7:00 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will and will reconvene at 9:30 am on Thursday, May 9, 2019. Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of Executive Calendar #117, Michael H. Park, of New York, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit, post-cloture. At 1:45 pm, the Senate will vote on confirmation of the Park nomination.

6:59 p.m. Senator Portman began wrap up:

• Adopted S.Res.196, recognizing the American Peanut Shellers Assocation for a century of effective leadership in the peanut industry and the beneficial work of the peanut industry in the United States and State of Georgia.
• Adopted S.Res.197, recognizing the roles and contributions of the teachers of the United States in building and enhancing the civic, cultural, and economic well-being of the United States

6:35 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about the opioid epidemic.

6:18 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke about public servant recognition month.

5:37 p.m. Senator Tillis spoke about the shooting at the UNC Charlotte campus.

5:19 p.m. Senator Hassan spoke on women’s health care.

4:58 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on flooding in the Midwest.

4:42 p.m. Senator Baldwin spoke on women’s health care.

4:34 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke calling for action on the American miners act.

4:21 p.m. Senator Daines spoke on national small business week.

4:13 p.m. Senator Cotton spoke about the Iran nuclear deal.

4:08 p.m. Senator Schatz spoke on American families.

4:03 p.m. Senator Duckworth spoke on women’s health and mother’s day.

3:28 p.m. Senators Blunt, Ernst,Boozman, Blackburn, Tim Scott, and Braun spoke on the economy and small business week.

3:17 p.m. Senator Van Hollen spoke on Mother’s Day,  women’s health and Title X.

3:16 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Park nomination on a party line vote of 51-43.

• Senators not voting: Democrats Bennet, Booker, Klobuchar and Sinema and Republicans Rubio and Scott of Florida.

2:50 p.m. The Senate began voting on cloture on the nomination of Michael Park to be a judge on the second circuit.

2:50 p.m. The Dhillon nomination was confirmed on a party line vote of 50-43, with Democrats Bennet, Booker, Klobuchar and Sinema and Republicans Murkowski, Rubio and Scott of Florida not voting.

2:20 p.m. The Senate began voting on confirmation of the Dhillon nomination to be a member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for a term ending July 1, 2022.

2:14 p.m. Senator Murray spoke against the Dhillon nomination.

2:00 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke on Iraq and Iran.

1:55 p.m. Senator Shaheen spoke about women’s healthcare.

1:43 p.m. Senator Casey spoke about the Park and Dhillon nominations.

1:33 p.m. Senator Hirono spoke about women’s healthcare.

1:26 p.m. Senator Murray spoke about women’s healthcare.

1:14 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on prescription drug prices.

12:59 p.m. Senator Smith spoke on climate change.

12:47 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about a single payer health care plan.

12:23 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke against the Dhillon nomination and also about border security.

12:14 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about the nominations process and partisanship.

12:13 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Dhillon nomination on a party line tally of 52-44.

Senators not voting: 3 Democrats: Booker, Klobuchar and Sinema, 1 Republican: Murkowski.

11:53 a.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the Janet Dhillon to be a member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

11:51 a.m. The Pryor nomination was confirmed 77-19.

• Senators voting in favor: 42 Democrats, 34 Republicans; 1 Independent: King.
• Senators voting against: 18 Republicans: Barrasso, Blackburn, Braun, Cruz, Daines, Grassley, Hawley, Inhofe, Kennedy, Lankford, Lee, Paul, Rubio, Sasse, Shelby, Sullivan, Toomey and Young; 1 Independent: Sanders.
• Senators not voting: 3 Democrats: Booker, Klobuchar and Sinema, 1 Republican: Murkowski.

11:33 a.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the Pryor nomination.

11:33 a.m. The Bachus nomination was confirmed 72-22.

• Senators voting in favor: 36 Democrats, 35 Republicans, 1 Independent: King.
• Senators voting against: 17 Republicans: Barrasso, Blackburn, Braun, Cruz, Daines, Grassley, Hawley, Inhofe, Kennedy, Lankford, Lee, Paul, Rubio, Sasse, Shelby, Toomey and Young; 5 Democrats: Gillibrand, Harris, Markey, Merkley and Warren.
• Senators not voting: 4 Democrats: Booker, Klobuchar, Sinema and Whitehouse; 1 Independent: Sanders; 1 Republican: Murkowski.

