The Senate has adjourned until Monday, October 3rd at 10:30 a.m. for a pro forma only. When the Senate adjourns on Monday, November 14, it will reconvene on Tuesday, November 15 at 4:00 p.m. At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on H.R.4511, Gold Star Families Voices Act.

Pro Forma dates:

• Monday, October 3 at 10:30 am
• Thursday, October 6 at 10:30 am
• Friday, October 7 at 2:00 pm
• Tuesday, October 11 at 9:00 am
• Thursday, October 13 at 2:00 pm
• Monday, October 17 at 11:00 am
• Thursday, October 20 at 3:00 pm
• Monday, October 24 at 10:30 am
• Thursday, October 27 at 10:30 am
• Monday, October 31 at 4:30 pm
• Thursday, November 3 at 2:00 pm
• Monday, November 7 at 10:30 am
• Thursday, November 10 at 10:00 am
• Monday, November 14 at 5:30 pm

Wrap-Up:

• H.R. 5944 – To amend Title 49, US Code, with Respect to Certain Grant Assurances, was passed by unanimous consent.
• S. 2360 – Omnibus Territories Act with committee-reported amendment, passed by unanimous consent.
• H.R. 5946 – 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 Paralympic Games, was passed by unanimous consent.
• S. 2959 – To amend the White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights Quantification Act of 2010, with committee-reported amendments, was passed by unanimous consent.
• H.R. 2733 – To require the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for certain Indian tribes, was passed by unanimous consent.
• S. 246 – Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children Act, was passed by unanimous consent with an amendment.
• S.Res. 579 – Recognizing the 40^th anniversary of the first class of women admitted to the Coast Guard Academy.
• Passed by unanimous consent en bloc:
  • S.Res. 600 – Designating the week of September 26 through 30, 2016, as “National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week”.
  • S.Res. 601 – Designating September 2016 as “National Dystonia Awareness Month.
  • S.Con.Res. 55 – Commemorating the 100^th anniversary of Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and the opening of the new Texas A&M Veterinary & Biomedical Education complex in in College Station Texas, was passed by unanimous consent.
• H.Con.Res. 166 – Adjournment Resolution was passed by unanimous consent.
• 1st reading en bloc:
  • S.3464 – Overtime Review and Reform Act, was passed by unanimous consent.
  • H.R. 6094 – Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools, and Nonprofits Act, was passed by unanimous consent.
• H.Con.Res. 122 – – Protection of the Right of Tribes to stop the Export of Cultural and Traditional Patrimony Resolution, was passed by unanimous consent with Udall amendment.

****

12:52 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about TPP.

12:36 p.m. Senator Casey spoke about Wills Eye Hospital.

12:15 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about CARA and opioid abuse.

11:50 a.m. Senator Corker spoke about yesterday’s veto override vote on JASTA.

11:48 a.m. The Senate passed the following legislation by unanimous consent:

• H.R. 3004 – To amend the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Act to extend the authorization for the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission
• H.R. 5147 – Bathrooms Accessible in Every Situation Act
• H.R. 5883 – To Amend the Packers and Stockyard Act of 1921
• H.R. 3937 – To designate the building utilized as a United States courthouse located in Greenville, North Carolina, as the “Randy D. Doub United States Courthouse”
• S.Res. 527 – Recognizing the 75th Anniversary of the Opening of the National Gallery of Art
• S.Res. 578 – Supporting Lights On After School, a national celebration of afterschool programs held on October 20, 2016
• En bloc:
  • S.Res. 591 – Designating the week of October 9 through October 15, 2016, as “National Case Management Week”
  • S.Res. 592 – Expressing support  for the designation of the month of September 2016 as “Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month”
  • S.Res. 593 – Designating September 22,2016, as “National Falls Prevention Awareness Day”
  • S.Res. 594 – Expressing support for designation of the third Saturday in October 2016 as “National Animal Rescue Day”

11:32 a.m. Senator Peters spoke about NASA going to Mars.

11:29 a.m. Senator Cardin paid tribute to former Israeli PM, Shimon Perez.

11:23 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

10:46 a.m. Senator Alexander and Senator Lankford spoke about legislation to oppose the Obama administration’s proposed rules on overtime rules for colleges, non-profits and other organizations.

10:20 a.m. Senator Cornyn took steps under Rule XIV to place directly on the Senate calendar H.R. 954, a bill to amend the tax code. He paid tribute to retiring Dallas Police Chief David Brown. He spoke about yesterday’s passage of the resolution to continue federal operations through December 9. He reviewed the Senate’s legislative record for the year.

10:02 a.m. Minority Leader Reid criticized Congressional Republicans’ stance toward President Obama. He criticized Donald Trump.

*********************

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and be in a period of morning business. There are NO votes on Thursday. 

The next roll call vote is expected on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 5:30 p.m. on H.R. 4511, the Gold Star Families Voices Act.

7:31 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 29, 2016.

7:09 p.m. Senators Coons and Carper paid tribute to firefighters who lost their lives on Saturday.

6:56 p.m. Senator Coons paid tribute to Betty Dewhirst Russell, who passed away today.

6:55 p.m. Senator Rubio has the first reading of H.R. 954; the CO-OP Consumer Protection Act.

Further, achieves UC that when the Senate adjourns it do so until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 29.  On Thursday, the Senate will be in a period of morning business.

