9:02 a.m. The Senate convened for a pro-forma session, Senator Hatch presiding.
The Senate will hold another pro-forma session on Thursday, May 31 at 11:30 a.m.
The Senate will next convene for regular business at 3 p.m. on Monday, June 4.
*****
The Senate will convene at 9 a.m. for a pro forma session only. No business will be transacted.
11:01 a.m. The Senate convened for a pro forma session, Senator Sullivan presiding. The Senate stands adjourned until the next pro forma session, on Tuesday, May 29 at 9 a.m.
The Senate will convene at 11 a.m. for a pro forma session only. No business will be transacted.
During the recess for Memorial Day, there will be pro forma sessions on Tuesday, May 29 at 9 a.m. and Thursday, May 31 at 11:30 a.m.
The Senate will next convene for regular business at 3 p.m. on Monday, June 4.
5:23 p.m. The Senate adjourned.
All nominations on the Secretary’s Desk in the Coast Guard.
All nominations on the Secretary’s Desk in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy.
H.R. 4910, Amends Title 38, US Code to provide for Outer Burial Receptacles for Remains at National Parks, agreed to by u.c.
H.R. 3663, Designates VA Medical Center, agreed to by u.c.
S. Res. 528, National Public Works Week, agreed to by u.c.
S. Res. 529 National Minority Health Month, adopted by voice vote.
S. Res. 531 National Brain Tumor Awareness Month, agreed to by u.c.
4:10 p.m. Senator Markey spoke about gas prices.
3:28 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about the VA Mission Act.
3:09 p.m. Senator McConnell filed cloture on the following nominations:
2:49 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about veterans and the opioid crisis.
2:26 p.m. Senator McCaskill paid tribute to her executive assistant/scheduler.
2:21 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke about the Congressional Sexual Harassment and Discrimination bill.
2:15 p.m. James Evans to be Ambassador to Luxembourg was confirmed by a vote of 48-43. Dems voting aye: Senators Donnelly, Heitkamp, and Tester. Not voting: Senators Cruz, Duckworth, Flake, Hassan, Heller, McCain, Moran, Rubio and Sanders.
1:44 p.m. The Senate began voting on confirmation of Exec. Cal. #618 James Evans to be Ambassador of the U.S. to Luxembourg.
1:41 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke supporting the passage of S. 2952.
1:40 p.m. Senator Blunt asked u.c. to call up S. 2952, a bill to amend the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 to Establish Protections Against Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Act. The bill was passed by voice vote.
1:37 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke about the nomination of James Randolph Evans.
1:28 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about protection for law enforcement officers who provide information to Congress.
1:18 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about his recent trip to Venezuela.
1:10 p.m. Senator Fischer spoke about her scheduler’s, Vaughan Wehr, departure from her staff.
1:08 p.m. Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of James Randolph Evans, 49-44.
12:47 p.m. Senate began a cloture vote on the nomination of James Randolph Evans to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Luxembourg.
12:46 p.m. Senate confirmed by voice the nomination of Jelena McWilliams to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the FDIC.
12:45 p.m. Senate confirmed Jelena McWilliams to be Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the FDIC, 69-24.
Senators voting against: 23 Democrats, 1 Independent: Sanders.
12:00 p.m. Senate began voting on the nomination of Jelena McWilliams to be Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
11:46 a.m. Senator Brown spoke about the economy and against the McWilliams nomination.
11:26 a.m. Senator Donnelly spoke about supporting our military and in honor of our fallen soldiers. He spoke in tribute of four fallen Hoosiers.
11:18 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about supporting our military and their families, the merits of the VA Choice legislation, and upcoming work on NDAA.
11:02 a.m. Senator Warren spoke against the Montgomery and McWilliams nominations.
10:55 a.m. Senator Lee spoke about cutting taxpayer funds for abortion.
10:31 a.m. Senator Wicker spoke about his measure on wireless communications service.
10:19 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the cancellation of the U.S.-North Korea summit conference, the Mueller investigation, spending to fight Ebola, and Memorial Day.
9:35 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spke about the veterans health bill. He spoke about pending public works and defense measures. He
9:33 a.m. The Senate resumed consideration of the McWilliams nominations.
The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and will resume post-cloture consideration of the following nominations:
— Jelena McWilliams to be chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Corporation;
— Jelena McWilliams to the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Corporation.
At noon, the Senate will proceed to roll call votes on confirmation of the McWilliams nominations.
Following disposition of the McWilliams nominations, the Senate will immediately proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of James Rudolph Evans to be ambassador to Luxembourg.