11:08 a.m. The Senate is now voting on confirmation of the Bachus nomination.

11:07 a.m. The Senate confirmed the Reed nomination by a vote of 79 to 17.

• Senators voting in favor: 42 Democrats, 36 Republicans, 1 Independent: King.
• Senators voting against: 16 Republicans: Barrasso, Blackburn, Cruz, Daines, Grassley, Hawley, Inhofe, Kennedy, Lankford, Lee, Rubio, Sasse, Shelby, Toomey and Young; 1 Independent: Sanders.
• Senators not voting: 3 Democrats: Booker, Klobuchar and Sinema, 1 Republican: Murkowski.

10:48 a.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the Reed nomination.

10:47 a.m. The Bianco nomination was confirmed 54-42.

• Senators voting in favor: 52 Republicans, 2 Democrats: Jones and Manchin.
• Senators voting against: 40 Democrats, 2 Independents: King and Sanders.

Senators not voting: 3 Democrats: Booker, Klobuchar and Sinema; 1 Republican: Murkowski.

10:14 a.m. The Senate is now voting on confirmation of the Bianco nomination.

10:12 a.m. Senator Brown spoke about the Ex-Im Bank.

9:57 a.m. Senator Schumer paid tribute to Robert Pear, spoke on the Mueller Report, disaster relief, nominations, and women’s healthcare.

9:39 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the Denver school shooting, nominations, and unemployment.

The Senate will convene at 9:30am and resume consideration of the nomination of Joseph Bianco to be a US Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit, post-cloture.

At 10:00am, the Senate will proceed to five roll call votes relative to the following:

• Confirmation of Joseph Bianco to be US Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit.
• Confirmation of Kimberly Reed to be President of the Export-Import Bank.
• Confirmation of Spencer Bachus to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank.
• Confirmation of Judith Pryor to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank.
• Cloture on Janet Dhillon to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

• Two further votes are expected this afternoon:
  • Confirmation on the Dhillon nomination
  • Cloture on Michael Park to be US Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit

3:51 p.m. Senator Tester spoke about the Violence Against Women Act.

3:39 p.m. Senator Smith spoke about the Violence Against Women Act.

3:34 p.m. Senator Murray spoke about the Violence Against Women Act.

3:23 p.m. Senator Cortez Masto spoke about the Violence Against Women Act.

3:03 p.m. Senator Udall spoke about the Violence Against Women Act.

2:29 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke against the export/import bank.

2:18 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the economic situation.

2:15 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke in favor of the Reed nomination.

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

12:30 p.m. The Senate recessed to allow for the weekly caucus luncheons.

12:24 p.m. The Senate will have 3 roll call votes at 4:00 p.m. today: 

1. Cloture on the nomination of Kimberly Reed to be President of the Export-Import Bank.
2. Cloture on the nomination of Spencer Bachus to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank.
3. Cloture on the nomination of Judith Pryor to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Export- Import Bank.

If cloture is invoked on the nominations then there will be 5 roll call vote on Wednesday, May 7:

1. Confirmation of Joseph Bianco to be US Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit.
2. Confirmation of Kimberly A. Reed to be President of the Export-Import Bank.
3. Confirmation of Spencer Bachus III, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Export- Import Bank.
4. Confirmation of Judith DelZoppo Pryor to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank.
5. Cloture vote on the nomination of Janet Dhillon to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Senator Crapo spoke about the Ex-Im Bank nominations.

12:16 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the Mueller Report.

11:35 a.m. Senator Warren spoke about the Mueller Report.

11:18 a.m. Senator Cantwell spoke on Export-Import Bank nominations.

11:08 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about Senator Enzi’s retirement and on the economy.

10:40 a.m. Senator Lee spoke on the export-import bank.

10:24 a.m. DL Schumer spoke on the Mueller report.

10:02 a.m. ML McConnell spoke on the Mueller report.

