4:48 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene for a proforma session at 8:00 a.m on Friday, November 7. They will reconvene for regular session at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12 and will resume consideration of Chad Wolf to be Under Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security with a vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination to occur at 5:30 p.m.

Passed during wrap up:

• S. 1388-Supply Chain Counterintelligence Training Act
• S. 979-FACE Act
• H.R. 1123- Divisional Realignment for the Eastern District of Arkansas Act of 2019
• S. Res. 412-National Family Service Learning Week
• S. Res. 413-National Veterans Small Business Week.
• S. Res. 414-National Native American Heritage Month

4:31 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about the Alaskan of the Week.

3:36 p.m. Senator Peters spoke about prescription drug costs.

3:15 p.m. Senator Ernst spoke about the Violence Against Women Act.

2:54 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about price gouging for insulin.

2:40 p.m. Senator Portman spoke on reforms to retirement plans.

2:36 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on the following:

**Chad Wolf to be Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy and Plans to the Department of Homeland Security.

**Steven Menashi to be a Circuit Court Judge.

2:35 p.m. The Nardini nomination was confirmed 86-2.

Senators Gillibrand and Markey voted against.

1:38 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the nomination of William Nardini to be a U.S. circuit court judge for the Second Circuit.

1:24 p.m. Senator Casey spoke on impeachment.

12:58 p.m. Senators Toomey, Cruz and Portman spoke on tax code revisions. Senator Toomey asked UC to take up H.R. 1994 with equal numbers of amendments and a 10 hour time agreement.  Senator Murray objected and offered her own UC to take up and pass HR 1994 without amendments. Senator Toomey objected.

12:57 p.m. The Wilson nomination was confirmed 88-3.

Senators voting against: 3 Democrats: Gillibrand, Hirono and Markey.

Senators not voting: 6 Democrats: Booker, Cardin, Harris, Klobuchar, Warren and Wyden; 2 Republicans: Isakson and Perdue; 1 Independent: Sanders.

12:31 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #365 Jennifer Wilson to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

12:22 p.m. DL Schumer spoke about Syria and ISIS and asked u.c. to call up and pass S 2755, A bill to require a report on the plan to secure the enduring defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Senator Scott of Florida proposed an amendment to modify S. 2755, Senator Schumer objected to the modification. Senator Scott of Florida objected to passing S. 2755.

12:21 p.m. By a tally of 51-41 the Senate confirmed the nomination of Lee Rudofsky to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas.

11:45 a.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of Lee Rudofsky to be US District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas.

11:44 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about prescription drug prices.

11:42 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about prescription drug prices.

10:55 a.m. Senator Kaine spoke about veterans.

10:45 a.m. Senator Murray spoke against the several judicial nominations.

10:40 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about defense appropriation.

10:25 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about appropriations and immigration.

10:04 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about nominations. He spoke about the rural economy.

10:02 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about veterans.

10 a.m. Senator Inhofe delivered the morning prayer.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m.

At 11:45 a.m., roll call votes will begin on confirmation of the nominations of Lee Rudofsky to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas and of  Jennifer Wilson to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

At 1:45 p.m., the Senate will vote on confirmation of the nomination of William Nardini to be a U.S. circuit court judge for the Second Circuit.

6:36 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 10 a.m. Thursday. At 11:45 a.m., roll call votes will begin on confirmation of the nomination of Lee Rudofsky to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas and of  Jennifer Wilson to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. At 1:45 p.m., the Senate will vote on confirmation of the  nomination of William Nardini to be a U.S. circuit court judge for the Second Circuit.

6:33 p.m. Senator Sullivan secured consent for passage of S. Res. 396, National Health Literacy Month.

6:20 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about the Alaskans of the Week, award-winning math and science teachers Joshua Hall, Jennifer Childress, Don Wilcox and Angie Wright.

5:49 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.

5:34 p.m.Senator Inhofe spoke about the defense authorization.

5:26 p.m. Senator Fischer spoke about veterans.

5:16 p.m. Senator Risch objected. He spoke about climate change.

5:09 p.m. Senator Shaheen spoke about climate change. She asked consent for consideration of S. 1743, to prevent U.S. withdrawal from the Paris agreement.

5:08 p.m. By a vote of 87 to 3, the Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of William Nardini to be a U.S. circuit judge for the Second Circuit. YEAs: 49 Republicans, 37 Democrats, independent King. NAYs: Democrats Gillibrand, Hirono and Markey. NOT VOTING: Democrats Bennet, Booker, Harris, Klobuchar, Warren; independent King; Republicans Burr, Cassidy, Isakson, Kennedy.

