8:09 p.m. The Senate adjourned. By consent, the Senate will convene for these pro forma sessions during the coming recess, with no business to be conducted:

— Friday, Aug. 3 at 10:30 a.m.

— Tuesday, Aug. 7 at 10 a.m.

— Friday, Aug. 10 at 10:30 a.m.

— Tuesday, Aug. 14 at 1 p.m.

The Senate will next convene for regular business at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 15 at noon and will resume consideration of the Quattlebaum nomination to the Fourth Circuit, with a cloture vote at 5:30 p.m.

8:06 p.m. By voice vote the Senate passed S. 2497, to amend the Foreign Assistance and Arms Control Export Acts.

By voice vote, en bloc, the Senate confirmed these nominations:

— Emily Marks, to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama;

— Jeffrey Beaverstock to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama;

— Holly Teeter to the U.S. District Court for Kansas;

— Colm Connolly to the U.S. District Court for Delaware;

— Maryellen Noreika to the U.S. District Court for Delaware;

— Jill Otake to the U.S. District Court for Hawaii.

By voice vote, the Senate confirmed Jason Klitenic to be general counsel to Director of National Intelligence.

6:58 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about trade.

6:42 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about Alaskans of the week Christine Patriot and Nicole Nelson.

6:07 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about internment camps.

5:47 p.m. Senator McConnell filed cloture on these nominations: A. Marvin Quattlebaum Jr. and Julius Ness Richardson, both of South Carolina, to the Fourth U.S. Circuit Court.

By consent, the Senate passed the following measures:

— S. Res. 604, on the Intelligence Committee’s production of certain documents pertaining to the case,  U.S. v. Maria Butina;

— H.R. 2345, on FCC dialing codes;

— S. 1668, to rename a New York waterway the Joseph Sanford Jr. Channel;

— H.R. 6414, to amend Title XXIII of the U.S. Code, on tribal transportation;

— S. 2101, to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the crew of the U.S.S. Indianapolis, as amended.

— House message to accompany S. 770, on small business cyber threats.

5:45 p.m. Senator McConnell paid tribute to retiring Chief of the Recorders of Official Debate Patrick Renzie and Journal Clerk Scott Sanborn.

5:26 p.m. Senator Graham spoke about the defense bill.

5:11 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the separation of immigrant children from their parents.

4:59 p.m. Senator Tillis spoke about Pastor Andrew Brunson, an American imprisoned in Turkey.

4:48 p.m. Senator Warren spoke about judicial nominations.

4:34 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about pensions.

4:10 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke supporting the Kavanaugh nomination.

4:04 p.m. Senator Smith spoke against the Kavanaugh nomination.

3:51 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke about NDAA.

3:34 p.m Senator Leahy spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy.

3:25 p.m. Senator Kennedy spoke about the Farm bill.

2:59 p.m. Senator Reed spoke about the NDAA and the following conferees were assigned regarding H.R. 2, Senators Roberts, McConnell, Boozman, Hoeven, Ernst, Stabenow, Leahy, Brown, and Heitkamp.

2:38 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the Kavanaugh nomination.

2:36 p.m. By a vote of 87 to 10, the Senate passed the NDAA conference report.

YEAS: 46 Rs, 40 Ds, 1 I.

NAYS: 2 R, 7 D, 1 I.

Voting NAY:  Democrats Durbin, Gillibrand, Harris, Markey, Merkley, Warren and Wyden; independent Sanders, Republicans Lee and Rubio.

Not voting: Republicans Flake, McCain and Paul.

1:57 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Conference Report to accompany H.R.5515, NDAA 2019.

1:50 p.m. Senators Reed and Inhofe gave their final statements on the conference report.

1:30 p.m. Senators Rubio and Van Hollen spoke on ZTE and the Defense authorization bill.

1:28 p.m. Senator Hoeven thanked Senators and staff for work on the just passed “minibus”.

1:27 p.m. The Senate begins up to one hour of debate on the conference report to accompany H.R. 5515.

1:27 p.m. H.R. 6147 [Interior, FSGG, THUD, Agriculture appropriations minibus] was agreed to 92-6.

Senators voting against, 6 Republicans: Cruz, Johnson, Lee, Paul, Sasse and Toomey.

Senators not voting: 2 Republicans: Flake and McCain.

1:06 p.m. Roll call vote began on passage of H.R. 6147 [Interior, FSGG, THUD, Agriculture appropriations minibus]

12:59 p.m. Senators McConnell, Schumer and Leahy paid tribute to Senator Shelby on his recent 10,000th vote and his work on the appropriations bills.

12:58 p.m. ML McConnell achieves UC to vitiate cloture on conference report to accompany H.R. 5515 and following one hour of debate, vote on adoption of the conference report.

12::57 p.m. The motion to table the Cruz amendment was agreed to 54-44 and the amendment falls.

Senators voting in favor: 47 Democrats, 5 Republicans: Cassidy, Collins, Hatch, Murkowski and Shelby; 2 Independents: King and Sanders.

Senators voting against: 44 Republicans.

Senators not voting: 2 Republicans: Flake and McCain.

12:40 p.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to table the Cruz amendment #3402.

12:39 p.m. Senator Shelby spoke supporting a repeal of the individual mandate but supported the motion to table.

12:38 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke against the Cruz amend and moved to table the amendment.

12:36 p.m. Senator Cruz spoke about the individual mandate and on his amendment #3402.

