Senate adjourned at 10:35 p.m.

If the Senate does not receive a message that the House of Representatives has adopted a concurrent resolution providing for a conditional adjournment or recess of the Senate and an adjournment of the House of Representatives (S.Con.Res. 44), the Senate will convene for pro forma sessions on the following dates, during which no business will be conducted:

• Monday, September 22^nd at 4:00pm
• Thursday, September 25^th at 12:00pm
• Monday, September 29^th at 12:00pm
• Thursday, October 2^nd at 12:00pm
• Monday, October 6^th at 2:00pm
• Thursday, October 9^th at 12:00pm
• Monday, October 13^th at 12:00pm
• Thursday, October 16^th at 12:00pm
• Monday, October 20^th at 10:15am
• Thursday, October 23^rd at 12:00pm
• Monday, October 27^th at 12:00pm
• Thursday, October 30^th at 12:00pm
• Monday, November 3^rd at 12:00pm
• Thursday, November 6^th at 12:00pm
• Monday, November 10^th at 12:00pm

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

• If the Senate does receive a message that the House of Representatives has adopted S.Con.Res. 44, the Senate will not convene for the above pro forma sessions, but will convene at 10:00am on Wednesday, October 15 for a pro forma session only, during which no business will be conducted.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

• The Senate will convene at 2:00pm and proceed to a period of morning business until 5:30pm, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to ten minutes each.  The time will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders, or their designees.

• At 5:30pm, the Senate will enter Executive Session and proceed to roll call votes on the motions to invoke cloture on the following nominations:

• Randolph D. Moss to be a United States District Judge for the District of Columbia
• Leigh Martin May to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia

• By unanimous consent, if cloture is invoked on the Moss and May nominations, the Senate will proceed to roll call votes on confirmation of the nominations at 2:15pm on Thursday, November 13, 2014.

• Following disposition of the Moss and May nominations, the Senate will immediately proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2013 (S. 1086).

The following amendments/motion are currently pending to the House message to accompany the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2013 (S. 1086):

• Reid amendment to change the enactment date. (#3923)

• Reid second-degree amendment to Reid amendment #3923, of a perfecting nature. (#3924)

• Reid motion to refer the House message with respect to S. 1086 to the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee with instructions to report back forthwith with an amendment, to change the enactment date. (#3925)

• Reid amendment to Reid motion to refer #3925, of a perfecting nature. (#3926)

• Reid second-degree amendment to Reid amendment #3926, of a perfecting nature. (#3927)

During Thursday’s Session

The House message to accompany the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2013 (S. 1086)

• Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 1086.

Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2015 (H.J.Res. 124)

• H.J.Res. 124 passed by a roll call vote of 78-22.

• The motion to invoke cloture on H.J.Res. 124 was agreed to 73-27.

• Cruz motion to table Reid second-degree amendment to Reid amendment #3851, of a perfecting nature (#3852) was not agreed to by a roll call vote of 50-50.

The Senate passed/adopted the following by voice vote:

• Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act of 2014 (S. 1691, as amended by a Committee-reported substitute amendment, which was amended by a Carper amendment, which were agreed to by unanimous consent.)
• Preventing Conflicts of Interest with Contractors Act (S. 2061, as amended by a Committee-reported substitute amendment, which was agreed to by unanimous consent.)
• A concurrent resolution providing for a conditional adjournment or recess of the Senate and an adjournment of the House of Representatives. (S.Con.Res. 44)The Senate passed/adopted the following by unanimous consent:
• Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act of 2014 (H.R. 4323)
• A bill to require the Secretary of the Interior to assemble a team of technical, policy, and financial experts to address the energy needs of the insular areas of the United States and the Freely Associated States through the development of energy action plans aimed at promoting access to affordable, reliable energy, including increasing use of indigenous clean-energy resources, and for other purposes. (H.R. 83, as amended by Murkowski amendment in the nature of a substitute (#3928), which was agreed to by unanimous consent.)
• Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research, and Education Amendments of 2014 (H.R. 594)
• To amend the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act to clarify how the Act applies to condominiums. (H.R. 2600)
• Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act of 2013 (H.R. 3043)
• Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe – Fish Springs Ranch Settlement Act (H.R. 3716)
• IMPACT Act of 2014 (H.R. 4994)
• Examination and Supervisory Privilege Parity Act (H.R. 5062)
• Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2014 (H.R. 5404)
• Federal Data Center Consolidation Act of 2013 (S. 1611, as amended by a Committee-reported substitute amendment, which was amended by Bennet and Carper amendments, all of which were agreed to by unanimous consent.)
• Blackfoot River Land Exchange Act of 2014 (S. 2040, as amended by Crapo amendment in the nature of a substitute, which was agreed to by unanimous consent.)
• E-LABEL Act (S. 2583)
• United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014 (S. 2673, as amended by a Boxer amendment, which was agreed to by unanimous consent.)
• A bill to require the Secretary of State to offer rewards totaling up to $10,000,000 for information on the kidnapping and murder of James Foley and Steven Sotloff. (S. 2778)
• A bill to authorize the award of the Medal of Honor to Henry Johnson. (S. 2793)
• Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act (H.R. 4980)
• Improper Payments Agency Cooperation Enhancement Act of 2014 (S. 1360, as amended by a Carper-Coburn amendment in the nature of a substitute, which was agreed to by unanimous consent.)
• Don’t Tax Our Fallen Public Safety Heroes Act (S. 2912)
• A resolution celebrating the 125th anniversary of the State of South Dakota. (S.Res. 566)
• A resolution designating the week of October 6 through October 12, 2014, as “Naturopathic Medicine Week” to recognize the value of naturopathic medicine in providing safe, effective and affordable health care. (S.Res. 420)
• A resolution recognizing Veterans Day 2014 as a special “Welcome Home Commemoration” for all who have served in the military since September 14, 2001. (S.Res. 479, as amended by an amendment to the preamble, which was agreed to by unanimous consent.)
• A resolution recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and commending its members for their courage and sacrifice in service to the United States. (S.Res. 529)
• A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the current situation in Iraq and the urgent need to protect religious minorities from persecution from the Sunni Islamist insurgent and terrorist group the Islamic State, formerly known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), as it expands its control over areas in northwestern Iraq. (S.Res. 530, as amended by a Committee-reported substitute amendment, a Committee-reported amendment to the preamble, and a title amendment, which were agreed to by unanimous consent.)
• A resolution recognizing the severe threat that the Ebola outbreak in West Africa poses to populations, governments, and economies across Africa and, if not properly contained, to regions across the globe, and expressing support for those affected by this epidemic. (S.Res. 541, as amended by a Committee-reported amendment to the preamble, which was agreed to by unanimous consent.)