4:41 p.m. The Hunsaker nomination was confirmed 73-17.  YEAs: 49 Republicans, 23 Democrats (Baldwin, Brown Carper, Casey, Coons, Cortez Masto, Feinstein, Hassan, Jones, Kaine, Leahy, Manchin, Murphy, Peters, Rosen, Shaheen, Sinema, Smith, Tester, Van Hollen, Warner, Whitehouse, Wyden) and independent King. NAYs: All Democrats. NOT VOTING: Democrats Bennet, Booker, Harris, Klobuchar, Warren; independent King; Republicans Burr, Cassidy, Isakson, Kennedy.

4:00 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of Danielle Hunsaker to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.

3:51 p.m. Senator Wicker spoke about veterans. He spoke about the defense authorization.

3:49 p.m. Senator Casey added some items to the record.

3:46 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about nominations to the U.S. Circuit Courts.

3:15 p.m. Senator Casey spoke about Lt. Col. Vindeman’s testimony during the House impeachment inquiry. He spoke about climate change.

3:13 p.m. Senator Hirono objected.

3:02 p.m. Senator Paul objected. He spoke about whistleblowers. He asked that Senator Hirono modify her request in order to bring up his whistleblower bill, S. 2798.

2:57 p.m. Senator Hirono spoke about the whistle blower and the impeachment inquiry. She sought consent for consideration of S.Res. 408.

2:52 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about the whistle blower and the impeachment inquiry.

2:44 p.m. Senator Roberts spoke about Veteran’s Day.

2:41 p.m. Senator Daines spoke about Veteran’s Day.

2:36 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke about Veteran’s Day.

2:29 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke about Veteran’s Day.

2:20 p.m. Senator Capito spoke about Veteran’s Day.

2:11 p.m. Senator Young spoke about Veterans and Veteran’s Day.

2:02 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke about Veteran’s Day.

1:55 p.m. Senator Ernst spoke on veterans benefits.

1:08 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on tax cuts.

1:08 p.m. The Senate invoked cloture on the Wilson nomination, 89-3.

Senators voting against: Gillibrand, Hirono and Markey.

Senators not voting: 5 Democrats: Bennet, Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 2 Republicans: Burr and Isakson; 1 Independent: Sanders.

12:37 p.m. The Senate began a vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #365, Jennifer Wilson to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

12:36 p.m. The Senate invoked cloture on the Rudofsky nomination by a party line vote, 51-41.

Senators not voting: 5 Democrats: Bennet, Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 2 Republicans: Burr and Isakson; 1 Independent: Sanders.

11:58 a.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the nomination of Lee Rudofsky to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas.

11:41 a.m. Senator Cotton spoke about the anniversary of the Iran hostage crisis and supporting the Global Hostage act. Senator Cotton also spoke supporting the Rudofsky nomination.

11:31 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the Dream Act.

11:22 a.m. Senators Grassley and Durbin spoke about prescription drug pricing.

11:10 a.m. Senator Tillis spoke about sanctuary city policies being implemented in different states and cities. Senator Tillis asked u.c. to call up and pass S. 2059, Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act. Senator Durbin objected.

10:53 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about immigration. Senator Durbin asked u.c. to call up and pass S. 2603, RELIEF act. Senator Tillis objected.

10:43 a.m. Dem Leader Schumer spoke about the impeachment inquiry, whistleblower protections, and judges.

10:23 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about Sioux Falls’ first 5G small cells.

10:09 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about nominations, defense funding, and regulation of speech on media platforms.

H.R. 4842 was placed on the calendar under Rule 14.

10:02 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the Prescription Drug Reduction Act.

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

Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of Executive Calendar #463, Danielle Hunsaker to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit, post-cloture.

12:00 p.m., 2 roll call votes:

1. Cloture on Executive Calendar #458, Lee Rudofsky to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas
2. Cloture on Executive Calendar #365, Jennifer Wilson to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

4:00 p.m., if cloture is invoked, 2 roll call votes:

1. Confirmation of Danielle Hunsaker to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit
2. Cloture on Executive Calendar #464, William Nardini to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit

If cloture is invoked on the above nominations, their confirmation votes will be on Thursday.

6:02 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 6, 2019. Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of Danielle Hunsaker, of Oregon, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit, post-cloture.

Wednesday November 6 at 12:00 pm, 2 roll call votes:

• Motion to Invoke Cloture on Executive Calendar #458, Lee Rudofsky, of Arkansas, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas
• Motion to Invoke Cloture on Executive Calendar #365, Jennifer Wilson, of Pennsylvania, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

Wednesday November 6, at 4:00 pm, if cloture is invoked, 2 roll call votes:

• Confirmation of Executive Calendar #463, Danielle Hunsaker, of Oregon, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit
• Motion to Invoke Cloture on Executive Calendar #464, William Nardini, of Connecticut, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit

If cloture is invoked on the above nominations, their confirmation votes will be on Thursday.

