The Senate convened at 10:00 a.m. for a pro forma session, with Senator Scott presiding. No business was conducted.

The Senate will next convene on Tuesday January 17, 2017.

• The Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m. and proceed to a period of morning business until 4:15 p.m.

• At 4:15 p.m., the Senate will proceed to the consideration of the GAO Access and Oversight Act (H.R. 72).

• At approximately 4:45 p.m., the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on passage of H.R. 72.

5:38 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 13 for a pro forma session. The Senate will then adjourn until Tuesday, January 17 at 3:00 p.m. They will be in morning business until 4:15 p.m. At that time they will begin consideration of H.R. 72, GAO Access and Oversight Act. A vote on passage of the bill will occur at 4:45 p.m. The following bills were passed during wrap-up:

S. Res. 14-Commending the Clemson University Tigers for winning the 2017 College Football Championship.

4:20 p.m. The Senate reconvened and Senator Portman spoke about human trafficking.

3:12 p.m. The Senate stands in recess subject to the call of the chair.

3:11 p.m. The Senate passed S. 84, 81 -17.

2:47 p.m. Roll Call vote began on S. 84, the Secretary of Defense Active Duty Limitation Waiver bill.

2:27 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about the waiver for General Mattis.

2:23 p.m. Senator McCain spoke in favor of the waiver for Mattis and asked u.c. that the Senate recess subject to the call of the chair to accommodate the all members briefing, after the vote.

2:14 p.m. Senator Reed spoke about the waiver for Mattis.

2:05 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke about the Affordable Care Act.

1:51 p.m. Senator Gillibrand spoke against the waiver for Mattis.

1:25 p.m.  Senator Blumenthal spoke about cabinet nominations.

12:55 p.m. The Senate began consideration of S. 84 (Mattis Waiver). There will be up to 10 hours of debate.

12:42 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the DREAM act.

12:36 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about Rex Tillerson.

12:30 p.m. The Senate convened at 12:30. Senate McConnell spoke about repealing Obamacare.

********

The Senate will convene at 12:30 p.m. and following leader remarks will be in a period of morning business.

1:36 a.m. The Senate stands adjourned.

1:27 a.m. Senator Enzi spoke on the Affordable Care Act; and further achieved UC to adjourn until 12:30 p.m. Following leader remarks, be in a period of morning business.

1:26 a.m. Final passage on S. Con. Res. 3 (budget resolution) was agreed to by a vote of 51-48. Senator Paul voted against; Senator Feinstein did not vote.

1:04 a.m. Roll call vote began on final passage of S. Con. Res. 3.

1:02 a.m. The budget point of order on the Brown amendment #86 is sustained 49-49. (3/5 necessary).  Senators Collins and Heller voted in favor.

12:47 a.m. Roll call vote began on the motion to waive the budget with respect to Brown #86.

12:46 a.m. The budget point of order on the Hatch amendment #180 is sustained 51-47. (3/5 necessary).

12:32 a.m. Roll call vote began on the motion to waive the budget with respect to Hatch amendment #180.

12:30 a.m. The budget point of order on the Gillibrand amendment #82 is sustained 49-49. (3/5 necessary). Senators Collins and Heller voted in favor.

12:13 a.m. Roll call vote began on the motion to waive the budget with respect to Gillibrand amendment#82.

12:12 a.m. The budget point of order on the Fischer amendment #184 is sustained 52-46. (3/5 necessary). Senator Manchin voted in favor.

11:58 p.m. Roll call vote began on the motion to waive the budget with respect to Fischer amendment #184.

11:57 p.m. The budget point of order on the Wyden amendment #188 is sustained 47-51. (3/5 necessary). 5 final roll call votes scheduled: Fischer #184, Gillibrand #82, Hatch #180, Brown #86, and final passage on S. Con. Res. 3.

11:25 p.m Senator Wyden offered his amendment #188. Roll call vote began on the motion to waive the budget with respect to Wyden #188.

11:24 p.m. The Klobuchar amendment #178 failed by a vote of 46-52. Democrats against: (13) Bennet, Booker, Cantwell, Carper, Casey, Coons, Donnelly, Heinrich, Heitkamp, Menendez, Murray, Tester, Warner. Republicans in favor: (12) Boozman, Collins, Cruz, Flake, Grassley, Heller, Kennedy, Lee, McCain, Murkowski, Paul, and Thune.

