8:07 p.m. The Senate has adjourned until 9:30 a.m. Thursday, July 14th under the provisions of S. Res. 534, as a mark of respect for the late Senator William L. Armstrong of Colorado. ML McConnell will be recognized to make a compound motion to go to conference on S. 2943, NDAA.

There will be 4 roll call votes beginning at 11:30 a.m.:

1. Motion to invoke cloture on the compound motion to go to conference on S. 2943, NDAA. 
2. If cloture is invoked then, Shaheen motion to instruct conferees re: Afghan visas.
3. Sullivan motion to instruct conferees re: maintaining sufficient forces for worldwide military operations. 
4. Motion to invoke cloture upon reconsideration on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5293, Defense Appropriations. 

A fifth vote is expected after lunch on the motion to invoke cloture upon reconsideration on the conference report to accompany  H.R. 2577, MilCon-VA Appropriations. 

During wrap-up:

• Nominations, executive calendar no. 659 – 678 and all the nominations on the secretary’s desk were confirmed en bloc.
• S.2893, Library of Congress Sound Recording and Film Preservation Programs Reauthorization Act of 2016, including the Blunt amendment, was passed by unanimous consent.
• S.3207 was passed by unanimous consent.
• S.1555, Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal, was passed by unanimous consent.
• S. Res. 532, Celebrating the 140^th Anniversary of the State of Colorado, was passed by unanimous consent.
• S. Res. 533, Designating July 26^th, 2016, U.S. Intelligence Professionals Day, was passed by unanimous consent.
• S. Res. 534, Relative to the death of former Senator William L. Armstrong, was passed by unanimous consent.
• 1^st reading en bloc
  • H.R. 10
  • H.R. 4465
  • H.R. 4487
  • H.R. 4901

****

6:57 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on the allegations that the FBI has facilitated ransom payments to terrorist groups.

6:53 p.m. Senator Flake spoke on Venue Act.

6:52 p.m. The conference report to accompany S. 524 was adopted by a vote of 92-2.

6:11 p.m. Senator Markey spoke on CARA.

5:57 p.m. Senator Carper spoke on Iran sanctions.

5:46 p.m. Senator Baldwin spoke on CARA.

5:41 p.m. Senator Capito spoke on CARA. The Senate is expected to vote on the conference report to accompany S. 524, CARA,  at approximately 6:15 p.m. 

5:30 p.m. Senator Coons spoke on Iran sanctions.

5:18 p.m. H.R. 5588, compensation for veterans with service connected disabilities, was passed by unanimous consent and Senator Murkowski spoke on CARA.

4:56 p.m. Senator Boxer spoke on Senator Scott’s floor speech and gun control.

4:40 p.m. Senator Scott shared personal stories about police interactions.

4:19 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about opioid abuse.

4:15 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about criminal justice reform.

4:02 p.m. Senator Booker spoke about criminal justice reform.

3:51 p.m. Senator Drubin spoke about criminal justice reform.

3:38 p.m. Senator Lee spoke on sentencing reform within the federal criminal justice system.

3:26 p.m. Senator Reid spoke on the pending nominations.

3:20 p.m. Senator Hirono asked for unamimous consent to confirm 9 nominations. Senator Tillis objected.

3:19 p.m. Senator Warren continued to speak on the pending nominations and yielded the floor to Senator Hirono.

3:14 p.m. Senator Warren also spoke on pending nominations and asked unamimous consent to confirm 13 nominations. Senator Tillis objected.

3:04 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke on pending nominations and asked unanimous consent to confirm 22 nominations. Senator Tillis objected.

2:25 p.m. The Senate voted in favor of considering Dr. Carla D. Hayden as nomination of the Librarian of Congress. Ayes are 74, nays are 18. President Obama was notified immediately.

2:25 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke on Dr. Carla D. Hayden of Maryland, nomination for Librarian of Congress.

2:17 p.m. Senators Mikulski and Blunt spoke in favor of the Hayden nomination.

2:16 p.m. Senator McConnell announced that there would be 15 minutes of debate on the nomination of Carla Hayden to be the Librarian of Congress followed by a vote on the nomination.

2:15 p.m. The motion to concur in the House amendments to the Senate amendments to H.R. 636 was agreed to by a vote of 89-4.

1:51 p.m. Senator Thune spoke on FAA Bill.

1:45 p.m. Senator Cantwell spoke on FAA Bill.

1:33 p.m. Senator Moran spoke on FAA Bill.

1:15 p.m. Senator Franken spoke on recent police shootings and Zika.

12:52 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke on PELL grants and CARA.

12:51 p.m. S. 3055, to provide a dental insurance plan to veterans, was passed by unanimous consent.

12:36 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke about the appropriations process and PELL grants.

12:19 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke on Opioid Bill.

12:04 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on “Back the Blue” Act and CARA.

11:54 a.m. Senator Nelson spoke on FAA Bill.

