The Senate has adjourned until 8:15 a.m. Friday, June 9th. A cloture vote on S. 2943, the defense authorization bill,  will occur at 9:00 a.m. 

S. Res. 486, Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the ROTC program, was passed by unanimous consent during wrap-up.

****

7:14 p.m. Senator Sasse spoke on the draft.

6:34 p.m. Senators Murray and Blumenthal spoke on defense contractors that steal money from their workers’ paychecks or pay unfair wages.

6:13 p.m. Senator Moran spoke on the NDAA and asked unanimous consent to vote on his amendment #4066. Senator Brown objected.

6:03 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on the Military Injustice Improvement Act.

5:54 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on the anniversary of the Gaspee Affair of 1772.

5:44 p.m. Senator Coats spoke on foreign policy.

5:39 p.m. Senator Boozman spoke on President Obama’s foreign policy.

5:24 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke on President Obama’s foreign policy.

5:19 p.m. Senator Rounds spoke on healthcare for military retirees.

5:02 p.m. Senator Lee objected to Senator McCain’s request and spoke about his reasoning.

4:55 p.m. Senator Graham said he would object.

4:53 p.m. Senator Lee asked to amend the consent request to include consideration of his Ex-Im Bank amendment (#4448).

4:52 p.m. Senator McCain sought consent for votes on the Shaheen amendment (#4604) on Afghan interpreters visas and the Moran amendment (#4068) on replacement of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility.

4:31 p.m. Senator Shaheen, Senator Moran and Graham joined the colloquoy. Senator Moran said his amendment (#4068) would forbid spending on a domestic detention facility to replace the one at Guantanamo Bay

4:26 p.m. Senator McCain began a colloquoy on amendments concerning visas for Afghan interpreters and the Deion facility at Guantanamo Bay.

4:21 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke for the defense authorization.

4:03 p.m. Senator McCain spoke about the Russian rocket engines. He said amendments will be moving soon on interpreters and on Guantanano Bay.

3:49 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about the U.S. use of of a Russian rocket engine.

3:44 p.m. Senator Murray spoke on the NDAA bill.

3:26 p.m. Senator Feinstein spoke in favor of the due process amendment.

3:15 p.m Senator Lee  and Senator Paul spoke about due process for U.S. Citizens.

2:58 p.m. Senator McCain spoke about ULA.

2:43 p.m. Senator Gardner spoke on the NDAA bill and ULA.

2:17 p.m. Senator McCain spoke on the NDAA bill.

1:58 p.m. Senator Ayotte spoke on detention and interrogation policies, specifically in Guantanamo Bay.

1:51 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on the passing of Ms. Cassandra Butts before she was elected ambassador to the Bahamas.

1:29 p.m. Senator Donnelly spoke in support of amendment #4509.

1:22 p.m. Senator Ernst spoke on the NDAA bill.

1:07 p.m. Senator Perdue spoke on the NDAA bill.

1:02 p.m. Senator McCain spoke about foreign interpreters.

12:50 p.m. Senator Reed spoke on the defense authorization bill and introduced his amendment #4603.

12:34 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke on growing hemp in America.

12:25 p.m. Senators Reed and Shaheen spoke on the protecting foreign interpreters assisting US Forces.

12:20 p.m. Senator McCain withdrew his amendment #4229 then called up his amendment # 4607 and spoke on protecting foreign interpreters assisting US Forces.

12:19 p.m. By a vote of 56 to 42, the motion to invoke cloture on the McCain amendment #4229 failed. 11 Republicans voting nay: Alexander, Cochran, Corker, Enzi, Flake, Grassley, Heller, Kirk, Lankford, Lee, and Paul. 12 Democrats and 1 Independent voting Aye: Baldwin, Bennet, Blumenthal, Casey, Donnelly, Heinrich, Heitkamp, Kaine, King, Klobuchar, McCaskill, Peters, and Stabenow.

11:45 p.m. By a vote of 43 to 55, the cloture motion on the Reed amendment failed. AYES: Republicans Ayotte and Portman, independent King, and 40 Democrats. NAYS: Democrats Carper, Manchin and Tester and 52 Republicans.

11:15 a.m. The vote began on cloture for the Reed amendment.

11:12 a.m. Senator McCain spoke against the Reed amendment.