6:22 p.m. Senator Cardin gave tribute to Maryland law officers.
6:20 p.m. Senator McConnell conducted wrap up.
5:28 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about patient centered care.
4:49 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about the Trump administration.
4:43 p.m. Senator Crapo spoke in favor of the Jelena Williams nomination.
4:42 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the nomination of Jelena Williams to be a member of the FDIC, 73-23.
Senators voting in favor: 49 Republicans, 23 Democrats: Bennet, Cardin, Carper, Casey, Coons, Donnelly, Hassan, Heitkamp, Jones, Kaine, Klobuchar, Leahy, Manchin, McCaskill, Menendez, Murphy, Nelson, Peters, Reed, Shaheen, Tester, Van Hollen and Warner. 1 Independent: King.
Senators voting against: 23 Democrats.
Senators not voting: 2 Republicans: Flake and McCain, 1 Democrat: Duckworth, 1 Independent: Sanders.
4:26 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the nomination of Jelena Williams to be a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
4:25 p.m. By a tally of 72-25, cloture was invoked on the Williams nomination to be Chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Senators voting in favor: 49 Republicans, 22 Democrats: Bennet, Cardin, Carper, Casey, Coons, Donnelly, Hassan, Heitkamp, Jones, Kaine, Klobuchar, Leahy, Manchin, McCaskill, Menendez, Murphy, Nelson, Peters, Reed, Tester, Van Hollen and Warner. 1 Independent: King.
Senators voting against: 24 Democrats, 1 Independent: Sanders.
Senators not voting: 2 Republicans: Flake and McCain, 1 Democrat: Duckworth.
4:09 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the nomination of Jelena Williams to be Chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
4:08 p.m. The motion to concur re: S. 2372 was agreed to 92-5.
Senators voting against: 2 Republicans: Corker and Rounds, 2 Democrats: Merkley and Schatz, I Rounds, Sanders and Schatz.
Senators not voting: Duckworth, Flake and McCain.
3:50 p.m. Roll call vote began on the motion to concur with respect to S.2372, the VA Choice Act.
3:49 p.m. Senate confirms Brian Montgomery to be an Asst Sec of HUD 74-23.
Senators voting in favor: 49 Republicans, 24 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.
Senators voting against: 22 Democrats: Blumenthal, Brown, Cantwell, Casey, Cortez Masto, Durbin, Feinstein, Gillibrand, Harris, Heinrich, Hirono, Markey, Merkley, Murray, Reed, SSchumer, Shaheen, Stabenow, Udall, Warren, Whitehouse and Wyden; 1 Independent: Sanders.
Senators not voting: Duckworth, Flake and McCain.
3:15 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the nomination of Brian Montgomery to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing And Urban Development.
3:09 p.m. Senators Isakson and Tester wrapped up debate on the VA Choice Act.
3:00 p.m. Senator Crapo spoke on the Montgomery nomination.
2:41 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about Memorial Day and the VA Choice Act.
2:34 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about a recently passed water infrastructure bill.
1:41 p.m. Senators Isakson, Hoeven, Blunt, Boozman, Lankford and Enzi spoke about the VA Choice Act.
1:23 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about Russian interference in the 2016 election.
1:02 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke about anti-trust law.
12:53 p.m. Senator Brown spoke against the Montgomery nomination.
12:28 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about the trade imbalance with China.
11:58 a.m. Senator Carper spoke about the Mueller investigation.
11:42 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about Chinese investment in the U.S.
11:15 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the anti-harrassment measures. He spoke about the Mueller investigation.
11:02 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about measures to prevent workplace harassment and about the veterans health bill. He spoke about the Montgomery and McWilliams nominations. He spoke about the bill to revise financial regulations.
The Senate meets on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Following Leader remarks, under a previous order, the Senate will consider Exec. Cal. #593 the nomination of Brian Montgomery to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Following disposition of the Montgomery nomination, the Senate will resume consideration of the House message on S. 2372, VA Choice Act. At 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday the Senate will have up to 5 votes:
1. Confirmation of Cal. #593 Brian Montgomery to be an Assistant Secretary of HUD.
2. Motion to waive to the Budget Act with respect to S.2372, Veterans Choice (if a point of order is raised)
3. Motion to concur in the House amendment to S.2372, Veterans Choice (passage)
4. Motion to invoke cloture on Exec. Cal. #670 Jelena McWilliams to be Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for a term of five years
5. Motion to invoke cloture on Exec. Cal. #672 Jelena McWilliams to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for a term of six years
*If cloture is invoked on the McWilliams nominations, the post-cloture time will run concurrently.