6:47 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke on the Zika funding included in the CR.

6:45 p.m. DL Reid responded to Senator Grassley’s comments from earlier about bills being blocked.

6:33 p.m. Senator Portman spoke on a bill helping first responders, specifically urban search and rescue teams, asked UC to take up and pass the bill, S. 2971; DL Reid objected.

6:08 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on passage of this bill, and other similar bills still being held up; and later discussed materials from the FBI regarding Secretary Clinton.

6:07 p.m. Senators Grassley and Shaheen spoke on and passed by UC H.R. 5578, establishing sexual assault survivors bill of rights.

6:06 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke on the Zika funding included in the CR.

6:00 p.m. ML McConnell does wrap up for the day.

Passed by voice vote: The treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture; and the Convention on the Law Applicable to Certain Rights in Respect of Securities Held with an Intermediary.

The following nominations were confirmed by unanimous consent:

Cal. #720 – Col. Kenneth P. Ekman to be Brigadier General of the Air Force.

Cal. #721 – Brig. Gen. Jon T. Thomas to be a Major General of the Air Force

Cal. #722 – The following Colonels promoted to Brigadier General of the Army: Alfred Abramson, Peter Andrysiak, Robert Bennett, Jonathan Braga, John Brennan, David Brigham, Miguel Correa, Clement Coward, Patrick Donahue, Robert Edmonson, Scott Efflandt, David Francis, Paul Fredenburgh, David Hamilton, Neil Hersey, Lonnie Hibbard, Johnnie Johnson, Omar Jones, Mark Landes, David Lesperance, Stephen Maranian, Douglas McBride, Stephen Michael, Christoper Mohan, Laura Potter, Anthony Potts, Robert Rasch, Kenneth Royar, Douglas Sims, Stephen Smith, John Ulrich, Robert Whittle, and David Wilson.

Cal. #723 – General John Hyten to be General of the Air Force

Cal. # 724 – Read Adm Christopher Grady to be Vice Admiral of the Navy.

Cal. #725 – Lt. Gen John Thompson to be Lieutenant General of the Air Force.

Cal. #726 – Maj. Gen Robert McMurray to be Lieutenant General of the Air Force.

Cal. #727 – Maj. Gen Reynold Hoover to be Lieutenant General of the Army.

Cal. #728 – Rena Bitter to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

Cal. #729 – Sung Y. K to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of the Philippines.

Cal. #730 – Andrew Robert Young to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Burkina Faso.

Cal. #731 – W. Stuart Symington to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Cal. #732 – Joseph R. Donovan Jr. to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Indonesia.

Cal. #733 – Christopher Coons to be Representative of the United States of America to the Seventy-first Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations.

Cal. #734 – Ronald H. Johnson to be Representative of the United States of America to the Seventy-first Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations.

The following were passed by Unanimous Consent:

S Con Res 53, making a correction in the enrollment of H.R. 5325, the CR.

S. Res 562, designating October 9-15 as “earth science week.”

***S. Res 585- Day of the Deployed

***S.Res.586 – Honoring Jacob Wetterling

***S.Res.587 – Charitable Collections

***S.Res.588 – National Principals Month

UC that at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of H.R.4511, Gold Star Families Voices Act, that there be 30 minutes of debate followed by a vote on passage of the bill.

5:43 p.m. Senator Carper spoke on helping veterans, and later paid tribute to federal employees.

5:36 p.m. Senator Brown spoke on helping veterans. Asked UC to take up and pass S. 2253, the “Veterans Education Relief and Restoration Act”;  Senator Tillis objected.

5:06 p.m. Senators Heinrich and Collins introduced the two generation economic empowerment act.

4:06 p.m. Senators Perdue, Tillis, Lankford, Ernst, Rounds, Sullivan and Daines spoke about the budget process.

3:51 p.m. Senator Coons spoke about criminal justice system reform and solitary confinement.

3:40 p.m. Senator Coons spoke about Criminal Justice system reform.

3:34 p.m. Senator Peters spoke about Flint.

3:30 p.m. Senators Wyden and Merkley paid tribute to those involved in a shooting in Oregon one year ago.

3:22 p.m. Senator Murray asked UC to take up the nomination and confirm the nomination of John Mark McWatters for a position on the Export/Import Bank.  Senator Shelby objected.

3:22 p.m. Senator Shelby got UC to move the Senate to a period of morning business.

3:21 p.m. H.R. 5325, the vehicle for the CR was passed 72-26.

Senators voting in favor: 40 Republicans, 31 Democrats, 1 Independent (King).

Senators voting against: 14 Republicans (Cruz, Corker, Flake, Graham, Heller, Inhofe, Lankford, Lee, Paul, Perdue, Risch, Sasse, Scott, and  Sessions) 12 Democrats (Booker, Franken, Heitkamp, Leahy, Markey, Menendez, Merkley, Peters, Stabenow, Warren, Whitehouse and Wyden).

Senators not voting: 1 Democrat (Kaine), 1 Independent (Sanders).

3:00 p.m. Roll call vote began on passage of H.R. 5325, the Legislative Branch appropriations; and vehicle for the CR.

2:58 p.m. Cloture was invoked on H.R. 5325, 77-21.

Senators voting in favor: 42 Republicans, 34 Democrats, 1 Independent (King).