12:35 p.m. The Senate agreed to the Baldwin amendment by a vote of 83-15. Senators voting against: 1. Capito 2. Cassidy 3. Corker 4. Cotton 5. Cruz 6. Daines 7. Kennedy 8. Lankford 9. Lee 10. Paul 11. Rubio 12. Sasse 13. Scott 14. Tillis 15. Toomey

12:15 p.m. The Senate is voting on adoption of Baldwin amendment #3524 in relation to H.R.6147, Minibus Appropriations (60 vote affirmative threshold).

12:14 p.m. The Lee amendment #3522 was not agreed to by a vote of 14-84. Senators voting in favor: Booker, Capito, Cassidy, Corker, Cruz, Heinrich, Lee, Menendez, Paul, Rubio, Schatz, Sullivan, Toomey and Young.

11:50 a.m. The Senate began voting on adoption of Lee amendment #3522 in relation to H.R.6147, Minibus Appropriations (60 vote affirmative threshold)

11:48 a.m. Senator Baldwin spoke against the Lee amendment #3522.

11:46 a.m. Senator Lee spoke supporting his amendment #3522.

11:45 a.m. The Senate did not agree to the Leahy amendment #3464 by a vote of 50-47. (60 vote affirmative threshold) Senator Corker joined Democrats in voting yes.

Senators Burr, Flake and McCain did not vote.

11:07 a.m. Senate began voting on adoption of the Leahy amendment #3464 in relation to H.R.6147, Minibus Appropriations (60 vote affirmative threshold).

11:06 a.m. Senator Leahy spoke supporting his amendment.

11:04 a.m. Senator Lankford spoke against the Leahy amendment #3464.

11:00 a.m. Senator Collins asked u.c. to call up amends #3464, #3522, #3524, and #3402.

10:48 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the Kavanaugh nomination.

10:44 A.M. Senator Merkley spoke about the spending bill.

10:40 a.m. Senate Udall spoke about the spending bill.

10:21 a.m. Senator Murkowski spoke about the spending bill.

10:03 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the “minibus” appropriations bill.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 am and resume consideration of H.R. 6147 [Interior, FSGG, THUD, Agriculture appropriations minibus].

• At 11:00am, all post-cloture time with respect to the Shelby substitute amendment will expire, and the Senate will proceed to vote in relation to the below amendments. No further amendments will be in order to the substitute.

o Leahy amendment to provide for election security grants (3464). Subject to an affirmative 60-vote threshold.
o Lee amendment the prohibit the use of funds to enforce standards of identity with respect to certain food (3522). Subject to an affirmative 60-vote threshold.
o Baldwin amendment to appropriate funds to carry out programs relating to the innovation, process improvement, and marketing of dairy products (3524). Subject to an affirmative 60-vote threshold.
o Cruz amendment to prohibit the use of funds to carry out the District of Columbia’s health insurance individual mandate (3402). Motion to table expected.

• Following disposition of the Cruz amendment, the pending Murkowski amendment of a perfecting nature (3400) will be withdrawn, the Shelby amendment in the nature of a substitute (3399) will be adopted by unanimous consent, and the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on passage of H.R. 6147, as amended.

• Following disposition of H.R. 6147, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the conference report to accompany the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 5515).

o If cloture is invoked on the conference report to accompany H.R. 5515, there will be up to thirty hours of post-cloture debate.

• Upon the use or yielding back of post-cloture time on the conference report, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on a motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the conference report, if a point of order is raised.

• Following any potential roll call vote on a motion to waive, the Senate will proceed to a vote on adoption of the conference report to accompany H.R. 5515.

8:20 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00 am Wednesday, August 1,2018.

7:20 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke on H.R. 6147, Minibus Appropriations.

6:55 p.m. Senator Rubio asked the Senate move to Executive Session in order to call up calendar nominations number 1017-1029 and all nominations in the Air Force, Army and Navy on the Secretary’s desk. They were confirmed by voice vote and then he resumed legislative session to speak on the threat of Russia.

6:45 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke on Medicare.

6:35 p.m. Senator Hassan spoke on Medicare.

6:30 p.m. Senator Hirono spoke on Medicare.

6:25 p.m. Senator King spoke on Medicare.

6:20 p.m. Senator Cortez Masto spoke on Medicare.

6:15 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on Medicare.

6:05 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke on Medicare.

6:00 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke on Medicare.

5:45 p.m. Senator Wyden  spoke on the threat of Z.T.E. and the current state of Medicare & Medicaid.

5:30 p.m. Senator Van Hollan spoke on the threat of Z.T.E.

5:11 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.

4:56 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about the Kavanaugh nomination and on the NDAA Conference Report expected to pass Thursday.

4:37 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the Kavanaugh nomination.

4:25 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke about Lt. General Michael Shields.

4:17 p.m. Senator Cantwell spoke about the importance of teaching computer science and coding.

3:47 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about immigration and NDAA.

3:39 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke about the animal drug industry and the Senate agreed to H.R. 5554, Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Amendments of 2018, by voice vote.

3:34 p.m. Senator Murray spoke about the animal drug industry.

3:29 p.m. Senator Van Hollen spoke about 3-D printed guns.

3:22 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke about 3-D printed guns.

3:16 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke about 3-D printed guns.

3:08 p.m. Senator Nelson asked unanimous consent that the Senate agree to S. 3304. Senator Lee objected and Senator Lee spoke about the 3-D printed guns.

