10:00 p.m.  The Senate now stands in adjournment until 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 19th and resume the McGuire nomination.

9:00 p.m. The Senate is voting on a series of votes in relation to the First Step Act:

• Kennedy-Cotton amendment #4109, Division I. Vote results 32- 67 the amendment fails.
• Kennedy-Cotton amendment #4109, Division II. Vote results 33 -66 the amendment fails.
• Kennedy-Cotton amendment #4109, Division III. Vote results 37-62 the amendment fails.
• Cruz-Lankford amendment to expand the list of offenses for which a prisoner is ineligible to receive certain time credits and to modify a provision relating to a limitation on faith-based activities (#4131).  Agreed to by Voice vote.
• Motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 756, with a further amendment #4108 [passage of the Frist Step Act (S. 3747) Final passage passed  87 – 12.

6:29 p.m. Senator Durbin and Rubio spoke on criminal justice reform.

6:16 p.m. Senator Cotton spoke on his amendments on the criminal justice reform bill and his overall concerns of the underlying bills.

6:02 p.m. Senator Udall spoke on border wall and border security.

4:51 Senator Portman spoke on national parks.

4:25 Senator Booker spoke on criminal justice reform.

4:17 p.m. Senator King spoke about departing staffer Kay Rand.

4:07 p.m. Senator Isakson spoke about outgoing Governor Nathan Deal and on the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act.

3:52 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about national defense funding.

3:33 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke about criminal justice reform and called up amendment #4120. Senator Durbin objected.

3:19 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about criminal justice reform.

3:13 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about criminal justice reform.

3:01 p.m. Senator Kennedy spoke about criminal justice reform.

2:50 p.m. Senator Thune paid tribute to Senators Alexander and Kyl; before discussing government funding and immigration.

2:40 p.m. Senator Gardner offered a UC request to take up his amendment (#4123) regarding marijuana legalization; Senator Grassley objected.

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

12:44 p.m. The Senate recessed until 2:15 to accommodate party luncheons.

12:37 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke on criminal justice reform.

12:19 p.m. Senator Kyl spoke on national defense.

12:14 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke on national defense.

12:02 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke on criminal justice reform.

11:48 a.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke on criminal justice reform.

11:35 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on criminal justice reform.

11:32 a.m. H.R. 6615, Reauthorizing the Tramatic Brain Injury Program, and Alexander amendment, were agreed to by unanimous consent.

11:11 a.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke on partisanship in Congress and criminal justice reform.

11:07 a.m. Senator Booker spoke on criminal justice reform.

10:49 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke in tribute to Senator Donnelly and on criminal justice reform.

10:33 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke on criminal justice reform, on his 12,800 votes in the Senate, and in tribute to his chief of staff.

10:31 a.m. Senator Donnelly gave his farewell speech.

10:17 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke on government funding, on health care, and in tribute to Senator Donnelly.

10:13 a.m. Senator Kyl thanked the Leader for his comments and friendship.

10:05 a.m. ML McConnell spoke about criminal justice reform and in tribute to Senator Kyl and to outgoing chief of staff John Kelly.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and resume consideration of the post cloture motion to concur in the House message to accompany S.756, the legislative vehicle for Criminal Justice Reform.

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

No votes are scheduled at this time.

7:36 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 10 a.m. Tuesday, when it will resume consideration of the criminal justice bill, S. 756.

7:32 p.m. Senator Crapo secured consent for: S. 2511, as amended, on a program coordinating unmanned maritime systems; S. 3191, as amended, on civil rights case records; and S. 3238, as amended, to improve oversight of broadcast emergency alert systems.

7:15 p.m. Senator Lee responded to Senator Whitehouse.

7:14 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about the medical disabilities measure.

7:09 p.m. Senator Whitehouse sought consent for the measure. Senator Lee objected.

7:02 p.m. Senators Whitehouse and Cotton spoke about their bill on disability insurance for victim’s of Lou Gehrig’s disease.

7:01 p.m. By a vote of 82 to 12, the Senate invoked cloture on the criminal justice bill. Voting NO were Republicans Barrasso, Burr, Cotton, Enzi, Kennedy, Kyl, Murkowski, Risch, Rounds, Sasse, Sullivan and Toomey. Not voting were Alexander, Cassidy, Graham, Heller, Johnson, and Tillis

5:32 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the on the motion to concur in the House amendment with a further amendment to S.756.