Senators voting against: 12 Republicans (Cruz, Daines, Graham, Heller, Inhofe, Lankford, Lee, Paul, Perdue, Sasse, Scott, Sessions) 9 Democrats (Booker, Franken, Heitkamp, Markey, Menendez, Merkley, Peters, Stabenow, and Warren).

Senators not voting: 1 Democrat (Kaine), 1 Independent (Sanders).

2:37 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on H.R. 5325, the vehicle for the CR, upon reconsideration.

2:35 p.m. The substitute amendment #5082 was agreed to by voice vote. The motion to proceed to the motion to reconsider the motion to invoke cloture on H.R. 5325 was agreed to by voice vote. The motion to reconsider the motion to invoke cloture on H.R. 5325 was agreed to by voice vote.

2:35 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the substitute amendment 77-21.

Senators voting in favor: 42 Republicans, 34 Democrats, 1 Independent   (King).

Senators voting against: 12 Republicans (Cruz, Daines, Graham, Heller, Inhofe, Lankford, Lee, Paul, Perdue, Sasse, Scott, Sessions)  9 Democrats (Booker, Franken, Heitkamp, Markey, Menendez, Merkley, Peters, Stabenow, and Warren).

Senators not voting: 1 Democrat (Kaine), 1 Independent (Sanders).

2:11 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the substitute amdt (#5082) to H.R. 5325, upon reconsideration.

2:10 p.m. By a voice vote, the motion to proceed the failed cloture vote was agreed to.  ML McConnell then offered motion to reconsider cloture on substitute amendment to H.R. 5325, the vehicle for the continuing resolution.

1:50 p.m. Senator Mikulski spoke on the CR.

1:45 p.m. Senator Capito spoke on flooding, the appropriation process and the CR.

1:36 p.m. Senator Cassidy spoke on flooding in Louisiana.

1:24 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke about addiction.

1:07 p.m. Senator Coats spoke about government waste.

12:57 p.m. Senator Flake spoke about deficit spending. He recognized Hispanic Heritage Month.

12:50 p.m. Senator Coats joined in support of Senator Johnson’s bill.

12:35 p.m. Senators Johnson and Barrasso spoke on an bill (S. 2912) that would bar the federal government from prohibiting or restricting experimental drugs, asked UC to take up and pass it.  DL Reid objected.

12:30 p.m. ML McConnell, DL Reid, and Senator Stabenow spoke on the water resources development bill and the situation in Flint, Michigan.

12:29 p.m. The veto of S.2040, Justice Ac

12:02 p.m. The Senate began voting on the veto message to S. 2040-JASTA.

11:53 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke in favor of the veto override.

11:45 a.m. Senator Corker spoke in favor of the veto override.

11:19 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke in favor of the veto override.

11:13 a.m. Senator Cardin spoke in favor of the veto override.

11:08 a.m. Senator Reid spoke on the water crisis in Flint Michigan.

10:31 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke in favor of the veto override.

10:16 a.m. Senator Fischer spoke about a successful suit against the Occupational Safety and Health Admiistration.

10:06 a.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke in favor of the veto override.

9:37 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke in tribute to Shimon Peres. He spoke about the continuing resolution.

9:33 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke in tribute to the late Shimon Peres. He spoke about the upcoming vote on whether to override the veto on the measure to permit damage suits by the families of the victims of the September 11 attacks. He spoke about the continuing resolution.

****

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and will resume consideration of H.R. 5325, the legislative vehicle for the resolution to continue spending for government operations through December 9.

At 10 a.m., the Senate will begin two hours of debate on the veto message for the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (S. 2040), permitting families of the victims of the September 11 attacks to seek damages.

At approximately noon, the Senate will vote on whether to pass S. 2040 over the President’s veto.

More votes are possible today.

6:30 p.m. Senator Bennett spoke on the nomination of Judge Garland and the vacancy on the Supreme Court.

6:20 Senator Boozman said in wrap up the Senate will be in at 9:30 on Wednesday, September 28th  to resume H.R. 5325 until 10:00 a.m. At 10:00, the Senate will resume he veto message to S. 2040, JASTA. There will be two hours of debate when the Senate will vote.

6:10 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke on emergency funding in Louisiana, Flint, Michigan and government funding.

6:00 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke on the situation in Flint, Michigan and government funding.

5:50 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on the Survivor’s Bill of Rights.

5:40 p.m. Senator Warren spoke on the situation in Flint, Michigan and government funding.

5:20 p.m. Senator Enzi paid tribute to former Chief of Staff, Flip McConaughey, who recently passed away from cancer.

5:00 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on the pending case regarding the E.P.A.’s Clean Power Plan.

4:02 p.m. DL Reid, along with Senators Durbin, Leahy, Murray, Booker, and Shaheen spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy.

4:00 p.m. The Senate returned from the recess.
3:32 p.m. The Senate recessed until 4:00 p.m., to accommodate an All Senators briefing on the events in New York and New Jersey on Saturday September 17.

3:12 p.m. Senators Inhofe, Boxer and Stabenow spoke on the situation in Flint, Michigan and government funding.

3:02 p.m. Senator Thune asked UC to take up and pass S.2555, regarding broadband investment. DL Reid objected due to nominations being held up.

3:01 p.m. ML McConnell announced he hoped to still pass a clean CR soon.