3:07 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Shelby amendment #3399 by a vote of 94 to 4. Senators Flake and McCain were absent. Senators Gillibrand and Paul voted NO.

2:46 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the Shelby amendment #3399 to H.R. 6147.

2:40 p.m. The Grant nomination was confirmed by a vote of 52 to 46. Senators Flake and McCain were absent. Senators Manchin, Heitkamp and Tester voted YES.

2:15 p.m. The Senate is now voting on confirmation of the Grant nomination.

12:55 p.m. The Senate is in recess until 2:15 p.m.

12:54 p.m. The Senate concurred with the House Amendments to S. 1182 (vehicle for flood insurance), 86-12.

Senators voting against: Barrasso, Cotton, Enzi, Inhofe, Johnson, Lankford, Lee, Paul, Risch, Sasse, Shelby, and Toomey

Senators not voting: Flake and McCain

12:16 p.m. The Senate now voting on the motion to concur in the House Amendments to S. 1182 (vehicle for flood insurance). The cloture motion, motion to refer, and the motion to concur with an amendment were withdrawn.

12:07 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about the Kavanaugh nomination and the economy.

12:03 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the Perkins Act and employment licensing requirements, specifically those in the New HOPE Act.

11:48 a.m. Senator Wyden spoke about a proposed bill regarding presidential tax returns.

10:27 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the Kavanaugh nomination. He spoke about taxes. He spoke about North Korea.

10:03 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about immigration and about employment levels.

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. and will resume post-cloture consideration of the nomination of Britt Grant to be a United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit.

• At 12:15 p.m., cloture will be withdrawn for the four-month flood insurance extension (the House message to accompany S. 1182) and the Senate will vote on passage (the motion to concur in the House amendments).

• Following disposition of the flood insurance bill, the Senate will recess until 2:15 p.m. for the weekly caucus luncheons. 

• At 2:15 p.m., the Senate will vote on confirmation of the Grant nomination.

• Following disposition of the Grant nomination, the Senate will resume consideration of the “minibus” — the fiscal year 2019 appropriations bill for the Interior Department and other agencies (H.R. 6147).  The Senate will then vote on cloture for the Shelby substitute, Amendment #3399. Up to 30 hours of post-cloture debate would be in order.  Pending to the minibus are the Shelby substitute and Murkowski Amendment #3400, to make a technical correction.

• Following disposition of the Shelby substitute, the Senate is expected to vote on cloture for the underlying minibus bill and, if cloture is invoked, move toward a vote on passage.

• Following disposition of the minibus, the Senate will begin the cloture cycle on the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 5515).

6:52 p.m. The Senate has adjourned until 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 31^st and will resume consideration of the Grant nomination. There are three votes scheduled and the Senate will recess at 12:30 p.m. for the weekly caucus lunches.

12:15 p.m.

1. Roll call vote on the Motion to concur in the House amendments to S. 1182, flood Insurance extension.

 2:15 p.m.

1. Roll call vote on the motion to confirm the nomination of Britt Cagle Grant to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit.
2. Roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Shelby substitute amendment #3399 to H.R. 6147, Interior, FSGG, THUD, Agriculture appropriations minibus.

During wrap-up the Senate agreed to S. Res. 599, designating September 25^th, 2018 as “National Lobster Day”, by unanimous consent.

****

6:20 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Grant nomination, 52-44.

Senators in favor: 49 Republicans, 3 Democrats: Heitkamp, Manchin and Tester.

Senators voting against: 42 Democrats, 2 Independents: King and Sanders.

Senators not voting: 2 Republicans: Flake and McCain; 2 Democrats: Nelson and Warner.

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

5:30 p.m. Senator Isakson spoke on the Grant nomination.

5:18 p.m. Senator Perdue spoke about the Grant nomination.

5:09 p.m. Senator Casey spoke about medicaid.

5:05 p.m. Senator Cassidy spoke about flood insurance.

4:53 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke about the Kavanaugh nomination.

4:43 p.m. Senator Wicker spoke about flood insurance.

3:02 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the Grant nomination.

The Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m. and resume consideration of the nomination of Britt Grant to be a United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit.

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

Cloture has also been filed on the following:

• Shelby substitute amendment #3399  to H.R. 6147, Interior, FSGG, THUD, Agriculture appropriations minibus
• H.R. 6147 [Interior, FSGG, THUD, Agriculture appropriations minibus]
• Motion to concur in the House amendments to S. 1182 (Flood Insurance extension)
• Conference report to accompany the National Defense Authorization Act H.R. 5515

The above cloture motions will be processed one at a time, in the order listed.  Each is subject to up to thirty hours of post-cloture debate.

4:22 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, July 30, 2018. Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of Executive Calendar #1006, Britt Grant, of Georgia, to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit. As a result of cloture having been filed on H.R.6147, Minibus, and the Shelby substitute amendment, there is a filing deadline for 1st degree amendments at 4:00 p.m. The filing deadline for 2nd degree amendments is one hour prior to the cloture vote. At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Grant nomination.

H.R. 4318, Miscellaneous Tariff Bill, The Hatch amendment was agreed to by u.c. The bill was passed as amended voice vote.

Passed Calendar #486, H.R. 4528, to make technical amendments to certain marine fish conservation statutes, and for other purposes.