11:40 a.m. Senator Portman spoke on CARA and Senator Enzi spoke on the budget.

11:39 a.m. Cloture was invoked on the conference report to accompany  S.524 by a vote of 90-2. Voting no: Senators Lee and Sasse. Not voting: Cochran, Inhofe, Roberts, Rounds, Sessions, Shelby, Vitter and Wicker.

11:03 a.m. The Senate is currently voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the conference report to accompany S.524, Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act.

10:51 a.m. Senator Lee spoke on James Wallner, the exenotime director of the Senate Steering Committee who is going to work at the Heritage Foundation as VP of research.

10:45 a.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke on the CARA bill.

10:27 a.m. Senator  Sessions spoke on about the TPP.

10:21 a.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke on the CARA bill.

10:09 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke against the CARA bill.

10:01 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about opioid abuse and the CARA bill.

10:00 a.m. The Senate resumed consideration of the Conference Report to accompany s. 524 (CARA bill).

9:43 a.m. Senator Reid spoke about the CARA bill, Zika funding and the Supreme Court vacancy.

9:30 a.m. The Senate convened and Senator McConnell spoke about the new prime minister of the United Kingdom, the CARA bill, the airport security bill, and Zika funding.

The Senate convenes at 9:30 AM and following Leader remarks the Senate will resume consideration of the Conference Report to accompany S. 524 (Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016).

At 11:00 AM, the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Conference Report to accompany S. 524 (Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act)

At 1:45 PM, the Senate will vote on the motion to concur in the House amendments to the Senate amendments to H.R. 636 (FAA bill).

8:25 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. When the Senate convenes at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, following Leader remarks the Senate will resume consideration of the Conference Report to accompany S. 524 (Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016). At 11:00 AM, the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Conference Report to accompany S. 524 (Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act) At 1:45 PM, the Senate will vote on the motion to concur in the House amendments to the Senate amendments to H.R. 636 (FAA bill).

In wrap up the Senate confirmed the following nomination by voice vote:
Cal. #652, Carole Schwartz Rendon to be US Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The Senate resumed a Legislative Session.
S. 2650 (A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income any prizes or awards won in competition in the Olympic games or the Paralympic games). Agreed to by unanimous consent.
S. Res. 513 (National Lobster Day). Agreed to by unanimous consent.
S. Res. 528 (Commending the Tennessee Valley Authority on the 80th anniversary of the Unified Development of the Tennessee River System). Agreed to by unanimous consent.
In today’s session the Senate held one roll call vote on the Motion to invoke cloture on the compound motion to go to conference on S.2012 (Energy Policy Modernization Act). Yeas and nays ordered. Cloture was invoked by a vote of 84-3. Adoption of the compound motion to go to conference on S.2012 (Energy Policy Modernization Act). The compound motion was agreed to by voice vote.

6:30 p.m. Senator Shaheen spoke on climate change.

6:20 p.m. Senator Hendrich spoke on climate change.

6:00 p.m. Senator Cassidy spoke on Zika funding.

6:00 p.m. Leader McConnell set up a cloture vote on the conference report to S. 524 for Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. If cloture is invoked the Senate will move to HR 636, the FAA bill with a vote on the FFAA legislation at 1:45 p.m.

5:40 p.m. Senator Franken spoke on climate change.

5:30 Senator Gardner spoke on climate change.

5:18 Senator Schatz spoke on climate change.

5:00 Senator Durbin spoke on climate change.

Senator Reid spoke on Zika funding.

Senator Tillis spoke on funding for national security.

Senator Daines spoke on funding for national security.

4:45 p.m. Senator Ernst spoke on funding for national security.

4:35 Senator Sullivan spoke on the increase of troops in Iraq.

4:00 p.m. Senator Boxer spoke on climate change.

4:04 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke on science funding.

4:03 p.m. ML McConnell asked that the chair lay before the Senate the Conference Report to accompany S. 524, an Act to authorize the AG to award grants to address the national epidemics of prescription opioid abuse and heroin use.

4:02 p.m. By a roll call vote of 84-3, the Senate invoked cloture on the compound motion to go to conference on S.2012, Energy Policy Modernization Act. The Senate then voice voted the motion. The following senators were appointed as conferees: Murkowski, Barrasso, Risch, Cornyn, Cantwell, Wyden, Sanders

3:19 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke about the energy modernization bill.

3:07 p.m. Senator Reid spoke about zika funding.

2:50 p.m. Senator Tillis spoke about supporting the military.

2:45 p.m. Senator Daines spoke about supporting the military.

2:40 p.m. Senator Ernst spoke about supporting the military.

2:35 p.m Senator Sullivan spoke about national security and supporting the military.

2:20 p.m. Senator Boxer spoke about global warming and violence in the United States.

2:19 p.m. The Senate resumed session.

12:53 p.m.  The Senate stands in recess until 2:15 p.m.