6:29 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
6:02 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about Exxon Mobile’s role in climate change.
5:41 p.m. Senator Rubio asked u.c. that when the Senate adjourns tonight it meets on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. following Leader remarks the Senate consider the Montgomery nomination as under the previous order and the Senate vote on the nomination at 3:15 p.m. Following the disposition of the Montgomery nomination, the Senate resume legislative session and all post-cloture time on the motion concur on the House amend to the S. 2372 be considered expired and the Senate vote on the cloture motions in relation to the McWilliams nominations.
5:40 p.m. Adopted S.Res. 346, resolution recognizing the importance and effectiveness of trauma-informed care and Adopted S.Res. 519, Legal Counsel by voice vote.
5:39 p.m. Senator Rubio asked u.c. that action with respect to calendar number 403, H.R. 4743 be vitiated and the Senate agree to return the papers to the House of Representatives on H.R. 4743.
5:37 p.m. Senator Rubio conducted wrap up and confirmed the following Department of Justice nominations en bloc by voice vote:
4:59 p.m. Senator Rounds spoke against the VA Choice bill.
4:48 p.m. Senator Manchin asked u.c. to consider S. 2906, Senator Tillis objected.
4:32 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about tax reform.
4:06 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about mass shootings.
3:58 p.m. Senator Isakson spoke about the Veterans Choice bill.
3:47 p.m. Senator Tester spoke about the Veterans Choice bill.
3:28 p.m. Senator Moran spoke supporting the Veterans Choice bill.
3:01 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about the Alaskan of the Week.
2:38 p.m. Senator Murray spoke about the need to support the VA’s caregivers programs.
2:15 p.m. Senator Daines spoke about the Veterans Choice bill.
1:04 p.m. The Senate recessed to accommodate the weekly caucus lunches.
1:03 p.m. The Senate invoked cloture by vote of 91-4 in the House amendment to S.2372, Veterans Choice. Senators voting no: Lee (R), Merkley (D), Rounds (R), and Sanders (I). Senators not voting: Gardner, Cardin, Duckworth and McCain.
12:40 p.m. The Senate began a cloture vote on the House message to accompany S.2372, the Veterans Choice Health Care program.
12:39 p.m. By a vote of 50 to 45, the Senate confirmed the nomination of Dana Baiocco to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. YEAS: 49 Republicans and Democrat Manchin; NAYS: 43 Democrats, 2 independents. NOT VOTING: Democrats Bennet, Cardin and Duckworth; Republicans Gardner and McCain.
12:08 p.m. The Senate began voting on confirmation of the nomination of Dana Baiocco to be a Commissioner on the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
12:02 p.m. Senator Thune spoke supporting the Baiocco nomination.
11:49 a.m. Senator Nelson spoke about rural health care and against the Baiocco nomination.
11:40 a.m. Senator Jones spoke about rural health care.
11:22 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the economy.
11:09 a.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke against the Baiocco nomination.
11:00 a.m. Senator Ernst spoke supporting the VA Choice legislation.
10:48 a.m. Senator Isakson spoke supporting the VA Choice legislation.
10:29 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about sanctions against ZTE, political interference in law enforcement matters.
10:12 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the Santa Fe high school shooting and fraud at for profit universities.
10:00 a.m. The Majority Leader spoke about VA Choice and the freedom to fish act.
*****
The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m.
Following leader remarks, resume consideration of the nomination of Dana Baiocco to be a Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, post-cloture.
There will be two roll call votes at noon —confirmation of the Baiocco nomination and cloture on VA Choice.
Following the cloture vote, the Senate will recess until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly conference meetings.
12:00 noon on Tuesday—2 roll call votes
6:22 p.m. The Senate adjourned for the evening.
6:20 p.m. ML McConnell wraps up for the evening: Adopted S. Res 517, designating May 2018 as “Older Americans Month”. Completed the Rule 14 process to place S.2878, a bill to amend the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 to reform the procedures provided under such Act for the initiation, investigation, and resolution of claims alleging that employing offices of the legislative branch have violated the rights and protections provided to their employees under such Act, including protections against sexual harassment and discrimination.
6:19 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Baiocco nomination by a tally of 49-45.
Senators voting in favor: 48 Republicans, 1 Democrat: Manchin.
Senators voting against: 43 Democrats, 2 Independents: King and Sanders.
Senators not voting: Capito, Duckworth, Hoeven, McCain, Shaheen and Tester.
