2:56 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 5th.  There will be no votes druing Tuesday’s session.  The next votes will occur on Monday, September 8th at 5:30 p.m. on the nomination of Jill Pryor, GA, to be US Circuit Judge for 11th Circuit.

Senate passed the following in wrap up:

Passed En Bloc:

H.R. 606 would designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 815 County Road 23 in Tyrone, New York, as the “Specialist Christopher Scott Post Office Building”.

H.R. 1671 designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 815 County Road 23 in Tyrone, New York, as the “Specialist Christopher Scott Post Office Building.”

HR 2291 would designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 450 Lexington Avenue in New York, New York, as the “Vincent R. Sombrotto Post Office”.

H.R. 3472 would designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 13127 Broadway Street in Alden, New York, as the “Sergeant Brett E. Gornewicz Memorial Post Office”.

H.R. 3765 would designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 198 Baker Street in Corning, New York, as the “Specialist Ryan P. Jayne Post Office Building”.

**

Passed H.R.4386, Money Remittances

Passed H.R.5195, Afghan Special Immigrant Visas

Adopted S.Res.536, National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Completed the Rule 14 process to place on the Legislative Calendar of Business S.2772, Supplemental Appropriations for FY2014 (Flake)

Completed the Rule 14 process to place on the Legislative Calendar of Business S.2773, Supplemental Appropriations for FY2014 (Cornyn-Grassley-McConnell)

12:25 p.m. Senator Chambliss paid tribute to Matt Olsen, outgoing director of the National Terrorism Center.

11:21 a.m. The Senate passed H.J. Res 76, the Reid, McConnell, Mikulski emergency substitute appropriating Iron Dome funds.

The Iron Dome unanimous consent request was put forth by Sen. Reid at 11:11.  Senators McConnell, McCain and Graham spoke in favor of it.

11:04 a.m. Senator Reid asked for a second reading on two supplemental appropriations bills and they were placed on the calendar.
S 2772 Supplemental appropriations through September 30, 2014
S2773 Supplemental appropriations through September 30, 2014, including funds for border security, law enforcement, humanitarian assistance and other purposes.

11:03 a.m. The Senate proceeded to S.J. Res 417, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United Stated relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections.

The Senate convened at 11 a.m.

No votes are scheduled until September 8, 2014.

11:17 p.m. The Senate approved a series of resolutions by voice vote and then adjourned until 11 a.m. Aug. 1. There will be no votes until Monday, Sept. 8, 2014.

11 p.m. The Senate confirmed by voice vote the nomination of John Tefft as ambassador to Russia. The Senate also confirmed by voice vote the nomination of Laura Junor to be principal deputy under secretary of defense.

9:45 p.m. Senator Enzi objected to unanimous consent requests by Senator Menendez to confirm a number of ambassadorial nominati0ns, including John Tefft to Russia.

9:22 p.m. On a vote of 58 to 33, the Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of Jill Pryor to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court.

*** 9: 25 p.m. On a vote of  58 to 33,  the Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of Jill Pryor of Georgia to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court.

*** 9:05 p.m. On a vote of 81 to 13, the Senate has passed the highway bill,  H.R. 5021.

***   8:45 p.m. On a vote of 91 to 3, the Senate passed the veterans bill, H.R. 3230.

*** 8:25 p.m. On a vote of 86 to 8, the Senate waived a budget point of order on the veterans bill.

*** 7:45  p.m. On a vote of 50 to 44, the Senate failed to waive the budget point of order on S. 2648. The supplemental appropriation therefore failed.

*** 7:20 p.m. : On a vote of 43 to 52, the Senate did not agree to table Amendment #3751 to S.2648, the supplemental spending bill for border enforcement and other uses.

5:47 p.m. Senator Reid filled the amendment tree on the supplemental appropriation (S. 2648), filed cloture on the bill and secured agreement for the following series of votes, beginning at about 6:45 p.m.

On the supplemental (including money to address the border crisis):

— McConnell motion to table Reid amendment #3751 (date change);

— Mikulski motion to waive budget point of order;

—  If the motion to waive is agreed to, cloture on S.2648;

—  If cloture is invoked, on passage of S.2648

On the conference report for the veterans bill:

— Sanders motion to waive budget point of order

— Adoption of the conference report to accompany H.R.3230, the veterans bill

On highway spending:

 — Wyden, or designee, motion to waive budget point of order;

— Motion to recede from the earlier Senate amendment to H.R.5021. (This is essentially passage of the highway spending bill.)

There may also be a cloture vote on the Jill Pryor nomination to be U..S. Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit.

4:35 p.m. Senator Corker objected. There ensued an exchange among Senators Boxer, Corker and Menendez about the failure to secure consent for consideration of the Israeli aid bill.