Agreed to the resolution of ratification with respect to— (treaties ratified by division vote) Treaties Cal. #2: The Treaty with the Federated States of Micronesia on the Delimitation of a Maritime Boundary; Treaties Cal. #3: The Treaty with the Republic of Kiribati on the Delimitation of Maritime Boundaries; Treaties Cal. #4: Extradition Treaty with the Republic of Serbia; Treaties Cal. #5: Extradition Treaty with the Republic of Kosovo.

4:15 p.m. ML McConnell begins wrap up.

3:30 p.m. Senator Warren spoke about federal employees.

2:40 p.m. Senator Hirono spoke about the Affordable Care Act.

2:21 p.m. Senator Lee spoke about the Flood Insurance Program. Senator Lee asked u.c. to discharge the Banking Committee from further consideration of S.3128, and the Senate take up and pass S.3128 (Flood Insurance), with a Lee amendment ($2.5M cap for new construction). Senator Kennedy objected.

2:06 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about press freedom.

ML McConnell announced that the next vote will be at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 30th on cloture on the Grant nomination to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the 11th Circuit.

Following disposition of the Grant nomination, the Senate will proceed to the cloture motions one at a time, in the order listed. Each is subject to up to thirty hours of post-cloture debate in the following order to 1) H.R. 6147, Minibus Appropriation 2) Motion to concur in the House amend to S. 1182, Flood Insurance 3) The Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 5515, NDAA.

2:06 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on the conference report to accompany H.R.5515, NDAA.

2:03 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture and filled the amend tree on the motion to concur in the House amendment to accompany S.1182, Flood Insurance.

2:02 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on the underlying bill, H.R.6147, Minibus Appropriations.

2:01 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on Shelby substitute amendment #3399 to H.R.6147, Minibus Appropriations

2:00 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on Exec. Cal. #1006 Britt Grant to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit.

1:09 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about premium hand rolled cigar manufactures.

12:59 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke about pre-existing conditions.

12:47 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about prescription drug costs.

12:38 p.m. Senator Burr and Senator Tillis paid tribute to Dick Spangler.

12:30 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about health care and prescription drug costs.

12:15 p.m. Senator King spoke about the Affordable Care Act.

11:58 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

11:47 a.m. Senator Gardner asked u.c. to call up amendment #3424, Senator Murkowski objected because it is constitutes legislation on appropriations.

11:34 a.m. Senator Burr spoke about the Gardner amendment #3424

11:33 a.m. Senator Gardner spoke about Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Gardner amendment #3424

11:18 a.m. Senator Tester spoke about Peter Navarro’s comments on tariffs.

11:09 a.m. Senator Leahy spoke about Russian interference in elections.

11:03 a.m. Senator Flake spoke against funding for bug-based food for human consumption.

10:50 a.m. Senator Casey spoke about the Americans with Disabilities Act.

10:38 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the Kavanaugh nomination.

10:35 a.m. Senator Coons spoke about the Perkins bill.

10:23 a.m. Senators Casey and Enzi spoke about the Perkins technical education bill.

9:33 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the Kavanaugh nomination and completed the Rule 14 process to place on the Legislative Calendar of Business H.R.184, Medical Device Tax and H.R.1201, Religious Exemption from Individual Mandate

****

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

At that time, resume consideration of H.R. 6147, [Interior, FSGG, THUD, Agriculture appropriations minibus].

No votes are scheduled as of yet, but are expected.

7:31 p.m. The Senate adjourned.

7:25 p.m. Senator Hirono spoke about the Kavanugh nomination.

7:20 p.m. Senator Moran wraps up for the evening.  The following bills were read for the first time: H.R 184; HR 1201.  The following bills were passed by unanimous consent: HR 4645 amending the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act; S Res 592, designating October 9th as Ada Lovelace day; S Res 593, Honoring Grace Hopper. UC that Senate adjourn until 9:30 a.m. Thursday.  At that time, resume consideration of HR 6147.  UC that the Senate adjourn following remarks of Senator Hirono.

7:10 p.m. Senator Moran spoke on tariffs.

7:01 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke on flood insurance.

6:48 p.m. Senator Portman paid tribute to Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson, and then spoke on his bill, the Educating Tomorrows Workforce Act.

6:47 p.m. The Senate did not agree to the Paul amendment, 25-74.

Senators voting in favor, all Republican: Barrasso, Burr, Cassidy, Corker, Cornyn, Cotton, Crapo, Cruz, Daines, Enzi, Ernst, Flake, Grassley, Inhofe, Johnson, Kennedy, Lankford, Lee, Paul, Perdue, Risch, Sasse, Scott, Thune and Toomey.

Senators not voting: McCain.

6:28 p.m. Roll Call vote began on the Paul amendment #3543 to reduce the amounts appropriated to comply with the spending limits under the Budget Control Act of 2011.

6:25 p.m. Senators Shelby, Collins, and Leahy spoke against the Paul amendment.

6:24 p.m. Senator Paul spoke supporting his amendment.

6:24 p.m. The Senate agreed 99-0 to the Manchin amendment #3553 to provide funding to investigate the illicit trade of synthetic opiods originating in China.

Senator McCain did not vote.

5:45 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Manchin amendment #3553.

5:41 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke in support of his amendment.

5:24 p.m. Senators Murray, Kaine and Van Hollen spoke about protections for federal employees.