***

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

Following Leader remarks, resume consideration of the nomination of Joseph Bianco to be US Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit, post-cloture.

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

Roll call votes are expected during Tuesday’s session.

As a reminder, Majority Leader McConnell has also filed cloture on the following nominations:

1) Kimberly Reed to be President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. (Up to 2 hours of post cloture debate)

2) Spencer Bachus to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank. (Up to 2 hours of post cloture debate)

3)Judith Pryor to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank. (Up to 2 hours of post cloture debate)

4) Janet Dhillon to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (Up to 2 hours of post cloture debate)

5)Michael Park to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit. (Up to 30 hours of post cloture debate)

Following a vote on confirmation of a nomination, there would be a cloture vote on the next nomination.

6:53 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 7.

6:51 p.m. ML McConnell wrapped up for the evening.

Passed in wrap-up:

Adopted S. Res. 162, regarding National Donate Life Month.

Adopted by voice vote: S. Res.190, regarding National Minority Health Month.

Adopted S Res 191, regarding National Small Business Week.

Began the Rule 14 process to place the following on the Legislative Calendar of Business:

1.      S.1332, to set forth the congressional budget for the US Government for FY’20 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for FY’21 through FY’29. (Paul)

2.      H.R.9, Climate Action Now Act

6:32 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Bianco nomination, 51-40.  There are now up to 30 hours of debate on the nomination.

Senators voting in favor: 48 Republicans, 3 Democrats: Jones, Manchin and Sinema.

Senators voting against: 38 Democrats, 2 Independents: King and Sanders..

Senators not voting: 5 Republicans: Isakson, Moran, Murkowski, Rubio and Toomey; 4 Democrats: Booker, Gillibrand, Harris and Klobuchar.

5:22 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Joseph Bianco to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit.

4:37 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the Mueller Report.

4:29 p.m. Senator Schumer paid tribute to Senator Enzi and spoke about the Mueller Report.

3:33 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about immigration.

3:22 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about Israel. He paid tribute to Senator Enzi, who will to seek another term.

3:03 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about National Foster Care Month. He spoke about the economy.

*****

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

Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of Executive Calendar #116, Joseph Bianco to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit, with a cloture on the nomination scheduled at 5:30 p.m.

Majority Leader McConnell also filed cloture on the following nominations:

1) Executive Calendar #95, Kimberly Reed to be President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States for a term expiring January 20, 2021.

2) Executive Calendar #89, Spencer Bachus to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States.

3) Executive Calendar #94, Judith Pryor to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States.

4) Executive Calendar #100, Janet Dhillon to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

5) Executive Calendar #117, Michael Park to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit.

If cloture is invoked on the Bianco or Park nominations, there would be up to 30 hours of debate prior to a vote on confirmation.

If cloture is invoked on the Reed, Bachus, Pryor, or Dhillon nominations, there would be up to 2 hours of debate prior to a vote on confirmation.

Following a vote on confirmation of a nomination, there would be a cloture vote on the next nomination.

4:40 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, May 6. They will resume consideration of Joseph Bianco to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the second circuit. A cloture vote on the nomination will occur at 5:30 p.m.

Passed during wrap up:

• S. Res. 160-Recognizing Defense Laboratories
• S.Res. 144-Designating May 5 National Day of Awareness For Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls
• S. Res. 185-Commending the Northwest Missouri Bearcat Men’s Basketball Team
• S. Res. 186-Recognizing April 30 as El Día de los Niños – Celebrating Young Americans
• S. Res. 187-Recognizing the cultural and historical significance of the Cinco De Mayo holiday.
• S. 693-POW/MIA flag act

4:12 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about the Mueller Report.

3:33 p.m. Senator Capito spoke about Alzheimer’s Disease.

3:25 p.m. Senator Enzi spoke about the deficit and also about social security.

3:02 p.m. Senator Blackburn spoke about the economy and jobs and also about the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Coin Act.

2:56 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about Stephen Moore and the Federal Reserve.

2:43 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about the Alaskan of the Week.

2:37 p.m. Senator Tillis spoke about the Barr hearing and the Special Counsel Report.