11:06 a.m. Senator Mikulski spoke about the amendment.

11 a.m. Senator Reed spoke for his second-degree amendment on non- defense spending.

10:55 a.m. Senator McConnell moved to proceed to H.R. 2578, the Commerce/Justice Appropriations bill, filed cloture on the motion to proceed to the bill, and withdrew his motion to proceed.

10:50 a.m. Senator Lee spoke about the Ex-I’m Bank.

10:46 a.m. Senator Donnelly spoke on the Ex-Im Bank.

10:33 a.m. Senator Heitkamp spoke on the Ex-I’m Bank.

10:22 a.m. Senator Murray and Senator Cantwell also spoke in support of Export-Import Bank.

10:18 a.m. Senator Shumer spoke in support of Export-Import Bank.

10:17 a.m. Senator Heitkamp spoke on the Export-Import Bank.

9:57 a.m. Senator McCain and Senator Graham spoke in support of spoke on S. 2943, the National Defense Authorization Act.

9:45 a.m. Senator Blunt spoke on S. 2943, the National Defense Authorization Act.

9:37 a.m. Senator Reid spoke on the budget agreement.

9:32 a.m. Senator McConnell spoke on S. 2943, the National Defense Authorization Act.

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and resume consideration of the Defense Authorization(S. 2943).

• At 11:15am, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Reed-Mikulski second-degree amendment (#4549) to the McCain amendment #4229.

• If cloture is not invoked, the Senate will immediately proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on McCain amendment.

• Senator McConnell filed cloture on S. 2943 during Wednesday’s session.  Absent a time agreement, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S. 2943 one hour after the Senate convenes on Friday.

9:09 p.m. The Senate adjorned until 9:30 a.m. Thursday, June 9, 2016.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.2943, the National Defense Authorization Act.

At 11:15 a.m. the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Reed amendment #4549 (non-defense increase) to McCain amendment #4229 (OCO increase) to S.2943, NDAA. If cloture is not invoked, the Senate will immediately vote on McCain amendment #4229.

9:00 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on S.2943, the National Defense Authorization Act.  Unless an agreement is reached, that cloture vote will be one hour after the Senate convenes on Friday, June 10.

8:37 p.m. By a roll call vote of  56-38, the Senate rejected  the Sullivan motion to instruct conferees.  His motion, subject to a 60-vote threshold, would simplify permitting and is designed to simplify bridge replacement and improvement.

8:35 p.m. By a roll call vote of 46-49, the Senate did not adopt the Nelson motion to instruct conferees (not to redirect any money designated to funding the fight against Ebola to fighing Zika)

Senator Nelson spoke in favor and Senator Blunt spoke against the Nelson motion.

The Senate adopted the motion to go to conference on H.R. 2577 by voice vote.

The Senate invoked cloture on the motion to disagree in the House amendment and to agree to the motion to appoint conferees by a roll call vote of 93-2.

6:27 p.m. Senator Cornyn propounded a UC and at 7:30pm the Senate will proceed to up to 4 roll call votes on the following in relation to H.R.2577, the THUD/MilConVA Appropriations bill:

1. Motion to invoke cloture on the compound motion to go to conference on H.R.2577
2. Motion to go to conference on H.R.2577
3. Nelson motion to instruct conferees (60 vote affirmative threshold)
4. Sullivan motion to instruct conferees (60 vote affirmative threshold)

6:00 p.m. Senator Graham spoke about military funding.

5:49 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke on his proposed amendement, including one requiring the purchase of blackhawk helicopters.

5:29 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke about her amendment, #4222, which would eliminate cuts to the Basic Housing Allowance.

5:22 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke about the NDAA and spending.

5:17 p.m. Senator Isakson spoke about his disagreement with the Attorney General’s decision not to defend the Veterans Accountability and Choice Act and the firing of Sharon Helen under the act.

5:06 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about a Chicago resident who is a member of the Irish Senate and Trump’s remarks about a judge.

5:00 p.m. Senator Collins spoke about her support of the Murkowski amdendment.

4:56 p.m. Senator Daines spoke about his amendment about military pay raises.

4:50 p.m. Senator Franken spoke about the Supreme Court Vacancy and Merrick Garland.

4:30 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about TSCA.