5:58 p.m. ML McConnell began wrap up and adopted S.Res.407, Congratulating the Washington Nationals on winning the 2019 Major League Baseball World Series; passed H.R.724, Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act; began the Rule 14 process to place on the Legislative Calendar of Business H.R.4842, to authorize the Secretary of State to provide funds for a United States pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.

5:30 p.m. Senator Blackburn spoke on giving thanks to our Veterans.

5:20 p.m. The Senate voted 75-18 to invoke Cloture on Executive Calendar #463, Danielle Hunsaker to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.

4:45 p.m. The Senate confirmed the Tapp nomination by a roll call vote of 85-8.

4:40 p.m. Senator Blackburn spoke on healthcare in rural areas.

4:30 p.m. Senator Cramer spoke on immigration.

4:20 p.m. Senator Lee paid tribute to General Burton of Utah.

4:10 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke on worker pensions for coal miners.

3:54 p.m. Senator Roberts on the USMCA trade bill.

3:35 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke on global poverty.

3:25 p.m. Senator Jones spoke on the national peanut festival and later on the need to fund historically black Colleges and Universities.

3:08 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on rural health and the pharmaceutical industry.

2:48 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about reducing drug prices.

2:47 p.m. The Senate invoked cloture on the Tapp nomination by a vote of 83-9.

Senators voting against: 9 Democrats: Gillibrand, Harris, Hirono, Markey, Menendez, Merkley, Schatz, Schumer and Stabenow.

Senators not voting: 4 Republicans: Burr, Isakson, Risch and Sasse; 3 Democrats: Booker, Klobuchar and Warren;  1 Independent: Sanders.

2:16 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of David Tapp to be a Judge for the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

11:56 a.m. Senator Menendez spoke about Turkey.

11:44 a.m. DL Schumer spoke about the Impeachment inquiry.

11:20 a.m. Senator Romney paid tribute to Maj. General Jeff Burton.

11:12 a.m. Senator Alexander spoke about permanent funding for HBCU’s and asked u.c. call up and pass S. 2557, Student Aid Improvement Act. Senator Cardin objected.

11:03 a.m. Senator Cardin spoke about education funds and asked u.c. to pass H.R. 2486, the FUTURE act. Senator Alexander objected.

10:50 a.m. Senator Ernst spoke about violence against women and about military spending.

10:40 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about violence against women.

10:25 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about military spending. He spoke about data-mining..

10:04 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about nominations. He noted the anniversary of the revolution in Iran. He spoke about the economy and about Democratic priorities.

10:02 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about veterans and small businesses.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m.

Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of Executive Calendar #355, David Tapp to be a Judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims.

The Senate will recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. for the Republican caucus meeting.

2:15 p.m. – 1 vote: 

1. Cloture on nomination of David Tapp to be a Judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims.

Approximately 5:30 p.m. – 2 votes:

1. Confirmation of Tapp nomination.

2. Cloture on Executive Calendar #463, Danielle Hunsaker to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.

Cloture has also been filed on the following nominations:

1. Executive Calendar #464 – William Nardini to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit

2. Executive Calendar #458 – Lee Rudofsky to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas

3. Executive Calendar #365 – Jennifer Wilson to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

1:00 p.m. Senator Grassley presided over the pro forma session. No business was conducted.

The Senate adjourned at 5:48 p.m.  and will convene for a pro forma session only at 1 p.m. Monday, November 4. The Senate will next meet in legislative session at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5., and will resume consideration of the nomination of David Tapp to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

The Senate will recess for caucus lunches from 12:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., when the pending cloture motions on Tapp and other will ripen.

5:17 p.m. Senator Murkowski paid tribute to the late Senator Hagan.

5:11 p.m. During wrap-up, Senator McConnell secured consent for confirmation, en bloc, of Executive Calendar #468 through #477, all nominations to the armed forces.

By consent, the Senate passed S. Res. 399, 400 and 401.

By voice votes, the Senate passed S.Res. 402, honoring Toni Morrison, and S. Res. 403, on National Farm to School month.

By consent, the Senate passed H.R. 2423, to direct the Treasury to mint coins to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the ratification  the Nineteenth Amendment (women’s suffrage).

By consent, the Senate passed S. Res. 345, on National Cybersecurity Awareness month.

4:35 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about government funding.

4:26 p.m. Senator Rosen spoke against the Van Dyke nomination.

4:15 p.m. Senator Cortez Masto spoke against the Van Dyke nomination.