5:21 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about criminal justice reform.

5:11 p.m. Senator Enzi spoke about the federal budget process.

5:01 p.m. Senator McConnell filed cloture on the nomination of Joseph Maguire of Florida to be director of the national Counterterrorism Center under the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

4:56 p.m. Senator Jones spoke about the criminal justice bill. He paid tribute to the late Giles Perkins.

4:39 p.m. Senator Durbin paid tribute to Senator Alexander and spoke on criminal justice reform.

4:25 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about the CR and paid tribute to Senator Alexander.

4:06 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on criminal justice reform.

3:56 p.m. Senator Moran paid tribute to Lynn Jacobs and Kevin Yoder.

3:47 p.m. Senator Boozman spoke about the farm bill.

3:08 p.m. The following legislation was passed:

1. The Senate concurred in the House amendment to S. 1311, Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017, by unanimous consent.
2. The Senate concurred in the House amendment to S. 1312, Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2017, by unanimous consent.
3. S. 1862, Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2017, and the Menendez amendment, were agreed to by voice vote.
4. H.R. 2200, Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2018, and the Murray amendment, were agreed to by voice vote.
5. S. 1520, Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2017, and the Wicker amendment, were agreed to by unanimous consent.

3:05 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell paid tribute to Senator Alexander.

3:03 p.m. President Pro Tempore Hatch swore in Senator Hyde-Smith.

The Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m.  Following any Leader remarks, resume consideration of the House Message to accompany S.756, the legislative vehicle for the First Step Act.

At 5:30 p.m. the Senate will conduct a cloture vote on the motion to concur in the House amendment with a further amendment to S.756.

6:59 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, December 17th. Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the House Message on S.756, the legislative vehicle for Criminal Justice Reform. At 5:30 p.m. on Monday the Senate will vote on the Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House message to accompany S.756, with further amendment, legislative vehicle for Criminal Justice Reform.

• Passed S.2827, with Barrasso substitute amendment: Udall Foundation Act.
• Passed S.645, Measuring the Economic Impact of Broadband Act.
• Passed H.R.4431, Correcting Miscalculations in Veterans’ Pensions Act.
• Passed H.R.6160, Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act.
• Passed H.R.1318, Preventing Maternal Deaths Act.
• Passed S.2322, with Johnson amendment, Codifying Useful Regulatory Definitions Act.
• Passed by voice vote S.2863, National Law Enforcement Museum Commemorative Coin Act.
• Passed S.3461, AMBER Alert Nationwide Act.
• Adopted S.Res.717, Rebecca Teresa Weichhand.
• Adopted S.Res.731, Human Rights Day.
• Passed H.R.6227, with Thune substitute amendment, National Quantum Initiative Act.

5:31 p.m. Senator Young spoke honoring Fred Fasenfill.

5:27 p.m. Senator Lankford asked u.c. to consider:

• H.R. 2606, Stigler Act Amendments, Lankford amendment agreed to by U.C. The bill, as amended, is agreed to by U.C.
• S. 2599, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation Restoration Act. Committee-reported amendments agreed to by U.C. The bill, as amended, is agreed to by Voice Vote.
• H.R. 4032, Gila River Indian Community Federal Rights-of-Way, Easements and Boundary Clarification Act, agreed to by Voice Vote.
• S. Res. 707, 40th Anniversary of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, agreed to by Voice Vote.

5:05 p.m. Senator Cassidy paid tribute to WWII veterans.

4:45 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about opioid epidemic and also paid tribute to Senator Corker.

4:24 p.m. Senator Casey spoke about the anniversary of the Sandy Hook mass shooting.

4:18 p.m. Senator Wicker spoke honoring Rex Buffington.

3:53 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke supporting the Farm Bill Conference Report.

3:34 p.m. Senators Roberts and Stabenow spoke supporting the Farm Bill Conference Report

3:30 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture and filled the amendment tree on the motion to concur in the House amendment to  S. 756, Save Our Seas Act and concur in with a further amend. #4108 legislative vehicle for Criminal Justice Reform bill.

3:25 p.m. The Senate adopted by a voice vote, S.J.Res. 69, Supporting a diplomatic solution in Yemen and condemning the murder of Jamal Khashoggi.

3:22 p.m. The Senate proceeded to S.J.Res. 69, Supporting a diplomatic solution in Yemen and condemning the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Senator Corker spoke supporting the resolution.