• A resolution designating September 30, 2014, as “United States and India Partnership Day”. (S.Res. 571)
• A resolution congratulating the Sailors of the United States Submarine Force upon the completion of 4,000 ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) deterrent patrols. (S.Res. 572)
• A resolution relative to the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act (S.Res. 573)
• A resolution designating the week of September 20 through September 27, 2014 as “National Estuaries Week”. (S.Res. 574)
• A resolution designating September 2014 as “National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month”. (S.Res. 575)

Executive Session

Judicial Nominations/Cloture

• Senator Reid filed cloture on the following judicial nominations:
  • Randolph D. Moss to be a United States District Judge for the District of Columbia
  • Leigh Martin May to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of GeorgiaThe Senate confirmed the following nominations by voice vote:

• Mark William Lippert to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Korea
• Adam M. Scheinman to be Special Representative of the President for Nuclear Nonproliferation, with the rank of Ambassador
• Kevin F. O’Malley to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Ireland
• Bathsheba Nell Crocker to be an Assistant Secretary of State (International Organization Affairs)
• Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall to be Deputy Secretary of Energy
• Robert W. Holleyman II to be a Deputy United States Trade Representative, with the rank of Ambassador
• Eric Rosenbach to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense
• D. Nathan Sheets to be an Under Secretary of the Treasury
• Charles H. Fulghum to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Homeland Security

• Alfonso E. Lenhardt to be Deputy Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development

• Thomas Frieden to be US Representative to the World Health Organization

8:06 p.m. ML Reid filed cloture on the following nominations: (with votes scheduled to occur on both at 5;30 p.m., Tuesday November 12) Randolph Moss, MD, to be US District Judge for DC; Leigh Martin Ma, GA, To be US District Judge for Northern GA.   ML Reid also filed cloture on  the motion to concur to the House Amendment to S. 1086, childcare block grant bill , he then filled the Amendment tree.

6:39 p.m. The following nominations were confirmed by voice vote: Lippert, Scheinman, O’Malley, Crocker, Sherwood-Randell, Holleyman, Rosenbach, Sheets, Fulghum, Lenhardt, Friedman.

6:37 p.m. ML Reid asked unanimous consent to modify the executive calendar consent that was agreed to Wednesday, Sept. 17, to include the nomination of Thomas Friedman, NY, to be Representative of the United States on the Executive Board of the World Health Organization.

6:35 p.m. H.J. Res. 124 was passed by a vote of 78-22.

6:17 p.m. Cloture was invoked on H.J. Res. 124 by a vote of 73-27.

6:00 p.m. Cruz/Sessions motion to table the Reid Amdt #3852 fails by a vote of 50-50.  Five Democratic Senators voted to table:   Hagan, Landrieu, Manchin, Pryor and Shaheen.  Senate now voting on Cloture motion to H.J. Res 124 –  Continuing Resolution until December 11, 2014.

5:27 p.m. The Senate is currently voting on Senator Cruz’s motion to table Reid amendment # 3852.

5:22 p.m. Senator Leahy asked unnimous consent that the Senate pass H.R. 4323. Passed without objection, after comments by Senators McConnell, Cornyn, and Mikulski.