3:55 p.m. Senator Stabenow paid tribute former Senator Kay Hagan.

3:34 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke on defense appropriations.

2:45 p.m. Senator Scott (FL) spoke about health care and pre-existing conditions.

2:40 p.m. Senator Cardin paid tribute to former Senator Kay Hagan.

2:39 p.m. Senator Cotton spoke about special operations forces. S. Res. 394-honoring the members military and intelligence community that carried out the mission that killed Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was passed by unanimous consent.

2:32 p.m. Senator McConnell filed cloture on the following nominations:

• David Austin Tapp to be a Judge for the US. Court of Federal Claims
• Danielle Hunsaker to be US Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit
• William Joseph Nardini to be US Circuit Judge for the Second District
• Lee Phillip Rudofsky to be US District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas
• Jennifer Philpott Wilson to be US District Judge for the Middle District of PA

2:30 p.m. Cloture was not invoked on the motion to proceed to HR 2740, 51-41.

Democrats voting in favor: Jones and Peters.

Republicans voting against: McConnell (changed his vote to enter a motion to reconsider) and Paul.

Senators not voting: 5 Democrats: Bennet, Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 2 Republicans: Isakson and Moran; 1 Independent: Sanders.

1:43 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.2740, minibus appropriations I (defense/laborH/foreign ops/energy and water).

1:35 p.m. Senator Shelby spoke in favor of HR 2740.

1:27 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke in opposition to HR 2740.

1:15 p.m. Senator Perdue spoke in favor of HR 2740.

1:02 p.m Senator Lee spoke on immigration.

1:01 p.m. The Senate resumed consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R.2740, minibus appropriations I (defense/laborH/foreign ops/energy and water)

1:00 p.m. H.R.3055. was agreed to 84-9.

Senators voting against: 9 Republicans: Blackburn, Braun, Cruz, Johnson, Lee, Paul, Sasse, Scott of Florida and Toomey. 

Senators not voting: 5 Democrats: Bennet, Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 1 Republican: Isakson; 1 Independent: Sanders

12:33 p.m. Roll call vote began on passage of H.R.3055.

12:31 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke in favor of H.R.3055.

12:30 p.m. The Jones amendment #1141, as modified (Rostenkowski Test) was adopted 82-11.

Senators voting against: 11 Republicans: Blackburn, Braun, Cruz, Lankford, Lee, Paul, Perdue, Romney, Sasse, Scott of Florida and Toomey.

Senators not voting: 5 Democrats: Bennet, Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 1 Republican: Isakson; 1 Independent: Sanders

12:11 p.m. Roll call  vote began on the Jones-McSally amendment amendment #1141, as modified (Rostenkowski Test).

12:09 p.m. Senators Jones and McSally spoke in favor of their amendment.

12:08 p.m. The Lee amendment was not agreed to 29-64.

Senators voting in favor: 29 Republicans: Barrasso, Braun, Cassidy, Cornyn, Crapo, Cruz, Enzi, Ernst, Fischer, Grassley, Hawley, Inhofe, Johnson, Kennedy, Lankford, Lee, Moran, Paul, Risch, Romney, Rounds, Rubio, Sasse, Scott of Florida, Sullivan, Tillis, Thune, Toomey and Wicker.

Senators voting against: 40 Democrats, 23 Republicans, 1 Independent: King.

Senators not voting: 5 Democrats: Bennet, Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 1 Republican: Isakson; 1 Independent: Sanders

11:31 a.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on adoption of Lee Amendment #1209 (LWCF).

11:23 a.m. Senator Lee spoke supporting his amendment.

11:20 a.m. Senator Reed spoke supporting the Jones amendment #1141.

11:16 a.m. Senator Udall paid tribute to former Senator Kay Hagan and spoke opposing the Lee amendment #1209.

11:08 a.m. Senator Shaheen paid tribute to former Senator Kay Hagan.

10:55 a.m. Senator Tester paid tribute to former Senator Kay Hagan, spoke on the cost of prescription drugs and on the Washington Nationals World Series win.

10:45 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about appropriations, the impeachment inquiry, and pensions.

10:41 a.m. Senator McSally spoke about transit appropriations.

10:35 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about defense appropriations.

10:09 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about The Nationals, appropriations, impeachment, Turkey, as protests in the Middle East.

S.2755 was placed on the legislative calendar under the Rule 14 process.

The 45 amendments of the manager’s package to H.R. 3055 were adopted en bloc by unanimous consent.

10:02 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the prices of prescription drugs.

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

Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.3055, minibus appropriations II (cjs/thud/interior/ag).