3:21 p.m. By a vote of 56-41, the Senate adopted S.J. Res. 54, Yemen War Powers Resolution, as amended.

• Republican Senators voting yes: Collins, Daines, Flake, Lee, Moran, Paul, and Young.
• Senators not voting: Graham, Heller, and Tillis.

3:04 p.m. The Senate began voting on passage of S.J.Res. 54, Yemen War Powers Resolution, as amended.

2:59 p.m. The Senate did not agree to the Cotton amendment #4098 by a vote of 45-54.

2:43 p.m. The Senate began voting on the Cotton amend #4098.

2:42 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke against the Cotton amend #4098.

2:41 p.m. Senator Cotton spoke on his amendment #4097. The Senate rejected Cotton #4097 by a voice vote.

2:40 p.m. The Senate adopted Cornyn #4090 and Cornyn #4095 amends en bloc.

2:37 p.m. The Senate adopted the Cornyn amend #4096 as modified by a vote 0f 99-0. Senator Tillis did not vote.

2:19 p.m. The Senate began voting on the Cornyn amendment #4096, as modified.

2:18 p.m. The Senate adopted the Young amendment #4080 by a vote of 58-41.

• 9 Republican Senators Alexander, Cassidy, Collins, Corker, Lee, Moran, Murkowski, Paul, and Young joined all Democrats voting yes.
• Senator Tillis did not vote.

1:49 p.m. The Senate has begun voting on the Young amendment #4080.

1:47 p.m. Senator Young spoke for his amendment.

1:45 p.m. Senator Corker said the first votes will be 15 minutes. Subsequent votes will be five minutes.

1:42 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke about the Yemen bill.

1:26 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke about the Yemen resolution.

1:17 p.m. Senator Moran paid tribute to his departing military fellow, Army Capt. Mark Bedren.

1:10 p.m. Senator Durbin Paid tribute to Senator McCaskill.

1:01 p.m. Senator Nelson paid tribute to Senator McCaskill.

12:56 p.m. Senator Tester paid tribute to Senator McCaskill.

12:51 p.m. Senator Collins paid tribute to Senator McCaskill.

12:49 p.m. Senator Feinstein paid tribute to Senator McCaskill.

12:42 p.m. Senator Blunt paid tribute to Senator McCaskill.

12:29 p.m. Senator McCaskill gave her farewell speech.

12:28 p.m. Senator Corker introduced Cornyn amdt. #4096 as modified.

12:11 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the opioid epidemic and paid tribute to Senator Flake.

12:01 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke on the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veteran’s Act and the resolution.

11:53 a.m. Senator Lankford spoke on the resolution.

11:35 a.m. Senator Collins paid tribute to Senator Flake.

11:25 a.m. Senators Kyl and Coons paid tribute to Senator Flake.

11:03 a.m. Senator Flake delivered his farewell address.

10:58 a.m. Senator Leahy spoke on S.J.Res. 54.

10:54 a.m. The Senate passed by Unanimous Consent: S 3749, A Bill to amend the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 to reform the procedures for the initiation, review, and resolution of claiming that offices of the Legislative Branch have violated the protections of their employees including protections against sexual harassment and for other purposes. Senators Blunt and Klobuchar spoke supporting the legislation.

10:42 a.m. Senator Rubio spoke about Senator Heller and on S.J.Res. 54, Yemen War Powers Resolution.

10:30 a.m. Senators, Cornyn, Isakson, Thune, and Cortez Masto paid tribute to Senator Heller.

10:06 a.m. Senator Heller gave his farewell speech.

9:52 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the possibility of a government shutdown over the disputed resolution to continue federal appropriations — including the proposed spending for a border wall. He spoke about China’s trade practices.

He paid tribute to Senator Heitkamp.

9:33 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell secured second reading under Rule XIV for S. 3747, a measure addressing prisoner recidivism. He spoke about items remaining on the Senate agenda for this Congress, including today’s disposition of the Yemen War Powers resolution. He spoke about recent Senate action, including passage of the new bill to prevent sexual harassment on Capitol Hill.

He paid tribute to Senator Flake.

*****

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and will resume consideration of S.J. Res. 54, the Yemen War Powers Resolution.