4:25 p.m. Senator Boxer sought unanimous consent for an Israeli aid bill. Senator Blunt, the co-sponsor of the bill, spoke for the agreement.

4:15 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke about the VA conference committee report.

3:55 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the border situation.

3:45 p.m. Senator Moran spoke about the VA.

3:23 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke on internet tax and asked unanimous consent to proceed to S.2735 (2 month extension of Internet Tax Freedom Act), Ayotte objected.

3:15 p.m. Senator Ayotte spoke on internet tax.

3:06 p.m. Senator Cruz spoke on an internet tax. Asked unanimous consent to proceed to H.R. 3086

(internet tax) and Heitkamp objected.

2:55 p.m. Senator Hirono spoke on S. 2648.

2:36 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke on Senate procedure.

2:31 p.m. Senator Sessions spoke on the VA Bill.

2:10 – Murphy spoke on Affordable  Care Act. (Barrasso) 2:25 p.m.

1:57 p.m. Coburn spoke on unanimous  consent agreements.

1:17 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke on the Affordable Care Act.

1:00 p.m. Senator Vitter spoke on the border crisis.

12:22 p.m. Senator Reed spoke about restoring emergency unemployment benefits.

12:07 -12:19  p.m. Senators Booker and Heller spoke about veterans and the compromise proposal to reform the VA.

11:01 a.m. The Senate turned to S 2648, the Emergency Supplemental post cloture.  Senators Leahy, Cardin, Mikulski and Wyden spoke in support of the bill.

10:28 a.m. Senator Sessions spoke about immigration.

9:50 a.m. Senators Fischer and King spoke in a colloquy about their proposed tax credit to finance paid leave for workers.

9:44 a.m. Minority Leader McConnell spoke about the border crisis.

9:32 a.m. Majority Leader Reid ordered second reading of the Export-Import Bank reauthorization (S.2709). Senator Reid also spoke about the schedule for September and criticized House Republicans.

***

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and after leaders’ remarks will resume post-cloture debate on the motion to proceed to S. 2648.

This is the supplemental appropriation that includes money to alleviate the border crisis.  If all post-cloture time is used, debate on the motion to proceed would conclude between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Senators will be notified when votes are scheduled.

7:25 p.m. – The Senate Adjourned until 9:30 a.m. Thursday July 31st and will resume consideration on the motion to proceed to S. 2648 – Supplemental Appropriations (post cloture).  No votes have been scheduled.

4:02 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about wildfires.

3:09 p.m. -3:47 p.m.  Senators Barrasso, Boozman, Blunt, Johanns and Coats spoke on the Affordable Care Act.

2:33 p.m. Senator Harkin urged the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

2:10 p.m. Senator Mikulski spoke on the Emergency Supplemental bill.

2:01 p.m Senator Kaine spoke on Medicare on the bills 49th anniversary.

1:48 p.m Senator Inhofe spoke on the situation in Israel.

1:40 p.m. Senator Warren spoke about the “Stop Corporate Inversions Act.”

1:00 p.m. Senator Franken spoke about the USA Freedom Act.

12:37 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about Africa the delegation coming to the U.S.

12:30 p.m. Senator Thune spoke on the leadership of President Obama and his administration.

12:20 p.m. Senator Udall of Colorado spoke on the Wildfire Prevention Act and the Emergency Supplemental.

12:08 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke on the Emergency Supplemental  Appropriations Act and the US- Israel Strategic Partnership Act.

11:49 a.m Senator Mikulski spoke on the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act.

11:47 a.m. The Senate confirmed the following nominations by voice vote:

• Cynthia H. Akuetteh to be Ambassador to the Gabonese Republic and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Principe.
• Erika Lizabeth Moritsugu to be Assistant Secretary  of Housing and Urban Development.
• Richard A. Kennedy to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

11:44 a.m.   On a vote of 63 to 33, the Senate invoked cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 2648, the emergency supplemental appropriation (including money to address the border crisis).

11:15 a.m. On a vote of 54 to 42, the Senate failed to invoke cloture on S. 2569, the Bring Home Jobs bill.

10:45 a.m. Senator Walsh spoke for the Bring Jobs Home bill.

10:39 a.m. Senator Stabenow spoke in favor of the Bring Jobs Home bill.

10:37 a.m. Senator Sessions spoke on the prospect of executive action on immigration.

10:29 a.m. Senator Coons spoke on his African Growth Opportunity Act.

10:30 a.m. After a voice vote to proceed of the nomination of Jill A. Pryor of Georgia to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court, the majority leader filed cloture on confirmation.

10:20 a.m. Senator Pryor spoke on Medicare.

9:59 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the border crisis.

9:44 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke on the “Bring Jobs Home” bill.

9:39 a.m. RL McConnelll spoke on regulations of the coal industry.