7:40 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene October 31, 2019,  under the provisions of S.Res.390 and does so as a further mark of respect for the late Senator Kay Hagan.  Next votes will be at 11:30 a.m.  Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.3055, minibus appropriations II (cjs/thud/interior/ag).
At 11:30am, the Senate  conduct three votes: (1) Lee amendment #1209 (LWCF), (2) Jones amendment #1141 (Rostenkowski Test), and (3) passage of H.R.3055, as amended. A package of amendments (included below) will also be agreed to.
At 1:45pm, the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.2740, minibus appropriations I (defense/laborH/foreign ops/energy and water).

++

The following bills were adopted during wrap up:

Adopted S.Res.377: Nuclear Weapons Program Workers.

Adopted S.Res.389: National Dyslexia Awareness Month.

Adopted S.Res.390: honoring the life, accomplishments, and legacy of Senator Kay Hagan.

Completed the Rule 14 process to place H.R.4334, Dignity in Aging Act of 2019, on the Legislative Calendar of Business.

Began the Rule 14 process to place S.2755, to require a report on the plan to secure the enduring defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, on the Legislative Calendar of Business.

++

7:26 p.m. Senator Collins offered an Managers package amendment, 45 amendments, on the H.R. 3055 (CJS, Ag, Interior and THUD Appropriations):

Tester #953 (Ag Research)

               Smith #1023 (Rental Assistance)

               Hirono #1037 (Orchids)

               Brown #1088 (1890 Institutions) as modified

               Baldwin #1099 (Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network)

               Murkowski #1121 (Ocean Ag Working Group)

               Thune #1133 (Tribal Students Program)

               Capito #1143 (Rural Decentralized Water Systems)

               Smith #1149 (Rural Housing Service)

               Rosen #1161 (Distance Learning and Telemedicine)

               McSally #1163 (Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance)

               Reed #1217 (Eastern Equine Encephalitis)

               Stabenow #1223 (Urban Ag and Innovation Production)

               Cornyn #1224 (Food Insecurity)

               Warner #951 (Ashanti Alert Act)

               Capito #1077 (Select USA)

               Cantwell #1094 (Supercomputer Capacity)

               Toomey #1129 (Report on Automotive Imports)

               Durbin #1146 (Opioids)

               Gardner #1150 (COPS)

               McSally #1234 (Animal Welfare)

               Sinema #1025 (Tribal Detention Facilities)

               Ernst #1079 (Contractor Payments)

               Ernst #1081 (OMB Report)

               Cornyn #1151 (Waste Water)

               Cardin #1159 (Holocaust Museum)

               Rosen #1160 (Lake Tahoe)

               Thune #1162 (Indian Tribes)

               Peters #1182 (Geographic Programs)

               Cornyn #1193 (Smithsonian Latino Center)

               Menendez #1199 (Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers)

               Blunt #1211 (African American History Commission)

               McSally #1215 (Four Forest Restoration Initiative)

               Collins #1220 (Women’s History Initiative)

               Schumer #1227 (Outdoor Recreation)

               Hassan #956 (Rental Payments)

               Collins #1002 (Technical Correction)

               Shaheen #1005 (Emergency Medical Kits)

               Kaine #1010 (Remote Tower Pilot Program)

               Cortez Masto #1061 (Smart Cities)

               Cortez Masto #1062 (ITS Program Advisory Committee)

               Heinrich #1114 (HUD VASH)

               Shaheen #1130 (Manufactured Home Communities)

               Hoeven #1214 (Flight Schools-Vets)

               Portman #1235 (Family Unification Program HUD)

6:53 p.m. Senator Collins spoke in memory of Senator Kay Hagan.

5:45 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on climate change.

5:30 p.m. Senator Fisher spoke on the Defense Appropriations bill.

5:21 p.m. Senator Kennedy spoke on South Sudan.

5:08 p.m. Senator Cramer spoke in praise of the United States Military.

5:02 p.m. Senator Blackburn spoke on the Boeing company’s safety standards.

4:44 p.m. Senators Romney and Manchin spoke on debt and trust funds such as social security.

4:30 p.m. Senator Shaheen spoke on the pending appropriations bill.

4:00 p.m. The Senate returned from the recess.  Senators Merkley and Udall spoke on health care, gun safety, climate change and the Democrats agenda and asked UC to take up and pass  S.949 regarding election access and ethics rules.  Senator Blunt objected.

3:02 p.m. The Senate recessed until 4:00 p.m.

2:53 p.m. Senator Merkley paid tribute to former Senator Hagan.

2:51 p.m. Senator Roberts achieved UC to have the Senate recess from 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m for a briefing on Syria.