3:00 p.m. Cloture was not invoked on underlying bill, HR 5325
40-59.

Senators in favor: 40 Republicans.

Senators against: 44 Democrats, 13 Republicans: Cruz, Daines, Graham, Heller, Inhofe, Lankford, Lee, McConnell*, Paul, Perdue, Sasse, Sessions and Scott; 2 Independents: King and Sanders. *ML McConnell changed his vote in order to enter a motion to reconsider.

Senator Cotton missed the vote.

2:45 p.m. Senate began voting on cloture on H.R. 5325.

2:43 p.m. Cloture was not invoked on the substitute amendment #5082 to H.R. 5325, 45-55.

Senators in favor: 41 Republicans, 4 Democrats: Donnelly, Manchin, Nelson and Tester.

Senators against: 40 Democrats, 13 Republicans: Cruz, Daines, Graham, Heller, Inhofe, Lankford, Lee, McConnell*, Paul, Perdue, Sasse, Sessions and Scott; 2 Independents: King and Sanders. *ML McConnell changed his vote in order to enter a motion to reconsider.

2:15 p.m. The Senate returned from recess and began voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the McConnell substitute amendment #5082 to H.R. 5325, the vehicle for the continuing resolution.

****

12:40 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 2:15 for the weekly party lunches.

12:30 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke on the continuing resolution and the need for clean water in Flint, Michigan.

12:20 p.m. Senator Mikulski spoke against the continuing resolution and urged Senators to vote no on the legislation.

12:15 p.m. Senator Capito spoke in favor of the continuing resolution and urged Senators to vote in favor of the legislation.

12:10 p.m. Senator Cochran spoke on the continuing resolution which includes Zika funding and veteran’s support services.

11:44 a.m. Senator Boxer discussed the water in Flint, Michigan and government funding.

11:33 a.m. Senator Rubio paid tribute to Jose Fernandez, Miami Marlin pitcher who died in a boating accident over the weekend.

11:01 a.m. Senators McCain and Graham discussed the situation in Syria.

10:50 a.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about the new health care insurance system.

10:38 a.m. Senator Durbin described the Democratic objections to the Republican-authored continuing resolution.

10:14 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the continuing resolution.

10:07 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke about the continuing resolution. He spoke about the campaign spending of the Koch brothers. He said the cloture vote on the cnotinuing resolution will fail ad called on Republicans to add money to the bill for the repair of the Flint, Michigan water system. He spoke about Donald Trump’s tax returns.

10:03 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the continuing resolution. He announced that the all-senators briefing will be from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. today.

***

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. and will resume consideration of H.R. 5325, the vehicle for the resolution to continue federal government spending through December 9.

The measure includes money for military construction, veterans programs and the fight against Zika.

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

At 2:15 p.m., the Senate is expected to have as many as two roll call votes:

1.) Cloture for the McConnell substitute amendment #5082 to H.R. 5325.

2.) If cloture is not invoked for the substitute, then there will be a vote on cloture for the underlying continuing resolution,  H.R.5325.

At a time to be determined on Wednesday, the Senate will begin to consider the veto message for S. 2040, the bill to permit families of the victims of the September 11 attacks to seek damages from Saudi Arabia. After two hours of debate, the Senate will vote on whether to pass the bill over President Obama’s veto. A two-thirds majority is required.

5:28 p.m. The Senate has adjourned until 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 26th, and will resume consideration of H.R. 5325, the vehicle for the CR. At 2:15 p.m. the Senate is expected to have up to 2 roll call votes. 1. on the motion to invoke cloture on the McConnell substitute amendment #5082 to H.R.5325. If cloture is not agreed to then 2. Motion to invoke cloture on H.R.5325. 

During wrap-up:

• S.1886, Reauthorizing the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009, was passed by unanimous consent.
• S.Res.573, Designating October 8, 2016, as National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day, was passed by voice vote.
• En bloc passed by unanimous consent:
  • S.Res.574, Hispanic Heritage Month.
  • S.Res.575, National Retirement Security Week.
  • S.Res.576, National Dyslexia Awareness Month.
  • S.Res.577, Alaska Federation of Natives.

****

3:30 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about flooding in eastern Iowa.

3:12 p.m. Senator Reid spoke about Donald Trump, the CR, and the Koch brothers.

3:04 p.m. The Senate has convened and received the veto message from the President regarding S.2040, Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act. On Wednesday, September 29th, at a time to be determined, the Senate will consider the veto message on S.2040 for 2 hours and vote on passage.  ML McConnell spoke about the CR and the zika virus.

The Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.5325, the legislative vehicle for the Continuing Resolution.

No roll call votes are expected during Today’s session of the Senate.

The next expected roll call vote will be at 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday, September 27th on the motion to invoke cloture on the substitute amendment #5082 to H.R.5325.

5 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 3 p.m. Monday, September 26, when the Senate will resume consideration of H.R. 5325, the continuing resolution.

4:58 p.m. In wrap-up, Senator Coats secured consent for these items:

— Passage of S. 1878, to extend the pediatric priority voucher review program;

— Passage of S. 2683, to include disabled veterans leave in the personnel system of the Federal Aviation Administration;

— Placement in the Record of an appointment at the desk.