At 1:45 p.m. there will be up to 8 votes on S.J. Res. 54:

1. Young amdt. #4080 (mid-air refueling)
2. Cornyn amdt. #4096 (rule of construction re: Israel and regional allies)
3. Cornyn amdt. #4090 (risk assessment report)
4. Cornyn amdt. #4095 (risk assessment report re: terrorist attacks )
5. Cotton amdt. #4097 (provision of material and advice )
6. Cotton Amdt. #4098 ( operations against Houthi attacks)
7. Sanders amdt. #4105 (no authorization of military force against Iran)
8. Passage of S.J. Res. 54

9:22 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 9:30 a.m., Thursday, December 13^th. Following leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.J. Res. 54, the Yemen War Powers Resolution.

At 1:45 p.m. there will be up to 8 votes on S.J. Res. 54:

1. Young amdt. #4080 (mid-air refueling)
2. Cornyn amdt. #4096 (rule of construction re: Israel and regional allies )
3. Cornyn amdt. #4090 (risk assessment report)
4. Cornyn amdt. #4095 (risk assessment report re: terrorist attacks )
5. Cotton amdt. #4097 (provision of material and advice )
6. Cotton Amdt. #4098 ( operations against Houthi attacks)
7. Sanders amdt. #4105 (no authorization of military force against Iran)
8. Passage of S.J. Res. 54

During wrap-up:

Nominations

• #1154 – #1169
• All nomination placed on the Secretary’s Desk in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corp and Navy

Legislative

• 3747 – 1^st Reading
• 3748 –  Improving the Inspector General Process for Legislative Branch Instrumentalities Act passed by unanimous consent.
• 1158 – Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act of 2018, and Cardin substitute amendment, passed by unanimous consent.
• 1580 – Protecting Girls’ Access to Education in Vulnerable Settings Act, and committee-reported substituent amendment, passed by voice vote.
• R. 1222 – Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2017, and Durbin substitute, as amended, passed by unanimous consent.
• 3031 – Federal Personal Property Management Act of 2018, passed by unanimous consent.
• 2076 – Authorizing expansion of activities related to Alzheimer’s disease, and Collins amendment, passed by voice vote.
• R. 7120 – Extending through 2023 FEC authority to impose civil money penalties, passed by unanimous consent.
• Res. 444 – American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Women, passed by voice vote.
• Res. 596 – Puyallup, passed by unanimous consent.
• Postal Namings passed by unanimous consent, en bloc:
  • R.6020 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 325 South Michigan Avenue in Howell, Michigan, as the “Sergeant Donald Burgett Post Office Building”.
  • R.5791 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 9609 South University Boulevard in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, as the “Deputy Sheriff Zackari Spurlock Parrish, III, Post Office Building”.
  • R.5792 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 90 North 4th Avenue in Brighton, Colorado, as the “Detective Heath McDonald Gumm Post Office”.
  • R.6591 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 501 South Kirkman Road in Orlando, Florida, as the “Napoleon ‘Nap’ Ford Post Office Building”.
  • R.6780 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7521 Paula Drive in Tampa, Florida, as the “Major Andreas O’Keeffe Post Office Building”.
  • R.6513 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1110 West Market Street in Athens, Alabama, as the “Judge James E. Horton, Jr. Post Office Building”.
  • R.6405 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2801 Mitchell Road in Ceres, California, as the “Lance Corporal Juana Navarro Arellano Post Office Building”.
  • R.6655 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 44160 State Highway 299 East Suite 1 in McArthur, California, as the “Janet Lucille Oilar Post Office”.
  • R.6216 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3025 Woodgate Road in Montrose, Colorado, as the “Sergeant David Kinterknecht Post Office”.
  • R.6217 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 241 N 4th Street in Grand Junction, Colorado, as the “Deputy Sheriff Derek Geer Post Office Building”.
  • R.6831 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 35 West Main Street in Frisco, Colorado, as the “Patrick E. Mahany, Jr., Post Office Building”.
  • R.4326 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 200 West North Street in Normal, Illinois, as the “Sgt. Josh Rodgers Post Office”.
  • R.6428 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 332 Ramapo Valley Road in Oakland, New Jersey, as the “Frank Leone Post Office”.
  • R.5395 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 116 Main Street in Dansville, New York, as the “Staff Sergeant Alexandria Gleason-Morrow Post Office Building”.
  • R.5412 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 25 2nd Avenue in Brentwood, New York, as the “Army Specialist Jose L. Ruiz Post Office Building”.
  • R.6621 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 530 East Main Street in Johnson City, Tennessee, as the “Major Homer L. Pease Post Office”.
  • R.1210 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 122 W. Goodwin Street, Pleasanton, Texas, as the “Pleasanton Veterans Post Office”.
  • R.1211 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 400 N. Main Street, Encinal, Texas, as the “Encinal Veterans Post Office”.
  • R.3184 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 180 McCormick Road in Charlottesville, Virginia, as the “Captain Humayun Khan Post Office”.
  • R.6628 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4301 Northeast 4th Street in Renton, Washington, as the “James Marshall ‘Jimi’ Hendrix Post Office Building”.