5:31 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the Baiocco nomination.
4:32 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about the shooting at Santa Fe High School.
4:06 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the shooting at Santa Fe High School.
3:10 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke on NAFTA and the Puerto Rico Economic Empowerment Act.
3:00 p.m. The Majority Leader spoke about the Baiocco nomination and tax cuts.
*****
The Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m. and proceed to the consideration of the nomination of Dana Baiocco to be a Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Baiocco nomination.
Senator McConnell filed cloture on the following during Thursday’s session:
The above cloture motions will be processed one at a time, after disposition of the previous item. Each is subject to up to thirty hours of post-cloture debate.
5:10 p.m. Senate stands adjourned until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, May 21, 2018.
The following were passed by unanimous consent in wrap up:
Exec Cal #593 – Brian Montgomery, TX, To be an asst secy of HUD
4:57 p.m. Senator Portman spoke on China.
4:22 p.m. Senator Moran spoke about veterans funding.
4:07 p.m. Senator Donnelly paid tribute to police officers.
4:03 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on the nomination of Jelena Williams to be Chair of the Board of Directors of the FDIC, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; and separately to be a member of the Board of Directors. He also filed cloture on the nomination of James Evans to be Ambassador to Luxembourg.
4:00 p.m. ML McConnell filled the tree on the motion to concur with the House Amendment to S. 2372-Veterans Choice Act.
3:56 p.m. ML McConnell files cloture on the nomination of Dana Baiocco to be a Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
3:55 p.m. The Haspel nomination was confirmed 54-45.
Senators voting in favor: 48 Republicans, 6 Democrats (Donnelly, Heitkamp, Manchin, Nelson, Shaheen and Warner)
Senators voting against: 41 Democrats, 2 Independents: King and Sanders, 2 Republicans: Flake and Paul.
Senators not voting: 1 Republicans:McCain.
3:24 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the Haspel nomination.
3:23 p.m. CLoture was invoked on the Haspel nomination, 54-44.
Senators voting in favor: 48 Republicans, 6 Democrats (Donnelly, Heitkamp, Manchin, Nelson, Shaheen and Warner)
Senators voting against: 41 Democrats, 2 Independents: King and Sanders, 1 Republican: Paul.
Senators not voting: 2 Republicans:McCain and Young.
2:56 p.m. Senator Cornyn moved to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Haspel nomination.
2:50 p.m. Senator Flake spoke about Chinese company ZTE. The Capitol Police removed a protestor from the visitors gallery.
2:13 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke about the Haspel nomination.
2:08 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the Haspel nomination.
1:55 p.m. Senator Cotton spoke about the Haspel nomination.
1:10 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about the Haspel nomination.
1:05 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about opioid crisis and law enforcement.
12:27 p.m. Senator Cruz spoke about the embassy opening in Jersusalem.
12:07 p.m. Senators Warner and Burr spoke on the Haspel nomination.
12:06 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about S Con Res 36.
12:05 p.m. The #Senate rejected a motion to proceed to S.Con.Res.36 (Sen Paul’s 5-year balanced budget resolution), 21-76.
Senators voting in favor: 21 Republicans: Barrasso, Cornyn, Crapo, Cruz, Daines, Enzi, Ernst, Flake, Grassley, Johnson, Kennedy, Lankford, Lee, Moran, Paul, Risch, Rubio, Sasse and Toomey.
Senators voting against: 45 Democrats, 29 Republicans, 2 Independents: King and Sanders.
Senator not voting: 2 Democrats: Booker and Duckworth, 1 Republican: McCain.
11:30 a.m. The Senate is now voting on the motion to proceed to S. Con. Res. 36, the Budge Resolution.
11:29 a.m. Senator Inhofe received consent to speak about the balanced budget resolution after the vote.
11:18 a.m. Senator Paul spoke about the balanced budget resolution.
11:03 a.m. Senator Warren spoke against the Haspel nomination and paid tribute to 6 Massachusetts police officers killed in the line of duty.
10:58 a.m. Senator Merkley spoke in support of the Congressional Accountability Act.
10:48 a.m. Senator Graham spoke about the balanced budget resolution.
10:44 a.m. H.R. 2872, Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 Reform Act, had its first reading and Senator Gillibrand spoke in support.
10:33 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about the balanced budget resolution, net neutrality, the Russian investigation.
9:54 a.m. Senator Paul moved to proceed to S.Con.Res. 36, 5-year balanced budget resolution.