4:17 p.m. Senator McConnell asked unanimous consent that cloture on H.R. 5325 ripen on Tuesday, September 22 at 2:15 p.m. If cloture is invoked on the substitute amendment then cloture will be considered to have been invoked at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, September 26th.

3:40 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about climate change.

3:28 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about Zika funding.

3:13 p.m. Senator Markey spoke about synthetic opioid abuse.

3:05 p.m. Senator Cassidy spoke about the Louisiana flooding.

2:48 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke about Clarence Thomas.

2:45 p.m. Senator Peters spoke about the Flint water crisis.

2:36 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke about the Flint water crisis.

2:25 p.m. Senator Casey spoke about Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia.

2:12 pm. Senator Coats criticized government waste.

2:02 p.m. Senator Peters spoke about driverless cars.

1:47 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about addiction.

1:39 p.m. Senator Warren paid tribute to retiring immigration specialist Emily Winterson of her Massachusetts office.

1:29 p.m. Senator Cotton paid tribute to law enforcement officers.

1:05 p.m. Senator Mikulski spoke on the negotiations on the CR.

1:00 p.m. ML McConnell offers substitute amendment to H.R. 5325; fills the legislative tree, and files cloture on the substitute amendment and the underlying bill.  Hopes to do the CR, and JASTA next week.

12:59 p.m. Senate adopts motion to proceed to H.R. 5325,  Leg branch appropriations/vehicle for the CR.

11:00 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about government agencies using Senate Security to hide information.

10:36 a.m. Senator Leahy and Senator Grassley spoke about the EB-5 Regional Center Program.

10:27 a.m. Senator Shaheen joined in the colloquy about addiction.

10:17 a.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke about addiction.

10:15 a.m. Senator Collins spoke about addiction.

10:07 a.m. Senator Markey spoke about the opioid epidemic.

9:50 a.m. Senator Isakson saluted retiring Georgia Republican Rep. Len Westmoreland.

9:45 a.m. Senator Reid criticized Republican handling of the Supreme Court vacancy.

9:44 a.m. Senator Toomey said the objection was partisan.

9:37 a.m. Minority Leader Reid objected. He criticized Republican handling of the Senate schedule.

9:33 a.m. Senator Toomey proposed S. 1831, a bill to prevent animal cruelty and torture and sought consent to pass it.

********************

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

At 11 a.m., the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to the vehicle for the continuing resolution to finance the government through December 9 (H.R. 5325).  Post-cloture time will be deemed expired at that point and a voice vote is expected on the motion to proceed to the continuing resolution.

If the Senate votes to proceed to the resolution. Majority Leader McConnell will be recognized to offer a substitute amendment.

6:30 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 22. They will be in morning business until 11 AM. Following morning business the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R. 5325, vehicle for the continuing resolution and if the motion to proceed is agreed to (expected voice vote) and then Senator McConnell will be recognized to offer a substitute amendment.

5:26 p.m. Senator Shaheen spoke about Afghan interpreters.

5:11 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy.

4:57 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about pension funds.

4:45 Senator Wyden spoke about tax reform.

4:35 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke about the Pension Relief Act.

4:22 p.m. Senator Franken spoke about the attack in Minnesota and the Central States Pension Fund crisis.

4:15 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke on the cost of prescription drugs.

4:02 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke on the Pediatric Rare Disease Priority Review Act.

3:54 p.m. Senator Warren spoke about Senator Sander’s amendment to S.1878.

3:34 p.m. Senators Isakson and Casey spoke on the S.1878, Pediatric Rare Disease Priority Review Act, and asked unanimous consent to pass it. Senator Sanders objected and asked that the request be modified to include his amendment. Senator Alexander objected.

3:29 p.m. Senator Shaheen spoke on the nomination of Doug Wilson to serve on the U.S. Advisory Commission of Public Diplomacy.

3:10 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about traveling to Mars.

3:09 p.m. The Senate tabled the motion to discharge S. J. Res. 39, relating to the disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of M1A1/A2 Abrams Tank structures and other major defense equipment, by a vote of 71-27.

2:29 p.m. Senator Corker spoke about the arms deal.

2:25 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about the arms deal.

2:16 p.m. Senator Paul spoke about the power to declare war.

2:10 p.m. Senator McCain spoke about the arms deal.

2:07 p.m. Senator Corker spoke about the arms sale to Saudi Arabia.

1:46 p.m. Senator Paul spoke about the conflict in Yemen and the proposed arms sale to Saudi Arabia.

1:29 p.m. Senator Corker spoke against the motion to discharge.

1:18 p.m. Senator Heitkamp spoke about manufacturing jobs and the export/import bank.

12:15 p.m Senator McCain spoke against the motion to discharge.

12:05 p.m. Senator McConnell spoke against the motion to discharge S. J.Res 39 and announced that he make a motion to table the motion.

11:40 a.m. Senator Murphy, Senator Franken and Senator Lee spoke about Saudi war with Yemen.

11:37 a.m. Senator Murphy for Senator Paul offered a motion to discharge S.J.Res.39, relating to the disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of M1A1/A2 Abrams Tank structures and other major defense equipment.

11:01 a.m. Senator Fischer spoke on the economy.

10:51 a.m. Senator Vitter paid tribute to staffers David Doss and Nicole Hebert.

10:36 a.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.

9:50 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about Wells Fargo.

9:48 a.m. The Senate resumed consideration of the motion to proceed to the continuing resolution, S. 5325.