12:39 p.m. Senator Thune spoke on terrorism.

12:20 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke on gun violence and the need for reform.

12:15 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke on the conference report to accompany the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act.

12:10 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke on the conference report to accompany the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act.

12:00 p.m. Leader McConnell called up the House amendment to S. 2012, the modernization of energy policy. he moved the Senate disagree to the amendment and agree to the request for a conference. He then filed cloture on the motion and set up a cloture vote at 3:30 today.

11:40 a.m. Senator Ayotte paid tribute to the fallen officers in Dallas and then spoke in favor of the conference report to accompany the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act.

11:30 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke on the conference report to accompany the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act

11:10 a.m. Senator Nelson spoke on the Zika virus and funding.

10:35 a.m. Senator Enzi spoke on private pensions and federal spending.

10:30 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke on the Zika virus and funding.

10:11 a.m. Senator Reid spoke on CARA and the zika virus.

10:03 a.m. ML McConnell spoke on the shooting in Dallas and CARA.

****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and resume consideration of of the conference report to accompany the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (S. 524). From 12:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. the Senate will recess for weekly policy lunches.

Votes are expected after lunches today.

7:13 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on climate change.

6:48 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about climate change.

6:40 p.m. ML McConnell did wrap-up.  The Senate passed S. Res. 525 designating August 16, 2016 as National Airborne day.
The Senate passed S.Con.Res. 44, designating the sunflower as the flower of military caregivers.

6:28 p.m. Senator Scott spoke about a need for unity in the United States and the violence of last week.

6:18 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke on climate change.

6:01 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about the military.

5:45 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke on climate change.

5:42 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on climate change.

5:33 p.m. Senator Warren spoke on climate change.

5:24 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on climate change.

5:17 p.m. Senator Udall spoke on climate change.

5:03 p.m. Senator Coons spoke on climate change.

5:00 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on climate change.

4:50 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke on climate change.

4:40 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the deadly protest in Dallas last week.

4:40 p.m. The Senate resumed the Motion to Proceed to H.R. 5293 (DOD Appropriations).

4:25 p.m. Senator Reid spoke about the Koch brothers and their role in blocking action on climate change.

4:15 p.m. Leader McConnell asked unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to and pass the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 2577 (MilCon-VA Appropriations). Reid objected.

4:10 p.m. Senator Reid asked unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to and pass H.R. 5243; that all after the enacting clause be stricken; that the substitute amendment, which is the text of the Blunt-Murray amendment ($1.1 billion in Zika funding) be agreed to; that there be 1 hour of debate followed by a vote on passage of the bill, as amended. McConnell objected.

4:00 p.m. Leader McConnell filed cloture on the Conference Report to accompany S. 524 (Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016). He also called up H.R. 1270 (An act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the amendments made by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act). The bill was read for the second time. Further consideration of the bill was objected to. The bill was placed on the Calendar.

The Senate will convene at 4:00 PM on Monday, July 11, 2016. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R. 5293 (DOD Appropriations). There will be no roll call votes during Monday’s session. The next roll call vote is expected around noon on Tuesday, July 12, 2016.

The Senate has adjourned until 4:00 p.m. Monday, July 11th, 2016 to resume consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R. 5293, the Defense Appropriations bill. The next roll call vote will occur before lunch on Tuesday, July 12th.

Legislation passed during wrap-up:

• S.2340 – MEGABYTE Act
• S.Res. 340 Expressing the sense of the Congress that the so-called Islamic State of Iraq in Al-Sham is committing genocide, was passed by unanimous consent.
• H.R. 4960 – Renaming the post office in Aurora, IL, was passed by unanimous consent.
• H.R. 4372 – Renaming the post office in Bergen, NY, was passed by unanimous consent.
• S. Res. 522 – Designating July 30th as National Whistle-blower Appreciation Day, was passed by unanimous consent.
• S. Res. 523 – Relating to the death of Eli Weisel.

****

11:10 p.m. By a roll call vote of 50-44, the Senate did NOT invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to the consideration of H.R. 5293, The Department of Defense Appropriations Act.

10:45 p.m. The Senate voted 63-30 on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 764 (Senate passage of the GMO agreement)

10:45 p.m. Amendment #4936 to the House amendment to S.764 was not agreed to by a voice vote.

10:44 p.m. The motion to table the McConnell amendment to the House message to accompany S.764, was not agreed to by a vote of 30 to 63.  Senator Schumer later changed his vote by unanimous consent.  This would make the vote 31 to 62.

10:22 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the motion to table the McConnell amendment to the House message to accompany S.764.

10:17 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about the GMO bill.

10:03 p.m. Senator Reid spoke about the GMO bill and Republican leadership. ML McConnell gave a rebuttal.

9:59 p.m. ML McConnell spoke about the GMO bill.

9:35 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke about the GMO bill.

9:27 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke about the GMO bill.

9:10 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about the GMO bill.