11:07 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Klobuchar amendment #178.

11:04 p.m. The budget point of order on the Alexander amendment #174 is sustained 49-49. (3/5 necessary). Senators Grassley and Hatch voted against.

10:44 p.m. Senator Alexander offered his amendment #174. Roll call vote began on the motion to waive the budget with respect to Alexander #174.

10:42 p.m. The budget point of order on the Menendez amendment #83 is sustained 48-50. (3/5 necessary). Senator Heller voted in favor.

10:26 p.m. Roll call vote began on the motion to waive the budget with respect to Menendez amendment #83.

10:22 p.m. The budget point of order on the Hatch amendment #179 is sustained 51-47. (3/5 necessary).

10:08 p.m. Roll call vote began on the motion to waive the budget with respect to Hatch amendment #179.

10:04 p.m. The budget point of order on the Barrasso amendment #181 is sustained 47-51. (3/5 necessary). Senators Cruz, Lee, Paul, and Sasse voted against.

9:44 p.m. Roll call vote began on the motion to waive the budget with respect to the Barrasso amendment #181.

9:39 p.m. Senator Corker introduced amendment #106 and then withdrew the amendment. Senator Enzi introduced en bloc Barrasso amendment #181 and Hatch amendment #179.

9:38 p.m. The budget point of order on the Casey amendment #61 is sustained 49-49. (3/5 necessary.) Senators Collins and Heller voted in favor.

9:18 p.m. Roll call vote began on the motion to waive the budget with respect to the Casey amendment #61.

9:14 p.m. The budget point of order on the Tester amendment #104 is sustained 48-50. (3/5 necessary.) Senator Heller voted in favor.

8:56 p.m. Roll call vote began on the motion to waive the budget with respect to the Tester amendment #104.

8:53 p.m. The Budget point of order on the Flake amendment #176 is sustained 50-48. (3/5 necessary.) Senator Portman voted against, with Senators Feinstein and Sessions not voting.

8:34 p.m. Roll call vote began on the motion to waive the budget with respect to the Flake amendment #176.

8:32 p.m. The Budget point of order on the Baldwin amendment #81 is sustained 48-50. (3/5 necessary.) Senator Collins voted in favor, with Senators Feinstein and Sessions not voting.

8:16 p.m. Roll call vote began on the motion to waive the budget with respect to the Baldwin amendment #81.

8:13 p.m The Budget point of order on the Heller amendment #167 is sustained 51-47. (3/5 necessary.) 100% party line with Senators Feinstein and Sessions not voting.

7:56 p.m. Roll call vote began on the motion to waive the budget with respect to the Heller amendment #167.

7:53 p.m. The Budget point of order on the Manchin amendment #64 is sustained 51-47. (3/5 necessary). Senators Capito, Collins, Heller and Portman voted in favor. Senators Feinstein and Sessions did not vote.

7:37 p.m Roll call vote began on the motion to waive the budget with respect to the Manchin amendment #64.

7:34 p.m. Senators Sanders and Enzi achieved UCs on the following amendments:

Senator Sanders asked that the following amendments be made pending and considered following disposition of the Stabenow amendment #94:
Cantwell #143
Brown #86
Coons #126

Senator Enzi asked that the following amendments (Republican side by sides) be made pending:
Heller #167 (side by side to Baldwin #81)
Flake #176 (side by side to Tester #104)

Thus, here is an updated list:

Next (Republican side by sides to amendments are possible):
1. Heller #167 (side by side to Baldwin)
2. Baldwin #81
3. Flake #176 (side by side to Tester)
4. Tester #104
5. Klobuchar-Sanders #172
6. Casey #61
7. Menendez #83
8. Gillibrand #82
9. Manchin #63
10. Stabenow #94
11. Cantwell #142
12. Brown #86
13. Coons #126

7:33 p.m. The Budget point of order on the Barrasso amendment #173 is sustained 51-47. (3/5 necessary). 100% party line with Senators Feinstein and Sessions not voting.

7:12 p.m Roll call vote began on the Barrasso motion to waive the budget act in respect to the Barrasso amendment #173.

7:09 p.m. Senators Barrasso, Sanders and Manchin spoke on the Barrasso amendment #173.

7:08 p.m. The Budget point  of order on King amendment #60 is sustained 48-50. Senator Collins voted in favor, and Senators and Feinstein and Sessions did not vote.