9:32 a.m.  ML Reid laid out the schedule, and spoke on the “Bring Jobs Home” bill. S. 2685 has its second reading.

The Senate convened at 9:30 a.m. and is debating on S. 2569, the “Bring Jobs Home” bill.

At approximately 10:45 a.m., there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S. 2569.

If cloture is invoked on S. 2569, there will be up to 30 hours of post-cloture debate on the motion.

If cloture is not invoked on S. 2569, the Senate will immediately proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2014 (S. 2648). This bill includes money to address the border immigration crisis.

Following the cloture vote on the motion to proceed to S. 2648, voice votes are expected on confirmation of these nominations:

* Cynthia H. Akuetteh, ambassador to Gabon and to the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe.

* Erika Lizabeth Moritsugu to be an assistant secretary of Housing and Urban Development;

* Richard A. Kennedy to the board of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

8:51 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 9:30 a.m. tomorrow, July 30th. At 10:45 a.m. there will be a vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S. 2568. If cloture is not invoked there will be a vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 2648.

During wrap-up the following legislation was passed without objection:

• S. 2577 Requiring the Secretary of State to Offer Rewards Totalling Up to $5 Million for Information on the Kidnapping and Murder of Naftali  Franco, a Dual US-Israeli Citizen
• H. Con. Res. 103 – Use of Capitol Grounds for DC Special Olympics  Law Enforcement Torch Run
• H. Con. Res. 106 – Use of Emancipation Hall in the Visitor’s Center
• S. Res. 527 -Congratulating Member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity
• S. Res. 528 – Commemorating the 125th Anniversary of North Dakota’s Statehood
• S. Res. 521 – Designating July 26th, 2014 as U.S. Intelligence  Professionals Day
• H.R. 4028 – To Amend the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998

S. 2685  had its first reading (To Inform Authorities of Federal Government to Require Production of Certain Business Records)

***

8:05 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on the misstreatment of David Chung by the DEA and freedom of speech.

7:47 p.m. Senator Carper spoke on the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Bill and immigration.

7:31 p.m. Senator Merkely spoke on medicare and Senators Flake and Heller spoke on the Patriot Act.

7:19 p.m. S. Res. 526 (Israel’s Right to Defend Itself Against Hamas) passed without objection. Senator Reid the spoke on the resolution.

7:17 p.m. H. Con. Res. 108 (Concurrent Resolution Providing for the Correction of the Enrollment of H.R. 5021) was passed without objection.

6:59 p.m. The Senate did not agree to the following amendments:

• Lee #3584 (Transportation Empowerment Act, S. 1702) by a vote of 28-69
• Toomey #3585 (exemptions for damaged roads /bridges) by a vote of 47-50

6:05 p.m. The Senate adopted the following amendments to The Highway and Transportation Funding Act:

• Wyden-Hatch #3582 (Finance Comm. Bill, sub) by a vote of 71-26
• Carper-Corker-Boxer #3583 (date change & exception of pension smoothing provisions) by a vote of 66-31

5:16 p.m. The following Senators spoke on The Highway and Transportation Funding Act: Boxer, Murphy, Carper, King, Flake, and Wyden.

5:15 p.m. Senator Mikulski proposed a unanimous consent  agreement to consideration of H.R. 4486, MilCon/VA Approps.  Senator Shelby offered a counter unanimous consent agreement.  Neither was agreed to.

4:30 p.m. At 3:20 Senate began consideration of H.R. 5021, The Highway and Transportation Act.  The following Senators offered Amendments and spoke on the underlying bill:

Wyden/Hatch Amend #3582 – the text of the Finance Committee reported Highway bill
Carper/Corker Amend # 3583 – date change exception of pension smoothing provisions
Toomey Amend #3585 – exemptions for damaged road and bridge reconstruction
Lee Amend #3584 – text of Transportation Empowerment Act (S. 1702).
Senator Boxer spoke in opposition of the Lee Amend #3834.

3:15 p.m. By a vote of 97-0, the  Senate confirmed the nomination of McDonald to be Secy of VA.  Confirmed on voice votes: Andre to be Ambassador of Mauritania; Hoza to be Ambassador of Cameroon and Polaschik to be Ambassador of Algeria.

12: 35 p.m.  The Senate recessed for weekly caucus luncheons until 2:15. A vote on McDonald (Secy of VA) will occur at 2:45.

12:30 p.m.. The Senate turned to the nomination of Robert McDonald as VA Secretary.  Senator Sanders, Brown, Isakson, Vitter and Moran spoke in favor of his nomination.

11:42 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Senators spoke about the USA Freedom Act, which relates to the question of what information should be gathered about Americans, and how it should be collected.  Senators Leahy, Lee and Franken spoke.

11:45 a.m. Senator Leahy spoke about the question of when and how the U.S. government should gather information about its citizens in the context of a proposed renewal of FISA.