5:20 p.m. Senator Leahy asked unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to H.R. 4323, Reauthorize the Debbie Smith Act of 2004. Passed without objection.

5:07 p.m. Senator Mikulski spoke on the continuing resolution.

5:00 p.m. Senator Coburn spoke on the continuing resolution.

4:53 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke on Syria.

4:46 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke on Syria.

4:41 p.m. Senator Mikulski asked unanimous consent to modified the Executive Calender consent to include executive calendar # 925, the Alfonso E. Lenhardt, NY to be Deputy Administrator  of the U.S. Agency for International Development. Unanimous consent confirmed.

4:39 p.m. Senator Lee asked unanimous consent to offer amdt. # 3845. Senator Mikulski objected.

4:23 p.m. Senator Lee spoke on amnesty and ISIS.

4:16 p.m. Senator Cruz moved to table Reid amdt. # 3852 to offer Cruz/ Session amdt. #3859. Senator Mikulski seconded the motion.

4:09 p.m. Senator Cruz spoke about the border and amnesty.

3:45 p.m. Senator Sessions spoke about the border and executive amnesty.

3:30 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the CR and ISIS.

3:20 p.m. Senator Begich spoke about not supporting arming Syrian rebels.

3:10 p.m. Senator Graham spoke about ISIS.

3:02 p.m. Senator McCain  spoke about the CR, ISIS and Syria.

2:59 p.m. Senator Ayotte spoke about Ukraine.

2:48 p.m. Senator King spoke about ISIS.

2:41 p.m. Senator Mikulski paid tribute to the Baltimore Orioles.

2:10 p.m. Senator Levin, and at 2:30 p.m. Senator Tester spoke about the Islamic State.

1:22 p.m. Senator Paul sought a unanimous consent agreement to conduct a separate vote on war spending. Senator Mikulski objected. Senator Paul spoke against intervention in Syria.

1:01 p.m. Senators Mikulski and Shelby spoke in favor of the continuing resolution (H.J. Res. 124).

1:00 p.m. The Senate turned to H.J. Res. 124 and Senator Reid filled the amendment tree and filed cloture on the Resolution.  Votes on cloture and final passage are expected after up to four and a half hours of debate.

12:19 a.m. Senator Boxer spoke about the importance of the vote on H.J. Res 124 and then responded to the colloquy on the Keystone XL pipeline.

12:13 a.m. Senator Nelson urged the Senate to give President Obama broad authority to fight ISIS.

11:33 a.m. Senator Hoeven engages in a colloquy with Senators Barrasso, Isakson, and Inhofe on the Keystone XL pipeline.

11:29 a.m. Republican Leader  McConnel spoke on the address from the President of Ukraine this morning. before turning to discuss the CR.

11:26 a.m. Senator Cruz continues on ISIS.

11:25 a.m. Senator Hirono objects.

11:13 a.m. Senator Cruz discussed ISIS; asks UC to take up and pass S.2779, regarding US citizens joining ISIS would be renouncing their US citizenship .

The Senate is in a period of morning business until 1:00 p.m.

At 1:00 p.m., the Senate will turn to H.J. Res. 124 (the House-passed CR). Votes on H.J. Res. 124 (the CR), including final passage, are expected to begin around 5:30 p.m, Thursday, September 18, 2014.

According to the time agreement, the Senate will have up to four and a half hours of debate on H.J. Res. 124 (the CR).  Only a Sessions (or designee) motion to table or a budget point of order and an applicable motion to waive will be in order to the Joint Resolution.  If the motion to table is agreed to, Majority Leader Reid will be recognized.  If a motion to table is not agreed to, the Senate will proceed to vote on a cloture motion on H.J. Res. 124 (the CR).  If cloture is invoked, all post-cloture time will be considered expired and the Senate will proceed to a vote on final passage of H.J. Res. 124.  

Following disposition of H.J. Res 124, the Senate will consider a series of military nominations — Executive Calendar # 1009-1026.

Following that, the Senate will consider the following nominations:

• Mark William Lippert, of Ohio, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Korea.  (Cal.#893)
• Adam M. Scheinman, of Virginia, to be Special Representative of the President for Nuclear Nonproliferation, with the rank of Ambassador. (Cal.# 524)
• Bathsheba Nell Crocker, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of State. (Cal.# 702)
• Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, of California, to be Deputy Secretary of Energy.  (Cal.# 1002)
• Robert W. Holleyman II, of Louisiana, to be a
  Deputy United States Trade Representative (Cal.#  997)
• Eric Rosenbach, of Pennsylvania, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense. (Cal.# 708)
• D. Nathan Sheets, of Maryland, to be an Under Secretary of the Treasury. (Cal.# 996)
• Charles H. Fulghum, of North Carolina, to be Chief Financial
  Officer, Department of Homeland Security (Cal.# 1917)
• Kevin F. O’Malley, of Missouri, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Ireland (Cal.# 959)

6:45 p.m. Majority Leader Reid offered a unanimous consent agreement to turn to H.J. Res. 124 (the House-passed CR) at 1:00 p.m.  Votes on H.J. Res. 124 (the CR), including final passage, are expected to begin around 5:30 p.m, Thursday, September 18, 2014.