6:52 p.m. Roll call vote began on the King motion to waive the budget act in respect to the King amendent #60.

6:51 p.m. The budget point of order on Nelson #13 is sustained by a vote of 47 to 51. 100% party line with Senators Feinstein and Sessions not voting.

6:21 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Sanders motion to waive the budget act in respect to the Nelson amend #13 (drug coverage gap under medicare)

6:06 p.m.  Senator Enzi set up the first vote schedule for the vote-a-rama. The votes will occur in the following order starting at 6:15:

• Nelson #13
• King #60
• Barrasso side-by-side to Manchin #64
• Manchin-Tester-Heitkamp #64
• Baldwin #81
• Tester #104
• Klobuchar-Sanders #172
• Casey #61
• Menendez #83
• Gillibrand #82
• Manchin #63
• Stabenow #94

5:56 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke about the Affordable Care Act.

5:35 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke on the Budget Resolution.

4:53 p.m. Senator Daines spoke on repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act.

4:26 p.m. Senator Lee spoke about the Affordable Care Act.

4:11 p.m. Senators Graham and Scott spoke about the Clemson Tigers winning the national football championship.

3:54 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about Russian involvement in the electoral process.

3:38 p.m. Senator Wicker spoke about repealing the Affordable Care Act.

3:36 p.m. Senator Cotton spoke on the passing of Stanley Russ.

3:18 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke about health care and bringing down premiums.

3:13 p.m. Senator Isakson spoke about repealing the Affordable Care Act.

3:06 p.m. Senator Cassidy spoke about Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.

2:39 p.m. Senators Carper and Sanders spoke about the importance of the Affordable Care Act.

2:16 p.m. Senators Cornyn and Enzi spoke about the Affordable Care Act.

1:57 p.m. Senator Gardner spoke about the Affordable Care Act.

1:43 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.

1:20 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about Senator Booker’s testimony at the Judiciary nomination hearing.

1:16 p.m. Senator Gillibrand spoke on the Affordable Care Act.

1:00 p.m. Senator Tester spoke on the Affordable Care Act.

12:46 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the Budget Resolution and Reconciliation.

12:28 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke about his Chief of Staff, Christopher Gann.

12:19 p.m. The Senate resumed consideration of S.Con.Res. 3, the Budget Resolution for FY2017.

12:12 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about the Tillerson nomination hearing.

12:03 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the Affordable Care Act.

*****

The Senate will convene this afternoon at 12:00 p.m.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.Con.Res.3, FY2017 budget resolution, with 3  hours of debate remaining on the resolution for the Republicans and 3 hours for Democrats.

Tonight’s “vote-a-rama” is expected to begin at approximately 6:00 p.m.

5:23 p.m. Senator Peters spoke on the Affordable Care Act.

4:39 p.m. Senators Alexander and Enzi spoke on the Affordable Care Act.

4:23 p.m. Senator King spoke on the Affordable Care Act.

4:11 p.m. Senator Flake spoke on government waste.

3:33 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke on the budget resolution.

3:32 p.m. The motion to waive the budget act with respect to the Sanders amdt is not agreed to 49-49.  (3/5 needed).

Senators voting in favor: 46 Democrats, 2 Independents (King and Sanders), 1 Republican (Collins).

Senators voting against: 49 Republicans.

Senators not voting: 2 Republicans: Sessions and Tillis.

3:05 p.m. Roll call vote began on the motion to waive the budget act with respect to the Sanders amdt.

3:03 p.m. Senators Sanders and Enzi spoke on the Sanders amendment.

3:02 p.m. The motion to waive the budget act with respect to the Flake Amdt is not agreed to 31-67. (3/5 needed).

Senators voting in favor: Burr, Cassidy, Collins, Corker, Cotton, Crapo, Cruz, Daines, Ernst, Fischer, Flake, Gardner, Graham, Heller, Hoeven, Inhofe, Johnson, Lankford, Lee, McCain, Moran, Murkowski, Portman, Risch, Rubio, Sasse, Scott, Sullivan, Thune, Toomey, and Young.

Senators voting against: 46 Democrats, 19 Republicans, 2 Independents (King and Sanders).

Senators not voting: 2 Republicans: Sessions and Tillis.

2:31 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the the motion to waive the budget act in regards to Flake amendment #52 to S. Con. Res. 3.