11:28 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about immigration, the Central American young people at the border and the emergency appropriations measure.

11:09 a.m. Senator Mikulski also spoke about her plan to bring up the VA-MilCon approps bill for a third reading, meaning not subject to amendments, sometime this week.  She touched on the McDonald nomination and the VA bill as well.

10:25 – 11:45 A series of Senators spoke about Iron Dome.  The speakers included: Senator Graham, Senator Ayotte, Senator Thune, Senator Cruz, Senator Mikulski and Senator Durbin.

10:14 a.m. Senator McConnell spoke about the Veterans bill, the nominee for the Veterans Administration, Robert McDonald and began a series of speeches about Iron Dome, a plan to defend Israel.

10:00 a.m. Senator Reid opened the Senate and made a motion to proceed to S 2648, an Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill through September 30, 2014. with provisions for the border.  Then he spoke about the Veterans bill.

The Senate convened at 10:00am and is in a period of morning business until 12:00noon.

At 12:00pm, begin consideration of the nomination of Robert Alan McDonald, to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs, until 12:30, when the Senate is expected to recess for the weekly party luncheons, until 2:15pm.  When the Senate returns at 2:15pm, debate will continue on the McDonald nomination until 2:45pm, when a roll call vote on the nomination is expected.

Following this vote, proceed to expected voice votes on confirmation of the following nominations:

1. Larry Andre to be Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.
2. Michael Hoza to be Ambassador to the Republic of Cameroon.
3. Joan Polaschik, to be Ambassador to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.

Following the votes, will resume Legislative Session and proceed to the consideration of H.R.5021, the Highway and Transportation Funding Act; with votes expected Tuesday evening.

The following amendments will be the only amendments in order to the bill:

• Wyden-Hatch amendment #3582, the text of which is the Finance Committee-reported bill.
• Carper-Corker-Boxer amendment #3583, which includes a date change and Finance Committee-reported financing bill, with the exception of pension smoothing provisions)
• Lee amendment #3584, the text of which is the Transportation Empowerment Act (S. 1702)
• Toomey amendment #3585, relative to exemptions for damaged road and bridge reconstruction.

• There will be one hour for debate on each of the above amendment.  Further, there will be one hour for debate on H.R. 5021.

• Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to vote in relation to the above amendments, in the order listed, with no second-degree amendments or motions to commit being in order prior to the votes.
• Each amendment will be subject to an affirmative 60-vote threshold.

• Upon disposition of the above amendments, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on passage of H.R. 5021, as amended, if amended.  Subject to an affirmative 60-vote threshold. 

7:13 p.m. Senate adjourns until 10:00am Tuesday morning.

7:09 p.m. Majority Leader does wrap up.  UC that Senate debate the nomination of  Robert McDonald to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs from 12-12:30, and from 2:15 to 2:45 pm, with a vote on confirmation at 2:45pm. Followed by a likely voice vote on the nomination of Joan Polaschik to be Ambassador to Algeria.  Passes by UC: S Res 525, Whistle Blower Appreciation Day.  S. 2673 (a bill to enhance strategic partnership with Israel) and HR 3339 (tax benefits for educational expenses) have their first reading.  UC that Senate adjourn until 10:00am, Tuesday July 29th.  Morning business until 12:00noon.  Following executive session, and votes, turn to highway bill with votes on amendments and passage expected Tuesday evening.

6:35 p.m. Senators Whitehouse, Boxer and Klobuchar spoke in favor of the resolution.

6:16 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke on a resolution that climate change is real; offers UC to pass this Sense of the Senate resolution, Senator Inhofe objected and spoke against the resolution.

6:12 p.m. ML Reid “fills the tree” with respect to S.2569, the “Bring Jobs Home Act”; and files cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 2648, the emergency supplemental.

6:11 p.m Senate confirms following nominations by voice vote:

Joseph Mohorovic to be a Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission
Elliot F. Kaye to be a Commissioner and Chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission
Brian P. McKeon to be a Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense

6:09 p.m. Harris nomination confirmed 50-43.

5:30 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the nomination of Pamela Harris to be a US Circuit Court Judge for the 4th Circuit.

5:13 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke on the Harris nomination.

4:59 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke on the highway bill and the nature of the Senate.

4:32 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke on the nature of the Senate.

4:13 p.m. Senator spoke on the Harris nomination.

4:02 p.m. Senator Coons spoke about manufacturing jobs.

3:33 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about the need to pass a long-term highway bill.

2:49 p.m. Senator Sessions spoke about illegal immigration.

2:29 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about a China trade case.

2:03 p.m. Majority Leader Reid spoke about the schedule; the situation in Gaza; forest fires in Western states; and the border crisis.