8:52 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about the GMO bill.

8:34 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke on the shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota.

7:26 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about the GMO bill.

7:16 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke about the opiod crisis.

7:04 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the GMO bill.

6:55 p.m. Senator Tillis spoke about the GMO bill.

6:48 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke about the GMO bill.

6:44 p.m. ML McConnell offered a UC to have votes beginning at 7:00 pm and Sen. Merkley objected, offering a modification.  Sen. Roberts objected to the Merkley modification.

6:21 p.m. Senator Enzi spoke about budget cutting.

6:17 p.m. Senator Daines spoke on GMOs.

6:07 p.m. Senator Capito spoke about Zika, and the opioid crisis.

5:48 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke about a mental health bill and the Zika crisis.

5:38 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke about ISIS, national security.

5:20 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about the genetic modification bill.

4:55 p.m. Senator Roberts spoke about the genetic modification bill.

4:47 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke on the GMO labeling bill.

4:24 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke on the GMO labeling bill.

4:22 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke on Zika.

4:11 p.m. Senator Coats spoke on government spending waste.

3:59 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke on postpartum depression.

3:54 p.m. Senator Boozman paid tribute to Arkansas National Guard member Sgt. Sylvester Kline.

3:47 p.m. Senator Hatch paid tribute to Eli Weisel.

3:34 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke on opiods.

3:19 p.m. Senator Tillis spoke on Zika and GMOs.

3:08 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on the Supreme Court nominations and the Zika bill.

3:05 p.m. Senator Warren asked for unamimous consent to confirm 5 nominations. Senator Cornyn objected and discussed GMOS.

3:00 p.m. Senator Warren then asked unamimous consent for 13 nominations. 3:01 p.m. Senator Cornyn objected and continued to speak on Zika.

2:54 p.m. Senator Warren spoke about the Supreme Court and asked unanimous consent to confirm 17 nominations. 2:58 p.m. Senator Cornyn objected.

2:40 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on sanctuary cities and former Sec. Of State Clinton.

2:23 p.m. Senator Markey spoke on energy

2:08 p.m. Senator Gardner spoke about former Sec. Of State Clinton.

2:03 p.m. Senator Donnelly spoke on opiod abuse.

1:50 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke about genetically engineered salmon.

1:35 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke about heroin and opioid addiction and CARA.

1:23 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke on the GMO labeling bill.

12:53 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about heroin and opioid addiction and CARA.

12:40 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about Obamacare.

12:26 p.m. Senator Thune spoke on the Clinton investigation.

12:12 p.m. Senator Thune spoke on Chairman Wheeler and disclosing non-public information.

12:10 p.m. Senator Cotton spoke on the arkanstonian of the week.

12:00 p.m. Senator Heitkamp spoke on GMO labeling bill.

11:55 a.m. Senator Cotton spoke on MARVA workshops.

10:58 a.m. Senator Cardin spoke on treaties.

10:28 a.m. Senator Leahy spoke about gun control and about genetic modification.

10:12 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about gun control initiatives.

9:53 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about defense audits.

9:43 a.m. Minority Leader Reid criticized what he called Republican posturing on legislation. He said the drug addiction bill lacks the necessary funds and spoke against provisions in the Zika measure.

9:33 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell called upon Democratic to support the bill containing funds to combat the Zika virus. He also spoke in favor of passage of the House-Senate conference report on the drug addiction bill and the biotechnology bill now subject to post-cloture debate.

**********

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and will resume post-cloture consideration of the motion to concur on the House amendment to S.764, the vehicle for the bill on the labeling of genetically-modified products.

If all post-cloture time is used, it will expire at 10:22 p.m., whereupon a vote could occur on the motion to proceed to the genetic modification bill.

##############

**NOTE: At 3:15 p.m., Senators Casey and Isakson will hold a pen and pad press conference in the press gallery (S-316). Topic: their bill to shut off funds for terrorism.

8:00 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 7 and will resume post-cloture consideration of the motion to concur on the House amendment to S.764-the vehicle for the GMO labeling bill. The following resolutions were agreed to during wrap up:

• S.Res. 506 expressing the Sense of the Senate in support of  NATO summit.
• S. Con. Res. 38 reaffirming the Taiwan Relations Act.
• S.Res. 482 Urging EU to designate Hizballah as a terrorist organization
• S. Res. 504 recognizing 70th anniversary of the Fulbright Program

6:41 p.m. Senator Whitehouse gave his weekly climate change speech.

6:22 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about the blue-green algae problem in Florida.

5:41 p.m. Senators Klobuchar, Collins and Carper spoke about the cost of Alzheimer’s care.

5:30 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about the threats from ISIS.

5:22 p.m. Senator Capito spoke about the MilCon Zika bill.

4:36 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about GMO labeling.

4:23 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the FBI report on Secretary Clinton.