During wrapup, the Senate passed the following measures:

• S 2651 to repeal certain mandates of the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (as amended)
• S 2141 amending the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (as amended)
• HR 4751 making technical corrections to PL 110-229
• HR 4809 reauthorizing the Defense Production Act and improving the Defense Production Act Committee
• S.J. Res. 545 recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month
• S. Res. 543 designating November 1, 2014 as National Bison Day
• The following resolutions en bloc: S. Res. 552-560.
• A motion to remove the injunction of secrecy from treaty 113-6 concerning extradition and the Republic of Chile.

6:16 p.m. Senator Cantwell spoke about her frustration that the Ex-Im Bank will be extended only 9 months by the CR that passed in the House earlier tonight.

5:42 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about ISIS.

5:37  p.m.  Majority Leader Reid objected to Senator Corker’s request.

5:29 p.m. Senator Corker offered a UC for the Senate to consider his bill which authorizes arming rebels in Syria in the same language that is incorporated in the CR, but without the spending provisions that would continue to fund the government. Senator Corker proposed  that his bill be voted on before the CR.

5:23 p.m. Senator Walsh spoke about public lands.

5:10 p.m. Senator Lee spoke on the CR and government accountability.

4:54 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke on domestic violence and the NFL.

4:42 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the Democratic agenda.

4:37 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke on ISIS.

3:56 p.m.Senators Wyden, Udall of Colorado, and Heinrich spoke on the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act and the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

3:07 p.m. Senator Vitter asked for a UC to pass HR 3522, to let workers keep their current health care plans. Objection is heard.

2:53 p.m. Senator Landrieu spoke on orphans, Angels and the Congressional Coalition of Adoption.

2:10 p.m. Senator Portman spoke on the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act.

1:20 p.m. Senator Donnelly spoke on military suicide prevention.

12:37 p.m. Senator Harkin sought UC to ratify a treaty on the treatment of individuals with disabilities. Senator Lee objected.

12:28 p.m. Senator Boozman sought unanimous consent to pass H.R. 503, to honor Gulf War Veterans. Senator Booker objected, seeking to re-link the measure to H.R. 1033, to protect U.S. battlefields. Senator Coburn objected on budget grounds, seeking UC for budget amendments to H.R. 1033. Senator Booker objected.

12:30 p.m. On voice votes the Senate confirmed these nominations: Eric Schultz ambassador to Zambia; Thomas Daughton, ambassador to Namibia; David Pressman, alternate representative for Special Affairs in the United Nations; Debra Wada, assistant Army secretary; Laura Wertheimer, inspector general, Federal Housing Finance Agency; Bradford Huther, CFO of HUD.

12:26 p.m. On a vote of 98 to 0, the Senate confirmed the nomination of John Bass to be ambassador to Turkey.

11:45 a.m. Senator Tester spoke in favor of the Land Water Conservation Fund

11:18 a.m. Senator Sessions spoke about the budget and immigration.

11:05 a.m. Senator Manchin spoke about ISIS

10:46 a.m. Senator Blunt spoke on the United States Air Force, ISIS, and healthcare.

10:39 a.m. Senator Coons gave a tribute to Matt Haley, a Delaware businessman.

10:12 a.m. Republican Leader McConnell spoke on President Obama’s policies, coal, energy policy, and gave a tribute to Staff Sgt. Daniel N. Fannin.

10:03 a.m. ML Reid spoke on the Washington Nationals victory.

The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00am on Wednesday, September 17, 2014.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 12:00pm.

At 12:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session and proceed to 1 roll call vote on confirmation of the Bass nomination.

12:00pm—1 roll call vote; 7 voice votes expected:

1. John Bass to be Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey (roll call vote)
2. Eric Schultz to be Ambassador to the Republic of Zambia (voice vote)
3. Thomas Daughton to be Ambassador to the Republic of Namibia (voice vote)
4. David Pressman to be Alternate Representative of the United States of America for Special Political Affairs in the United Nations, with the rank of Ambassador (voice vote)
5. David Pressman to be an Alternate Representative of the United States of America to the Sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations, (voice vote)
6. Debra Wada to be an Assistant Secretary of the Army (voice vote)
7. Laura Wertheimer to be Inspector General of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (voice vote)
8. Bradford Huther to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Housing and Urban Development (voice vote)

6:04 p.m. Senate adjourns

5:57 p.m. Senator Heitkamp wraps up the days session.