* * *

• The Senate will convene at 2:00pm and proceed to Executive Session to resume consideration of the nomination of Pamela Harris to be a United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit, post-cloture.   At 5:30pm, all post-cloture time on the Harris nomination will be deemed expired and the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on confirmation of her nomination.

• Following disposition of the Harris nomination, the Senate will proceed to voice votes in relation to the following nominations:

• Joseph P. Mohorovic to be a Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Elliot F. Kaye to be a Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Elliot F. Kaye to be Chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Brian P. McKeon to be a Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense

6:15 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 28. At 5:30 p.m. there will be up to 5 votes on nominations.

6:10 p.m. The following resolutions were agreed to by voice vote:

• S. Res. 462-Recognizing Cambodia and Laos Freedom fighters
• S. Res. 519-Designating Aug. 16 as National Airborne Day

5:45 p.m. McConnell spoke about Burma

5:15 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.

5:00 p.m. Senator Harkin spoke about funding for NIH.

4:15 p.m. Senator Cruz spoke about Israel and immigration.

3:54 p.m. Senator Sessions spoke about Immigration

3:40 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about Israel and Gaza

3:30 p.m. There will be NO further votes this week. Next votes will be on Monday, July 28th.  Senator Durbin spoke on Migrant crisis at the U.S. border and Senator Portman spoke on taxes.

3 p.m. Senator Baldwin spoke about the border crisis. Senator Heller spoke about the conflict in Gaza. Senator Hatch spoke about the “Bring Jobs Home” bill. Senator Durbin spoke about the border crisis.

2:21 p.m. On voice votes, the Senate confirmed these nominations:
— Lisa S. Disbrow as assistant secretary of the Air Force;
— Victor M. Mendez as deputy secretary of transportation;
— Peter M. Rogoff as transportation under secretary for policy;
— Bruce H. Andrews as deputy secretary of commerce.

2:19 p.m. On a vote of 54 to 41, the Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of Pamela Harris to the  U.S. Circuit Court for the Fourth Circuit. (Roll call on con firmation is to occur on Monday, July 28.)

2:18 p.m. On a voice vote, the Senate passed the motion to proceed to S. 2569 (“Bring Jobs Home” bill).

1:35 p.m. Senator Vitter spoke about the effects of the immigration crisis on Louisiana.

1:26 p.m. Senator Reed spoke in favor of highway bill.

1:12 p.m. Senator Thune spoke against the “Bring Jobs Home Act.”

12:40 p.m.  Senators Murray and Cantwell discuss the wildfires in Washington.  Senator Cantwell pivoted to discuss the Export Import bank, followed by Senator Kaine on the same topic.

12:35 p.m. Majority Leader Reid gets UC agreement to confirm following nominations by voice vote after vote sequence later this afternoon:
Victor Mendez to be Deputy Secretary of Transportation; Peter Rogoff to be Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy; and Bruce Andrews to be Deputy Secretary of Commerce.

Further UC that at a time to be determined, after consultation with RL McConnell Senate proceed to consider following nominations:

Elliot Kaye to be member and chairman of Consumer Product Safety Commission; Joseph Mohorovic to be member of Consumer Product Safety Commission; and Brian McKeon to be Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense.

11:57 a.m. Senators Cardin and Grassley spoke on the Harris nomination.

11:47 a.m. Senator Heller spoke on the “Bring Jobs Home Act.”

11:32 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about immigration.

11:25 a.m. Senator Begich, a member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, spoke about the veterans legislation and the process.

11:19 a.m. Senator Sanders and Senator McCain engaged in a colloquy about how to move forward with the veterans legislation.

11:16 a.m. Senator McCain urged calm about the Veterans Affairs conference committee process.  There is a meeting scheduled at 12:00 p.m. today.

11:03 a.m. Senator Sanders, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs,  spoke about House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman’s plan to have a conference committee on a Veterans Affairs bill without consulting Senators.

10:54 a.m. Senator Tester spoke about the duty to Veterans and his frustration with politics interfering with a bill to improve services for veterans.

10:49 a.m. Senator Reid propounded a UC providing for four hours of debate and a vote on confirmation of Robert Alan McDonald as Secretary of the VA.

10:44 a.m. Senator Warner spoke about public servants.

10:24 a.m. Senator Moran spoke on the Israeli and Palestinian conflict.

9:33 a.m. Senators Reid and McConnell paid tribute to officers Chestnut and Gibson. McConnell also spoke  the EPA and the death of Kentucky Airman  Lt. Col. John Loftit.

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

At  1:45 p.m the Senate will conduct a voice vote on the motion to proceed to S.2569, the “Bring Jobs Home” bill . Thursday July 24, 2014.  That will be followed by a cloture vote on the nomination of Pamela Harris of Maryland to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit and a vote on confirmation of Lisa Disbrow, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Air Force.