9:33 a.m. ML McConnell moved to proceed to the nomination of Gina Haspel to be Director of the CIA and filed cloture on the nomination. ML McConnell spoke about U.S. manufacturing, and about departing staffer Brendan Dunn.
****
The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, May 17th. Following leader remarks, Senator Paul will be recognized to make a motion to proceed to S. Con. Res. 36 and that there be up to 90 minutes of debate, with 45 minutes under the control of Senator Paul, or his designee, and 45 minutes under the control of the Democratic Leader, or his designee and then a vote on the motion at about 11:15 a.m.
6:47 p.m. The Senate has adjourned until 9:30 a.m. Thursday, May 17th. Following leader remarks, Senator Paul will be recognized to make a motion to proceed to S. Con. Res. 36 and that there be up to 90 minutes of debate and then a vote on the motion.
During wrap-up:
****
6:18 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about the Haspel nomination.
6:06 p.m. Senator Heitkamp spoke on National Police Week.
5:42 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about National Foster Care Month and the release of information on the Russian investigation by the Judiciary committee.
5:00 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.
4:39 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke about National Police Week, the Bureau of Prisons Gun Locker Bill, and budget rescission.
4:26 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about S.J.Res. 52, National Police Week, and Project Safe Neighborhood.
4:25 p.m. The Senate confirmed the Zais nomination to be Deputy Secretary of Education on a party line vote of 50-48. Senators Duckworth and McCain did not vote.
3:55 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the nomination of Mitchell Zais to be Deputy Secretary of Education.
3:54 p.m. The joint resolution was agreed to 52-47. There are up to ten hours of debate, however we expect a vote on passage at approximately 3:00 p.m.
Senators voting in favor 47 Democrats, 3 Republicans (Collins, Kennedy and Murkowski), 2 Independents (King and Sanders).
3:21 p.m. Roll call vote began on passage of the joint resolution.
3:13 p.m. Senator Thune spoke against S.J. Res 52.
2:55 p.m. Senator Markey spoke supporting S.J.Res. 52.
2:41 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke supporting the Haspel nomination.
2:32 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke in favor of S.J.Res. 52.
2:24 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke in favor of S.J. Res 52.
2:06 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke against S.J. Res. 52.
2:00 p.m. Senator Schatz spoke in favor of S.J. Res 52.
1:15 p.m. Senators Blumenthal, Warren, Murray and Nelson spoke in favor of S.J. Res 52.
12:56 p.m. Senator Thune spoke against S.J. Res 52, asked UC to return it to the calendar and take up net neutrality legislation with amendments; Senator Markey objected.
12:50 p.m. Democratic Leader Schumer spoke in favor of S.J. Res 52.
12:49 p.m. The motion to proceed was agreed to 52-47. There are up to ten hours of debate, however we expect a vote on passage at approximately 3:00 p.m.
Senators voting in favor 47 Democrats, 3 Republicans (Collins, Kennedy and Murkowski), 2 Independents (King and Sanders).
Senators voting against: 47 Republicans.
Senators not voting: 1 Republican: McCain.
12:00 p.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to proceed to S.J. Res 52-net neutrality.
11:54 a.m. Senator Wicker spoke against the motion to proceed to net neutrality.
11:25 a.m. Senator Wyden and Senator Markey spoke about net neutrality.
11:07 a.m. Senator Cardin spoke about net neutrality.
10:57 a.m. Senator Hassan spoke about net neutrality.
10:44 a.m. Senator Cantwell spoke about net neutrality.
10:36 a.m. Senator Hirono spoke about National Police Week and net neutrality.
10:25 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about National Police Week.
10:00 a.m. Senator Markey spoke about net neutrality.
9:47 a.m. ML McConnell spoke about the Haspell nomination and net neutrality.
9:37 a.m. Senator Tillis spoke about the imprisonment of Pastor Brunson in Turkey.
*****
The Senate will convene at 9:30 am. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the nomination of Mitchell Zais, of South Carolina, to be Deputy Secretary of Education.
At 12:00 pm, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to proceed to S.J.Res.52, the Net Neutrality CRA.
Following disposition of S.J.Res.52, the Net Neutrality CRA, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on confirmation of the Zais nomination.
6:03 The Senate stands adjourned until 9:30 Wednesday, May 16th.
5:40 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on pensions.
5:15 Senator Rubio spoke on U.S. Chinese relations.
4:54 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke on pensions.
4:48 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke on pensions.
4:32 p.m. Senator Peters spoke on the central states pension fund.
4:04 p.m. Senator Donnelly spoke about pensions.