Items passed by UC: S.2539: amending the Public Health Service Act.  S. 1214: requiring the purchase of domestically made flags of the US for use by the federal government. HR 4149: Providing for the elimination or modification of federal reporting requirements. S. 2117; S. 2511: Amending the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. S. 2440: Expanding and extending the program to improve coordination by the Bureau of Land Management. S. Res 506: Recognizing the patriotism of auxiliaries of veteran service organizations. S Res 540, 547, 548, and 549.  UC that Senate adjourn until 10:00am, period of morning business until 12:00noon.  At 12:00noon, vote on the following nominations:

1. John Bass to be Ambassador to Turkey (roll call vote expected)

2. Eric Schultz – to be Ambassador to Zambia (voice vote expected)

3. Thomas Daughton to be Ambassador to Namibia (voice vote expected)

4. David Pressman to be Alternate Representative of the US for Special Political Affairs in the United Nations, with the rank of Ambassador (voice vote expected)

5. David Pressman to be an Alternate Representative of the United States of America to the Sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations (voice vote expected)

6. Debra S. Wada – to be an Assistant Secretary of the Army (voice vote expected)

7. Laura S. Wertheimer – to be Inspector General of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (voice vote expected)

8. Bradford Raymond Huther – to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Housing and Urban Development (voice vote expected)

5: 27 p.m. Senators Moran and Heitkamp engaged in a colloquy on the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act.

5:24 p.m. Majority Leader Reid entered into a UC to have votes on the following nominations at 12:00noon on Wednesday:

1. John Bass to be Ambassador to Turkey (roll call vote expected)

2. Eric Schultz – to be Ambassador to Zambia (voice vote expected)

3. Thomas Daughton to be Ambassador to Namibia (voice vote expected)

4. David Pressman to be Alternate Representative of the US for Special Political Affairs in the United Nations, with the rank of Ambassador (voice vote expected)

5. David Pressman to be an Alternate Representative of the United States of America to the Sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations (voice vote expected)

6. Debra S. Wada – to be an Assistant Secretary of the Army (voice vote expected)

7. Laura S. Wertheimer – to be Inspector General of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (voice vote expected)

8. Bradford Raymond Huther – to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Housing and Urban Development (voice vote expected)

5:00 p.m. Senator Reed spoke on student loans.

4:21 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke on energy issues and the keystone pipeline.

4:06 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on ISIS.

4:05 p.m. Senator Stabenow wrapped up the colloquy on S.2432.

4:01 p.m. Senator Warren requested that the Senate take up S. 2432 (The Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act) by unanimous consent. Senator Cornyn objected.

3:04 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke on student loans and held a colloquy with Senators Baldwin, Shaheen, Franken, Schumer, and  Warren.

3:01 p.m. The following nominations were confirmed by voice vote:

• Linda A. Schwartz to be Assistant Secretary of Veteran’s Affairs
• Matthew T. Harrington to be Ambassador to Lesotho
• Todd D. Robinson to be Ambassador to Guatemala
• Jane D. Hartley to be Ambassador to France
• Jane D. Hartley to be Ambassador to Monaco
• Nina Hachigian to be Representative of the U.S. to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
• Gordon O. Tanner to be General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force

2:40 p.m   By a vote of 56-44, the Baren nomination was confirmed, and the Senate began voting on confirmation of the nomination of Steven Burns to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

2:15 p.m. The Senate returned and began voting on confirmation of the nomination of Jeffery Baran to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

12:35 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 2:15 p.m.

12:25 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about the benefits of the Affordable Care Act (12:10 p.m.); Senator Barrasso spoke about problems with the Affordable Care Act (12:24 p.m.).

Executive Calendar #976 Joseph L. Nimmich – to be Deputy Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security

11:45 a.m. Senator Thune spoke on a “do nothing Senate” (11:25); Senator Enzi spoke on the CR and spending (11:35) and Senator Sanders spoke on poverty and a living wage (11:45).

10:35 a.m. Senator Durbin responds to Senator Alexander on labor issues and the paycheck fairness act; after which he discussed the economy that President Obama inherited in 2009; the Affordable Care Act; student loans, and campaign finance reform.

10:21 a.m. Senator Alexander spoke briefly on the ebola outbreak before discussing the   National Labor Relations Board.

10:08 a.m. RL McConnell pays tribute to Navy Yard shooting survivors, before turning to discuss Democratic agenda, and finally the US response to the Ebola virus outbreak.

10:05 a.m. ML Reid offers motion to proceed to S.2432, regarding student loans.  Discussed Republican efforts to block Democrats agenda.

The Senate convened at 10:00 a.m. and is in morning business until 12:30 p.m. when it will break for party lunches.

The Senate will reconvene at 2:15 p.m. and will have two roll call votes on confirmation of  Jeffery Baran and Steven Burns to be members of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Following those votes, the Senate will consider the following nominations:

• Linda A. Schwartz, of Connecticut, to be an Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs  (Calendar # 594)
• Matthew T. Harrington, of Virginia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the
  United States of America to the Kingdom of Lesotho. (Calendar # 546)
• Todd D. Robinson, of New Jersey, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the
  United States of America to the Republic of Guatemala. (Calendar # 958)
• Jane D. Hartley, of New York, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the French Republic.(Calendar #960)
• Jane D. Hartley, of New York, to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Principality of Monaco.(Calendar # 963)
• Nina Hachigian, of California, to be Representative of the United States of America to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, with the rank and status of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. (Calendar #784)
• Gordon O. Tanner, of Alabama, to be General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force (Calendar #870)

7:06 p.m. The Senate adjourned.