7:35 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about the resolution.

7:15 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke about Saudi Arabia.

6:56 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about the resolution.

6:49 p.m. Senator Flake spoke about Zimbabwe.

6:31 p.m. Senator Tester spoke paid tribute to his staffers Aaron Murphy and Dana Swanson.

6:28 p.m. Senator Peters spoke in favor of the resolution.

6:08 p.m. Senator Lee spoke in support of the resolution.

5:45 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke on the resolution and the Time magazine’s person of the year.

5:31 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke in support of the resolution.

5:26 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke in opposition to the resolution.

5:10 p.m. Senator Young brought up his amendment onto the Yemen resolution to address in-flight refueling by U.S. aircraft of non-U.S. aircraft.

4:40 p.m. Senators Corker and Menendez spoke on the resolution.

4:21 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke in favor of the resolution.

4:17 p.m. The Senate voted 96-3 that it is the judgement of the Senate that amendments offered under 50 USC 15-46-A Must be germane to the underlying joint resolution.

Senators Cruz, Lee and Paul voted no, and Senator Tillis did not vote.

3:40 p.m. The Senate is now voting on if it is the judgement of the Senate that amendments offered under 50 USC 15-46-A be germane to the underlying joint resolution.

3:37 p.m. Senator Corker raised a point of order that amendments offered under 50 U.S.C., 15- 46-A must be germane to the underlying joint resolution to which they are offered.

3:35 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke on where the Senate stands regarding germanes of amendments to S.J. Res. 54.

3:35 p.m. The motion to proceed to S.J. Res. 54, the Yemen War Powers Resolution was agreed to by a vote of 60 to 39.

Senators in favor: 47 Democrats, 2 Independents (King and Sanders), 11 Republicans: Cassidy, Collins, Crapo, Daines, Flake, Lee, Moran, Murkowski, Paul, Risch and Young.

Senator Tillis did not vote.

2:56 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the motion to proceed to S. J. Res. 54, the Yemen War Powers Resolution.

2:49 p.m. Senator Cruz paid tribute to Senator Nelson.

2:33 p.m. Senators Rubio, Klobuchar and Thune paid tribute to Senator Nelson.

2:00 p.m. Senator Nelson gave his farewell speech.

1:44 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke on government funding.

1:05 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about tax reform.

1:04 p.m. Senator Grassley achieved unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to a period of morning business.

1:03 p.m. The Senate adopted S.J Res 64, 50-49.  Republican Senator Collins joined all Democrats and Independents King and Sanders in favor.

Senator Tillis did not vote.

12:27 p.m. The Senate began voting on adoption of S.J.Res.64, Congressional Review Act on Non-Profit Disclosure.

12:19 p.m. Senator Testor spoke on the non-profit disclosure bill.

12:12 p.m. Senator Johnson paid tribute to Senator Hatch and spoke on the non-profit disclosure bill.

12:07 p.m. Senator Shaheen spoke on the non-profit disclosure bill.

12:05 p.m. Senator Sullivan paid tribute to Senator Hatch.

12:01 p.m. Senator Cornyn paid tribute to Senator Hatch.

11:55 a.m. Senator Enzi paid tribute to Senator Hatch.

11:47 a.m. Senator Collins paid tribute to Senator Hatch.

11:43 a.m. Senator Inhofe paid tribute to Senator Hatch.

11:33 a.m. Senator Lee paid tribute to Senator Hatch.

11:27 a.m. Senator Wyden paid tribute to Senator Hatch.

10:56 a.m. Senator Hatch spoke about his time in the Senate.

10:49 a.m. Senator Van Hollen spoke about the non-profit disclosure bill.