1:53 p.m. Senators Ernst, Portman, Blunt, Capito, Boozman, Hoeven, Daines and Roberts spoke about opioid abuse.

1:33 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about health care and immigration and asked u.c. to call up and pass S 2603, Resolving Extended Limbo for Immigrant Employees and Families Act. Senator Thune objected.

1:21 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about health care.

1:20 p.m. The Senate invoked cloture on the Shelby substitute amendment #948 by a tally of 88-5. Senators Blackburn, Cruz, Lee, Paul, and Scott (FL) voted no.

Senators not voting: 5 Democrats: Bennet, Booker, Harris, Klobuchar and Warren; 1 Republican: Cassidy; 1 Independent: Sanders.

12:55 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Shelby substitute amendment #948 to H.R. 3055 (CJS, Ag, Interior and THUD Appropriations).

12:54 p.m. The Senate did not agree to S.J.Res. 52, the Section 1332 Waiver CRA by a tally of 43-52. Senator Collins joined Democrats and voted yes.

Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Bennet, Booker, Harris and Warren; 1 Independent: Sanders.

12:20 p.m. Roll call vote began on S.J. Res. 52, the Section 1332 Waiver CRA.

12:17 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke about health care.

12:11 p.m. Senator Warner spoke about health care.

11:52 a.m. Senator Murray paid tribute to former Senator Kay Hagan.

11:41 a.m. Senator Braun spoke about health care.

11:14 a.m. Senator Baldwin spoke about health care and asked unanimous consent that the Senate adopt  S.1556. Senator Alexander objected. Senator Baldwin then asked unanimous consent that the Senate adopt S.1905. Senator Alexander objected.

10:55 a.m. Senator Alexander spoke about the health cares law.

10:41 a.m., Senator Romney spoke about the Ukraine episode.

10:26 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about appropriations.

10:06 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about defense appropriations. He spoke about House impeachment rules. He spoke about the pending resolution against a state option under the health care law.

Under Rule XIV, Senator McConnell took steps to bring directly to the floor H.R.4335, an amendment to the Older Americans Act.

10:03 a.m. Senator Grassley saluted women who own businesses. He spoke about impeachment.

*****

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

Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.J.Res.52, providing for congressional disapproval of the rule submitted by the Secretaries of the Treasury and the Secretary of Health and Human Services relating to “State Relief and Empowerment Waivers”.

At 12:15 p.m.: Two roll call votes: 

1. Passage of S.J.Res.52.
2. Cloture on Shelby substitute amendment #948 (Senate texts of CJS, Ag, Interior, and THUD appropriations) to H.R.3055.

Majority Leader McConnell has also filed cloture on the underlying appropriations bill H.R.3055, and on the motion to proceed to H.R.2740, (Defense/Labor-HHS/Energy & Water/State, Foreign Ops appropriations).

6:45 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned.

6:15 p.m. Senator Casey spoke about open enrollment for insurance.

5:50 p.m. Senator Cassidy spoke on the rise of healthcare premiums under Obamacare.

5:41 p.m. Senator Perdue spoke about gun violence in schools.

5:40 p.m. Leader McConnell asked that debate time expire on S.J. Res 52 expire at 12:15 Wednesday, October 30 and the cloture motions filed Monday ripen following the disposition of S.J. Res 52.

when the Senate completes it’s business it adjourn until 10:00 am and resume S.J. Res under the previous order.

5:30 p.m. Senator Paul paid tribute to Jim Mehlman.

5:15 p.m.  Senator Durbin discussed preexisting conditions and insurance coverage.

4:09 p.m. Senator Reed spoke about S.J. Res. 52 and paid tribute to former Senator Kay Hagan.

3:57 p.m. Senator Gardner spoke about appropriations.

3:38 p.m. Senator Coons spoke about the impeachment inquiry and paid tribute to Sonny Sloan.

3:28 p.m. Senator Sinema spoke about S.J. Res. 52.

3:15 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke against S.J. Res. 52.

2:57 p.m. Senators Manchin, Warner and Casey spoke about coal miners pensions.

2:43 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke on the Defense Authorization.

2:38 p.m. Senator Warner thanked Senator Kennedy for his 5G remarks before calling up SJ Res 52, regarding state relief and empowerment waivers.

2:20 p.m. Senator Kennedy spoke on 5G technology and the sale of spectrum for that purpose.

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

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

12:25 p.m. Senator Collins spoke about the cost of prescription drugs and aviation safety.

12:08 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about impeachment, the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and the Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act.

11:58 a.m. Senator Brown spoke about amendment #1088 to H.R. 3055.

11:42 a.m. Senator Van Hollen spoke on individuals testifying before the House on possible impeachment proceedings.