2:32 p.m. Senator Sanders raised a budget point of order against amendment #52 and Senator Flake asked for a motion to waive.

2: 30 p.m. Senator Flake spoke on his amendment #52.

2:02 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke on his amendment #19.

1:01 p.m. The Senate recessed until 2 p.m.

1 p.m. Senator Enzi brought up Senator Flake’s amendment (#20).

12:46 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke about health care.

12:45 p.m. Senator Enzi spoke about health care.

12:36 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about the health care law.

12:28 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about the health care law.

12:27 p.m. The Senate resumed consideration of the Budget Resolution. The Senate agreed to recess for caucus meetings from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

12:13 p.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the consideration of presidential nominations. He spoke about the health care law.

12:03 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the nomination of Senator Sessions to be attorney general. He also spoke about the health care law.

*****

The Senate will convene at 12:00 p.m. and resume consideration of S.Con.Res. 3, the budget resolution.

We anticipate the standard Tuesday recess to accommodate the party luncheons from approximately 12:30-2:15 p.m.

At 2:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on the Flake amendment #52 (Social Security and Medicare); followed by a vote on the Sanders amendment #19 (Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid).

12:16 a.m. The Senate adjourned until noon Tuesday.

12:06 a.m. Senator Booker spoke about health care.

11:55 p.m. Senator Schatz spoke about mental health.

11:40 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about health care.

11:30 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about health.

11:17 p.m. Senator King spoke about health care.

11:02 p.m. Senator Coons spoke about health care.

10:50 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about health care.

10:33 p.m. Senator Baldwin spoke about health care.

10:22 p.m. Senator Bennet spoke about health care.

10:01 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke about health care.

9:41 p.m. Senator Casey spoke about health care.

9:31 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke about health care.

9:18 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke about health care.

9:06 p.m. Senator Markey spoke about health care.

8:56 p.m. Senator Schatz spoke about health care.

8:42 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke about health care.

8:27 p.m. Senator Franken spoke about health care.

8:18 p.m. Senator Heinrich spoke about health care.

8:03 p.m. Senator Udall spoke about health care.

7:51 p.m. Senator Warren spoke about health care.

7:38 p.m. Senator Shaheen spoke on the Affordable Care Act.

7:20 p.m. Senator Reed spoke against the use of the budget resolution to change the health care law.

7:10 p.m. Senator Murray spoke on the Affordable Care Act.

6:57 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke on the Affordable Care Act.

6:45 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on the affordable care act and mental illness. Recollects long fight by Senators Wellstone and Domenici for mental illness funding.

6:44 p.m. Motion to waive budget point of order not agreed to 49-47; 3/5th necessary to waive.

Senators voting in favor: 45 Democrats, 2 Independents (King and Sanders), 2 Republicans (Collins and Heller).

Senators voting against: 47 Republicans.

Senators not voting: Blunt, Carper, Graham and Tillis.

6:08 p.m Roll call vote began on the motion to waive the budget act with respect to the Hirono-Donnelly amendment on medicare/medicaid.

6:06 p.m. Senators Hirono and Enzi spoke on the Hirono-Dpnnelly amendment.

6:05 p.m. Paul substitute amendment not agreed to 14-83.

Senators voting in favor, all Republicans: Crapo, Cruz, Daines, Flake, Kennedy, Lankford, Lee, Moran, Paul, Risch, Rubio, Sasse, Scott, and Toomey.

Senators not voting: Blunt, Graham and Tillis.

5:34 p.m. Roll call vote began on the (Enzi for) Paul amendment to S.Con Res 3, the budget resolution.

5:32 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke on the (Enzi for) Paul amendment.
5:18 p.m. Senators Paul spoke about his amendment.

4:34 p.m. Senators Hirono and Donnelly spoke on the Affordable Care Act.

4:00 p.m. Senators Cornyn and Enzi spoke on the nomination process.

3:33 p.m. Senator Cassidy spoke on the Affordable Care Act.

3:18 p.m. Senator Cantwell spoke on the Affordable Care Act.

2:34 p.m. ML McConnell spoke on the Affordable Care Act.

2:21 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke on presidential cabinet nomination.

The Senate will convene at 2:00 p.m. and resume consideration of the FY 2017 Budget Resolution (S.Con.Res. 3).