10:47 a.m. Senator Peters spoke about the non-profit disclosure bill.

10:39 a.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about the non-profit disclosure bill.

10:19 a.m. Senator Wyden spoke about his bill tor require financial disclosure by certain non-profits.

10:06 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the non-profit disclosure bill, Senator Nelson and border security.

9:56 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about Senator Hatch, the farm bill and the president’s threat of a government shutdown.

9:32 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the hemp provision of the farm bill passed yesterday. He spoke about the non-profit disclosure bill. He said the Senate may consider the Yemen act later. He paid tribute to the retiring Senator Hatch.

*****

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and will resume consideration of S.J.Res.64, Congressional Review Act on Non-Profit Disclosure.

At 12:15 pm, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on adoption of the non-profit disclosure bill.

Passed in wrap up:

Passed Calendar #560, S.1092, with Thune substitute amendment: Interstate Transport Act of 2018.

Passed Calendar #581, S.2961, with Blunt amendment: reauthorize subtitle A of the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990.

Passed Calendar #612, H.R.6964: Juvenile Justice Reform Act.

Passed Calendar #695, S.3482: Emergency Medical Services for Children Program Reauthorization.

Passed by voice vote Calendar #701, H.R.1872: Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act.

Passed H.R.5759: 21^st Century IDEA.

Passed H.R.3996: Protecting Access to the Courts for Taxpayers Act.

Adopted S.Res.154: promoting awareness of motorcycle profiling, and for other purposes.

Adopted S.Res.565, with Perdue amendment: 40^th Anniversary of Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay.

Adopted S.Res.711: designating November 2018 as “National Runaway Prevention Month”.

Adopted S.Res.719: designating December 15, 2018, as “Wreaths Across America Day”.

Adopted S.Res.720: expressing condolences of the Senate and honoring the memory of the victims of the shooting at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, on November 19, 2018.

Adopted S.Res.721: designating the week beginning on October 21, 2018, as “National Chemistry Week”.

Adopted S.Res.722: designating October 26, 2018, as “Day of the Deployed”.

Adopted S.Res.723: congratulating the American College of Emergency Physicians on its 50^th anniversary.

11:53 a.m. By a vote of 55 to 44 the Senate confirmed the nomination of Justin Muzinich to be Deputy Treasury Secretary. Voting YEA were all Republicans present, Democrats Blumnthal, Coons, Jones and Nelson and independent King. Senator Tillis did not vote.

11 a.m. The vote began on the Muzinich nomination.

10:55 a.m. Senator Capito spoke about border security.

10:21 a.m. Senator Alexander spoke about health care.

10:04 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell said the Senate will take up the revised criminal justice bill and will, if necessary, be in session between Christmas and New Year’s in order to complete work on the floor agenda.  He cited these additional matters as requiring action this session: presidential nominations; the farm bill; the resolution to continue federal spending, including money for border security; disposition of the Yemen resolution; a bill requiring certain non-profits to make public their lists of contributors.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m.

Following any leader remarks, resume consideration of the nomination of Justin Muzinich to be Deputy Secretary of Treasury, post cloture.

At 11:30 a.m., the Senate will proceed to a confirmation vote on the Muzinich nomination.

At 12:30 p.m., the Senate will recess for the weekly caucus luncheons until 2:15 p.m.

6:48 p.m. ML McConnell wrapped up for the evening. NO items were passed by UC or voice vote.  UC that Senate adjourn until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 11th; vote on Muzinich at 11:30 a.m.

6:24 p.m. Senator Gillibrand asked UC to take up and pass HR 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act; Senator Iskason joined in urging in favor.  Senator Enzi objected. Senators Gillibrand, Daines , Tester, Brown and Blumenthal spoke in favor of the bill.

6:23 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Muzinich nomination 55-43.

Senators voting in favor: 50 Republicans; 4 Democrats: Blumenthal, Coons, Jones and Nelson; 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 42 Democrats, 1 Independent: Sanders.

Senators not voting: 1 Republican: Tillis, 1 Democrat: McCaskill.

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

5:15 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke about the continuing resolution.

4:52 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about the space program.

4:35 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke against the Muzinich nomination.

4:22 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the migrant crisis.

4:02 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke on the Muzinich nomination.

*****

The Senate will convene at 4:00 p.m. and resume consideration of the nomination of Justin Muzinich to be Deputy Secretary of Treasury.