11:34 a.m. Senators Smith, Van Hollen, Kaine and Brown spoke on federal contractors affected by government shutdowns.

11:19 a.m. Senator Portman spoke on health care and appropriations; particularly infrastructure needs and finally, the Jobs Act.

11:10 a.m. Senator Thune spoke briefly about Kay Hagan and the appropriations process before turning to discuss health care.

10:50 a.m. Senator Collins spoke about appropriations.

10:25 p.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about appropriations. He spoke about electric automobiles and other matters related to climate change.

10:15 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the immigration status of a group of Venezuelans.

10:04 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about defense appropriations. He spoke about medical insurance at the state level. He spoke about agriculture.

10:03 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about prescription drug legislation.

***

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

Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.3055, appropriations minibus II.

The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

Majority Leader McConnell filed cloture on the following:

• Shelby substitute amendment #948 (CJS/Ag/Interior/THUD appropriations)
• on the underlying bill
• on the motion to proceed to H.R.2740, (Defense/LaborH/Energy and Water/State, Foreign Ops appropriations).

• If no agreement is reached, under the rule, the cloture vote on Shelby substitute amendment #948 would occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Wednesday.

5:32 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Cortez Masto amendment.

5:25 p.m. Senator Jones spoke on his amendment #1067 (loan relending program of titles for heirs’ property owners).

5:13 p.m. Senator Paul spoke on his amendment #1019 (2 percent cut).

5:04 p.m. Senators Cortez Masto and Lankford spoke on amendment #961 regarding food distribution programs.

4:36 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on Hillary Clintons emails.

3:55 p.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke in memory of Senator Hagen. He spoke about al-Baghdadi and the threat of the Islamic State. He spoke about impeachment. He spoke about medical insurance coverage. He spoke about climate change and automobile emissions.

3:07 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke in memory of Senator Hagen. He spoke about the death of the Islamic State leader, al-Baghdadi. He spoke about impeachment. He spoke about a cloture vote later this week on military appropriations./

3:02 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about prescription drugs.

The Senate resumed consideration of H.R. 3055, the appropriations measure for the Departments of Commerce and Justice and related agencies.

***

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

Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R. 3055, appropriations minibus II.

At 5:30 p.m. – up to 3 roll call votes:

1. Cortez Masto Amendment 961 (food distribution programs)

2. Paul Amendment 1019 (2 percent cut)

3. Jones Amendment 1067 (loan relending program of titles for heirs’ property owners)

5:00 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene on Monday, October 28 at 3:00 p.m. They will resume consideration of H.R. 3055 with votes on  the Cortez Masto amendment (food distribution programs), the Paul amendment (reduce appropriations by 2 percent)and the Jones amendment (farmland relending program) to occur at 5:30 p.m.

During wrap-up:

• Passed Calendar #198, S.2107: Protecting America’s Food & Agriculture Act.
• Passed Calendar #197, S.2065, with committee-reported substitute: Deepfake Report Act.
• Adopted S.Res.362: designating the week beginning on October 13, 2019, as “National Wildlife Refuge Week”
• Adopted S.Res.379: National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.
• Adopted S.Res.380: National Retirement Security Week.
• Adopted S.Res.381: Day of the Deployed.
• Adopted S.Res.382: National Principals Month.
• Adopted S.Res.383: Lights on Afterschool.
• Adopted S.Res.384: Legal Counsel.

4:13 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke about Syria.

3:42 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about Syria.

3:00 p.m. Senator Van Hollen asked unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to H.R. 549 (Temporary Protected Status) and that his amendment be agreed to. Senator Scott objected.

2:59 p.m. Senator Scott asked unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to H.R. 549 (Temporary Protected Status) and that his amendment be agreed to. Senator Van Hollen objected.

2:57 p.m. Senator Scott (FL) spoke about Venezuela.

2:46 p.m. Senator Manchin paid tribute to Capt. Charles T. Jones.

2:36 p.m. Senator Van Hollen spoke about the FUTURE Act and asked unanimous consent to adopt H.R. 2486. Senator Alexander objected.

2:36 p.m. The Walker nomination was confirmed on a party line vote of 50-41.

1:36 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the Walker nomination.

1:22 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke on election interference and asked UC to take up and pass S. 1247, Senator Paul objected.

1:06 p.m. Senator Warner spoke on the situation in Syria and asked UC to take up and pass S. 2625, Senator Paul objected.

12:39 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on trade and the USMCA.

12:38 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Walker nomination on a party line tally of 50-39.

Senators not voting: 7 Democrats: Booker, Carper, Coons, Harris, Kaine, Whitehouse and Warren; 3 Republicans: Hyde Smith, Isakson and Moran; 1 Independent: Sanders.