7:03 Senator Reid did wrapup and the Senate passed the following items by unanimous consent:

H.R. 5134, an Act to extend the National Advisory Committee on Instutional Quality and Integrity and Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance for one year.

S. Res. 544 Designating the year of 2014 as the International Year of Family Farming.

6:52 p.m. Senator Reid spoke about the Tesla battery plant to be built in Nevada.

6:35 p.m. Senator Mikulski spoke about the failure to invoke cloture on S. 2199, the Paycheck Fairness Act.

6:35 p.m. By a roll call vote of 52-39, the Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of Jeffery Baran to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

By a roll call vote of 54-37, the Senate invoked cloture  on the nomination of Steven G. Burns to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

6:00 p.m Roll call vote began on the cloture motion of the nomination of Jeff Baran to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

5:58 p.m Cloture not invoked 52-40.

5:30 p.m. Roll call vote began on the cloture motion with respect to S.2199, Paycheck Fairness Act.

5:10 p.m.  Senators Boxer and Klobuchar spoke about the paycheck fairness act.

4:10 p.m Senator Whitehouse spoke for the 78th time on climate change.

2:50 p.m.  Senator Wicker spoke on ISIL.

2:15 p.m.  ML Reid and President Pro Tem Leahy spoke in tribute to  the recent passing of Tommy Boggs.  Reid also spoke on S. 2199, paycheck fairness.

The Senate reconvened at 2:00 p.m and is in morning business until 5:30 p.m. There will be 3 roll call votes at 5:30 p.m.:

• Motion to invoke cloture on S. 2199 (paycheck fairness)
• Motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Jeffery Baran to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
• Motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Steven Burns to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

If cloture is invoked on the nominations the votes on confirmation will occur on Tuesday, September 16 at 2:15.

4:00 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 15. There will be 3 roll call votes at 5:30:

• Motion to invoke cloture on S. 2199 (paycheck fairness)
• Motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Jeffrey Baron to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
• Motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Steven Burns to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

If cloture is invoked on the nominations the votes on confirmation will occur on Tuesday, September 16 at 2:15.

3:55 p.m. ML Reid made a motion to invoke cloture on the nominations of Jeffrey Baron and Steven Burns to be members of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The following bills were passed by unanimous consent:

• H.R. 4197-whistle blower protection
• S. 2258-increase rates for veterans with service related disabilites
• S. Res. 542-Supporting save for retirement week

3:40 p.m. Senator Ayotte spoke about paycheck fairness.

3:30 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about ISIS.

3:27 p.m. Majority Leader Reid spoke about Hamas.

3:13 p.m Senator Schumer spoke on S.J. Res 19; Constitutional Amendment.

2:23 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke on the Radzanowski nomination and the state of NASA, before turning to discuss ISIS.

2:22 p.m. Senate agreed to the following nominations by voice votes:

John Hoover – to be Ambassador to Sierra Leone

Anne E. Rung – to be Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy

David Radzanowski – to be Chief Financial Officer, NASA

Miranda A. A. Ballentine – to be an Assistant Secretary of the Air Force

Joseph L. Nimmich – to be Deputy Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency

Judith M. Davenport – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

Elizabeth Sembler – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

David J. Arroyo – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

2:20 p.m. Cloture was not invoked 54-42.

1:45 p.m. Roll call vote began on the motion to invoke cloture on SJ Res 19.

1:40 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke about the ebola outbreak in West Africa.

1:26 p.m. Senator Lee spoke on the campaign finance amendment to the Constitution.

1:13 p.m. Senator Vitter spoke about campaign finance.

1:05 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about student loan debt.

1 p.m. Senator Boxer spoke about the president’s campaign against the Islamic State.

12:44 p.m. Senator Graham spoke about the campaign against the Islamic State.

12:30 p.m. Senator McCain spoke about the president’s response to the Islamic State.

12:15 p.m. Senator Walsh spoke about veterans and mental health.

11:40 a.m. Senator Coons spoke about Ebola and ISIS.

11:35 a.m. ML Reid announced that the cloture vote on S.J. Res 19 (constitutional amendment for campaign finance) will occur at 1:45 p.m.

ML Reid motion to proceed to S. 2432 (Higher Education Act).

11:30 a.m. ML Reid filled the amendment tree on S. 2199 (paycheck fairness)

• Reid amend #3800
• Reid 2nd degree amend #3801 to amend #3800
• Reid motion to commit the bill to the HELP committee with instructions
• Reid amend #3803
• Reid 2nd degree amend #3804 to amend #3803
• Reid motion to invoke cloture on S. 2199

11:20 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on 9/11.