9:36 a.m. Senator Reid spoke about health care.

9:02 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about progress toward a continuing resolution and about Democratic health care proposals.

********

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

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R.5325, the legislative vehicle for the short-term CR, post-cloture. All time during recess and adjournment of the Senate will count post-cloture on the motion to proceed.

At 11:15 a.m., Senator Paul or his designee will be recognized to offer a motion to discharge S.J.Res.39, relating to the disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of M1A1/A2 Abrams Tank structures and other major defense equipment; there will be 3 hours of debate; following the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will vote in relation to the motion to discharge.

The Senate Stands adjourned until 9:30 a.m. The Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R.5325, the legislative vehicle for the short-term CR, post-cloture. All time during recess and adjournment of the Senate will count post-cloture on the motion to proceed.

At 11:15am, Senator Paul or his designee will be recognized to offer a motion to discharge S.J.Res.39, relating to the disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of M1A1/A2 Abrams Tank structures and other major defense equipment; there will be 3 hours of debate equally divided between the proponents and opponents, with Senator Paul controlling 30 minutes of proponent time and Senator Murphy controlling 15 minutes of proponent time; following the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will vote in relation to the motion to discharge.

In wrap up the following bills were passed:

Passed H.R.5252, to designate the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Port of Entry located at 1400 Lower Island Road in Tornillo, Texas, as the “Marcelino Serna Port of Entry”.

Passed S.3076, Charles Duncan Buried with Honor Act of 2016 with Blumenthal amendment.

Passed Calendar #586 H.R.2615, US Virgin Islands Centennial Commission.

Adopted S.Res.572, National Bison Day.

Passed H.R.5937, Battle Monuments Commission.

6:12 p.m. The Senate passed the cloture motion on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5325, by a vote of 89-7. There will be no further votes today.

5:45 p.m. Voting now  on cloture motion to the MTP to H.R. 5325, the legislative vehicle for the CR.

5:13 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned subject to the call of the chair. A cloture vote on the MTP to H.R. 5325, the legislative vehicle for the Continuous Resolution is expected when the Senate reconvenes.

4:09 p.m. Senator Gardner spoke about the new health care system.

4:01 p.m. Senator McConnell paid tribute to his director of administration, Becky Fleeson, who is  soon to depart the Senate in order to care for her young children.

2:50 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy.

2:17 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke on the opiod addiction crisis.

2:15 p.m. ML McConnell moved the vote on the motion to proceed to HR 5325 to 5:15 p.m., and further got UC that at 11:15 tomorrow, Wednesday September 21 Senator Paul or his designee be recognized to offer a motion to discharge S. Res 39, a joint resolution relating to the disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to Saudi Arabia for up to three hours of debate and a vote on the motion to discharge.

2:15 p.m. The Senate returned from recess.

12:45 p.m. The Senate recessed for weekly policy lunches until 2:15 p.m.

12:02 p.m. Senator Casey spoke about the National Day of Remembrance for murder victims.

11:37 p.m. Senator Booker spoke about judicial nominations and asked unanimous consent to vote on 7 pending nominations. ML McConnell objected and asked to modify the request to vote on 4 pending nominations.  Senator Booker objected to the modification request. He then asked unanimous consent to vote on 2 pending nominations. ML McConnell objected.

11:22 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about President Obama’s legacy and the recent attacks in Minnesota, New Jersey and New York.

11:05 a.m. Senator Cotton paid tribute to the Arkansan of the week, teacher Jess Forster from Little Rock.

10:47 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the weekend terrorist attacks and Syrian refugees.

10:42 a.m. Senator Barrasso criticized the involvement of Bill and Hillart Clinton in a for-profit university. He criticized President Obama’s economic policies.

10:21 a.m. Senator Durbin recounted the history of the fight against HIV/AIDS and drew parallels with the Zika crisis. He criticized for-profit universities.

10:04 a.m. Minority Leader Reid criticized Republican leadership of the Senate.

10:02 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell said he is encouraged by the progress toward agreement on a continuing resolution to finance government operations through December 9.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and following any Leader remarks, will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R.5325, the legislative vehicle for the short-term CR.

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

At 2:15 p.m., the pending cloture motion will ripen and the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.5325, the legislative vehicle for the short-term CR.

6:29 p.m. The Senate adjourns until Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 1:00 a.m.

6:28 p.m. ML McConnell wraps up the Senate for the evening. The following items were passed:
Passed by voice vote: H.R. 5936, Veterans Care Agreement and West Los Angeles Leasing Act of 2016.
Passed by UC: H.R.1475, Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall of Remembrance Act of 2015.

6:13 p.m. Senator Brown spoke on the Voting Rights Act.

6:12 p.m. H.R. 5985 is passed 89-0. Breakdown to follow.

5:30 p.m Roll call vote began on passage of H.R. 5985.

5:16 p.m. Senators Blumenthal and Isakson spoke on the pending bill.

5:15 p.m. The Senate begins consideration of H.R 5985, extending certain programs of the Veterans Adminstration.

4:41 p.m. Senator Gardner spoke on the 69th birthday of the U.S. Air Force.

4:18 p.m. At 5:30 p.m. the Senate will vote on H.R. 5985., to extend certain programs of the Veterans Administration. The vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5325, the vehicle for the CR, has been moved to 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, September 20th, by unanimous consent. 