4:01 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about his measure to require that presidential candidates release their tax returns.

3:47 p.m. Senator Cats spoke about government waste.

3:16 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke against the Reed amendment. He also spoke about the visit of Prime Minister Modi.

3:09 p.m. Senator Murray spoke for the Reed amendment on non-defense spending.

2:54 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke on healthcare.

2:38 p.m. Senator Warner spoke on nominees yet to be confirmed and asked unanimous consent that the Senate vote on a series of 15 nominations. ML McConnell objected. Senator Warner then asked unanimous consent to vote on 9 district court judges. ML McConnell objected. Senator Warner asked unanimous consent that the Senate vote on the 4 longest waiting nominations. Senator Hatch objected. Senator Warner asked unanimous consent to vote on the nomination of Brian R. Marionotti to be US District judge for the District of NJ. Senator Hatch objected.

2:22 p.m. Senator Mikulski spoke on the defense authorization bill.

1:59 p.m. Senator McCain spoke on the defense authorization bill.

1:27 p.m. Senator Baldwin spoke in support of Senator Reed’s amendment #4549 to aid non-defense programs.

12:56 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about his amendment, #4299 to the Defense authorization regarding the war in Yemen.

12:22 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke on the recent comments by Donald Trump regarding Judge Curiel; and judicial nominations in the Senate.

12:20 p.m. The Senate returned from the joint meeting recess.

10:30 a.m. The Senate recessed, subject to the call of the chair, for a Joint Meeting of Congress for an address by the Prime Minster Modi of India.

9:59 a.m. Senator Reed spoke on his amendment #4549  to add money to non-defense programs.

9:37 a.m. Minority Leader Reid joined Senator McConnell in welcoming Prime Minister Modi and spoke on Zika legislation as well as Donald Trump.

9:33 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the Zika legislation, yesterday’s passage of the toxic substances bill, the defense authorization and this morning’s visit from the prime minister of India.

***

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

Debate has begun on the McCain amendment (#4229) which would add $18 billion to the defense authorization and on the Reed second-degree amendment (#4549) to add money to non-defense programs.

Cloture was filed Wednesday night on both amendments.

Absent a time agreement, the cloture vote on the Reed second-degree amendment will occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Thursday, June 8, 2016.

At 10:30 a.m., the Senate will recess until the call of the chair for a Joint Meeting of Congress with His Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India.  Senators will gather in the Senate Chamber at 10:35 a.m. to depart as a body to the Hall of the House of Representatives at 10:40 a.m.  The Joint Meeting will begin at 11 a.m.

8:44 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, when it will resume consideration of the defense bill. At 10:30 a.m., the Senate will recess until the call of the chair.

8:42 p.m.  Senator McConnell filed cloture on the Reed second-degree amendment (#4549) to McCain amendment (#4229) and on the McCain amendment itself. By voice votes, the Senate passed S. 2487, to direct the VA to identify mental health programs; and H. Con. Res 119, allowing the Capitol grounds to be used for the Soapbox Derby.

7:57 p.m. Senator Booker spoke about addiction.

7:47 p.m. Senator Merkely spoke about the toxics bill.

7:19 p.m. Senator Gardner spoke about rocket programs.

7:13 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about his amendment (#4510) to deal with certain military contracting problems.

7:07 p.m. Senator Peters spoke about his amendment (#4138) to help military victims of brain injuries.

7:06 p.m. Senator McCain expressed hope that votes on the McCain and Reed measures will come Wednesday.

7:05 p.m. Senator Reed secured consent to bring up his second-degree amendment (#4549) to McCain amendment #4229, which would add $18 billion to the defense authorization. Senator Reed noted that his second-degree amendment would add money to non-defense programs.

6:52 p.m. Senators Markey, Inhofe and Udall exchanges thanks for the bipartisan work on the toxics bill.

6:50 p.m. By a voice voice, the Senate concurred with the House on H.R. 2576, the Toxic Substances Control Act.

6:47 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about the toxics bill.

6:44 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about the toxics bill.

6:36 p.m. Senator Markey talked about the toxics bill.

6:16 p.m. Senator Vitter spoke on the Toxic Substance Control Act.

6:06 p.m. Senator Boxer spoke on the Toxic Substance Control Act.