3:51 p.m. Senator Collins spoke about price of prescription drugs.
3:42 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke about Peace Officers Memorial Day.
3:23 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke about Peace Officers Memorial Day.
3:02 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke about Peace Officers Memorial Day.
2:30 p.m. Senator King spoke in praise of law enforcement in conjunction with Peace Officers Memorial Day.
2:16 p.m. Senator Murray spoke against the Zais nomination.
2:15 p.m. The Senate returned from the recess and began consideration of the nomination of Mitchell Zais to be Deputy Secretary of Education. There are up to ten (10) hours of debate on the nomination.
1:00 p.m. The Senate stands in recess until 2:15 p.m.
12:59 p.m. The Nalbandian nomination was confirmed by a vote of 53 to 45.
Senators in favor: 50 Republicans, 3 Democrats: Donnelly, Heitkamp and Manchin.
Senators against: 43 Democrats, 2 Independents: King and Sanders.
Senators Duckworth and McCain were absent.
12:34 p.m. The Senate is now voting on confirmation of John Nalbandian to be Judge for the 6th Circuit.
12:33 p.m. The Carson nomination was confirmed by a vote of 77 to 21.
Senators in favor: 50 Republicans, 26 Democrats: Bennet, Blumenthal, Cardin, Carper, Coons, Donnelly, Durbin, Feinstein, Hassan, Heinrich, Heitkamp, Jones, Kaine, Klobuchar, Leahy, Manchin, McCaskill, Murphy, Nelson, Schatz, Schumer, Shaheen, Tester, Udall, Van Hollen and Warner; 1 Independent: King.
Senators voting against: 20 Democrats, 1 Independent: Sanders.
Senators Duckworth and McCain were absent.
11:59 a.m. The Senate is now voting on confirmation of Joel Carson III to be Judge for the 10th Circuit.
11:57 a.m. At 2:15 p.m. the Senate will proceed to the nomination of Mitchell Zais to be Deputy Secretary of Education.
10:51 a.m. Senator Leahy spoke about harmful budget cuts.
10:22 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about Brown vs. Board anniversary, Medicare cuts, and infastructure.
10:03 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about National Police week and on judicial nominations.
*****
The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and resume consideration of the nomination of Joel Carson to be a judge on the 10th circuit.
At 12:00 noon, the Senate will conduct two roll call votes:
Following the votes, the Senate will recess for the weekly caucus luncheons until 2:15 p.m.
A special note about the lunches: The President will be attending the GOP policy luncheon. Access will be restricted on the East side of the Ohio Clock Corridor and movement throughout the second floor will be impacted during his visit. Those wishing to attend, can enter the OCC via the West Grand Staircase. Those wishing to catch Senators should seek alternatives to the east side of the OCC. The bank of six elevators will be open during POTUS visit, but reporters will likely not be able to move with Senators throughout the corridor and possible be held in place while POTUS moves through the building. Only hard passes will be accepted for today’s event (not a good day to forget your pass!). Please follow gallery staff guidance and thanks in advance for your cooperation.
6:45 p.m. Senate adjourns until 10:00 a.m. Tuesday.
6:34 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell paid tribute to Senator McCain, as well as discussing the new embassy in Jerusalem and thoughts about former Senator Reid.
Confirmed in wrap-up by voice vote: Nomination of Michael Atkinson to be Inspector General of the Intelligence community.
6:33 p.m. The St Eve nomination was confirmed 91-0. Senators absent: Blunt, Cruz, Duckworth, Graham, Heller, Lankford, Lee, Manchin and McCain.
6:06 p.m. The Senate is now voting on confirmation of the Amy St. Eve nomination to be the US Circuit Judge for the 7th Circuit.
6:00 p.m. The Scudder nomination was confirmed 90-0. Senators absent: Blunt, Cruz, Duckworth, Graham, Heller, Lankford, Lee, Manchin, McCain and Nelson.
5:31 p.m. The Senate is now voting on confirmation of the nomination of Michael Scudder to be US Circuit Judge for the 7th Circuit.
4:54 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about former Senator Harry Reid’s health and intellectual property and trade policy with China. He also spoke about oil prices.
4:44 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about National Police Week.
4:14 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the judicial nominees.
3:50 p.m. Senator Boozman spoke about National Police Week.
3:02 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke about Israel.
****
The Senate meets at 3:00 p.m. on May 14th. Following leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session and resume consideration of Executive Calendar #780, Michael Scudder, of Illinois, to be Judge for the 7th Circuit.