5:23 p.m. Senator Collins asked u.c. that at 5:45 p.m., the Senate vote on the following amendments in relation to H.R.6147, Minibus Appropriations:

1. Manchin amendment #3553
2. Paul amendment #3543

5:15 p.m. Senator Hirono spoke about protections for federal employees.

5:08 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about federal workers and unions.

5:02 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about federal workers and unions.

4:36 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about 3-D printed plastic guns.

4:26 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about Senator Schumer’s comments about the Kavanaugh nomination.

4:16 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about misguided efforts to privatize the postal service.

4:09 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke supporting H.R. 772.

4:03 p.m. Senator Blunt asked u.c. that the Senate consider H.R. 772, Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act of 2017. Senator Murray objected.

3:34 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke about tariffs.

3:19 p.m. Senator Jones spoke about Alabama businesses concerned about proposed tariffs.

3:17 p.m. Senators Collins and Reed encouraged Senators to file amendments by 1:00 p.m. on Thursday.

3:16 p.m. The Udall amendment was agreed to 95-4.

Senators voting against: Lee, Paul, Sasse and Toomey.

Senators not voting: McCain.

2:57 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Udall amendment #3414.

2:56 p.m. The Moran amendment was agreed to 98-0.

Senators not voting: Duckworth and McCain.

2:30 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Moran amendment #3433.

2:28 p.m. Senator Moran spoke on both his amendment #3433 and the Udall amendment #3414.

2:24 p.m. Senators Collins and Reed voiced their support for the Udall amendment #3414.

2:21 p.m. Senators Heinrich and Udall spoke about long distance passenger rail; particularly the Southwest Chief. Senator Udall called up his amendment #3414 as modified.

2:09 p.m. Senator Ernst spoke on important aspects that affect West Virginia in the pending appropriations bill.

1:59 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke about rural community development, including air service and broadband access.

1:47 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke about Charles Rettig’s nomination to be IRS commissioner.

1:37 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke supporting the Kavanaugh nomination.

1:34 p.m. Senator Tester spoke about the federal employee hiring freeze.

1:29 p.m. Senator Ernst spoke supporting the Kavanaugh nomination.

1:25 p.m. Senator Tillis spoke about Pastor Brunson, who is imprisoned in Turkey.

1:14 p.m. Senator Warner spoke about about immigration.

1:05 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the immigration system.

12:58 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the immigration system.

12:48 p.m. Senator Tillis spoke about the immigration system.

12:45 p.m. Senator Durbin asked UC that the Senate pass S. 3263 regarding keeping families together. Senator Tillis objected.

12:40 p.m. Senator Hirono spoke about the immigration zero tolerance rule and family reunification.

12:39 p.m. Senator Tillis asked UC to pass S. 3093 regarding alien children and parents by voice vote. Senator Hirono objected.

12:28 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about student loan debt.

12:20 p.m. Senator Warren spoke about the opioid crisis.

11:59 a.m. Senator Murray spoke about the Kavanaugh nomination.

11:42 a.m. Senator Flake spoke about his time in the Senate.

11:19 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the Kavanaugh nomination.

11:12 a.m. Senator Reed spoke about the threat of Russian interference in U.S. elections.

10:38 a.m. Senator Murkowski secured consent to consider S. 2779, to amend the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act of 2001. It passed, as amended, by voice vote. She paid tribute to Marge Mullen, an Alaskan homesteading pioneer.

10:31 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the Kavanaugh nomination. He spoke about the administration’s agriculture aid program. He spoke about the Trump-Putin meeting in Helsinki.

10:28 a.m. Senator Leahy spoke about the appropriations bill.

10:21 a.m. Senator Murkowski spoke about the appropoiations bill.

10:03 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the pending appropriations bill. He spoke about the economy.

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and resume consideration of H.R. 6147, [Interior, FSGG, THUD, Agriculture appropriations minibus].

At 2:30 p.m., the Senate will proceed to roll call votes in relation to the following amendments:

Moran amendment to prohibit the use of funds to revoke certain exceptions #3433.

Udall amendment to express the sense of Congress relating to the importance of long-distance passenger rail routes #3414.

The Senate adjourned at 8:20 p.m. to reconvene at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 25. The Senate will resume consideration of H.R. 4167, the Minibus Appropriations bill and there will be two roll call votes at 2:30 p.m. on a Moran Amendment 3433 and a Udall Amendment 3413.

7:50 p. m. Senator Rounds conducted wrap up:

Confirmed in Exec Session:

Confirmed en bloc 467, Bruce Landsberg, SC and 858, Jennifer Homendy, VA, to be members of the  National Transportation Safety Board.

Passed in Legislative Session:

S. Res.  589, 590, 591

S. Res 578 –  Honoring DEA

S. Res 580 – Public awareness of trademarks

S. 2278 –  Improve Public Health Service Act  in rural areas (as amended)

7:18 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on climate change.

7:17 p.m. Senator Coons and Flake spoke on S. Res 583, regarding Russian election interference.

7:08 p.m. Senate Flake ask unanimous consent to call up S. Res 583, regarding Russian election interference, Senator Perdue objected.

7:06 p.m. Senator Flake spoke on Russian election interference in the 2016 election.

Roll call vote on the Kennedy amendment #3430 – Seafood inspections passed by a vote of 87 to 11.

Roll call vote on Schatz amendment #3407 –  Volcano damage passes by a vote of 97 to 1. Senator Lee voted no.

6:01 p.m. Senator Murkowski offered an unanimous consent agreement outlining two votes at approximately 6:00 p.m.