2:30 p.m. Senator Perdue spoke about Woody Woodside.

2:27 p.m.  Senator McConnell filed cloture on these nominations:

–Joseph Bianco to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit.

–Kimberly Reed of West Virginia to be president of the Export-Import Bank.

— Spencer Bachus III to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. for a term expiring January 20, 2023;

— Judith Pryor to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. for a term expiring January 20, 2021;

— Janet Dhillon to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for a term expiring July 1, 2022

— Michael Park to be a U.S. Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit.

2:26 p.m. By a vote of 53 to 45, the Senate failed to override the president’s veto of the Yemen troop withdrawal resolution. YEAS: 45 Democrats, both independents, Republicans Collins, Daines, Lee, Moran, Murkowski, Paul and Young. NAYS; All Republicans present. Not voting: Bennet and Rubio.

12:58 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke about Yemen.

12:43 p.m. Senator Lee spoke about Yemen.

12:21 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about Yemen.

12:11 p.m. Senator Van Hollen spoke about former Senator Lugar and Yemen.

12:04 p.m. Senator Boozman spoke about NATO.

11:46 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about education, the Jenna Quinn Law, and immigration.

11:46 a.m. The Wolson nomination was confirmed by a vote of 65 to 33. Senators Carper, Casey, Coons, Jones, King, Leahy, Murphy, Rosen, Shaheen, Sinema, and Tester voted YES. Senators Bennet and Booker were absent.

11:26 a.m. The Senate began voting on confirmation of Joshua Wolson to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

11:24 a.m. The Senate confirmed the nomination of Raul M. Arias-Marxuach to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Puerto Rico by a vote of 95-3. Senators Bennett and Booker did not vote. Senators Gillibrand, Sanders and Warren voted no.

11:03 a.m. The Senate began voting on the nomination of Raul M. Arias-Marxuach to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Puerto Rico.

11:00 a.m. The Senate confirmed the nomination of Rodolfo Armando Ruiz II to be U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Florida by a vote of 90-8. Senators Booker and Bennett did not vote.

10:30 a.m. The Senate began voting on confirmation of the Ruiz nomination.

10:23 a.m. Senator Gardner paid tribute to Coloradan Bruce Benson.

10:18 a.m. Senator Gillibrand endorsed S.R.120, to oppose the movement to boycott Israel.

10:11 a.m. Senator Thune spoke in memory of Senator Lugar.

10:08 a.m. Senator Peters spoke about the Yemen resolution.

9:59 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about Attorney General Barr. He spoke about abortion rights.

9:33 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the Yemen resolution. He spoke about nominations.

*****

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

Today’s schedule of votes is as follows:

At 10:30 a.m., the Senate will vote on confirmation of these nominations:

o    Rodolfo Ruiz to be a U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Florida;

o    Raul Arias-Marxuach to be a U.S. District Judge for the District of Puerto Rico;

o    Joshua Wolson to be a U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

At 1:45 p.m., the Senate will vote on whether to override the president’s veto of S.J.Res.7, a measure directing the removal of U.S. troops from Yemen. A two-thirds majority is required to override the veto.

6:19 p.m. The Senate adjourned untiol 9:30 a.m. Thursday.

6:17 p.m. Senator McConnell secured consent for passage of these measures:

— S.Res. 180, supporting Public Service Recognition Week.

— S.Res. 181, designating the week of April 8 as National  Specialized Instructional Support Personnel  Appreciation Week.

6:01 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke about the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

5:50 p.m. Senator Fischer spoke in memory of the late Blake Kelly, an Army National Guard specialist from Nebraska.

5:31 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about the economy.

5:18 p.m. Senator Carper spoke in memory of the late SSgt. Christopher Slutton, U.S.M.C., a New York City firefighter and former Delawarean.

5:11 p.m. Senator Portman paid tribute to the late Senate Lugar. He also spoke in memory of the late Joe Head of Cincinatti.

5:02 p.m. Senator Isakson paid tribute to the late Betty Jo Williamson, a Georgia legislator, and the late Senator Lugar.

4:50 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke on disaster relief.

4:40 p.m. Democratic Leader Schumer spoke on Attorney General Barr’s testimony today.