3:55 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the apparent terrorist attacks over the weekend and about terrorism-related legislation that awaits President Obama’s signature to become law.

3:39 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about the Zika virus. He also paid tribute to Imogene Steagall,  the retiring supervisor of elections in Lake County, Florida.

3:26 p.m. The Senate resumed consideration of the motion to proceed to S. 5325, the legislative vehicle for the continuing resolution.

3:16 p.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke about the work on a potential continuing resolution. He spoke about the apparent terrorist acts over the weekend.

3:06 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell acted under Rule XIV to place directly on the Senat calendar S. 3348, a measure to revise federal election law.

Senator McConnell spoke about the apparent acts of terrorism over the weekend. He spoke about efforts to make an agreement on a continuing resolution to finance government operations through December 9. He paid tribute to the late Capt. Mathew D. Roland of the U.S. Air Force.

***

The Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m. and resume consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R. 5325 (the legislative vehicle for a short-term Continuing Resolution).

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5325.

6:28 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene on Monday, September 19 at 3:00 p.m. Following leader time, they will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R. 5325, the Legislative Branch appropriations bill (vehicle for the Continuing Resolution). At 5:30 p.m. they will vote on the cloture motion on the motion to proceed.

The following items were passed during wrap up:

• S. 2754, designating Shreveport federal building and courthouse as the “Tom Stagg Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse.”
• S. Res. 565, week of Sept 12 as National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week
• S. Res. 567, week of October 16 as national Character Counts Week
• S. Res. 568, recognizing the towing industry and designating week of Sept 9-15 as National Towing Industry Awareness Week.
• S. Res. 569, Nov. 26 Small Business Saturday

The following treaties were ratified by division vote en bloc:

• 114-11 Treaty with Kazakhstan on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters
• 114-3 Treaty with Algeria on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters
• 114-4 Treaty with Jordon on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters

The following nominations were confirmed:

AIR FORCE

• #700 – Lt. Gen. Timothy M. Ray to be Lieutenant General
• #701 – Lt. Gen. Mark C. Nowland to be Lieutenant General
•  #702 – Maj. Gen. Jerry P. Martinez to be Lieutenant General

ARMY

•  #703 – Maj. Gen. Paul M. Nakasone to be Lieutenant General
•  #704 – Maj. Gen. Aundre F. Piggee to be Lieutenant General

NAVY

•  #705 – Rear Adm. Charles A. Richard to be Vice Admiral
•  #706 – Rear Adm. Philip G. Howe to be Vice Admiral

AIR FORCE

• #707 – Col. Charles L. Plummer to be Brigadier General
• #708 – Lt. Gen Samuel A. Greaves to be Lieutenant General
• #709 – Maj. Gen. Mark D. Kelly to be Lieutenant General

ARMY

• #710 – Col. Joseph F. Jarrard to be Brigadier General
• #711 – Col. Laurel J. Hummel to be Brigadier General
• #712 – Lt. Gen. Gustave F. Perna to be General
• #713 – Lt. Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson to be Lieutenant General

NAVY

#714 – Vice Adm. James G. Foggo, III to be Vice Admiral

AIR FORCE

#715 – Lt. Gen. John W. Raymond to be General

The Senate began the Rule 14 process for placing S. 3348, Presidential Tax Transparency Act, on the Legislative Calendar

6:08 p.m. Senator Peters spoke about Water Resources Development bill and Flint.

6:01 p.m. Senator Coons spoke about his bill H.R. 2494 (end wildlife trafficking act). The bill was passed by voice vote.

5:30 p.m. Senator Reed spoke about opioid addiction.

5:18 p.m. Senator Gardener spoke about North Korea.

5:05 p.m. Senator Sasse spoke about religion and discrimination.

4:29 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about for profit colleges.

4:04 p.m. Senator Casey spoke about gun violence.

3:36 p.m. Senator Capito spoke about opioid addiction.

3:30 p.m. Senator Donnelly paid tribute to Dr. John Brademas.

3:26 p.m. Senator Tillis paid tribute to North Carolina police officer Tim Brackeen.

3:22 p.m. Senator Daines spoke on the Black Feet Water Settlement Act and the Affordable Care Act.

3:08 p.m. Senator Carper spoke on ISIS.

2:49 p.m. Senator Casey spoke on terrorism financing.

2:25 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the water resources bill.

2:16 p.m. Senator Murkowski paid tribute to Father Norman H.V. Elliot.

1:48 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the nomination of Susan S. Gibson to be Inspector General of the National Reconnaissance Office.

1:43 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke about the opioid epidemic.

1:33 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke about Russia.

1:07 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about Obamacare.

12:55 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about coal miners.

12:47 p.m. Senator Warren spoke about the Presidential Tax Transparancy Act.

12:20 p.m. Senator Wyden paid tribute to Tim Mitchell and spoke on the Presidential Tax Transparency Act. He then asked unanimous consent to pass S.2979. Senator Cornyn objected and then asked Senator Wyden to modify his request and include S. 3135. Senator Wyden objected. Senator Cardin joined the discussion over S.2979.

12:16 p.m. Senator Leahy paid tribute to Tim Mitchell.

11:15 a.m. Senators Inhofe and Boxer wrapped up the water resources development act.