12:00 p.m. The Senate returned and began a roll call vote on cloture on the nomination of Justin Walker to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Kentucky.

10:37 a.m. The Senate stands in recess until 12:00 noon.

10:21 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about the impeachment inquiry, Syria, and Judicial nominations.

10:02 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the Walker nomination,  the opioid epidemic, and the impeachment inquiry.

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

Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the nomination of Justin Walker to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Kentucky.

The Senate will recess from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon to allow for the Lying in State Honoring Rep. Elijah Cummings.

At 12:00 noon, the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Walker nomination.

At 1:45 p.m., if cloture is invoked, the Senate will vote on confirmation of the Walker nomination.

6:15 p.m. The Senate adjourned.

6:14 p.m. ML McConnell wrapped up for the evening. No business was done by voice vote or unanimous consent during wrap-up.

4:31 p.m Senators Warner, Murray, Wyden and Stabenow spoke about health care and pre-existing conditions.

4:12 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke USMCA.

3:49 p.m. Senator Cramer spoke supporting the USMCA.

3:40 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about election security and asked u.c. to call up and pass S. 1834, Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act. Senator Cramer objected.

3:39 p.m. The Senate did not agree to passage of SJ Res 50, the “State and Local Taxes” (SALT) CRA by a tally of 43-52.

Senator Bennet voted against the resolution and Senator Paul voted in favor.

Senators not voting: Harris, Isakson, Sanders, Warren and Whitehouse.

3:05 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on passage of S.J. Res. 50, to disapprove of a measure relating to credits for state and local taxes.

2:53 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke paying tribute to former Senator Ted Stevens, the Alaskan of the Century.

2:50 p.m. Senator Shelby spoke paying tribute to former Senator Stevens.

2:45 p.m. Senator Wicker spoke paying tribute to former Senator Ted Stevens.

2:29 p.m. Senators Blunt, Murkowski, Wicker, Shelby and Sullivan paid tribute to former Senator Ted Stevens and on his portrait unveiling.

1:42 p.m. Senators Ernst, McSally, Blackburn, Portman, Wicker Hyde-Smith, Hoeven and Blunt spoke about the USMCA.

1:33 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about flawed SALT regulations.

1:08 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the USMCA and tax reform.

12:56 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke about tax reform.

12:53 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about tax reform.

12:33 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about gun control and mental health as well as tax reform.

12:25 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke about the Appropriations process.

12:21 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about the Agriculture Appropriations bill.

12:13 p.m. Senator Feinstein spoke about Ted Stevens.

12:02 p.m. Senator Hawley spoke about Hong Kong protests.

11:54 a.m. Senator Wyden asked UC to proceed to S. 2238-the SAFE act. Senator Blackburn objected.

11:45 a.m. Senator Klobuchar and Senator Wyden spoke about election security legislation. Senator Klobuchar asked UC to proceed S. 2669 -the SHIELD act. Senator Blackburn objected.

11:41 a.m. Senator Warner asked UC to proceed to S. 2242-FIRE Act. Senator Blackburn objected.

11:35 a.m. Senator Warner spoke about Russian election interference.

11:27 a.m. Senator Toomey spoke about tax reform.

10:57 a.m. Senators Murkowski and Udall spoke on the appropriations process and H.R. 3055; specifically the Department of Interior portions.

10:46 a.m. Senator Gardner spoke on his tours around Colorado discussing agriculture.

10:40 a.m. Senator Daines spoke on trade.

10:34 a.m. Democratic Leader spoke on the situation in Syria.

10:11 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about the pending state and local tax measure. He spoke about the tax exemption for religious organizations.

9:41 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about Senator Stevens. He spoke about H.R. 4617, a measure relating to the Federal Election Commission. He spoke about the pending measure on state and local tax credits.

Senator acted under Rule XIV to bring directl to the floor S.J. Res. 59, expressing the sense of Congress opposing the U.S. withdrawal from Syria and Turkey’s incursion into Turkey.

9:32 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the unveiling of a portrait of the late Sen. Ted Stevens.

***

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and will resume consideration of S.J. Res. 50, to disapprove of a measure relating to credits for state and local taxes.

At 2:45 p.m., the Senate will vote on passage of the resolution to disapprove of the tax-credit measure.

After the vote on the tax question, the Senate will resume consideration of the fiscal 2020 appropriations minibus, H.R.3055. Measure covers spending for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, Agriculture, Interior, Transportation, HUD and related agencies, as well as military construction, veterans affairs, and science.

Senate Amendment #948 and Senate Amendment #950 are now pending to H.R.3055, the appropriations measure.