7:25 p.m. The Senate adjourned after setting up a voice vote on the motion to proceed to S.2569, the “Bring Jobs Home” bill for 1:45 p.m. Thursday July 24, 2014.  That will be followed by a cloture vote on the nomination of Pamela Harris of Maryland to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit and a vote on confirmation of Lisa Disbrow, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Air Force.

7:00 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke about young refugees at the U.S. border.

6:53 p.m. The Senate confirmed military promotions, en bloc, by voice vote.
The Senate passed four resolutions by voice vote: SJRes 40, making Michael Linton a citizen regent for the Smithsonian Institution, SRes 500  calling for enhanced relations with Maldova and SRes 489 supporting the goals and ideals of Growth Awareness Week, SRes 501, commemorating 20th anniversary of the Wright Museum of WWII history and three resolutions which were approved by voice vote, en bloc: SRes 514-516.

6:52 p.m. Senator Casey set up a vote on confirmation of Lisa Disbrow, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Air Force two minutes after the cloture vote on the nomination of Pamela Harris of Maryland to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit.

6:36 p.m. Senator Casey spoke about traumatic brain injury and a related bill passed out of the HELP Committee, S. 2539.

5:52 p.m. Senators Corker, Graham, Rubio and McCain spoke on Iran.

5:41 p.m.  Senator Mikulski spoke about the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill introduced today.

5:27 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke on refugees at the border.

5:16 p.m. Senator Booker spoke on human trafficking and refugees at the border.

5:05 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about child refugees at the border.

4:46 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke about refugees at the U.S. border.

4:31 p.m. Senator Heinrich spoke on human trafficking.

4:03 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke on possible banning of interstate commerce of ivory.

3:53 p.m. Senator Isakson spoke on the “Bring Jobs Home Act.”

3:36 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke on LNG export facilities.

3:16 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke on the “Bring Jobs Home Act.”

3:05 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke on VA health care. Senator Murray on jobs bill and the highway bill.

2:45 p.m. Senator Carper spoke on the 9/11 Commission report and Sen. Hatch spoke on the jobs bill.

1:05 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about the President’s health care plan.

12:35 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the Humane Act and border control.

11:40 a.m. Senator Shaheen spoke about the Bring Jobs Home Act

11:35 a.m. Senator Udall spoke about the Bring Jobs Home Act.

10:34 a.m. Senator Blunt spoke on the health care rulings.

10:06 a.m  Senator Pryor spoke on the Bring Jobs Home Act.

9:52 a.m.  Senator Durbin spoke on the Bring Jobs Home Act (S. 2569).

9:46 a.m.  Senator McConnell spoke on the Democrats’ agenda and immigration.

9:33 a.m  Senator Reid spoke on corporate taxes.

***

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

Following leaders’ remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.2569, the “Bring Jobs Home” bill.

At 11:00 a.m., there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2569, followed by voice votes on confirmation of three nominations:

— Julia Akins Clark, of Maryland, to be general counsel of the Federal Labor Relations Authority;

— Andrew H. Schapiro, of Illinois, to be ambassador to the Czech Republic;

— Madelyn R. Creedon, of Indiana, to be principal deputy administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration.

7:20 The Senate stands adjourned until 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 23rd.  At 11:00 a.m. the Senate will vote on the cloture motion to the motion to proceed to S. 2567 – Jobs bill.

7:00 p.m. Senator Durbin and Portman spoke on Taxes.  Senatore Chambliss spoke on Russia’s involvement in the downing of the Malaysian flight.

5:10 p.m. Senator Harkin spoke on disability rights

4:50 p.m. Senator Vitter spoke on Immigration issues

4:30 p.m. Senators Reed and Whitehouse spoke on the 60th anniversary of the Newport Jazz Festival

4:00 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke on bringing American jobs home

3:22 p.m. deGravelles nomination confirmed 100-0.

2:57 p.m. Rosenberg nomination confirmed 100-0.  Roll call vote begins on confirmation of deGravelles nomination.

2:43 p.m. Birotte nomination confirmed 100-0.  Roll call vote begins on confirmation of Rosenberg nomination.

2:15 p.m. Senate returns from recess and begins confirmation vote on the Birotte nomination.

12:34 p.m.  Senate stands in recess until 2:15 p.m.

12:20 p.m. Senator Thune spoke on Senate Democrats priorities.

12:07 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke on climate change.

11:56 a.m. Senator Coats spoke on the airplane shot down over Ukraine.

11:55 a.m. Cloture invoked on deGravelles nomination 57-39.

11:33 a.m. Cloture invoked on Rosenberg nomination, 58-42.  Roll call vote begins on the nomination of John deGravelles to be a US District Judge for the Middle District of Louisiana.