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on the Enzi (for Paul) substitute amendment (#1).

These amendments are pending to the budget resolution:

• Paul substitute. (#1)

• Sanders amendment (#19) to prevent cuts in Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

• Hirono-Donnelly amendment (#20) to protect Medicare and Medicaid.

On Tuesday at 2:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on the Sanders amendment (#19). A Republican side-by-side amendment is also expected to be considered at that time.

The Senate convened at 12:45 p.m., attended a Joint Session in the House of Representatives to count the electoral ballots, and recessed upon dissolution of the Joint Session, at 1:43 p.m.

The Senate will next convene for business on Monday January 9th, at 2:00 p.m.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.Con.Res.3, the Budget Resolution.

At 5:30 p.m. on Monday, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote in relation to the Paul amendment #1 to S.Con.Res.3.

On Tuesday, January 10th at 2:30 p.m., the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote in relation to the Sanders amendment #19 to S.Con.Res.3.

6:48 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 12:45 p.m. tomorrow.

6:47 p.m. UC that the Senate will convene at 12:45 p.m. tomorrow. Following the prayer and pledge, the Senate will stand in recess and proceed as a body to the Hall of the House of Representatives under the provisions of S.Con.Res. 2, for the counting of the electoral ballots. Following dissolution of the Joint Session, the Senate will next convene for business on Monday at 2:00 p.m. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.Con.Res. 3, the Budget Resolution. At 5:30 p.m. on Monday, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote in relation to Senator Paul’s amendment #1 to S.Con.Res. 3.

6:46 p.m. Senator Sanders called up amendment #20 for Senator Hirono to S.Con.Res. 3.

6:45 p.m. Senator Sanders called up amendment #19 to S.Con.Res. 3.

6:44 p.m. Senator McConnell responded to Senator Schumer’s concerns and stated Senators Blunt and Schumer will remain on the Rules Committee until after January 20th.

6:44 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke about his concerns relating to committee organization relating to Armed Services and Intelligence Committees and and Russia interfering in the U.S. election.

6:43 p.m. Senator Schumer called up S.Res. 8, constituting the Minority party’s membership on certain committees for the 115th Congress or until their successors are chosen. The resolution was agreed to by voice.

6:42 p.m. Senator McConnell called up S.Res. 7, constituting the Majority party’s membership on certain committees for the 115th Congress or until their successors are chosen. The resolution was agreed to by voice.

6:40 p.m. Senator McConnell announced that at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 9th the Senate will vote in relation to Senator Paul amendment #1 to S.Con.Res. 3. Further, the Senate will vote in relation to Senator Sanders amendment #19 to S.Con.Res. 3 at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10th. Senator McConnell also announced he expects a side-by-side amendment to the Sanders amendment. Further votes on amendments are possible on both days.
6:26 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the Affordable Care Act.

6:25 p.m. Senators Cardin and Schumer gave tributes to Senator Van Hollen.

6:01 p.m. Senator Van Hollen gave his first remarks in the Senate on the Affordable Care Act.

5:32 p.m. Senator Lee spoke against the Bears Ears national monument designation.

5:04 p.m. Senator Fischer spoke about staffer Steven Still.

4:20 p.m. Senator Booker spoke against repealing the Affordable Care Act.

3:44 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on climate change.

3:43 p.m. Senator Enzi called up amendment #1 to S. Con. Res. 3.

3:20 p.m. Senator Cruz spoke on Israel.

3:15 p.m. The motion to waive the budget act failed by a vote of 48-52.

2:45 p.m. Senator Enzi made a motion that the Kaine amend #8 violated the Budget Act. Senator Kaine made a motion to waive the Budget Act.

2:15 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about the Affordable Care Act.

2:04 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke about the Affordable Care Act and health care.

1:45 p.m. Senator Cassidy spoke about high deductibles associated with the Affordable Care Act.

1:24 p.m. Senator Carper responded to Senator Moran’s remarks on health care.

1:13 p.m. Senator Moran spoke about revising the Affordable Care Act.

12:12 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about the Affordable Care Act.

11:57 a.m. Senator Blunt spoke about the Affordable Care Act.

11:44 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the Affordable Care Act and President-elect Trump’s cabinet nominations.

11:35 a.m. Senator Murphy spoke about the Affordable Care Act.

11:02 a.m. Senator Kaine brought up his amendment to create a point of order that would slow efforts to repeal elements of the health care law.