4:22 p.m. Cloture was invoked (65-32) on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 764 (bill on genetically modified organisms) with a Roberts substitute amendment (#4935). There are now 30 hours of debate on the motion to concur.

Senators voting in favor: 47 Republicans, 18 Democrats (Baldwin, Bennet, Carper, Casey, Coons, Donnelly, Feinstein, Franken, Heitkamp, Kaine, Klobuchar, Manchin, McCaskill, Menendez, Peters, Shaheen, Stabenow, and Warner).

Senators voting against: 25 Democrats, 5 Republicans (Collins, Murkowski, Paul, Sasse and Sullivan) and 2 Independents.

Senators not voting: Brown, Graham and Lee.

3:58 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 764 (bill on genetically modified organisms) with a Roberts substitute amendment (#4935).

3:55 p.m. DL Reid discussed the pending vote on the GMO bill.

3:55 p.m. Cloture was not invoked (55-42) on the motion to proceed to S. 2193, “Kate’s law”.

Senators voting in favor: 52 Republicans, 3 Democrats (Donnelly, Heitkamp, Manchin).

Senators voting against: 40 Democrats, 2 Independents.

Senators not voting: Brown, Graham and Lee.

3:37 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 2193 (Kate’s Law), regarding sentences for certain immigrant offenders.

3:35 p.m. Cloture was not invoked (53-44) on the motion to proceed to S. 3100, the Sanctuary Cities bill.

Senators voting in favor: 51 Republicans, 2 Democrats (Donnelly and Manchin).

Senators voting against: 41 Democrats, 2 Independents, and 1 Republican (Kirk).

Senators not voting: Brown, Graham and Lee.

3:17 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 3100, the Sanctuary Cities bill.

3:15 p.m. The Martinotti nomination was confirmed 92-5.

Senators voting in favor: 47 Republicans, 43 Democrats, and 2 Independents.

Senators voting against: Blunt, Crapo, Risch, Sasse and Sullivan.

Senators not voting: Brown, Graham and Lee.

2:47 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the nomination of Brian R. Martinotti.

2:28 p.m. Senators Booker and Menendez spoke in favor of the nomination of Brian R. Martinotti to be the U.S. District Judge for the District of NJ.

2:15 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke on Kate’s Law and sanctuary cities.

12:48 p.m. The Senate recessed for weekly party lunches.

12:38 p.m. Senator Sasse spoke about the FBI investigation of Hillary Clinton.

12:17 p.m. Senator Boxer spoke about Sanctuary Cities and also about the GMO labeling bill.

11:48 a.m. Senator Tester spoke on GMO labeling bill.

11:22 a.m. Senator Cruz spoke on Holocaust survivor, Elie Wiesel, Iran and Kate’s Law.

11:11 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke on Judge Abner Mikva.

10:38 a.m. Senator Stabenow spoke about the genetic modification bill.

10:30 a.m. Senator Robert spoke about the bill on genetically modified products.

10:22 a.m. Senator Durbin criticized the sanctuary cities bill and the “Kate’s Law” to mandate minimum sentences for certain immigrant offenders.

10:10 a.m. Minority Leader Reid criticized the spending cuts for Planned Parenthood and other programs that are contained in the bill that would pay to fight the Zika virus.

10:02 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell praised the Senate’s passage of the Puerto Rico debt measure and called on Democratic to reverse their opposition to the bill containing money to combat the Zika virus. He previewed other measures slated for action during this work period: the sanctuary cities bill; “Kate’s Law;” the bill on labeling of genetically modified products; the Pentagon spending bill for fiscal 2007.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. and will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to the sanctuary cities bill (S. 3100).

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

At 2:15 p.m., the Senate will consider the nomination of Brian Martinotti to be a United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey, with a confirmation vote expected at 2:45 p.m.

Following disposition of the Martinotti nomination, the pending cloture motions will ripen in the order listed below.

If cloture is invoked on any of these items, there will be up to thirty hours of post-cloture debate prior to adoption of the given motion, whereupon the next cloture vote will occur. If cloture is not invoked on any of these items, the Senate will immediately proceed to the next cloture vote.

o    Cloture on the motion to proceed to the sanctuary cities bill (S. 3100);

o    Cloture on the motion to proceed to Kate’s Law (S. 2193), on sentences for certain immigrant offenders;

o    Cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 764 (bill on genetically modified organisms) with a Roberts substitute amendment (#4935);

o    Cloture on the motion to proceed to Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (H.R. 5293).

The Senate convened at 9 a.m. for a pro forma session, Senator Gardner presiding. No legislative business was conducted.

The Senate then adjourned until its next legislative session convenes on Wednesday, July 6 at 10 a.m.

• At that time, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to the sanctuary cities bill (S. 3100).

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

• At 2:15 p.m., the Senate will enter Executive Session in order to consider the nomination of Brian Martinotti to be a United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey, with a vote expected at 2:45 p.m. on confirmation of the Martinotti nomination.