1. Schatz amendment #3407 –   Volcano damage to interior department property
2. Kennedy Amendment #3430 –  Seafood inspection funds

5:13 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke on  health insurance.

5:02 p.m. Senator Kennedy spoke about flood insurance.

4:46 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the Kavanaugh nomination.

4:40 p.m. Senator Coons spoke about election security.

4:27 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about President’s meeting in Helsinki with Vladimir Putin and election security.

4:19 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke about President’s meeting in Helsinki with Vladimir Putin and election security.

4:08 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke about the President’s meeting in Helsinki with Vladimir Putin.

3:56 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the President’s meeting in Helsinki with Vladimir Putin.

3:26 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke supporting the Kavanaugh nomination.

3:25 p.m. The Senate adopted the Durbin amendment #3422 by a vote of 99-0. Senator McCain did not vote.

2:46 p.m. The Senate began voting on the Durbin amendment #3422.

2:45 p.m. The Senate adopted the Heller amendment #3405 by a vote of 98-1 to HR 6147, Minibus Appropriations. Senator Paul voted no and Senator McCain did not vote.

2:20 p.m. The Senate began voting on the Heller amendment #3405.

2:18 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke supporting the Durbin amendment #3422.

2:16 p.m. Senator Brown spoke supporting the Heller/Brown amendment #3405.

2:15 p.m. Senator Heller spoke supporting his amendment #3405.

12:35 p.m. The Senate stands in recess to accommodate the weekly caucus lunches.

12:33 p.m. Senator Collins spoke about the victims of the duck boat accident in Missouri and asked u.c. to call up amendments Heller #3405 and Durbin #3422.  At 2:20 p.m. the Senate will have two votes on the following amendments in relation to H.R.6147, Minibus Appropriations:

1. Heller #3405 (re: tax prep assistance)
2. Durbin #3422 (re: Amtrak on-time performance)

12:23 p.m. Senator McCaskill spoke about the 17 victims of the duck boat accident in Missouri.

12:14 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke about the 17 victims of the duck boat accident in Missouri.

11:59 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the Kavanaugh nomination and foreign investments.

11:48 a.m. Senator Coons spoke supporting supporting the Financial Services and General Government portion of H.R. 6147.

11:40 a.m. Senator Lankford spoke supporting the Financial Services and General Government portion of H.R. 6147.

11:30 a.m. Senator Merkley spoke supporting the Agriculture Appropriations portion of H.R. 6147.

11:24 a.m. Senator Hoeven spoke supporting H.R. 6147.

11:15 a.m. Senator Reed spoke supporting H.R. 6147.

10:51 a.m. Senator Collins spoke supporting the appropriations process and on H.R. 6147, Minibus Appropriations.

10:40 a.m. Senator Leahy spoke about H.R. 6147, Minibus Appropriations.

10:35 a.m. Senator Shelby spoke about H.R. 6147, Interior FSGG, THUD, Ag Appropriations for FY 2019 and on the appropriations process.

10:17 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about USCP officers Chestnut and Gibson, the Kavanaugh nomination, and on Iran.

10:09 a.m. ML McConnell spoke honoring U.S. Capitol Police officers Chestnut and Gibson, supporting H.R. 6147, the minibus appropriations bill and on the economy.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and resume consideration of H.R. 6147, (Interior, FSGG, THUD, Agriculture appropriation minibus II).

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

Roll Call votes in relation to amendments to the appropriations minibus are possible during Tuesday’s session.

6:53 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 10 a.m. Tuesday. After leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R. 6147, the FY ’19 appropriation for the Interior Department and related agencies. The Senate will recess for policy lunches from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m.

6:51 p.m. By voice votes, the Senate passed H.R. 589, as amended, and S. 2503, amended, bills to establish certain Energy Department programs. By voice vote, the Senate passed H.R. 2353, the reauthorization of the Perkins Career and Technical Education Act.

6:40 p.m. Senator Udall spoke in favor of the Minibus bill.

6:10 p.m. Senator Murkowski called up her amendment #3400. She spoke in favor of the bill. She spoke about the Wilkie nomination.

6:10 p.m. Senator Shelby spoke on the bill and called up the substitute amendment, #3399.

6:09 p.m. The Senate has begun consideration of H.R. 6147, Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, for FY ’19 (minibus II).

6:08 p.m. The Wilkie nomination was confirmed 86-9.

Senators voting against: 8 Democrats (Booker, Feinstein, Gillibrand, Harris, Markey, Merkley, Warren and Wyden); 1 Independent: Sanders.

5:28 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the Wilkie nomination.

4:52 p.m. Senators Moran, Boozman, Tester, Isakson and Tillis spoke about the Wilkie nomination.

4:38 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about the Kavanaugh nomination and President Trump’s speech from Helsinki.

3:42 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about immigration.

3:08 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about nominations.

***

The Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m.  Following Leader remarks, the Senate will be in Executive Session to consider the nomination of Robert Wilkie to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on confirmation of the Wilkie nomination.

Upon disposition of the Wilkie nomination, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of H.R. 6147, Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, for FY ’19 (minibus II).

5:20 p.m. The Senate adjourned.

5:11 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about Jeanne, the Alaskan of the Week.