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will proceed to a cloture vote on the Muzinich nomination.

6:14  The Senate adjourned and will reconvene at 4:00 on Monday, December 10. They will resume consideration of the Justin Muzinich to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury with a cloture vote on the nomination to occur at 5:30 p.m. The following bills were passed and nominations confirmed during wrap up:

4:45 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about the Anchorage earthquake.

3:59 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about the Florida Everglades.

3:35 p.m. Senator Boozman spoke about the global war on terror.

3:01 p.m. Senator Feinstein spoke about climate change.

2:56 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.

2:52 p.m. Senator Thune paid tribute to former president George H. W. Bush.

2:36 p.m. Senator Moran paid tribute to Herb Holtzhafel of the Farmers’ Rights Cooperative and paid tribute to Kansas University head football couch Bill Snyder.

2:19 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke about fentanyl from China.

2:18 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell filed cloture on the nomination of Justin George Muzinich to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury.

2:17 p.m. The Senate confirmed the Kraninger nomination by a vote of 50 to 49. Senator Tillis did not vote.

1:34 p.m. The Senate is now voting on confirmation of the nomination of Kathleen Kraninger to be Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.

1:27 p.m. Senator Casey spoke about Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

1:16 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about prescription drug costs.

1:02 p.m. Senator Daines spoke paid tribute to Hannah Nieskens and spoke about Temporary Assitance for Needy Families program.

12:51 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about climate change.

12:50 p.m. The Senate agreed to H.J. Res. 143 by voice vote.

12:49 p.m. The McNamee nomination was confirmed by a vote of 50 to 49. Senator Tillis did not vote.

12:00 p.m. The Senate is voting on Confirmation of Executive Calendar #1153 Bernard McNamee to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the remainder of the term expiring June 30, 2020.

11:16 a.m. Senator Lankford spoke honoring President George H.W. Bush.

11:16 a.m. The Senate resumed executive session and consideration of the McNamee nomination.

11:09 a.m. The Senate proceeded to Legislative Session. Senator Cornyn asked u.c. To pass the following bills:

• H.R. 4111, an act to amend the small business investment act of 1958, was passed by voice vote.
• S. 2679, Veterans Small Business Enhancement Act, the bill as amended was passed by voice vote.
• S. 3561, National Guard and Reserve Entrepreneurship Support Act entrepreneurs serving in the National Guard, the bill as amended was passed by voice vote.
• H.R. 6330, Small Business Runway Extension Act, was passed by voice vote.
• H.R. 3398, Real ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act, passed by u.c.
• H.R. 1417, National Law Enforcement Museum Exhibits Act, passed by u.c.
• H.R. 1861, awarding congressional gold medal to Larry Dolby, was passed by voice vote.
• HR 5238, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1234 Saint Johns Place in Brooklyn, New York, as the “Major Robert Odell Owens Post Office”, passed by u.c

10:44 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the life of George H.W. Bush, on government funding, and on caravans of migrants.

10:33 a.m. Senator Smith spoke against the McNamee nomination and on climate change.

10:26 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the continuing resolution on federal spending, the McNamee nomination and climate change.

10:05 a.m. Senator Coons said tribute to Senator Corker.

9:52 a.m. Senator Alexander paid tribute to Senator Corker.

9:35 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell thanked the Senate community for its work on the ceremonies for the late President Bush. He spoke about the McNamee nomination. He paid tribute to retiring Senator Corker.

9:32 a.m. Senator Cassidy welcomed the visiting chaplain, Dr. Tommy Middleton of Baton Rouge.

****

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m.

Two confirmation votes are scheduled:

— Noon on Bernard McNamee’s nomination to the Federal Energy Regulatory Administration

— 1:45 p.m. on Kathy Kraninger’s nomination to be director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

A confirmation vote is also possible on the nomination of Jonathan A. Kobes to be a United Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit.

6:47 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 9:30 a.m. Thursday.

6:46 p.m. The Senate consented to have two confirmation votes Thursday: noon on Bernard McNamee’s nomination to FERC, and 1:45 p.m. on Kathy Kraninger’s nomination to be director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

The Senate consented to S. Res. 715, to honor the late President Bush.

6:21 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke about the earthquake in Alaska.

5:59 p.m. Senator Warner spoke in support of Senator Casey’s initiative on childhood death. He also spoke in support of legislation to improve efforts to locate victims of abduction and other missing persons.