10:40 a.m. Senator Cardin defended the health care law.

10:30 a.m. Senator Durbin defended the health care law.

10:20 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer defended the health care law and spoke against efforts to repeal it. He also spoke of his talks with Senator McConnell about consideration of President-elect Trump’s nominations.

10:02 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke against the Affordable Care Act and for the effort to attack it through the budget resolution.

* * * * *

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m.  After leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.Con.Res. 3, the FY 2017 Budget Resolution.

No votes on amendments to the budget have been scheduled so far. The 50 hours of budget debate will expire next week.

6:46 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 10 a.m. Thursday, when it will resume consideration of the budget.

5:50 p.m. Senator Brown spoke against the Budget Resolution.

4:57 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke against the Budget Resolution.

4:33 p.m. Senator Flake criticized the health care system.

4:12 p.m. Senator Durbin defended the new health care system. He also spoke about immigration.

3:47 p.m. Senator Paul spoke against the pending resolution because it doesn’t balance.

3:23 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke against dismantling Obamacare, and was joined by Senator Sanders.

3:06 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke in support of S.Con.Res. 3 and removing the burden of Obamacare.

2:50 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke in opposition to S.Con.Res. 3.

2:33 p.m. Senator Enzi spoke on S.Con.Res. 3, the Budget Resolution and repealing Obamacare.

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

1:22 p.m. The Senate recessed to accommodate the weekly caucus luncheons.

1:21 p.m. The motion to proceed was agreed to 51-48.

Senators voting in favor: 51 Republicans.

Senators voting against: 45 Democrats, 2 independents (King and Sanders), 1 Republican (Paul).

Senators not voting: Feinstein.

12:38 p.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to proceed to S.Con Res. 3, the Budget Resolution.

12:20 p.m Senator Schumer spoke about his hopes for the Senate.

12:00 p.m The Senate convened and Senator McConnell spoke using his leadership time.

*****

The Senate will convene at 12:00 p.m.

2:10 p.m. Senate stands adjourned until 12:00 p.m. Wednesday January 4, 2017.

2:09 p.m. ML McConnell: UC that the Senate adjourn until 12:00 noon on Wednesday, January 4, 2017.

1:39 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke on Obamacare and the nomination process.

1:34 p.m. Senator Moran discussed the U.N. Security Council’s anti-Israel resolution and comments made by Secreatary of State Kerry.

1:20 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on the 115th Congress, the lack of a Republican replacement for Obamacare, and dreamers.

1:09 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the need for bipartisanship in the new Congress and Obamacare.

12:44 p.m. Senator Schumer began his first remarks as minority leader.

12:43 p.m. Senator McConnell sought consideration of S.Res. 4, to set majority membership on committees, and objected to his own request in order to have the resolution sent over. The Senate agreed to a period of morning business until 4 p.m. today.

12:38 p.m. Senator McConnell secured agreement to these measures:

— S.Res. 1, to inform the president that a Senate quorum is present for the 115th Congress;

— S. Res. 2, to  inform the House of Representatives that a Senate quorum is present for the 115th Congress;

— S. Res. 3, to fix the hour of the Senate’s daily meeting;

— S.Con.Res. 1, to extend the life of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies;

— S. Con.Res. 2, to provide for the counting on January 6 of electoral votes for the president and vice president of the United States;

— 11 separate unanimous consent requests, all routinely offered at the beginning of each Congress, considered en bloc;

12:37 p.m. Vice President Biden deemed that a quorum is present and recognized Senator McConnell to offer a series of measures.

12:28 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell made welcoming remarks. A live quorum call began.

12:05 p.m. Vice President Biden began the process of swearing in 34 senators, seven elected for the first time in 2016 and the balance re-elected.

12:02 p.m. Vice President Biden convened the Senate for the 115th Congress.

11:55 a.m. The Senate met for the final pro forma session of the 114th Congress, Senator Toomey presiding. No business was conducted. The Senate adjourned sine die.

The Senate will convene at noon for the 115th Congress.

*****

The Senate will convene for the final pro forma of the 114th Congress at 11:55 a.m.

The Senate will then stand adjourned until 12:00 noon, at which time the 115th Congress will convene.

The Senate convened for a pro forma session at 10:00 a.m.  Senator Hatch presided, and no business was conducted.