• Following disposition of the Martinotti nomination, the cloture motions filed during the session of Wednesday, June 29 will ripen in the following order.
• If cloture is invoked on any of the below items, there will be up to thirty hours of post-cloture debate prior to adoption of the given motion, at which point the next cloture petition will ripen for a vote.
• If cloture is not invoked on any of the below items, the Senate will immediately proceed to the next cloture vote.

o    Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to the sanctuary cities bill (S. 3100).

o    Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to Kate’s Law (S. 2193)

o    Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 764 [GMO legislation] with a Roberts amendment in the nature of a substitute (#4935)

o    Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (H.R. 5293)

The Senate convened for a pro forma session today at 9:30 a.m. Senator Sessions was in the chair. The Senate will next convene on Tuesday July 5 at 9:00 a.m., for another pro forma session, during which no business will be conducted.

The Senate will next convene for legislative business on Wednesday, July 6 at 10:00 a.m.

• At that time, resume consideration of the motion to proceed to the sanctuary cities bill (S. 3100).

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

• At 2:15 p.m., the Senate will enter Executive Session in order to consider the nomination of Brian Martinotti to be a United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey, with a vote expected at 2:45 p.m. on confirmation of the Martinotti nomination.

• Following disposition of the Martinotti nomination, the cloture motions filed during the session of Wednesday, June 29 will ripen in the following order.
• If cloture is invoked on any of the below items, there will be up to thirty hours of post cloture debate prior to adoption of the given motion, at which point the next cloture petition will ripen for a vote.
• If cloture is not invoked on any of the below items, the Senate will immediately proceed to the next cloture vote.

o    Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to the sanctuary cities bill (S. 3100).

o    Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to Kate’s Law (S. 2193)

o    Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 764 [GMO legislation] with a Roberts amendment in the nature of a substitute (#4935)

o    Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (H.R. 5293)

8:50 p.m. Senator Sasse spoke about Russian crackdowns on free speech and religious observance.

8:30 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about addiction.

8:00 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on climate change.

7:52 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke about the June 11 passing of Veterans Activist Fred Becker, aka Bulldog.

The next roll call vote is expected next Wednesday, July 6, at 2:45pm on confirmation of the Martinotti nomination (NJ judge) and cloture petition(s) filed today.

On Wednesday evening, ML McConnell moved to proceed to Calendar #531, S.3100 (Sanctuary Cities) and filed cloture on the motion to proceed (FIRST CLOTURE TO RIPEN).  He then moved to proceed to Calendar #276, S.2193 (Kate’s Law) and filed cloture on the motion to proceed (SECOND CLOTURE TO RIPEN). ML McConnell made a new motion to concur with the new GMO amendment (Roberts-Stabenow), filed cloture on the motion, and filled the tree (THIRD CLOTURE TO RIPEN). He then moved to proceed to Calendar #524, H.R.5293 (DOD Appropriations) and filed cloture on the motion to proceed (FOURTH AND FINAL CLOTURE TO RIPEN).

Upon disposition of the Martinotti nomination, the cloture petitions filed tonight will ripen in the order offered (Sanctuary Citites, Kate’s Law, GMO, DOD Approps). If cloture is invoked on any of them, there will then be up to 30 hours of debate followed by a vote on the motion followed by an immediate vote on the next cloture motion.

The Senate took five roll call votes during Wednesday’s session:

1. By a vote of 68 to 32, cloture was invoked on S. 2328, the vehicle for the Puerto Rico debt measure.
2. By a vote of 44-54, the Senate rejected a Menendez motion. The Menedez motion was to table the motion to concur with amendment #4865 to S. 2328.
3. By a vote of 85-13, the Senate voted to waive the budget act in regards to the Sanders’ point of order

7:20 p.m. The motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 2328 was agreed to by a vote of 68-30. Republicans voting no: Boozeman, Capito, Cotton, Cruz, Daines, Ernst, Grassley, Heller, Lee, Moran, Murkowski, Perdue, Portman, Sasse, Scott, Shelby, Tillis, Wicker. Democrats voting no: Baldwin, Booker, Boxer, Brown, Cantwell, Markey, Menendez, Merkley, Murray, Sanders, Tester and Warren. Warner and Manchin did not vote.

7:02 p.m. The motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Budget point of order was agreed to by a vote of 85-13.

6:30 p.m. The motion to table the motion to concur to amendment #4865 was not agreed to by a vote of 44-54. Republicans voting aye: Cruz, Lee, and Paul. Democrats voting no: Donnelly, Feinstein and King.

5:44 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about the Department of Homeland Security.

5:30 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about Zika and about Puerto Rico.

4:55 p.m. Senator Vitter spoke about the Obamacare and the rules for covering Congress and staff.

4:46 p.m. Senators Alexander and Corker spoke in recognition Tennessee basketball coach Pat Summit after her death.