11:14 a.m. Cloture invoked on Birotte nomination, 56-43.   Roll call vote begins on the nomination of Robin Rosenberg to be a US District Judge for the Southern District of Florida.

10:45 a.m. Roll call vote began on cloture motion on nomination of Andre Birotte to be a US District Judge for the Central District of California.

10:41 a.m. Senator Warren spoke about the Consumer Financial Protection Agency.

10:35 a.m. Senator Leahy spoke about problems in crime labs.

10:24 a.m. Senator Alexander spoke about the HELP Committee’s work and about human rights in Venezuela.

10:19 a.m. Senator Murray spoke about the highway program.

10:11 a.m. Minority Leader McConnell spoke about bipartisan legislation and about the late Senator Jeremiah Denton.

10:04 a.m. Majority Leader Reid spoke about the day’s schedule and the proposed bill to return businesses to the U.S. (S. 2569).

***

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

The Senate is scheduled to conduct three cloture votes at 10:45 a.m.  The first vote will be on Andre Birotte Jr, of California, to be U.S. District Judge for the Central District of California.  The second vote will be on Robin L. Rosenberg, of Florida, to be U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Florida.  The third vote will be on John W. deGravelles, of Louisiana, to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Louisiana.

The Senate will recess from 12:30 to 2:15 for weekly caucus lunches.

7:23 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, 2014.

Before that, it passed S. Res 509 honoring Mattie Stepanek.

On Tuesday, the Senate will conduct three cloture votes at 10:45 a.m.  The first vote will be on Andre Birotte Jr, of California, to be U.S. District Judge for the Central District of California.  The second vote will be on Robin L. Rosenberg, of Florida, to be U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Florida.  The third vote will be on John W. deGravelles, of Louisiana, to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Louisiana.

The Senate will recess from 12:30 to 2:15 for weekly caucus lunches.

7:12 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about Ukraine and victims on the plane that was shot down.

6:50 p.m. Senator Cruz spoke about Venezuelan politics and political prisoners there.

6:37 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about the need to pass a transportation bill.

6:30 p.m. Senator Corker spoke against the practice of pension smoothing.

6:25 p.m. Senator Boxer spoke about the need to pass the Highway Bill

6:17 p.m. The Senate confirmed, by voice vote, Michael Anderson Lawson, to assume the rank of ambassador during his service as U.S. representative on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization;

The Senate confirmed, by voice vote, Eunice S. Reddick to be ambassador to Niger.

5:30 p.m. The Senate voted 94-0 to confirm Julia E. Carnes of Georgia to the U.S. Circuit Court for the Eleventh Circuit.

5:20 p.m. Senators Chambliss and Isakson spoke on the Carnes nomination, supporting confirmation.

5:15 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about a Helsinki hearing

5:06 p.m. Senator Wicker spoke about the health care law.

4:59 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke about Russia and energy.

4:46 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about the expiring highway authorization.

4:23 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the Southwest border crisis.

4:04 p.m. Senator Sessions spoke about executive actions on immigration.

3:47 pm Senator Stabenow spoke on the “Bring Jobs Home Act.”

2:33 pm Senator Nelson spoke on the 45th anniversary of the moon landing.

2:02 pm  ML Reid lays out schedule, laments blockage of nomination of Michael Lawson to be Ambassador to the Council of  International Civil Aviation, after plane shot down over Ukraine.  S. 2631 has its second reading.  Discusses southern border immigration crisis.

The Senate convened at 2 p.m. and will be in morning business until 5:30 p.m.

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on confirmation of the nomination of Julia E. Carnes of  Georgia to the U.S. Circuit Court for the Eleventh Circuit.

Voice votes are expected to follow immediately on the confirmation of these nominations:

— Michael Anderson Lawson to assume the rank of ambassador during his service as U.S. representative on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization;

Eunice S. Reddick to be ambassador to Niger.

6:06 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 2:00 pm, Monday, July 21. Up to 3 votes expected on Monday at 5:30 p.m.

• Confirmation of Julie E. Carnes to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the 11th Circuit.
• Confirmation of Michael Anderson Lawson to be Ambassador on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization.
• Confirmation of Eunice S. Reddick to be Ambassador to the Republic of Niger.

During wrap-up the following legsislation was passed without objection:

• S. Res. 489 Senate’s Support for Israel as it Defends Itself Against Unprovoked Rocket Attacks from the Hamas Terrorist Organization.
• S. Res. 488 Designating July 26, 2014, as National Day of the American Cowboy.
• S. Res. 507 Designating August 7, 2014, as National Lighthouse and Lightouse Preservation Day.
• S. Res. 508 Commemorating Centennial Anniversary of the Congressional Research Service.

S. 2631 Prevent Expansion of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program Unlawfully Created by Executive Memorandum on August, 15 2012, was read for the first time.