6:05 p.m. The Senate agreed to move to debate on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 2576, Toxic Substance Control Act, by unanimous consent. A voice vote is expected at approximately 6:45 p.m. after 45 minutes of debate.

5:47 p.m. Senator Coons and Whitehouse engaged in a colloquoy in climate change.

5:28 p.m. Senator Paul spoke against the Toxic Substance Control Act.

5:12 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about prescription drug and heroin addiction.

5:08 p.m. Senator McCain added details on the prospective defense amendment.

5:07 p.m. Senator Inhofe said there may be a motion shortly to take up the Toxic Substance Control Act.

5:05 p.m. Senators McCain and Reed engaged in a colloquoy about possible votes tomorrow or Thursday on a McCain amendment to add $17 billion to the defense authorization, and a second-degree amendment to be offered by the minority.

5:05 p.m. The Inhofe amendment passed by a vote of 70 to 28.

4:32 p.m. The Durbin amendment passed by a vote of 66 to 32. YEAS: 43 Democrats, 22 Republicans, 1 independent. NAYS: All Republican.
Not voting: independent Sanders and Democrat Warner.

3:57 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke in favor of the Durbin amendment.

3:55 p.m. Senators Graham spoke in opposition to the Durbin amendment.

3:53 p.m. Senator Isakson spoke in favor of the resolution of disapproval of the proposed overtime rules.

3:49 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about investing in medical research and his amendment.

3:43 p.m. Senator Reed spoke about the pending amendments.

3:30 p.m. Senators Johnson and Alexander spoke in favor of a resolution of disapproval about a proposed overtime rule.

3:16 p.m. Senator Durbin and Senator Graham continued speaking about the NDAA

3:10 p.m. Senator Graham spoke against the Durbin amendment.

2:53 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on his medical research amendment #2369.

2:36 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on artwork stolen by the nazis during the holocaust.  He later spoke on the defense authorization bill.

2:15 p.m. Senator Mikulski spoke on the Inhofe – Mikulski amendment regarding commissaries; and then engaged in a back and forth with Senator McCain on the amendment and the topic of commissaries.

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

12:45 p.m. Senator Inhofe called up his amendment #4204 and spoke in favor of the amendment.

12:40 p.m. Senator McCain asked unanimous consent for the Durbin #4369 and Inhofe #4202 amendments to be called up and time until 4:00 p.m. be equally divided for debate on the two amendments. At 4:00 the Senate will have two roll call votes.

He further asked the following amendments be agreed to en bloc by unanimous consent: 4138,4293, 4112, 4177, 4354, 4079, 4317, 4031, 4169, 4236, 4119, 4095, 40864071,4247, 4344.

12:30 p.m. Senator Merkley also spoke on the recent train derailment in Oregon.

12:20 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke on the recent train derailment in Oregon.

12:10 p.m. Senator Thune spoke on President Obama’s foreign policy.

11:55 a.m. Senator Menendez spoke on Donald Trump and his remarks about Judge Curiel.

11:50 a.m. Senator McCain responded again to Senator Cruz.

11:46 a.m.  Senator McCain responded to Senator Cruz, hopes he votes for the bill, with Senator Cruz responding regarding women being subject to selective service; and due process.

11:26 a.m. Senator Cruz spoke on flooding in Texas, and later the defense authorization and his amendments to it.

11:21 a.m. Senator Daines spoke on his cyber security and terrorism amendment, #4260.

11:20 a.m. Senator McCain informed colleagues there may be a UC regarding votes for later today soon.

11:12 a.m. Senator Manchin spoke on prescription drug overdoses.

10:59 a.m. Senators Durbin and McCain continued to speak on medical research.

10:42 a.m. Senator McCain spoke of the medical research funds.

10:45 a.m. Senator McCain spoke against the Durbin amendment.

10:35 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about his amendment on military medical research.

10:29 a.m. Senator McConnell spoke about the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay.

10:28 a.m. Senator McCain spoke in support of Senator Shaheen’s measure on Afghan visa applicants.

10:20 a.m. Senator Shaheen spoke about her measure to assist Afghan visa applicants who have assisted U.S. forces during the war.

10:12 a.m. Senator King spoke about cyber-attacks.