4:38 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Wolson nomination 64-35.

Senators in favor: 52 Republicans, 11 Democrats: Carper, Casey, Coons, Jones, Leahy, Manchin, Murphy, Rosen, Shaheen, Sinema, Tester; 1 Independent: King.

4:16 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the nomination of Joshua Wolson to be a judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.  This will likely be the last vote of the day.

4:16 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the nomination of Raul Arias-Marxuach to be a judge for the District of PR, 95-5.

Voting no: 4 Democrats: Gillibrand, Hirono, Markey and Warren; 1 Independent: Sanders.

4:00 p.m. Roll call vote began  on cloture on the Arias-Marxuach nomination.

3:59 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Ruiz nomination, 89-10.

Voting no: 9 Democrats: Cardin, Gillibrand, Hirono, Klobuchar, Markey, Peters, Schumer, Van Hollen & Warren; 1 Independent: Sanders.  Not voting: 1 Republican: Young.

Next: Cloture vote on Raul Arias-Marxuach to be a judge for the Dist of PR.

3:41 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the Ruiz nomination.

3:40 p.m. The Brasher nomination was confirmed on a party line vote of 52-47, with Senator Young absent.

By consent, Thursday’s schedule of votes is as follows:

At 10:30 a.m., the Senate will vote on confirmation of these nominations:

o    Rodolfo Ruiz to be a US District Judge for the Southern District of Florida

o    Raul Arias-Marxuach to be a US District Judge for the District of Puerto Rico

o    Joshua Wolson to be a US District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

At 1:45 p.m., the Senate will vote on whether to override the president’s veto of S.J.Res.7, a measure directing the removal of U.S. troops from Yemen. A two-thirds majority is required to override the veto.

3:00 p.m. The Senate is voting on confirmation of Andrew Brasher to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of AL.

2:45 p.m. Senator Grassley asked u.c that upon disposition of the Wolson nomination the Senate resume consideration of the veto message to accompany S.J.Res. 7, the Yemen resolution and that the Senate vote on the veto override at 1:45 p.m. on Thursday.

07 p.m. Senators Capito, Ernst, Portman, Gardner and Grassley spoke about the economy and opportunity zones.

At 3:00 pm, the Senate will proceed to 4 votes:

• Confirmation of Cal. #29 Andrew Brasher to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of AL
• Motion to invoke cloture on Cal. #33 Rodolfo Ruiz II to be U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of FL
• Motion to invoke cloture on Cal. #34 Raul Arias-Marxuach to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Puerto Rico
• Motion to invoke cloture on Cal. #36 Joshua Wolson to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

1:52 p.m. Senators Braun and Tim Scott spoke about the economy.

1:31 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke briefly on national small business week, before turning to discuss taxes.

1:19 p.m. Senator Brown spoke on his outgoing staffer Mark Powden and later on the nomination of Stephen Moore to the federal reserve.

1:06 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke on health care.

12:51 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about sexual harassment and abuse, particularly in schools.

12:50 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Brasher nomination, 52-47, with Senator Young absent.

12:19 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the nomination of Andrew Brasher to be US District Judge for the Middle District of Alabama.

12:20 p.m. The Barker nomination was confirmed on a party line vote of 51-47, with Senators Inhofe and Young absent.

11:45 a.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the Barker nomination.

11:21 a.m. Senator Smith spoke about Stephen Moore.

11:07 a.m. Senator Lankford spoke about religion and on inmates access to cell phones.

10:46 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about the Barr hearing, on infrastructure and on climate change.

10:43 a.m. Senator Rick Scott spoke supporting the Ruiz nomination.

10:35 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about the economy.

10:10 a.m. The Senate resumed consideration of the Barker nomination.

10:03 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about nominations. He spoke about legislative priorities in the Senate and House.

***

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

Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the nomination of Campbell Barker to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas.

At 11:45 a.m. – 2 roll call votes:

1)      Confirmation of Executive Calendar #26, J. Campbell Barker, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas

2)      Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #29, Andrew Lynn Brasher, of Alabama, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Alabama

Additional roll call votes are expected during Wednesday’s session.