4:20 p.m. The Senate stands in recess until 4:40 p.m.

3:54 p.m. Senator Grassely spoke about the Puerto Rico debt crisis.

3:39 p.m. Senator Heitkamp and Senator Cantwell spoke about the Export Import bank.

3:37 p.m. Senator Menendez made his motion to table the debt bill and secured consent for the Yea’s and nays.

3:10 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke against the debt bill. He said if his tabling motion succeeds, he will offer an amendment that, among other provisi0ns,  would deal with the powers of the oversight board under the debt measure.

2:56 p.m. Senator Hatch moved to waive the provisions of the Budget Act raised in the point of order. Senator Hatch then spoke in favor of the Puerto Rico debt measure.

2:56 p.m. Senator Sanders raised his budget point of order on the bill.

2:39 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke on financial assistance to Puerto Rico.

2:34 p.m. Senator Reid spoke on the upcoming votes on financial assistance to Puerto Rico.

2:32 p.m. The Senate has reconvened and ML McConnell set up 3 votes for approximately 7:30 this evening:

1. Vote on the Menendez motion to table, the motion to concur with amendment #4865 to S. 2328
2. Vote on the motion to waive the budget act in regards to the Sanders’ point of order.
3. The vote on the motion to concur with the House amendment to  S. 2328, the Puerto Rico Public Finances Assistance bill.

****

1:08 p.m. The Senate went into recess until 2:15 p.m.

11:00 a.m. Senator McConnell offered a 2nd degree amendment #4866 to his amendment #4865 (date change).

10:59 a.m.  By a vote of 68 to 32, cloture was invoked on S. 2328, the vehicle for the Puerto Rico debt measure. Voting Aye: 36 Republicans, 31 Democrats and 1 Independent (King).

Republicans voting Nay: Boozman, Capito, Cotton, Cruz, Daines, Donnelly, Ernst, Grassley, Heller, Lee, Moran, Murkowski, Perdue, Portman Sasse, Shelby, Scott, Tillis,Wicker.

Democrats voting Nay: Baldwin, Booker, Boxer, Brown, Cantwell, Manchin, Markey, Menendez, Merkley, Murray, Tester, Warren.

Independent voting Nay: Sanders.

10:30 p.m. The vote began on the cloture motion for S. 2328.

10:21 a.m. Senator Menendez spoke against cloture on the Puerto Rico debt measure.

10:12 a.m. Senator Durbin criticized aspects of of the Puerto Rico bill but said it is a compromise response to the debt crisis that he supports.

10:07 a.m. Senator Cantwell spoke against cloture for the Puerto Rico package.

9:55 a.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about water resources legislation.

9:54 a.m. Senator Durbion made a parliamentary inquiry.

9:53 a.m. The Senate resumed consideration of the House message accompanying S. 2328, the Puerto Rico debt package.

9:40 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke about the progress in the campaign against the Islamic State. He criticized Republicans for including in the Zika vehicle reduced levels of spending for birth control and other purposes. He criticized Republican-sponsored aspects of the Puerto Rico debt measure but said he will support it.

9:33 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the terrorist attack in Istanbul. He criticized Democrats for opposing the MilCon-VA spending bill, which included money to respond to the outbreak of the Zika virus. He spoke in favor of the legislative vehicle for the Puerto Rico debt measure.

* * * * * * * * * *

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

At 10:30 a.m., there will be a cloture vote on the House amendment to S. 2328 (the vehicle for the Puerto Rico debt relief measure).

7:50 The Senate has adjourned for the evening and will resume legislative session Wednesday, June 28, at 9:30 a.m. There will be a cloture vote on the House amendment to S. 2328. at 10:30 a.m.

7:39 p.m. Senator Menendez finished speaking about Puerto Rico. The Senate is now in a Quorum call.

7:00 p.m. Senator Cantwell joins Senator Menendez in speaking about Puerto Rico.

6:30 p.m. Senator Menendez continued to speak about Puerto Rico.

5:00 p.m. Senator Menendez continued to speak about Puerto Rico.

3:44 p.m. Senator Menendez continued to speak about Puerto Rico.

3:34 p.m. Senator Menendez yielded to Senator Sanders for a question.

3:23 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke about Puerto Rico.

2:57 p.m. Senator Fischer spoke about Marine Sergeant Joshua Robinson.

2:45 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke on the minors protection act.

2:38 p.m. Senator Manchin yielded to Senator Capito to speak on mines.

2:33 p.m. Senator Manchin yielded to Senator Donnelly to speak on mines.

2:26 p.m. Senator Manchin yielded to Senator Portman to speak on mines.

2:22 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke on the history of mines.

2:18 p.m. Senator Brown also spoke on the minors protection act.

2:18 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke on the minors protection act.

12:45 p.m. The Senate stands in recess for the weekly caucus luncheons.

12:35 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke on the Puerto Rico bill.