11:00 a.m. Senator Blunt spoke on the water resources development act.

10:56 a.m. Senator Enzi spoke about the new health care system.

9:57 a.m. Senator Reid paid tribute to his scheduler, Krysta Juris. He spoke about Trump University.

9:51 a.m. Senators Durbin, Murray and Schumer saluted Tim Mitchell.

9:50 a.m. Senator Boxer joined in the tributes to Tim Mitchell.

9:42 a.m. Minority Leader Reid saluted Tim Mitchell for his service.

9:32 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell welcomed Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of Myanmar. He spoke in favor of the water resources bill. He saluted Assistant Minority Secretary Tim Mitchell for his 25 years of Senate service.

The leader completed Rule XIV procedings gas to put directly on the Senate calendar S. 3326, a bill to allow states to authorize alternatives to the administration’s health insurance exchanges.

* * * * *

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

Post-cloture debate time on S.2848, the Water Resources Development Bill, will run out at 11:30 a.m.

The Senate will then vote on passage of the water resources bill, as amended.

After disposition of the water resources bill, the pending business will be the motion to proceed to S. 5325, the legislative branch appropriations bill, which is the legislative vehicle for a continuing resolution to finance government operations through December 9.

A cloture motion has been filed on that measure. A cloture vote on the motion to proceed to the continuing resolution is expected after the disposition of the water resources bill.

The Senate has adjourned until 9:30 a.m., Thursday, September 15. Post-cloture debate time regarding S.2848, the Water Resources Development Bill, will expire at 11:30 a.m.

During wrap-up:

• S. Res. 559, Designating the week of September 12th, 2016 as National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week, was passed by unanimous consent.
• S.3326, To give States the authority to provide temporary access to affordable private health insurance options outside the Obamacare exchanges, was read for the first time.

During today’s session:

• Motion to waive the Budget Act in relation to the Inhofe/Boxer substitute amendment to S.2848, the Water Resources Development Bill, was agreed to by a vote of 85 to 12.
• The Inhofe/Boxer substitute amendment #4979 to S.2848 was agreed to by voice vote.
• The motion to invoke cloture on S.2848 was agreed to by a vote of 94 to 3.

***

5:48 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke about the opioid epidemic.

5:26 p.m. Senator Warner spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy.

5:14 p.m. Senator Boozman spoke on Iran.

5:06 p.m. Senator Carper spoke on the water resource bill.

4:49 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke on travel to Cuba and the zika virus.

3:50 p.m. Senators Daines, Ernst, Sullivan and Rounds engaged in a colloquy on national security spending.

3:40 p.m. By a vote of 94 to 3, the Senate invoked cloture on the water resources bill, as amended (S. 2848).

For cloture: 49 Republicans; 43 Democrats; independents King and Sanders. Against cloture: Republicans Flake, Lee and Sasse. Not voting: Republicans Ayotte and Kirk; Democrat Kaine.

3:10 p.m. The motion to waive the Budget Act in relation to the Inhofe/Boxer amendment to S. 2848 was agreed to by a vote of 85-12. Republicans voting no: Barasso, Coats, Corker, Enzi, Flake, Isakson, Lee, Perdue, Sasse, Scott, Sessions, and Tillis. Not voting:Ayotte, Kaine and Kirk.

2:40 p.m. Senator Enzi made a motion that the Inhofe/Boxer amendment violates the Budget Act. Senator Inhofe made a motion to waive the Budget Act. The Senate is voting.

1:50 p.m. Senators Manchin, Brown, Capito, and Warner spoke about retired coal miners.

1:25 p.m. Senator McCain and Senator Graham spoke about Syria.

1:20 p.m. Senator Donnelly spke about the water resource bill.

1:10 p.m. Senator Hirono paid tribute to former Congressman Mark Takai.

12:54 p.m. Senator Coats spoke about wasteful government spending.

12:30 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy.

12:17 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about globalization.

12:16 p.m. The Senate resumed consideration of S. 2848-Water Resources Development Act.

12:00 p.m. Senator Udall spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy.

11:50 a.m. Senator Ernst spoke about 9/11.

11:36 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the new health insurance system.

11:21 a.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.

11:08 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about popular fears of terrorism.

11 a.m. Majority Leaderf McConnell secured consent for Morning Business to continue until noon. He began Rule XIV procedings to place directly on the Senate calendar S. 3318, a bill to subject the Consumer Finance Protection Agency to the regular appropriations process. He criticized the new medical insurance system.

10:46 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about the contribution of medical costs to the federal deficit.

10:37 a.m. Senator Alexander spoke about the dispute over subsidies to fight Zika and about subsidies under the new health insurance system.

10:02 a.m. Senators McCaskill, Tester, Murphy, Shaheen and Heitkamp engaged in a colloquy on the Senate work of the 114th Congress.

9:33 a.m. Democratic Leader Reid spoke on the economy.

The Senate convened at 9:30 a.m., and is in a period of morning business until 11:00 a.m.

At 11:00 a.m., the Senate will resume consideration of S. 2848 (Water Resources Development Act).

At 2:45 p.m., the Senate will proceed to vote as follows:

• On an expected motion to waive a budget point or order with respect to the Inhofe/Boxer substitute amendment #4979.
• An expected voice vote on the substitute amendment.
• Cloture on S. 2848, the Water Resources Development Act.