As a reminder, ML McConnell has filed cloture on the following nominations:

1. Andrew Brasher to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Alabama
2. Rodolfo Ruiz  to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida
3. Raul Arias-Marxuach to be United States District Judge for the District of Puerto Rico
4. Joshua Wolson to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

If cloture is invoked on any of the nominations, there would be up to 2 hours of debate prior to a vote on confirmation. Then there would be a cloture vote on the next nomination.

6:58 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

6:46 p.m. Senator Casey spoke against the Barker and Brasher nominations.

6:38 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about Venezuela.

6:35 p.m. Senator Cassidy began wrap up and passed by u.c. S.Con.Res. 13, A concurrent resolution reaffirming the United States commitment to Taiwan and to the implementation of the Taiwan Relations Act; S. 406, Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act. Senator Cassidy asked u.c. that when the Senate adjourns today it meets next on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. and resumes consideration of the J. Campbell Barker nomination. At 11:45 the Senate will vote on: 1. Confirmation of J. Campbell Barker to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of TX 2. Motion to invoke cloture on Andrew Brasher to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of AL

6:11 p.m. Senator Cassidy and Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.

6:07 p.m. By a vote of 52-46, the Senate invoked cloture on Executive Calendar #26 J. Campbell Barker to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas.

5:37 p.m. The Senate is now voting on cloture on the nomination of J. Campbell Barker for the District Court of the Eastern District of Texas.

5:37 p.m. By a vote of 72-27 the Senate confirmed Executive Calendar #214 nominating Gordon Hartogensis to be Director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation for a term of five years.

5:00 p.m. The Senate began voting on confirmation of the Hartogensis nomination.

4:17 p.m. Senator Murray spoke against the Hartogensis nomination.

3:20 p.m. DL Schumer spoke about the Mueller Report and suggested Russian sanctions, as well as on the economy.

The Senate will proceed to 2 votes at 5:00 p.m.: 1) Confirmation of the Hartogensis nomination to be Dir. of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation for a term of 5 yrs 2) Cloture on Cal.#26 Barker to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District, TX

3:15 p.m. By a vote of 72-27 the Senate invoked cloture on on the nomination of Gordon Hartogensis to be Director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation for a term of five years.

2:42 p.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the Hartogensis nomination.

2:41 p.m. The R. Clarke Cooper nomination was confirmed by a vote of 90 to 8.

2:15 p.m. The Senate is now voting on confirmation of the R. Clarke Cooper nomination to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Political-Military Affairs) .

12:58 p.m. The Senate having received from the House H.R. 1222, Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act, and its text being identical to S. 94, H.R. 1222 is considered passed. The passage of S. 94, is thus vitiated and the bill is indefinitely postponed. The Senate stands in recess until 2:15 p.m. to accommodate the weekly caucus lunches.

12:58 p.m. 98-1 The Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of R. Clarke Cooper to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Political-Military Affairs). Senator Harris did not vote.

12:30 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of R. Clarke Cooper to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Political-Military Affairs).

12:29 p.m. The William Cooper nomination was confirmed by  a vote of 68 to 31. Senator Harris did not vote.

11:45 a.m. The Senate is now voting on confirmation of William Cooper to be General Counsel for the Department of Energy.

11:36 a.m. Senator Braun spoke honoring the life of Senator Richard Lugar.

11:29 a.m. Senator Young spoke honoring the life of Senator Richard Lugar.

10:54 a.m. Senator Menendez spoke in favor of Clarke Cooper’s nomination to the State Department position.

10:40 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about Senator Sanders’s health care proposal.

10:13 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about nominations. He spoke about health care proposals. He paid tribute to departing staffer John Abegg.

10:02 a.m. The Senate resumed post-cloture debate on the Cooper nomination.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. and will resume post-cloture debate on the nomination of William Cooper to be general counsel of the Energy Department.

A vote on confirmation of the Cooper nomination is expected at 11:45 a.m., followed by a vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Clarke Cooper to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Political-Military Affairs).

At 12:30 p.m., the Senate is expected to recess for policy luncheons until 2:15 p.m.