12:30 p.m. Senators Isakson and Blumenthal  spoke on the VA/MilCon/Zika virus conference report.

11:55 a.m. Senators Leahy and Merkley spoke on food labeling.

11:36 a.m. Senators Reid and Cornyn spoke on Zika.

11:32 a.m. ML McConnell entered the motion to reconsider the motion to invoke cloture on H.R. 2577 and spoke on Zika.

11:31 a.m. Cloture on H.R. 2577 was not agreed to by a vote of 52 to 48. Senators voting for cloture: 52 Republicans, 1 Democrat: Donnelly.

Senators voting against cloture: 43 Democrats, 3 Republicans: Lankford, Lee and McConnell*; and 2  Independents: King and Sanders.   ML McConnell changed his vote to no in order to be able to enter a motion to reconsider.

11 a.m. The cloture vote began on H.R. 2577, the MilCon appropriation conference report.

10:58 a.m. Senator Cochran objected. He spoke for the MilCon-VA approriation, including the Zika spending.

10:57 a.m. Senator Nelson sought consent to speak about Orlando.

10:50 a.m. Senator Hirono spoke against the Zika package.

10:48 a.m. Senator Thun spoke for the Zika package.

10:41 a.m. Senator Nelson spoke against the appropriations bill containing the Zika money. He cited the bill’s reduction in speeding for family planning.

10:36 a.m. Senator Murray criticized the legislative vehicle for the Zika money.

10:26 a.m. Senator Capito spoke about the floods in West Virginia.

10:17 a.m. Senator Schumer said Republicans designed the Zika spending vehicle to fail.

10:08 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke against the bill’s spending levels for birth control and other purposes.

10:03 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell acted under Rule XIV to place on the Senate calendar S. 3100, a bill concerning state and local cooperation with federal authorities in fighting terrorism. Senator McConnell also spoke about Democatic opposition to the bill that provides money to combat the Zika virus.

***

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m.   Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the Conference Report to accompany H.R.2577, MilCon/VA/Zika.

At approximately 11:00 a.m., the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Conference Report.

On Monday, ML McConnell moved to concur in the House amendment to S.2328, the vehicle for the Puerto Rico bill, and filed cloture on the motion to concur. He then filled the amendment tree.  Unless an agreement is reached, the cloture vote on the motion to concur will occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Wednesday.

6:50 p.m. Senator Brown spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy and today’s abortion ruling.

6:34 p.m Senator Wyden spoke on the Intelligence authorization.

6:19 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke about sanctuary cities.

6:15 p.m. ML McConnell moves to concur in relation to S. 2328 (the vehicle for the Puerto Rico bill), files cloture on the motion, and fills the tree.   S. 3100 has its first reading.  S.1479 is passed by unanimous consent.  UC that when the Senate adjourns it do so until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, resume consideration of the conference report to accompany S. 2577, with a cloture vote on on that conference report at 11:00 a.m.  UC that the Senate stand adjourned following the remarks of Toomey, Wyden and Brown.

6:14 p.m. The Rossiter nomination was confirmed by a vote 0f 90-0.

Senators not voting: 7 Republicans: Blunt, Capito, Isakson, Johnson, Kirk, Murkowsk and Vitter. 2 Democrats: Boxer and Menendez.  1 Independent: Sanders.

5:32 p.m. Roll call vote began on the nomination of Robert Rossiter to be US District Judge for the District of Nebraska.

5:17 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke on zika funding and today’s Supreme Court abortion decision, as well as the Supreme Court vacancy and immigration.

5:05 p.m. Senator Sullivan discussed the whaling industry in Alaska.

5:00 p.m. Senator Cotton paid tribute to his Arkansans of the week, two first responders who rescued a 13 year old boy who was swept into a drainage system during a flash flood.

4:44 p.m. Senator Fischer spoke in favor of the Rossiter nomination.

4:26 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about Puerto Rico’s debt crisis and the Naval training facility in Vieques.

4:02 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about Zika spending and ISIS.

3:48 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about the Puerto Rico debt crisis.

3:21 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke about the floods in West Virginia.

3:08 p.m. Minority Leader Reid criticized spending levels in the Zika bill, including the provision on birth control programs. Senator Reid also spoke about the British vote to leave the European Union and about today’s Supreme Court decisions.

3:03 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell criticized Democratic opposition to the transportation-veterans spending bill that contains money to combat the Zika virus.

* * *

The Senate will convene on Monday at 3:00 p.m.  Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 5:00 p.m.

At 5:00 p.m., proceed to Executive Session to consider the nomination of Robert Rossiter, to be US District Judge for the district of Nebraska, with a vote on confirmation of the nomination expected at 5:30 p.m.

As a reminder, on Thursday evening, Senator McConnell turned to the consideration of the conference report to accompany H.R.2577, MilCon/VA/Zika, and filed cloture on the conference report.

That vote is expected on Tuesday.