5:02 p.m. ML McConnell asked u.c. that following Leader remarks on Monday July 23rd, the Senate proceed to consideration of Executive Calendar #1000, Robert L. Wilkie, of North Carolina, to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The time until 5:30 p.m. be divided in the usual form and the Senate vote on the nomination. Following disposition of the Wilkie nomination, the Senate resume legislative session and consideration of H.R. 6147, Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, for FY ’19 (minibus).

4:20 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about sex trafficking.

3:16 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about health care.

3:15 p.m. S.Res. 584, Questioning of US officials by Russian government, was agreed to by a vote of 98 to 0. Absent: Senators Shelby and McCain.

2:42 p.m. The Senate began voting on S. Res. 584, Questioning of US officials by Russian government.

2:38 p.m. Senator McConnell announced that the Bounds nomination was withdrawn.

1:36 p.m. Senator Tillis spoke about Putin. He also about immigration and keeping children with families

1:25 p.m. Senator Casey spoke about President Trump and Russia.

1:20 p.m. Senator Ernst spoke about ICE.

1:15 p.m. Senator Peters spoke about “Start Up Week.”

1:06 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke on the Bounds nomination.

12:54 p.m. Senator Cruz spoke of Cuba and in memorium of Oswaldo Paya, a Cuban citizen.

12:25 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on the Bounds and Kavanaugh nominations. He spoke in memorium of Robert D. Ray, 38th Governor of Iowa. He also spoke in memorium of Eugene Sukup, an Iowan farmer, inventor, and manufacturer.

12:16 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke about Russia.

12:08 p.m. Democratic Leader Schumer spoke about Russia.

12:07 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell received unanimous consent for two votes. There will be two votes at 1:45 p.m:

• Ryan Bounds to be a United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit
• Schumer resolution on the adoption of questioning U.S. officials by the Putin government

11:46 a.m. Senators Flake and Coons spoke about Russia. Senator Flake asked unanimous consent to adopt S.Res. 583. Senator Cornyn objected.

11:36 a.m. Senator Sanders asked unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to and to the adoption of S.Res. 582 and Senator Paul objected.

11:23 a.m. Senator Sanders  and Schumer spoke about Russia.

11:16 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about ICE.

11:11 a.m. Senator Cotton spoke about ICE.

10:30 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about President Trump’s meeting with President Putin and about health care.

10:05 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the Oldham, Bounds, and Kavanaugh nominations and addressed the economy.

***** 

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and resume consideration of the nomination of Ryan Bounds to be a United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit, post-cloture.

A roll call vote is expected during Thursday’s session.

6:26 p.m. The Senate has adjourned until 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 19^th and will resume consideration of the nomination of Ryan Wesley Bounds to be United States Circuit Judge of the Ninth Circuit.

During wrap-up:

1. The nomination of Rear Admiral (lh) Andrew S. McKinley of the United States Coast Guard Reserve to be Rear Admiral was agreed to by unanimous consent.
2. 526, Microloan Modernization Act of 2018, the Committee Reported Substitute amendment and the Risch amendment, were agreed to by voice vote.
3. 791, Small Business Innovation Protection Act of 2017, was agreed to by voice vote.
4. 2850, A bill to amend the White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights Quantification Act of 2010 to clarify the use of amounts in the WMAT Settlement Fund, and the Flake amendment, were agreed to by unanimous consent.

****

6:15 p.m. Senator Coons spoke about Nelson Mandela.

5:43 p.m. Senator Moran spoke about NATO.

5:16 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke about election security.

4:54 p.m. Senator King spoke about climate change and lobsters.

4:41 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change and lobsters.

4:24 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke about tax reform, unemployment, and the economy.

4:15 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke about opioid addiction.

4:05 p.m. Senator Blunt and Nelson spoke about the Museum of African American Baseball.

3:49 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about immigration and trade tariffs.

3:37 p.m. Senator Cruz spoke supporting the employees of ICE and law enforcement.

3:29 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about S. Res. 572.

3:27 p.m. Senator Hirono spoke against S. Res. 572, A resolution supporting the officers and personnel who carry out the important mission of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

3:23 p.m. Senator Daines asked u.c. to consider S. Res. 572, A resolution supporting the officers and personnel who carry out the important mission of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Senator Merkley objected. Senator Merkley asked u.c. to consider S. 3227, the Reunite Act. Senator Daines objected.

3:22 p.m. The Senate invoked cloture on the Bounds nomination to be a U.S. Circuit Judge for the 9th Circuit by a vote of 50-49.

Senators not voting: McCain.

2:48 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the nomination of Ryan Bounds to be a US Circuit Judge for the 9th Circuit.

2:47 p.m. The Oldham nomination was confirmed on a party line vote of 50-49.

Senators not voting: McCain.

2:03 p.m. The Senate began voting on confirmation of the Oldham nomination.

1:59 p.m. Senator Lee asked u.c. to consider S. 118, Reinforcing American-Made Product Act of 2017. Senator Feinstein objected.

1:46 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke about the Russia investigation.

1:36 p.m. Senator Cruz spoke supporting the Oldham nomination.

1:15 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about the Helsinki meeting with President Putin.

12:59 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about the Russian pipeline to Germany.

12:13 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke in favor of the Kavanaugh nomination.

12:00 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the Kavanaugh nomination.

11:46 a.m. Senator Tester spoke about trade tariffs.

11:40 a.m. Senator Tillis spoke about Pastor Brunson and Americans imprisoned in Turkey.

11:36 a.m. Senator Cortez Masto spoke in opposition of the Bounds nomination.