11:05 a.m. Senator Mikulski spoke on 9/11 and then turned to discuss the middle class.

10:50 a.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke on 9/11.

10:29 a.m. Senator Blunt spoke on 9/11, terrorism, and healthcare.

10:20 a.m. Senator McConnell spoke on 9/11, ISIS, and the democrat’s agenda.

9:45 a.m. Senator Thad Cochran spoke on 9/11.

9:37 a.m. H.R. 5078, to Preserve Existing Rights and Responsibilities with Respect to Waters of the U.S., was read a 2nd time.  Senator Reid spoke on 9/11 and ISIS.

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

After the prayer and the pledge, there will be a moment of silence for the victims of the September 11 attacks.

The Senate will then resume post-cloture consideration of the motion to proceed to S. 2199, the Paycheck Fairness Act.

Leader Reid has indicated that unanimous consent may be sought for early afternoon votes on S. 2199 and on cloture for S.J. Res. 19, the constitutional amendment  on campaign finance.

There is a consent agreement for votes on the following nominations after the cloture  vote on S.J. Res. 19 (with voice votes expected):

Executive Calendar Numbers 544 (John Hoover, ambassador to Sierra Leone); 977 (Anne Rung, administrator of Federal Procurement Policy); 685 (David Radzanowski, CFO of NASA); 867 (Miranda Ballentine, assistant secretary of the Air Force); 976 (Joseph Nimmich, deputy administrator of FEMA); and 917, 914 & 758 (Elizabeth Sembler, Judith Davenport and David Arroyo to the board of the Corp. for Public Broadcasting).

1:42 p.m. Senator Hirono spoke in favor of the Paycheck Fairness Act.

1:22 p.m. Senator Cardin paid tribute to outgoing staff member Priscilla Ross.

1:05 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about S.J. Res 19 and the rest of the Democrats agenda.

12:48 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about fraudulent student visas, and the passing of Senator Jeffords.

12:40 p.m Senator Blunt spoke about equal pay.

12:30 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke about health care.

12:10 p.m Senator Cornyn spoke about ISIS.

11:55 a.m. Senator Warner spoke about the anniversary of September 11th attacks and student debt.

11:45  a.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about ISIS.

11:28 a.m.Senator Fischer spoke about S.J. Res 19.

11:16 a.m. Senator Cardin spoke about Ferguson.

11:08 a.m. Senator Flake spoke against S. J. Res 19.

10:57  a.m. Senator Tester spoke in favor of S. J. Res 19, supporting an amendment to the U.S. Constitution relating to contributions intended to affect elections.

10:37 a.m. Senator Markey spoke in favor of S. J. Res 19, supporting an amendment to the U.S. Constitution relating to contributions intended to affect elections.  He also spoke in favor of net neutrality.

10:27 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke on ISIS.

10:10 a.m. Senator Udall (NM) spoke in favor of the proposed constitutional amendment.

10:09 a.m. Senator Levin spoke on ISIS.

9:45 a.m. Senator McConnell spoke on ISIS and paid tribute to Marine Lance Cpl. Matthias N. Hanson.

9:35 a.m. Senator Reid spoke on ISIS.

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and will resume post-cloture consideration of the motion to proceed to the proposed constitutional amendment on campaign finance (S.J. Res. 19).

At 2 p.m., all post-cloture time will be deemed expired and a vote will occur on the motion to proceed to S.J. Res. 19. A voice vote is possible.

Following adoption of the motion to proceed to S.J. Res. 19, a roll call vote is expected on reconsideration of the motion to proceed to S. 2199, the Paycheck Fairness Act.

6:55 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m.

6:20 p.m. Senator Brown spoke in favor of the Constitutional Amendment.

6:05 p.m.  Senator Roberts spoke against the Constitutional Amendment.

5:45 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke in favor of the Constitutional Amendment.

5:40 p.m. Senator Walsh spoke in favor of the Constitutional Amendment.

5:30 p.m. Senator Udall spoke in favor of the Constitutional Amendment.

5:20 p.m. Senator Hirono spoke in favor of the Constitutional Amendment.

4:33 p.m. Senator Cruz spoke against the Constitutional Amendment.

4:20 p.m. Senator Reed spoke in favor of the Constitutional Amendment.

4:01 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke on ISIS and the Constitutional Amendment.

3:49 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke on ISIS.

3:15 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on ISIS and commodity in the Senate and Congress.  He also spoke on Burger King and inversion.

2:50 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on bills passed by the House and not brought up in the Senate, before turning to discussion of foreign policy in Iraq and Ukraine.

2:29 p.m. Senators Murray and Stabenow spoke on equal pay and minimum wage legislation.

2:15 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke against the Constitutional Amendment.

12:55 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 2:15 p.m. for policy luncheons.

12:40 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke for the constitutional amendment.

12:12 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke against the consitutional amendment.