***

5:27 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke on the Israeli/ Palestinian conflict.

5:22 p.m. Senator Graham spoke on the Israeli/ Palestinian conflict.

4:38 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke on the Protecting Students from Sexual and Violent Predators Act.

4:17 p.m. Senators Leahy and Sanders spoke on the 90th birthday of former Vermont governor Philip Hoff.

***

3:35 p.m. Senator Sessions spoke about immigration.

2:30 p.m. Senator Ayotte spoke about providing military supplies and support to Ukraine.

2:24 p.m. Senators Shaheen and Ayotte spoke on the Marketplace Fairness Act.

2:23 p.m Cloture invoked on Carnes nomination 68-23.  Senate confirms nominations of David Shear to be Assistant Secretary of Defense, and David Mader to be Controller of the Office of Federal Financial Management of the Office of Management and Budget by voice vote.  There are NO further votes today or this week.

1:53 p.m. Senate began cloture vote on the nomination of Julie Carnes to be a US Circuit Court Judge for the 11th Circuit.

1:45 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke about the border crisis.

1:25 p.m. Senators Graham and Corker engaged in a colloquy on Iran.

1:15 p.m. Senators Cardin, Paul, and Corker  spoke on the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

1:14 p.m. ML Reid moved the cloture vote on Carnes nomination up from 2:00pm to 1:45pm.

1:14 p.m. Senate adopted S. 2244, Terrorism Risk Insurance bill by a vote of 93-4.  Senators Coburn, Roberts, Rubio, and Sessions voted no.  Senators Alexander, Coons, and Schatz missed the vote.

12:49 p.m.  Senate adopts Flake amendment #3551 97-0; and begins a roll call vote on passage of S.2244, Terrorism Risk Insurance.

12:35 p.m. The motion to waive the budget act with respect to the Coburn Amend #3549 was not agreed to by 47 to 49. Therefore, the point of order was sustained and  Amendment #3549 falls.  Senate  then adopted Vitter Amend #3550 by a voice vote and proceeded to a roll call vote on Flake Amedment #3551.

12:00 p.m. Senator Schumer raises budget point of order against Coburn amendment; Senator Crapo offers motion to waive budget act; and the Senate begins a roll call vote on motion to waive budget act with respect to Coburn amendment.

11:55 a.m. Senators Crapo and Schumer wrapped up in favor of the bill and against the Coburn amendment.

11:40 a.m. Senator Heller spoke for the bill.

11:32 a.m. Senator Johnson (SD) spoke in favor of the bill.

11:22 a.m. Senator Crapo spoke for the Vitter amendment. Senator Coburn brought up his amendment, #3549.

11:16 a.m. Senator Vitter brought up his amendment, #3550.

11:01 a.m. Senator Murphy spoke in favor of the bill.

10:55 a.m. Senator Crapo spoke in favor of the Flake and Tester amendments to the terrorism insurance bill.

10:40 a.m. Senator Flake offered and spoke on his amendment, #3551.

10:09 a.m. Senators Schumer, Tester, Johanns, Crapo, and Kirk spoke on the Terrorism Risk Insurance bill, with Sen. Tester introducing his amendment,#3552.

10:04 a.m. Senator Nelson spoke on the border crisis and the drug trade.

10:03 a.m. Senate begins consideration of S.2244, Terrorism Risk Insurance bill.

9:56 a.m. RL McConnell spoke against EPA regulations.

9:54 a.m. ML Reid gets UC agreement to proceed at 2:00pm to a cloture vote on the nomination of Julie Carnes to be a US Circuit Court Judge for the 11th Circuit; followed by two likely voice votes on confirmation of the nominations of David Shear to be Assistant Secretary of Defense, and David Mader to be Controller of the Office of Federal Financial Management  of the Office of Management and Budget.  If cloture is invoked on the Carnes nomination, the vote on confirmation would be on Monday July 21st at 5:30pm. 

9:32 a.m.  ML Reid laid out the schedule for the day, and spoke on the border crisis; as well as thanking Ambassadorial corps and members of the Foreign Service, concerned about many Ambassadorial vacancies.

The Senate convened at 9:30am, and following leader remarks, will proceed to consideration of S. 2244, Terrorism Risk Insurance bill, with debate on the following amendments prior to votes at approximately 12:00noon.

1.  Coburn amendment #3549 (roll call vote on motion to waive budget point of order expected, with 60 vote threshold)

2. Vitter amendment #3550 (voice vote expected)

3. Flake amendment #3551 (roll call vote expected, majority threshold)

4. Tester amendment $3552 (voice vote expected)

5. Final passage of S.2244 (roll call vote, majority threshold)

There is likely to be agreement for a cloture vote at 2:0opm on the nomination of Julie Carnes to be a US Circuit Court Judge for the 11th Circuit.