11:17 a.m. Senator Murray spoke in opposition of the Kavanaugh nomination.

10:57 a.m. Senator Gardner spoke about the upcoming opening of the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center in Aurora.

10:39 a.m. Senators Jones and Alexander spoke about the automotive industry in Alabama and the impact of tariffs.

10:22 a.m. Democratic Leader Schumer spoke about President Trump and the Helsinki summit and later about the Kavanaugh nomination.

10:09 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke on judicial nominations and tax cuts.

10:00 a.m.  The Senate convened.

***

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and resume consideration of the nomination of Andrew Oldham to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit.

At 2:00 p.m. the Senate will have 2 votes:

1. Confirmation of Andrew Oldham to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit
2. Cloture on Ryan Bounds to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit

10:09 p.m. The Senate adjourned.

9:42 p.m. Senator Merkely spoke against the Bounds nomination.

9:31 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke against the Bounds and Oldham nominations.

9:20 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke about the Kavanaugh nomination.

9:06 p.m. Senator Casey spoke about judicial nominations.

8:15 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke against the Kavanaugh nomination and Bounds nomination.

7:59 p.m. Senator Warren spoke against the Kavanaugh nomination.

7:34 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke against the Kavanaugh nomination.

7:11 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke against the Kavanaugh nomination.

7:08 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke against the Kavanaugh and Bounds nominations.

6:41 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about Russian interference in our elections.

6:22 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke about President Trump’s visit to Helsinki.

6:20 p.m. Senator Graham conducted wrap up. During wrap up, passed H.R. 6042, To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to delay the reduction in Federal medical assistance percentage for Medicaid personal care services furnished without an electronic visit verification system.  When the Senate adjourns tonight, it will reconvene on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. and following Leader remarks resume consideration of the Oldham nomination. At 2:00 p.m., the Senate will have 2 votes on: 1. Confirmation of Andrew Oldham to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the 5th Circuit 2. Motion to invoke cloture on Cal. #903 Ryan Bounds to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the 9th Circuit.

5:57 p.m. Senator Smith  spoke against the Kavanaugh nomination.

5:31 P.M. Senator Whitehouse spoke on the Kavanaugh nomination.

5:10 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about President Trump’s visit to Helsinki.

5:00 p.m. Senator Portman  spoke on the Kavanaugh nomination.

4:55 p.m. Senator Murray spoke about President Trump’s visit to Helsinki.

4:45 p.m. Senator Van Hollen spoke about President Trump’s visit to Helsinki.

4:35 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke about President Trump’s visit to Helsinki.

4:33 p.m. Senator Flake spoke about President Trump’s visit to Helsinki.

4:30 p.m. Senator Reed spoke about President Trump’s visit to Helsinki.

4:00 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about President Trump’s visit to Helsinki.

3:56 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke about President Trump’s visit to Helsinki.

3:47 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about President Trump’s visit to Helsinki.

3:38 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about the Kavanaugh nomination.

3:18 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the Kavanaugh nomination.

3:18 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Oldham nomination by a vote of 50 to 49 (Not voting: McCain).

2:52 p.m. The Senate voted on invoking cloture on the Andrew S. Oldham nomination to be a Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit.

2:51 p.m. The Senate confirmed Randal Quarles to be a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve by a vote of 66-33. (Not voting: McCain)

2:24 p.m. The Senate voted on the nomination of Randal Quarles to be a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve.

2:20 p.m. Senator Crapo spoke in support of the Quarles nomination.

2:18 p.m. Senator Cortez Masto spoke against the Quarles nomination.

2:15 p.m. Senator Brown spoke against the Quarles nomination.

1:04 p.m. The Senate is in recess until 2:15 p.m.

1:03 p.m. Senator Daines received unanimous consent that all post cloture time on the Quarles nomination expires at 2:25 p.m. and that there will be two votes:

• Confirmation on the nomination of Randal Quarles to be a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
• Motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Andrew S. Oldham to be a United States Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit

1:03 p.m. The Senate invoked cloture on Randal Quarles nomination with a vote of 66-33. (Not voting: McCain)

12:28 p.m. The Senate voted to invoke cloture on Randal Quarles to be a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve.

12:27 p.m. The Senate confirmed James Blew to be the Assistant Secretary of Education for Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development by a vote of 50-49. (Not voting: McCain)

11:45 a.m. The Senate voted on James Blew’s nomination to be the Assistant Secretary of Education for Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development.

11:42 a.m. Senator Alexander spoke in support of James Blew’s nomination.

11:37 a.m. Senator Murray spoke in opposition of James Blew’s nomination.

11:23 a.m. Senator Hatch spoke about global tariff policy and tax reform.

11:04 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the 2016 election and Abolish ICE movement.

10:44 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about President Trump in Helsinki, the 2016 election, and the Kavanaugh nomination.

10:21 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about President Trump’s statements in Helsinki.

10:05 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell endorsed a change in Internal Revenue Service policy on monitoring the political donations of non-profit groups. He spoke about the economy.

*******

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

At that time, resume consideration of the nomination of James Blew to be Assistant Secretary of Education for Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development.

At 11:45 a.m. the Senate will conduct two roll call votes:
1. Confirmation of the Blew nomination.
2. Cloture on the nomination of Randal Quarles to be a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve.

Following the cloture vote on the Quarles nomination, the Senate will recess until 2:15 to accommodate the caucus luncheons.