10:03 a.m. Senator Reid spoke about Senator Grassley’s response to Donald Trump’s comments about the federal judge who is overseeing court cases against Trump University.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and resume consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (S. 2943).

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

The following amendment is currently pending to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (S. 2943):

• McCain amendment to address unfunded priorities of the Armed Forces. (#4229)

7:06 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 7, 2016.

6:55 p.m. ML McConnell spoke about Muhammed Ali and then did wrap-up.  In wrap-up, the Senate confirmed the following nominations by voice vote:

Executive Calendar #506, Jennifer Choe Groves, of Virginia, to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade; and

Executive Calendar #507, Gary Stephen Katzmann, of Massachusetts, to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade.

The Senate also Adopted S.Res.484, authorizing the taking of a photograph in the Senate Chamber.

And the Senate completed the Rule 14 process to place on the Legislative Calendar of Business S.3011, Bolster Accountability to Drive Government Efficiency and Reform Washington Act of 2016 (Johnson).

6:31 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke on protecting children of service members.

6:30 p.m. Senator McCain offers amendment #4229.

6:29 p.m. The Fischer amendment was agreed to 91-0.  Senators not voting:  Barrasso, Booker, Coats, Flake, Heitkamp, Hoeven, Johnson, Kirk, and Sanders.

5:30 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Fischer amendment #4206 to the Defense authorization.

5:12 p.m. Senators Tillis and Portman spoke on the 72nd anniversary of D-Day.

4:47 p.m. Senator Coons spoke about South Africa.

4:23 p.m. Senate Reed spoke in favor of S.2943, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017.

4:22 p.m. Senator McCain offered amendment (#4206) for Fischer to modify the requirement that the Secretary of Defense maintain the wartime readiness of military medical personnel.

4:20 p.m. The Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to S.2943, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017.

3:26 p.m. Senators Cornyn and McCain spoke on the Defense authorization.

2:03 p.m. DL Reid spoke on Donald Trump.

***

The Senate convened at 2:00 p.m. and will be in morning business until 4 p.m.

At 4 p.m., the motion to proceed to S.2943, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, will be agreed to. Senator Fischer will offer her amendment (#4206) to modify the requirement that the Secretary of Defense maintain the wartime readiness of military medical personnel.

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on the Fischer amendment, with no second degree amendments in order before the vote.

The Senate will convene at 1:00 p.m., for a pro forma session only. No business will be conducted.

The Senate will next convene for legislative business on Monday June 6 at 2:00 p.m.

The Senate will then be in morning business until 4:00 p.m.

At 4:00 p.m., the motion to proceed to S.2943, the National Defense Authorization Act, will be agreed to, and Senator Fischer, or her designee, with be recognized to offer her amendment #4206.

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on the Fischer amendment with no second degree amendments in order before the vote.

The Senate remains in recess this week for its observance of Memorial Day.

On Friday, June 3 at 1 p.m., the Senate will convene for a pro forma session only. No business will be conducted.

The Senate will next convene for legislative business on Monday June 6 at 2 p.m

The Senate will then be in morning business until 4 p.m. Monday.

At 4 p.m., the motion to proceed to S.2943, the National Defense Authorization Act, will be agreed to. Senator Fischer, or her designee, with be recognized to offer her amendment #4206.

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on the Fischer amendment with no second degree amendments in order before the vote.

• The Senate convened for a pro forma session at 8:30 a.m., with Senator Cassidy presiding.  No business was conducted.
• The next pro forma session is on Friday June 3 at 1:00 p.m., again, no business is expected.

The Senate will next reconvene for legislative business on Monday June 6 at 2:00 p.m.

• On Monday, June 6 at 2:00 p.m., the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 4:00 p.m.
• At 4:00 p.m., the motion to proceed to S.2943, the National Defense Authorization Act, will be agreed to. Senator Fischer, or her designee, with be recognized to offer her amendment #4206.
• At 5:30pm, the Senate will vote on the Fischer amendment with no second degree amendments in order prior to the vote.

• The Senate convened for a PRO FORMA session today at 12:30 p.m. with Senator Cassidy presiding.
• During the Memorial Day recess, the Senate will conduct two pro forma sessions as follows:
  • Tuesday May 31 at 8:30 a.m.
  • Friday June 3 at 1:00 p.m.