12:01 p.m. Senator Franken spoke for the constitutional amendment on campaign finance

11:46 a.m. Senator Thune spoke against the proposed constitutional amendment, S J Res 19.

11:31 a.m. Senator Coats spoke about the danger of ISIS or IS.

11:30 a.m. The Senate turned to the Motion to Proceed to S J Res 19 — proposing an amendment to the U.S. constitution relating to contributions intended to affect elections.  The Senate invoked cloture on this motion to proceed last night.

11:03 a.m. Senators Klobuchar, Cantwell and Graham spoke in favor of reauthorizing the Ex-Im Bank.

10:55 a.m. Senator Cardin spoke on the costs of college.

10:46 a.m. Senator Barrasso spoke on the Affordable Care Act.

10:30 a.m. Senator Lee spoke on the campaign finance amendment.

10:15 a.m. ML Reid responds to RL McConnell comments on campaign finance amendment.

10:09 a.m. RL McConnell spoke on ISIS and the campaign finance amendment.

10:02 a.m. ML Reid laid out the days schedule, and discussed the pending campaign finance Constitutional amendment.

The Senate convened at 10:00 am and is currently in morning business.  At approximately 11:00 am, the Senate will turn to S.J. Res 19, post cloture.  When the Senate recesses for lunch between 12:30 and 2:15, the cloture clock will continue.

7:26 The Senate adjourned until 10:00 am Tuesday September 9, 2014.

7:25 Senator Reid asked that S.J. Res 39 be postponed indefinitely, by unanimous consent.

6:50 p.m. Cloture invoked 79-18.

6:31 p.m. Roll call vote begins on cloture on the motion to proceed.

6:27 p.m. Cohen and Chen nominations confirmed by voice vote.

6:26 p.m. Aaron nomination confirmed 54-43.

6:10 p.m. Roll call vote begins on Aaron nomination.

6:08 p.m. Pryor nomination confirmed 97-0.

5:30 p.m. Roll call vote begins on Pryor nomination.

5:21 p.m. Senator Chambliss spoke on the nomination of Jill Pryor.

5:17 p.m Senator Grassley spoke on the campaign finance amendment.

5:07 p.m. Senator Iskason spoke on the nomination of Jill Pryor.

5:03 p.m. Senator Shaheen spoke on ISIS.

4:45 p.m. Senator Roberts spoke on the campaign finance amendment.

4:35 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about introducing legislation to attack ISIS.

4:30 p.m. Senator Isakson paid tribute to Chick Fil-A founder after his death today.

4:21 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke on the campaign finance amendment.

4:05 p.m. Senator Tom Udall spoke on the campaign finance amendment.

3:52 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the campaign finance amendment.

3:34 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on the campaign finance amendment to the constitution.

3 p.m. Senator Cruz spoke about the Islamic State.

2:55 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke on the nominees for the Social Security Advisory Board.

2:35 p.m. Senator Sessions spoke on immigration.

2:32 p.m. The Senate convened at 2:00 p.m.

H.R. 5230 (Supplemental Appropriations for FY14) and H.R. 5272 (Prohibit Certain Acts with Respect to Deferred Action for Aliens Not Lawfully Present in US) were read a 2nd time.

Senators Reid and Leahy spoke on campaign finance.

The Senate will reconvene at 2:00 p.m. and will be in a period of morning business until 5:30 p.m.

At 5:30 p.m., proceed to Executive Session and conduct votes on the following nominations:

Confirmation of the nomination of Jill Pryor of Georgia to the U.S. Circuit Court for the 11th Circuit.

Votes are then expected on these four confirmations:

§  Henry J. Aaron to be a Member of the Social Security Advisory Board (for a term ending in September, 2014). A roll call vote is expected.

§ Henry J. Aaron to be a Member of the Social Security Advisory Board (for a term ending in 2020). A voice vote is expected.

§ Alan L. Cohen to be a Member of the Social Security Advisory Board. A voice vote is expected.

§  Lanhee J. Chen to be a Member of the Social Security Advisory Board. A voice vote is expected.

A roll call vote is then expected on whether to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.J.Res. 19, a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution on campaign finance.

9:19 a.m. The Senate has convened in pro forma session, Senator Coons presiding.

The Senate now stands adjourned until 2 p.m. on Monday, September 8, 2014.

The first roll call vote on September 8 will occur at 5:30 p.m. 

* * *

The Senate will convene at 9:15 a.m. for a pro forma session only. There will be no votes.

Following that, the Senate will next convene at 2:00 p.m. on September 8, 2014. 

The Senate convened at 11:00 a.m.

Senator Coons called up H.Con. Res. 112, providing for the conditional adjournment of the House of Representatives and the conditional recess or adjournment of the Senate.  It was agreed to by unanimous consent.

The Senate remained in morning business.

The Senate will meet in pro forma session at 9:15 am on Friday August 8, 2014.

Following that, the Senate will next meet at 2:00 p.m. on September 8, 2014.