Six more nominations are due for cloture votes:

1)      Gordon Hartogensis to be Director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation

2)      Campbell Barker to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas

3)      Andrew Brasher to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Alabama

4)      Rodolfo Ruiz to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida

5)      Raul Arias-Marxuach to be United States District Judge for the District of Puerto Rico

6)      Joshua Wolson to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

7:08 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday April 30^th and will resume post-cloture debate on the nomination of William Cooper to be general counsel of the Energy Department.

A vote on confirmation of the Cooper is expected at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday followed by a vote on the motion to invoked cloture on the nomination of Clarke Cooper to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Political-Military Affairs).

Six more nominations are due for cloture votes:

1)      Gordon Hartogensis to be Director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation

2)      Campbell Barker to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas

3)      Andrew Brasher to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Alabama

4)      Rodolfo Ruiz to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida

5)      Raul Arias-Marxuach to be United States District Judge for the District of Puerto Rico

6)      Joshua Wolson to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

During wrap-up:

• TREATY DOCUMENT NUMBER 116-1, Protocal to the North Atlantic Treaty of 1949 on the accession of the Republic of North Macedonia, was received by the Senate from the President and was referred to the Foreign Relations Committee.
• Cal. #s 207, 208, 210, 211, 212, 213 and all the Nominations Placed on the Secretary’s Desk were agreed to.
• R. 1644, Save the Internet Act of 2019, was placed on the calendar via the Rule 14 process.
• R. 1957, Taxpayer First Act of 2019 , was placed on the calendar via the Rule 14 process.
• Res. 172, Legal Counsel, was agreed to by unanimous consent.
• Res. 173, relative to the death of the Honorable Richard G. Lugar, was agreed to by unanimous consent.

****

6:29 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about the Moore nomination and paid tribute to Walt Stein.

6:24 p.m. Senator Alexander paid tribute to former Senator Lugar.

6:23 p.m. ML McConnell got unanimous consent that the vote on the Cooper nomination occur at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday.

6:22 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Cooper nomination, 63-32.

Senators voting in favor: 49 Republicans, 13 Democrats: Cantwell, Carper, Coons, Feinstein, Hassan, Jones, Kaine, Manchin, Murphy, Shaheen, Sinema, Tester and Warner; 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 31 Democrats; 1 Independent: Sanders.

Senators not voting: 4 Republicans: Burr, Kennedy, Perdue and Rubio; 1 Democrat: Leahy.

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

4:35 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about the Poway synagogue shooting, the passing former Senator Richard Lugar, the Mueller Report, disaster relief, and infrastructure.

4:19 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the shooting at Poway synagogue shooting, nominations, and the passing of former Senator Richard Lugar.

3:56 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the retiring R.D. Moore of Capitol Police force. He spoke in memory of Senator Lugar.

3:31 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about border control.

3:07 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about prescription drugs.

3:03 p.m. Senator Grassley received the veto message for S.J.Res. 7, the Yemen measure. He spoke about the Office of the Chaplain. He spoke about health care.

***

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

Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the nomination of William Cooper to be General Counsel of the Department of Energy.

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Cooper nomination.

As a reminder, Majority Leader McConnell has filed cloture on the following nominations:

1)      Clarke Cooper to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Political-Military Affairs)

2)      Gordon Hartogensis to be Director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation

3)      Campbell Barker to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas

4)      Andrew Brasher to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Alabama

5)      Rodolfo Ruiz to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida

6)      Raul Arias-Marxuach to be United States District Judge for the District of Puerto Rico

7)      Joshua Wolson to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

If cloture is invoked on any of the nominations, there would be up to 2 hours of debate prior to a vote on confirmation. Then there would be a cloture vote on the next nomination.

The Senate convened for a pro forma session at 4:30 p.m. Senator Perdue presided, and no business was conducted.

The Senate convened for a pro forma session at 9:00 a.m. Senator Ernst presided, and no business was conducted.

The Senate convened at 11:45 a.m. today for a pro forma session only, with no business conducted. Senator Blunt presided.

The Senate will next convene at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, April 22nd for a pro forma session only.