.m. range.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the Senate is expected to consider H.R. 6172,
FISA Reauthorization.

6:36 p.m. The Senate adjourned.

6:33 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell wrapped up for the evening. The following were agreed to by unanimous consent:

1.     Passed S.249, Taiwan WHO Observer Status, with Inhofe substitute

2.     Adopted S.Res.568, Recognizing the roles and contributions of the teachers of the United States in building and enhancing the civic, cultural, and economic well-being of the United States. (Collins/Brown)

3.     Adopted S.Res.569, expressing the sense of the Senate that, during Public Service Recognition Week, public servants should be commended for their dedication and continued service to the United States. (Sinema/Lakford et al)

6:32 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Montgomery nomination, 60-29.

Senators voting in favor: 49 Republicans, 10 Democrats: Bennet, Carper, Coons, Jones, Manchin, Menendez, Murphy, Sinema, Tester & Warner; 1 Independent: King.

Senators not voting: 6 Democrats: Cardin, Leahy, Markey, Merkley, Murray and Whitehouse; 4 Republicans: Alexander, Rubio, Sasse and Toomey; 1 Independent: Sanders.

5:30 p.m. Roll call vote began on the nomination of Brian Montgomery to be Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

5:24 p.m. Senator Crapo spoke on the Montgomery nomination.

5:05 p.m. Senator Blackburn spoke about Mother’s Day and covid-19.

4:53 p.m. Senator Boozman spoke on National Police Week.

4:30 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on the FBI’s Russia investigation.

4:22 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on covid-19 and the economy.

3:20 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke on covid-19.

3:04 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke on covid-19 and nominations.

3:03 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on covid-19.

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

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the nomination of Brian Montgomery to be Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

At 5:30 p.m., there will be a cloture vote on the Montgomery nomination.

Cloture has also been filed on the following nomination:

Troy Edgar to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Homeland Security.