The Senate will next reconvene for legislative business on Monday June 6 at 2:00 p.m.

• On Monday, June 6 at 2:00 p.m., the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 4:00 p.m.
• At 4:00 p.m., the motion to proceed to S.2943, the National Defense Authorization Act, will be agreed to. Senator Fischer, or her designee, with be recognized to offer her amendment #4206.
• At 5:30pm, the Senate will vote on the Fischer amendment with no second degree amendments in order prior to the vote.

6:31 p.m. Senate stands adjourned until 12:30 p.m. on Friday May 27.

6:24 p.m. ML McConnell wraps up the Senate session for the day.  Items passed by UC: Exec Cal #574-590.  Leg Cal #486-498.   Designated a post office in Pennsylvania.  S. 1402, S Res 466, S Res 480, S Res 481.  S 3011 has its first reading.  UC for two pro forma sessions on the following dates and times: Friday May 27 at 12:30 p.m., Tuesday May 31 at 8:30 a.m., and Friday June 3 at 1:0o p.m.  UC that Senate stand adjourn.

5:29 p.m. Senator Carper paid tribute to Homeland Security employees. He later spoke on John Koskinen of the IRS.

4:54 p.m.  Senator Murkowski paid tribute to John Schnabel, an Alaskan who recently passed away. She later spoke on Memorial Day, and the state of affairs at the Veterans Affairs Administration.

4:45 p.m. Senator Fischer paid tribute to Nebraskans who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.

4:07 p.m. Senator Markey spoke on the NDAA and nuclear weapons.

3:45 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on the NDAA.

3:13 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke about public trustees.

3:01 p.m. Senator Peters spoke about wounded veterans.

2:33 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about Hillary Clinton using private email.

2:23 p.m. Senator Baldwin paid tribute to Mary Babula, a Wisconsin friend who recently passed away.

2:15 p.m. Senators Murray and Mikulski engaged in a colloquy on equal pay, specifically for the US women’s soccer team, passing S. Res 462 on that topic by voice vote.

2:14 p.m. The Holgate nomination was confirmed 67-29.

Senators voting in favor: 42 Democrats, 24 Republicans: Alexander, Capito, Cassidy, Coats, Cochran, Collins, Corker, Cornyn, Ernst, Gardner, Graham, Grassley, Hatch, Isakson, McCain, McConnell, Murkowski, Paul, Perdue, Rounds, Shelby, Tillis, Vitter and Wicker.  1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 29 Republicans.

Senators not voting: 2 Democrats: Blumenthal and Casey.  1 Republican:  Flake.  1 Independent: Sanders.

1:45 p.m. Roll call vote began on the nomination of Laura Holgate to be US representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

1:44 p.m. By voice vote, the Senate confirmed Laura  Holgate to be Representative to the Vienna Office of the United Nations.
1:43 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke in favor of the Holgate nomination.

1:29 p.m. Senator Portman spoke on opioid abuse.

1:29 p.m. Senator Cotton spoke on David Mcbee as his Arkansan of the week.

1:20 p.m. Senator Booker spoke on TSCA.

1:10 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke on TSCA and asked unanimous consent that the Senate concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the House message to H.R. 2576 (TSCA) at a time to be determined. Senator Paul objected.

1:03 p.m. Senator Vitter spoke on TSCA.

12:54 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke on the Zika virus.

****

12:53 p.m.  The Senate has agreed that on Monday, June 6, following morning business the motion to proceed to S.2943, the National Defense Authorization Act, will be agreed to. Senator Fischer, or her designee, with be recognized to offer her amendment #4206. At 5:30pm, the Senate will vote on the Fischer amendment with no second degree amendments in order prior to the vote.

At 1:45 p.m. there will be two votes on: 

• Laura S. H. Holgate, VA, to be Representative to the Vienna Office of the United Nations (expected voice vote).
• Laura S. H. Holgate, VA, to be Representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (expected roll call vote).

****

12:42 p.m. Senator Wicker spoke on NDAA.

12:25 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about TSCA.

12:06 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke on the need to proceed to the NDAA.  He spoke of the broad issues addressed by the bill.

11:51 a.m. Senator Manchin spoke on the opiod epidemic.

11:32 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the need to pass Defense Authorization.  He called for a special counsel to investigate Hillary Clinton’s private email server.

11:31 a.m. Senator Murray spoke about Zika funding.

11:05 a.m. Senator Udall spoke about TSCA.

10:37 a.m. Senator Boxer spoke about toxic chemicals and TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act).

10:22 a.m. Senator Heller spoke on Memorial Day.

10:04 a.m. Senator Coats spoke for the 44th time on government waste.

9:44 a.m. DL Reid responded to ML McConnell regarding 114th Congress accomplishments.

9:34 a.m. ML McConnell spoke on the Affordable Care Act, the defense authorization, and Republican accomplishments.

9:33 a.m. Senator Perdue welcomed the guest chaplain.

The Senate convened at 9:30 a.m.

***

• The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m.
• Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.2943, the National Defense Authorization Act, post-cloture.
• Unless an agreement is reached, all post-cloture time will expire at approximately 6:00 p.m. and the Senate will vote on the motion to proceed.

It is also possible that the Senate reaches an agreement on TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) during Thursday’s session.

6:52 p.m. The Senate adjourned.

6:33 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on global warning.

6:24 p.m. Senator Peters spoke on the Flint water crisis and the need to pass WRDA (The Water Resources Development Act).

6:15 p.m. Senator Rounds spoke on taking up National Defense Authorization.

5:48 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy.

5:35 p.m. Senator Coats and Senator Donnelly spoke about the Indy 500.  Senator Coats asked for UC to pass S. Res. 475, recognizing the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500-mile race.

5:30 p.m. Senator Heitkamp spoke about student debt.

4:41 p.m. Senators Casey, Manchin, Brown, Warner and Wyden spoke about coal miners and their pensions and health care.

4:38 p.m. Senator Isakson spoke about Memorial Day and paid tribute to soldiers killed in war.

4:20 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke about Military Families Stability Act.

4:06 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke about medical research.

3:50 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke on gun violence and mental health.

3:26 p.m. Senator Enzi spoke on the Federal budget.

3:14 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke on Obamacare.

2:56 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the defense authorization bill.

2:41 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke on the race riot in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1921.

2:17 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke on genetically modified crops.

1:35 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke about child abuse arrests among school personnel.

12:25  p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke on the Defense Authorization bill and the economy.

12:17 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about Cuba and immigration.

12:05 p.m. Senator Reid spoke in response to Senator McCain.

11:54 a.m. Senator McCain spoke on the defense authorization.

11:51 a.m. Senator Cotton spoke on comments this morning from DL Reid regarding the defense authorization.

11:50 a.m. Cloture was invoked on the motion to proceed 98-0.

Senators not voting: Cruz and Sanders.

11:29 a.m. Cloture vote began on the motion to proceed on the defense authorization.

11:28 a.m. S.J. Res 28 was agreed to 55-43.

Senators voting in favor: 27 Republicans: Alexander, Ayotte, Burr, Coats, Corker, Cornyn, Crapo, Daines, Enzi, Ernst, Flake, Gardner, Grassley, Hatch, Heller, Isakson, Johnson, Kirk, Lankford, Lee, McCain, Risch, Rubio, Sasse, Sullivan, Tillis and Toomey.  27 Democrats: Bennet, Blumenthal, Booker, Cantwell, Carper, Casey, Coons, Feinstein, Franken, Heinrich, Kaine, Klobuchar, Markey, McCaskill, Menendez, Murray, Nelson, Peters, Reed, Reid, Schumer, Shaheen, Udall, Warner, Warren, Whitehouse and Wyden.  Independents: King.

Senators not voting: Cruz and Sanders.

11:00 a.m. Roll call vote began on S.J. Res 28, the catfish resolution.

10:29 a.m. Senators Wicker, Shaheen and McCain spoke on the catfish resolution.

10:14 a.m. DL Reid spoke on the affordable care act and the defense authorization before also paying tribute to Ruby Paone.

10:03 a.m. ML McConnell spoke about the defense authorization and the affordable care act, before paying tribute to Ruby Paone.

***

The Senate convened at 10:00 a.m.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.J.Res.28, regarding the rule relating to inspection of catfish.

At 11:00 a.m. – 2 roll call votes:

1. Adoption of S.J.Res.28, Catfish rule.
2. Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2943, Defense Authorization.