5:48 p.m. Senator Casey spoke about his legislation to research and combat the phenomenon of sudden,unexplained death in young children.

5:44 p.m. Senator Kennedy paid tribute to the late President Bush.

5:18 p.m. Senator Nelson paid tribute to the late President Bush. He spoke about voting rights.

4:48 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on the McNamee nomination and climate change.

4:43 p.m. Senator Blunt paid tribute to a staffer.

4:42 p.m. The McNamee nomination was confirmed 50-49 on a party line vote with Senator Tillis the lone absentee.

4:04 p.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Bernard McNamee to the Federal Energy Regulator Commission.

4:00 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke against the McNamee nomination.

3:47 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke supporting the McNamee nomination.

3:20 p.m. Senator Cantwell spoke against the McNamee nomination.

3:12 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke against the McNamee nomination.

2:33 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell paid tribute to the late President Bush. He spoke about the nomination of Bernard McNamee to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

2:32 p.m. Senator Corker welcomed the visiting chaplain.

The Senate adjourned at 6:15 p.m., conducted no roll call votes and will reconvene on Wednesday, December 5 at 2:30 p.m. The next roll call vote will occur at 4:00 p.m. on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Bernard McNamee, VA, to be a member of the FERC.

During Today’s session the following bills were passed by unanimous consent:

Passed Calendar #576, S.1934: Alaska Remote Generator Reliability and Protection Act.

Passed Calendar #585, H.R.754: to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Anwar Sadat in recognition of his heroic achievements and courageous contributions to peace in the Middle East.

Passed Calendar #616, S.2736, with Gardner amendment: Asia Reassurance Initiative Act.

Passed Calendar #707, S.3530: Museum and Library Services Act Reauthorization.

Agreed to S.Con.Res.57: authorizing the printing of a commemorative document in memory of the late President of the United States, George Herbert Walker Bush.

4:35 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke honoring the late President George H.W. Bush.

4:18 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke honoring the late President George H.W. Bush.

4:01 p.m. Senator Carper spoke honoring the late President George H.W. Bush.

3:44 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke honoring the late President George H.W. Bush.

3:33 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke honoring the late President George H.W. Bush.

3:14 p.m. Senator Cruz spoke honoring the late President George H.W. Bush.

3:05 p.m. Senator Collins spoke on the passing of President George H.W. Bush.

2:56 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke on the passing of President George H.W. Bush.

2:35 p.m. Senator Portman spoke on the passing of President George H.W. Bush.

2:30 p.m. The Senate convened.

*****

The Senate will convene at 2:30 p.m. and will be in morning business for speeches in tribute to the late President Bush.

No votes are expected. Democratic senators are expected to meet for their weekly caucus luncheon from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Republican senators will meet away from the Capitol.

The next vote will be at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, cloture on the nomination of Bernard L. McNamee to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

NOTE: The late President Bush will lie in state in the Rotunda until Wednesday morning. The Rotunda will remain open overnight for members of the public to pay their respects, until 7 a.m. Wednesday.

Senators have been invited to attend President Bush’s funeral at 11 a.m. tomorrow at the Washington National Cathedral.

3:31 p.m. The Senate has adjourned until 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 4th.

3:27 p.m. Senator Schumer paid tribute to former president George H.W. Bush as well as to Giles Perkins from Alabama.

3:06 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell paid tribute to former president George H.W. Bush.

3:04 p.m.

• S. Con. Res. 55, authorizing the use of the Capitol rotunda for the lying in state of the remains of the late George H.W. Bush, was passed by unanimous consent.
• S. Con. Res. 56, providing for the use of the catafalque for the remains of the late George H.W. Bush in the Capitol rotunda, was agreed to by unanimous consent.
• The vote on the McNamee nomination will be held by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 5th. 
• The congressional review period for the S. J. Res. 64 was extended until December 14th by unanimous consent.

****

The Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m., and following any leader remarks, will resume consideration of the nomination of Bernard McNamee to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

We expect the Senate to postpone the cloture vote on the McNamee nomination scheduled for 5:30 p.m. and adjourn shortly after convening until a time to be determined on Wednesday December 5th.

The following nominations are still pending post cloture:

Jonathan Kobes to be a Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit

Kathleen Kraninger to be Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection

Thomas Farr to be US District Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina