2:51 p.m.  The Senate adjourned until 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday July 7.

2:46 p.m. Leader McConnell began wrap-up, securing voice vote passage of H.R. 833, for a coin to commemorate the Boys Town centennial. By voice vote, the Senate passed S. 230, as amended, to convey certain property to the Yukon Health Corporation in Alaska. By voice vote, the Senate passed S. Res. 215, designating June National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month. The leader started Rule 14 proceedings on S. 1698, excluding certain federal benefits for state eugenics programs.

The Senate agreed that, unless the House passes the adjournment resolution, pro-forma sessions will be conducted at these times during the Independence Day recess:

— Noon on Friday, June 26;

— 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30;

— 10 a.m. Friday, July 3.

2:19 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on the King V Burwell decision.

1:57 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke the Senate under Republican leadership and  about increasing transportaion funding and paying for spending.

1:55 p.m. Senator Coons spoke about the retiring head of the Delaware Business Development office, Alan Levin.

1:34 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke about King v. Burwell decision and the need for transportation funding.

1:22 p.m. Senator Cruz spoke about the King v. Burwell decision.

12:45 p.m. Senator Booker spoke on the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act and paid tribute to the Pages.

12:16 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke on wild fires in Alaska and land and water regulations.

12:07 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the Affordable Care Act and gave a summary of the work done by the Senate since January.

11:52 a.m. Senator Cardin spoke on the unrest in Baltimore after the death of Freddie Gray and moving forward.

11:43 a.m. Senator Gardner spoke about rural hospitals.

10:45 a.m. Senators Enzi, Barrasso, Murphy, and Hatch spoke the Supreme Court ruling.

10:37 a.m. Senator Graham spoke on the Supreme Court ruling before turning to discuss negotiations with Iran.

10:29 a.m. Democratic Leader Reid and Majority Leader McConnell spoke on the Supreme Court ruling today on the Affordable Care Act.

10:08 a.m. Senator McCain explained that part of the Defense Authorization was written in violation of the House Ways and Means jurisdiction. Therefore, Unanimous Consent is achieved that when the Senate receives the papers from the House, the Secretary of the Senate re-engrosses the Senate amendment to the bill to strike section 636 from HR 1735, the Defense Authorization.

10:01 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke on trade, and late turns to discuss wounded warrior atheltic games, and finally, post traumatic stress disorder awareness.

9:53 a.m. Democratic Leader Reid spoke on voting rights issues.

The Senate convened at 9:50 a.m. Later, the Senate will begin to consider reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (H.R. 1177), including changes in the public school testing system.

There will be no more roll call votes this week.

The next roll call vote will be on Tuesday, July 7 at 5:30 p.m. on confirmation of Kara Farnandez Stoll’s nomination to the U.S. Circuit Court for the Federal Circuit.

6:54 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 9:50 a.m. Thursday.

6:45 p.m.  Senator Shaheen spoke about Ukraine.

6:31 p.m. Senator Markey spoke about Alzheimer’s Disease.

6:18 pm. Senator Portman spoke about trade and announced that the Senate will convene at 9:50 a.m. on Thursday.

6:16 p.m. Leader McConnell announced that when the Senate convenes Thursday, it will take up S. 1177, the revision of the public school testing system. He also announced that on July 7 at 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on Executive Calendar #81, the nomination of Kara Farnandez Stoll, of Virginia, to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Federal Circuit.

By voice vote, the Senate agreed to H.R. 533 to revoke the charter of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. By voice vote, the Senate adopted S. Con. Res. 19, the adjournment resolution.

5:57 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about the Iran nuclear deal and about the Coast Guard.

5:51 p.m. Senator Daines spoke about the mental health of military veterans.

5:20 p.m. Senator Coats spoke about the Iran nuclear deal.

5:19 p.m. The Senate confirmed the following nominees by voice vote:

• Charles C. Adams, Jr., of Maryland, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Finland.
• Mary Catherine Phee, of Illinois, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of South Sudan.
• Nancy Bikoff Pettit, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Latvia.
•  Gregory T. Delawie, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Kosovo.
• Ian C. Kelly, of Illinois, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Georgia.
• Julieta Valls Noyes, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Croatia.
• Anne Elizabeth Wall, of Illinois, to be a Deputy Under Secretary of the Treasury

5:18 p.m. The Senate invoked cloture by a roll call vote of 76-22 on the motion to concur with an amendment in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.1295, the TAA and Preferences bill.

Then the Senate adopted by voice vote the motion to concur with an amendment in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.1295, the TAA and Preferences bill.

The motion to invoke cloture on the motion to go to conference on H.R.644, the Customs bill was withdrawn.

And the Senate adopted the motion to go to conference on H.R.644, the Customs bill by voice vote.

###

4:35 p.m Senator Scott and Senator Graham introduced S. Res. 212 (condemning the attack on the Charleston church). The measure passed by voice vote.

4:30 p.m. The motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amedment to H.R. 2146 (vehicle for TPA) was agreed to by a roll call vote of 60-38.

3:59 p.m. Senator Perdue spoke on the Affordable Care Act.

3:49 p.m. Senator Thune spoke on the Affordable Care Act.

3:35 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke on TPA.

****

At 4:00 p.m. there will be up to five votes:

1. Motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 2146 (vehicle for TPA).
2. Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur with an amendment in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1295 (TAA and Preferences bill).
3. Motion to concur with an amendment in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1295.
4. Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to go to conference on H.R. 644 (Customs bill).
5. Motion to go to conference on H.R. 644.

****

3:08 p.m. Senator Tillis spoke on the Affordable Care Act.

2:50 p.m. Senator Brown spoke against TPA.

2:34 p.m. Senator Franken paid tribute to his Chief of Staff and spoke on Trade Adjustent Assistance.

• 2:10 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about climate change and the customs conference.

Read more »

The Senate has adjourned until 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 24th. Following leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R. 2164.

The following nominations were confirmed during wrap-up:

• LaVerne Horton Council, NJ, to be an Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Information and Technology). By voice vote.
• David J. Shulkin, PA , to be Under Secretary for Health of the Department  of Veteran’s Affairs. By voice vote.
• Executive calendar #s 157-192. By unanimous consent.
• Nominations placed on the Secretary’s Desk for the Air Force, Army, Foreign Service, Marine Corps, and Navy. By unanimous consent.

The following legislation was passed by unanimous consent during wrap-up:

• S. 209, Ulysses S. Grant Association
• S. Res. 210, 125th Anniversary of the State of Wyoming.
• McConnell’s request to amend H.R.. 644 to request a conference with the House.

****

5:37 p.m. Senator Moran spoke on the OPM security breach.

5:03 p.m. Senator Baldwin and Senator Capito spoke on the Jason Simkumski Memorial Act.

3:23 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke on trade.

3:07 p.m. Senator Thune spoke on trade.

2:56 p.m. Senator Gardner spoke on the Trans Pacific Partnership.

2:30 p.m. Senator Donnelly spoke about the export-import bank.

2:16 p.m. Senator Ayotte spoke on the internet sales tax moratorium.

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

12:30 p.m. The Senate recessed until 2:15 p.m to allow for the weekly caucus luncheons.

11:45 a.m. Senators Cornyn, Carper, Manchin, and Flake spoke about trade.

11:37 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell, and Senators Brown and Sanders spoke following cloture being invoked on Trade Promotion Authority.

11:36 a.m. Cloture invoked 60-37.  Democrats in favor: Bennet, Cantwell, Carper, Coons, Feinstein, Heitkamp, Kaine, McCaskill, Murray, Nelson, Shaheen, Warner, and Wyden. Republicans against: Collins, Cruz, Paul, Sessions and Shelby.  Senators not voting: Corker, Lee, Menendez.

11:06 a.m. Roll call vote begins on cloture on TPA.

10:17 a.m. Senators Hatch, Wyden, and Brown spoke on Trade Promotion Authority.

10:10 a.m.  DL Reid spoke about the shooting in South Carolina.

10:03 a.m. ML McConnell mvoes to appoint conferees and files cloture on the motion to insist upon the Senate amendment and agree to the request by the House for a conference and appoint conferees to HR 644, the Customs bill.  Speaks on schedule and trade bills, hopes to finish TPA, TAA, and move to conference on the Customs bill.

***

The Senate will convene at 10:00am.

• At 11:00am, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House message accompanying H.R. 2146 [the legislative vehicle for Trade Promotion Authority].

o    If cloture is invoked on the House message accompanying H.R. 2146, there will be up to thirty hours of post-cloture debate prior to a vote on the motion to concur.  Following disposition of the House message accompanying H.R. 2146, the Senate will immediately proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House message accompanying H.R. 1295 [the legislative vehicle for the trade preferences legislation and Trade Adjustment Assistance], with an amendment.

The following amendments/motion are currently pending to the motion to concur in the House message accompanying H.R. 2146 [the legislative vehicle for Trade Promotion Authority]:

• McConnell amendment to change the enactment date. (#2060)
• McConnell second-degree amendment to McConnell amendment #2060, of a perfecting nature. (#2061)
• McConnell motion to refer H.R. 2146 to the Finance Committee, with instructions to change the enactment date. (#2062)
• McConnell amendment to McConnell motion to refer #2062, of a perfecting nature. (#2063)
• McConnell second-degree amendment to McConnell amendment #2063, of a perfecting nature. (#2064)

The following amendments/motion are currently pending to the motion to concur in the House message accompanying H.R. 1295 [the legislative vehicle for trade preferences legislation and Trade Adjustment Assistance]:

• McConnell amendment in the nature of a substitute. (#2065) [text of trade preferences legislation and Trade Adjustment Assistance]
• McConnell amendment to McConnell substitute amendment #2065, to change the enactment date. (#2066)
• McConnell motion to refer H.R. 1295 to the Finance Committee, with instructions to change the enactment date. (#2067)
• McConnell amendment to McConnell motion to refer #2067, of a perfecting nature. (#2068)
• McConnell second-degree amendment to McConnell amendment #2068, of a perfecting nature. (#2069)

6:38 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2015.  In wrap-up, the Senate passed H.R. 91, the Veterans ID Card Act, as amended by the Blumenthal substitute amendment.

6:18 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about the Affordable Care Act.

6:12 p.m. The Senate confirmed Daniel R. Elliott III, of Ohio, to be a Member of the Surface Transportation Board by voice vote.

6:10 p.m. The Senate confirmed Peter V. Neffenger, of Ohio, to be an Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security by a roll call vote or 81-1.  Senator Sasse voted against the nomination.

5:27 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke about the upcoming Supreme Court decision on health care.

5:16 p.m Senator Nelson spoke about the shooting in South Carolina and in favor of the Elliott nomination.

5:11 p.m. Senator Carper spoke in favor of the Neffenger nomination.

5:10 p.m. Senate proceeded to Executive Session to consider the Neffenger and Elliott nominations.

4:43 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke on synthetic drugs.

4:17 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke about the shooting in South Carolina and civil rights.

3:31 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about Obamacare.

3:23 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke about the shooting in South Carolina and Iran nuclear deal.

3:15 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke in support of the Neffenger nomination.

3:08 p.m. Democratic Leader Reid spoke about the export-import bank.

3:03 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the Neffenger nomination and the pending trade bills.

The Senate convened at 3:00pm. Following Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of Morning business until 5:00pm.

At 5:00pm the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to the en bloc consideration of the following nominations:

1. Exec.Cal.#156 – Peter V. Neffenger, of Ohio, to be an Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security.
2. Exec.Cal.#124 – Daniel R. Elliott III, of Ohio, to be a Member of the Surface Transportation Board.

At 5:30pm there will be up to two roll call votes on the Neffenger and Elliott nominations.

Please note, cloture has been filed on H.R.2146, the vehicle for TPA, and H.R.1295, the Preferences and TAA bill.

The Senate has adjourned until 3:00 p.m. Monday, June 22nd. Up to two votes are expected at 5:30 p.m. on the following nominations:

• Peter V. Neffenger, OH, to be an Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security
• Daniel R. Elliott III, OH, to be a Member of the Surface Transportation Board

During wrap-up:

Modifying the text of Coons amdt. #1474 (previously agreed to) to H.R. 1735 by replacing with text of Coons amdt. #2058 was agreed to by unanimous consent.

S. 808  Surface Transportation Board as an independent establishment, was passed by unanimous consent.

S.Res. 205 Congratulating the Chicago Blackhawks on winning the Stanley Cup, was passed by unanimous consent.

S. Res. 206 Congratulating the Golden State Warriors for winning the NBA championship, was passed by unanimous consent.

****

6:47 p.m. ML McConnell filled the tree and filed cloture on both the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 2146 (Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015) and H.R. 1295 (Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015) with amendment to add Trade Adjustment Assistance. 

5:50 p.m. Senator Heitkamp spoke Vietnam veterans of North Dakota.

4:30 p.m. Senator Sessions spoke on TPA.

3:56 p.m. Senator Baldwin spoke about the Affordable Care Act.

3:47 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke about the Affordable Care Act.

3:30 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about the Affordable Care Act.

3:10 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke on the Defense Authorization.

3:08 p.m. Senator Murray spoke about DACA.

2:40 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about World Refugee Day.

There are NO further roll call votes in the Senate this week.

2:39 p.m. ML McConnell entered a motion to reconsider.

2:38 p.m. By a vote of 50-45, cloture was not invoked on the motion to proceed to HR 2685, Defense Appropriations.  Senator Donnelly voted for cloture and ML McConnell changed his vote to no in order to be able to enter a motion to reconsider.  Senators not voting: Coats, Graham, Lee, McCaskill, and Scott.

2:20 p.m. Roll call vote begins on the motion to invoke cloture on motion to proceed to HR 2685, Defense Appropriations.

2:13 p.m. ML McConnell and DL Reid spoke on Defense Appropriations.

2:12 p.m. The Senate passes HR 1735, NDAA by a vote of 71-25.  Republicans voting no: Cruz and Paul.  Democrats voting no: Baldwin, Booker, Boxer, Brown, Cardin, Durbin, Franken, Gillibrand, Hirono, Leahy, Manchin, Markey, Menendez, Merkley, Mikulski, Nelson, Reed, Reid, Sanders, Schumer, Warren, Whitehouse, and Wyden. Senators not voting: Graham, Lee, McCaskill, and Scott.

1:45 p.m. Roll call vote begins on passage of HR 1735, National Defense Authorization.

1:26 p.m. Senator McCain spoke about NDAA.

1:25 p.m. The Senate received a message from the house regarding passage of TPA.

1:15 p.m. Senator Reed spoke about NDAA.

12:50 p.m. Senator McConnell spoke about the Charleston church shooting.

12:36 p.m. Senator Heinrich spoke about immigration and DREAMERS.

12:09 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the upcoming Defense appropriations bill debate.

12:05 p.m. UC agreement: All time will be yielded back at 1:45 p.m.  Further, Senators McCain and Reed adopted the following amendments by unanimous consent:

McCain S.Amdt.1974, as modified (2047 is a second degree) (Iranian dissidents)

Murkowski SA #2030 (recreational activities)

Vitter SA #1472 as modified (AbilityOne goods)

Daines SA #1890 (basic allowances)

Coats SA #1705 (Taiwan)

Flake SA #1720 (transportation of families)

Gardner SA #1708 (promotion of US interests)

Enzi SA #1908 (small business procurement ombudsman)

Paul SA #1678 (population)

Hatch SA #1811 (sustainment enhancement)

Fischer SA #1825 (Merchant Marine)

King SA #2020 (disposal regs)

Menendez SA #2050, with modification to the instruction line (Cyprus)

Coons SA #1474 (National Guard State Partnership Program)

Murphy SA #1901 (foreign procurements)

Warren SA #1902 (problem gambling behavior)

Blumenthal SA #1563 (e-health records)

Durbin SA #1703 (PTSD training to Ukrainian military forces)

Tester SA #1944, as modified (personnel security)

Casey SA #1747 (security of Afghan women and girls)

Schatz SA #2006 (next of kin travel policy)

Leahy SA #1931 (National Guard Bureau)

Ayotte SA #2011 (tunnels)

Bennet SA #1916 (VA construction)

11:55 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke about the defense authorization.

11:42 p.m. Senator Roberts spoke about the Charleston church shootings. He also spoke about the new health care law.

10:41 a.m. Senator McCain spoke on the NDAA.

10:20 a.m. Senator Markey spoke about the Charleston church shootings. He also spoke about the pope’s climate change encyclical.

10:10 a.m. Senator King spoke about the pope’s position on climate change.

9:50 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the Charleston church shootings.

9:33 p.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke about the church shootings in Charleston, S.C.

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

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. to resume post-cloture consideration of H.R. 1735 the defense authorization.

No votes have been scheduled yet for Thursday. If all post-cloture time is used, it would run out late Thursday night. After post-cloture debate concludes, the Senate will vote on final passage of the defense authorization.

Meanwhile, cloture has been filed on the motion to proceed to H.R. 2685, the separate defense bill to appropriate money for military programs.

After the Senate has concluded its action on H.R. 1735, the FY2016 authorization that sets policy for defense programs, a cloture vote can occur on the motion to proceed to H.R. 2685, the FY2016 appropriation that sets spending levels for defense programs.

5:06 P.M. The Senate adjourned until 9:30 a.m. Thursday.

4:45 p.m. Senator Moran paid tribute to visiting students from Kansas. By voice votes, the Senate then passed: S. Res. 203, to set June 30 as American Eagle Day; and S. 519, a bill to amend labor-management regulations;

4:59 p.m. By a vote of 84-14, cloture was invoked on HR 1735, Defense Authorization.  No votes: Baldwin, Brown, Casey, Cruz, Franken, Gillibrand, Leahy, Markey, Manchin, Merkley, Reid, Sanders, Warren, Wyden.

4:05 p.m. Roll call vote begins on cloture on HR 1735, Defense Authorization.

4:03 p.m. All other pending amendments ruled non germane and thus fall.

4:02 p.m. The following amendments were agreed to by voice vote:

1. Hatch second-degree amendment (#1911), requiring information on Pentagon software sustainment

2. McCain (#1456), requiring more information on naval shipbuilding;

3. McCain (#1463), substitute amendment.

3:57 p.m. Senators Mikulski and Inhofe spoke on their amendment on commissaries.

3:48 p.m. Senator McCain spoke on the Defense Authorization.

3:30 p.m. Senator Inhofe asked UC that the Hatch amendment #1911 be further modified.

3:21 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke about the Affordable Care Act and the Supreme Court case.

3:12 p.m. Senator Gardener spoke about seaports.

2:59 p.m. Senator King spoke about World Refugee Day and organizations that help refugees.

2:55 p.m. Senator McCain announced that voice votes on amendments and on his NDAA substitute amendment will occurr at 4:00 p.m. today. Then there will be a cloture vote on the underlying defense bill.

2:47 p.m. Senator Graham spoke about the Iran Nuclear Deal.

2:45 p.m. Senator Inhofe offered a modification to the Hatch amendment #1911.

2:27 p.m. Senator Warner spoke about current jobs situation and on demand workers.

2:23 p.m. Senator Feinstein congratulated the Golden State Warriors.

2:09 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke on climate change.

1:57 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about assitance to the disabled.

1:50 p.m. Senator Boozman spoke for the Safe Drinking Water Act.

1:44 p.m. Senator Boxer joined in a colloquy with Senator Schatz.

1:41 p.m. Senator Schatz spoke about climate change.

1:26 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke about the negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program.

12:28 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.

12:04 Senator Cornyn spoke about the NDAA and Defense Appropriations.

12:00 a.m. Senator Kaine spoke about DACA (immigration).

11:42 a.m. Senator Mikulski spoke about NDAA and an amendment to study privitization of commissaries before privitizing them.

11:40 a.m. Senator Wicker spoke about NDAA.

11:20 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about Senator McCain’s amendment about medical research.

10:56 a.m. Senator McCain spoke about NDAA and said that he sees resolution on the bill soon. He also spoke about his amendment about medical research and then spoke about cyber warfare.

10:39 a.m. Senator Coats spoke on the NDAA.

10:33 a.m. Senator Isakson spoke on the Affordable Care Act.

10:24 a.m. Senator Barrasso spoke on the Affordable Care Act.

10:22 a.m. Senator Stabenow spoke on the NDAA.

10:13 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke on Senator Peters maiden speech and the NDAA.

10:13 a.m. Senator Stabenow spoke on Senator Peters maiden speech.

10:10 a.m. Senator Reid spoke on Senator Peters maiden speech.

9:53 a.m. Senator Peters gave his maiden speech.

9:40 a.m. Senator Reid spoke on the NDAA and the Federal Highways Program.

9:32 a.m. ML McConnell spoke on the NDAA.

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and, after leader remarks and morning business, will resume post-cloture debate on the McCain substitute (#1463) to the 2016 defense authorization (H.R. 1735). If opponents use all the post-cloture time, debate will end shortly after 10 p.m.

Majority Leader McConnell has meanwhile filed cloture on the motion to proceed to 2016 defense appropriation (H.R. 2685). The cloture vote on this defense spending bill will occur after the Senate completes action on the defense authorization.

So far, no votes have been scheduled for today.

Besides the McCain substitute, these amendments are pending to the defense authorization:

o    McCain (#1456), requiring more information on naval shipbuilding;

• Hatch second-degree amendment (#1911), requiring information on Pentagon software sustainment;

o    Cornyn amendment (#1486) requiring information on energy security in Europe and the Russia; sense of Congress on helping allies to protect energy sources;

o    Markey amendment (#1645); sense of Congress that U.S. oil exports of crude oil shouldn’t increase U.S. energy prices or reliance on oil imports;

o    Blumenthal amendment (#1564, as modified), raising penalties for breaking law to protect civil rights of members of the armed services;

o    Paul amendment (#1543, as modified) to strengthen programs that promote employee cost-saving suggestions;

o    Durbin amendment (#1559, as modified) to ban defense contracts with inverted domestic corporations;

• Fischer amendment (#1825) to authorize defense-related Merchant Marine programs.

6:10 The Senate stands adjourned until 9:30 Wednesday, June 17th.

6:05 Senator Durbin spoke on the Affordable Care Act.

6:00 p.m. Senator McConnell ended the day by announcing the Senate would resume session at 9:30 on Wednesday, June 17, 2015. When the Senate resumes session, following leader remarks, the senate will be in a period of morning business for 1 hour. When the Senate resumes legislative session it will continue debate on the McCain substitute #1463. All time will count against post cloture.

5:45 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke on benefits for senior citizens.

5:31 p.m. Senator Markey spoke on global warming.

5:30 p.m. The Vitter amendment was not agreed to by a roll call vote of 26- 73.

5:00 p.m. The Senate is currently voting on the Vitter #1473 (as modified) to H.R. 1735, NDAA.

4:55 p.m. Senator Vitter spoke in favor of his amendment.

4:51 Senator McCain spoke on the Vitter amendment.

4:50 Senate Reed spoke on the pending legislation.

4:40 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke on the internet access tax.

4:30 p.m. Senator Ayotte spoke on the Defense authorization legislation.

4:20 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the defense authorization legislation.

4:15 p.m. Senator McCain asked UC that Senator Hatch be allowed to offer amendment #1911 to amendment #1456. Additionally, at 5:00 p.m. the Senate proceed to a vote on the Vitter amendment. Se ended by asking the Lee amendment #1687 be withdrawn.

4:10 p.m. By a vote of 83-15 cloture was invoked on McCain substitute #1463. Senators voting against cloture: Baldwin, Brown, Casey, Cruz, Franken, Gillibrand, Leahy, Manchin, Markey, Merkley, Paul, Reid, Sanders, Warren, and Wyden.

3:03 p.m. Roll call vote begins on cloture on the substitute amendment  #1463.

3:01 p.m. Gillibrand amendment not agreed to 50-49.  (60 vote threshold).  Democrats/Independents against: Carper, Kaine, King, Manchin, McCaskill, Nelson, Reed, Tester, Warner, and Whitehouse.  Republicans in favor: Collins, Cruz, Daines, Enzi, Gardner, Grassley, Heller, Kirk, McConnell, Moran, Murkowski, Paul, Thune, and Vitter.   Senator Rubio missed the vote.

2:43 p.m. Roll call vote begins on the Gillibrand amendment #1578, with a 60 vote threshold.

2:41 p.m. Ernst amendment not agreed to 54-45. (60 vote threshold) Democrats in favor: Booker, Boxer, Heinrich, Manchin, Peters, Schatz, Stabenow, and Wyden.  Republicans against: Alexander, Cochran, Corker, Flake, Perdue, Sessions, and Wicker.  Senator Rubio missed the vote.

2:18 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Ernst amendment, #1549, with a 60 vote threshold.

2:17 p.m. Senator Reed spoke against the Ernst amendment.

2:15 p.m. The Senate returned to session, Senator Ernst spoke in favor of her amendment, joined by Senator Boxer.

12:37 p.m. The Senate recessed for the weekly caucus luncheons.

12:33 p.m. Senator Gillibrand spoke about her proposal.

12:27 p.m. Senator McCaskill spoke about military sexual assault, and in opposition to the Gillibrand proposal.

12:23 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about military sexual assault prosecutions.

12:12 p.m. Senator Gillibrand spoke about her amendment, which would change military sexual assault prosecutions.

12:07 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about his amendment concerning privatizing select commissaries.  When he asked UC to bring up the amendment, Sen. Reed objected.

12:03 p.m. McCain-Feinstein amdt #1889 agreed to 78-21. Senators voting no:Barrasso, Blunt, Coats, Cochran, Cotton, Cornyn, Crapo, Ernst, Fischer, Graham, Hatch, Inhofe, Lankford, Lee, McConnell, Risch, Roberts, Sasse, Scott, Sessions, Vitter. Senator Rubio missed the vote.

11:30 a.m. The Senate begin a roll call vote on the McCain-Feinstein amendment, #1889.

11:25 a.m. Senator Feinstein paid tribute to Senators McCain and Reed.

11:22 a.m. Senator Reed spoke for the torture amendment.

11:18 a.m. Senator McCain spoke about endorsements of the torture amendment.

11:10 a.m. Senator Feinstein spoke for the torture amendment.

11:05 a.m. Senator McCain spoke for the McCain-Feinstein amendment to reaffirm the ban on torture.

10:56 a.m. DL Reid paid tribute to Kirk Kerkorian.

10:50 a.m. Senator Hatch spoke on the various crisises in the world and the Defense authorization bill.

10:40 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke on changes the House made to the FISA bill, attempts to call up his amendment #1786 on this topic.  Sentor Reed objected.

10:35 a.m. Senator Durbin congratulated the Chicago Blackhawks on their Stanley Cup win.

10:26 a.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke on the Metal Theft Prevention Act; attempts to call up her amendment #1555 on this topic.  Senator McCain objected.

10:09 a.m. DL Reid spoke on the Defense authorization and domestic spending.  Later changes topic to discuss food safety.

10:03 a.m. ML McConnell moves to proceed to the Defense appropriations and files cloture on the motion to proceed.  Continues by discussing the Defense authorization bill.

***

The Senate convened at 10:00 a.m. and has resumed consideration of the defense authorization, H.R. 1735.

The following votes are expected Tuesday:

• 11:30 a.m. The McCain-Feinstein amendment (#1889), reaffirming the ban on torture;
• 2:15 p.m. Three votes:
• 1.) Ernst amendment (#1549), arming the Kurds (60 votes required for passage);
• 2.) Gillibrand amendment (#1578), military sexual assault (60 votes);
• 3.  Cloture on the McCain substitute amendment (#1463).

Between 12:30 p.m. and 2:15 p.m., the Senate will recess for weekly caucus lunches.

7:07 p.m., the Senate adjourned until 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 16.

7:05 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell secured passage of these measures by voice votes:

— S. 565, to cut the cost of operating the federal fleet;

— S.Res. 201, to declare June 19 to be Juneteenth Independence Day;

— S. Res. 202, to declare June 15 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

6:25 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about summer nutrition programs.

6:13 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta.

6:11 p.m. The Senate confirmed Matthew T. Maguire as United States Executive Director of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development by a roll call vote of 62-24.

The Senate then confirmed Gentry O. Smith to be Director of the Office of Foreign Missions by voice vote.

5:22 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke in favor of the federal program that defers action to deport certain undocumented immigrants.

5:16 p.m. Senator Corker spoke in favor of the pending nominations.

5 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke in favor of confirmation of the nominations of Matthew Maguire (to be executive director of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development) and Gentry Smith (to be director of the Office of Foreign Missions).

4:44 p.m. Senator Coats spoke about government waste.

4:08 p.m. Senator Hirono described a soldier’s murder of his child. The senator argued for her amendment to protect the children of military families from abuse. Senator Hirono also spoke about educational opportunities for immigrants.

3:48 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the defense bill.

3:09 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about space diplomacy and the international space station.

2:52 p.m.  Senator Ernst spoke in favor of her amendment, #1549.  It provides temporary authority to provide weapons to Iraqi Kurds against ISIS.

2:25 p.m. The following votes were scheduled for tomorrow after Senator McCain asked unanimous consent:
11:30 a.m. Tuesday: vote on McCain-Feinstein amendment #1889
2:15 p.m. Tuesday 3 votes:
Ernst amendment #1549
Gillibrand amendment #1578 and
cloture on the McCain substitue amendment #1463.

2:03 p.m. Democratic Leader Reid and Senator Durbin spoke on immigration.

The Senate convened at 2:00pm. Following Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of Morning business for one hour.

Following Morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.1735, the Defense authorization bill.

At 5:00pm the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations, with 30 minutes of debate, followed by roll call votes on both nominations.

1. Exec.Cal.#131 – Matthew T. McGuire, of the District of Columbia, to be United States Executive Director of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
2. Exec.Cal.#132 – Gentry O. Smith, of North Carolina, to be Director of the Office of Foreign Missions, and to have the rank of Ambassador.

The Majority Leader filed cloture on the underlying bill (HR 1735) and the McCain substitute amendment #1463.

Pending Amendments to H.R.1735, NDAA:

McCain SA #1463 (substitute, which is the text of S.1376, the National Defense Authorization Act as reported by the Senate Armed Services Committee)

The following amendments are pending to the substitute:

McCain SA#1456 (naval vessels)

Cornyn SA #1486 (report on energy security issues involving Europe and the Russian Federation)

Markey SA #1645 (SoS re: crude oil exports)

Vitter SA #1473, as modified (retirement of Army combat units)

Blumenthal SA #1564, as modified (civil penalties)

Paul SA #1543, as modified (employee cost savings suggestions programs)

Durbin SA #1559, as modified (inverted domestic corporations)

McCain-Feinstein SA #1889 (torture prohibition)

Fischer SA #1825 (Merchant Marines)

Lee SA #1687 (sage grouse) to Vitter SA #1473, as modified (Army combat unites)

Ernst SA #1549 (arming the Kurds)

Gillibrand SA #1578 (military sexual assault)

At 6:20 p.m. Senate adjourned until 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 15th. Next votes will occur at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 15^th  on Exec Cal 131, Matthew McGuire, DC, to be U.S. Exec Dir of the International bank for Reconstruction and Development and Exec Cal #132, Gentry Smith, ND, to be Director of the Office of Foreign Missions, and to have the rank of Ambassador.

6:16 p.m. Senate passed the following in wrap up by unanimous consent:
S. 1568 –a bill to extend the authorization to replace the existing center of medical affairs in Denver, Co.

HR 615 – Amending Homeland Security bill;
H Con Res 54 – Reprinting of 25th edition of the pocket constitution

5:42 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke on NDAA.

5:22 p.m. Senator Hietkamp gave tribute to veterans.

4:23 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke about rioting and law enforcement.

4:10 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about defense authorization and cybersecurity.

4:01 p.m. Senator Reed offered for Senator Gillibrand amend #1578-reform procedures for determinations to proceed to trial by court-martial for certain offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

4:01 p.m. Senator McCain offered for Senator Ernst amend #1549-temporary, emergency authorization of defense articles, defense services and related training directly to the Kurdistan Regional Government.

3:48 p.m Senator Peters spoke about remanufacturing auto parts and also spoke about Israel.

3:35 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke about family values and benefits-maternity leave, sick leave, vacation.

3:31 p.m. Cloture not invoked on McCain (for Burr) amendment #1569   56-40.  Republicans against: Heller, Lee, and Paul. Democrats in favor: Bennet, Donnelly, Klobuchar, Manchin, Nelson, and Warner.

3:04 p.m. Cloture vote on the McCain (for Burr) amendment #1569 as modified begins.

2:55 p.m. ML McConnell achieves UC to move cloture vote on the cybersecurity amendment to today at 3:00 p.m.  Files cloture on the McCain substitute.

2:43 p.m. Senator McCain offers UC: Vote on cloture on Burr amendment at 3:00pm. today, vote on several amendments on Tuesday June 16 at 11:00am. (1543, 1578, 1693, 1825, 1660, 1468) cloture vote on McCain substitute at 3:00 pm Tuesday.  Senator Reid reserving the right to object, offers own UC.   ML McConnell offers further UC to take up Cyber bill following defense appropriations.  DL Reid attempts to take it up following defense authorization. All UC attempts are ultimately rejected.

2:21 p.m. Senator Inhofe discussed the Defense authorization and his amendment regarding commissaries.

2:15 p.m. Senator McCain objected when Senator Inhofe attempted to vitiate the quorum call.

2:06 p.m. Senator Lee offered his amendment, #1687.

1:11 p.m. Senator Flake spoke on his Jurassic Pork report on earmarked spending.

12:54 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke about Iran’s nuclear capabilities and the deal being negotiated to control Iranian arms.

12:38 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about transportation funding.

12:20 p.m. Senator Cotton spoke about the Supreme’s Court’s decision upolding executive authority on passports.

12:15 p.m. Senator Rounds spoke on the urgency of passing the NDAA.

12:06 p.m. Senator Schumer called for bipartisan budget talks.

12:06 p.m. Senator Reed secured consent for modifications to the Blumenthal Amendment (#1564) to increase penalties for violating the law to provide civil relief for members of the military.

12:05 p.m. Senator Vitter secured consent to modify his amendment (#1473) to limit the retirement of Army units.

11:42 a.m. The Senate resumed consideration of H.R. 1735, the defense bill. Senator McCain said there is no agreement to move forward on amendments. He spoke about the U.S. strategy against the Islamic State.

11:21 a.m. Senator Enzi spoke about federal regulations, in a colloquy with Senator Gardner.

11:20 a.m. By voice vote, the Senate confirmed the nomination of Douglas J. Kramer of Kansas to be deputy administrator of the Small Business Administration.

10:51 a.m. Senator Stabenow spoke on the Supreme Court case King v. Burwell – tax cuts and the ACA.

10:36 a.m. Senator Hatch spoke on TPA.

10:18 a.m. Senator Reid paid tribute to James H. Billington. He also spoke on the export import bank.

10:02 a.m. ML McConnell paid tribute to the retiring Librarian of Congress, James H. Billington, he also spoke on cyber security and the NDAA.

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. and will resume consideration of H.R. 1735, the 2016 defense authorization.

Majority Leader McConnell has filed cloture on the Burr amendment (#1569) to require background checks on military child care workers — as modified by Burr amendment #1921, to improve cybersecurity.  The cloture vote may occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Friday.

So far, no votes have been scheduled for Thursday.

These amendments are pending to the defense bill:

• McCain substitute (#1463), the text of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (S. 1376), as reported by the Senate Armed Services Committee;

o    McCain amendment to require more information on long-range Naval shipbuilding plans (#1456);

o    Cornyn amendment (#1486) to require reporting on energy security in Europe and Russia and to express the sense of Congress on helping allies with energy security;

o    Vitter amendment (#1473) to limit the retirement of Army combat units;

o    Markey amendment (#1645) to express the sense of Congress that it is not in the national interest to import oil that increases U.S. energy prices  or reliance on foreign oil;

o    Blumenthal amendment (#1564) to increase civil penalties for violations of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act;

o    Paul amendment (#1543, as modified) to strengthen federal employee cost savings suggestions programs;

o    Durbin amendment (#1559, as modified) to prohibit defense contracts with inverted domestic corporations;

o    Burr amendment (#1569) to ensure criminal background checks of military child care workers, as modified to improve cybersecurity;

o    McCain-Feinstein amendment (#1889) to affirm the prohibition on torture;

o    Fischer amendment (#1825) to authorize Merchant Marine appropriations that bear on national security.

The Senate adjourned at 6:15 p.m. until 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 11.

6:10 p.m. Senator Flake did wrap-up.  During wrap-up the Senate confirmed the following Department of Justice nominations by voice vote:

John W. Huber of Utah to be U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah
Eileen Maura Decker of California to be U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California
Eric Steven Miller of Vermont to be U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont

Also during wrap-up, the Senate passed the following measures by unanimous consent:
S. 253, a bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 as amended by the Committee passed amendment and
Res 198, commemorating the 150^th anniversaries of the ratification of the 13^th, 14^th and 15^th amendments to the Constitution and so on.

5:49 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on his introduction of the American Opportunity Carbon Fee Act of 2015.

5:41 p.m Senate moves to a period of morning business.

5:36 p.m. Senators Heitkamp, Durbin, Shaheen, Cantwell and Boxer discuss the vote on the Kirk Export/Import bank.

5:35 p.m. ML McConnell files cloture on the McCain (for Burr) amendment #1569; including the cyber security language.

5:34 p.m. Senator Ayotte withdraws the Kirk/Ayotte amendment #1986 regarding the export/import bank.

5:33 p.m. Roll call vote ends, motion to table not agreed to 31-65.  GOP voting NOT to table: Alexander, Ayotte, Blunt, Burr, Coats, Cochran, Collins, Ernst, Graham, Hatch, Heller, Hoeven, Johnson, Kirk, McCain, Moran, Murkowski, Portman, Roberts, Rounds, Scott, and Wicker.  Independent against: Sanders. Senators not voting: Merkley, Reid of Nevada, Rubio, and Toomey.

5:03 p.m. Roll call vote began on the motion to table the Ayotte (for Kirk) Amendment #1986.

5:01 p.m Senator Shelby spoke against the Kirk amendment and offered a motion to table.

4:59 p.m. Senator Moran spoke in favor of the Vitter amendment.

4:56 p.m. Senator Kirk urged colleagues to reject the motion to table his amendment regarding the Ex/Im bank; Senator Graham joined him in this plea.

4:48 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke on an amendment regarding fighting ISIS.

4:22 p.m. Senator Donnelly spoke about military suicide.

4:08 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke about 3 amendments.

4:04 p.m. Senator Kirk spok on the export/import bank.

3:58 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about the CJS appropriations bill and funding for space flight.

3:52 p.m. Senator Ayotte spoke on the export/import bank, offered amendment #1986 on behalf of Senator Kirk on the Export/import bank.

3:20 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke on trade.

2:45 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about cybersecurity and H. R. 1735.

2:31 p.m. Senator Coons spoke about reauthorizing the Export/Import Bank.

1:50 p.m. Senator Boxer spoke about the Highway Trust Fund.

1:35 p.m. Senator Portman spoke in support of H.R. 1735.

1:04 p.m. Senator Cassidy spoke in favor of an amendment that would maintain higher levels to brigade combat teams.

12:32 p.m. Senators McCain and Coats spoke about cyber threats and urged that legislation addressing the threat be included in the Defense bill.

12:25 p.m. Senator Vitter spoke on his pending amendment #1473, regarding limiting the retirement of Army combat units.

12:14 p.m. Senator Sessions spoke on his amendment, #1706 regarding NATO.

11:56 a.m. Senator Cotton spoke on his amendment #1605 regarding nuclear disarmament, and the National Nuclear Security Administration. Asked UC to bring up his amendment. Senator Feinstein objected. Senator Cotton continued speaking on his amendment.

11:48 a.m. Senator Feinstein spoke on cyber security.

11:41 a.m. Senator Cornyn continues on the Defense Authorization.

11:40 a.m. Senator McCain modifies his amendment #1569 to accept the Burr second degree amendment #1921.

11:19 a.m. Senators Mikulski and Cornyn spoke on the NDAA.

11:12 a.m. Senator McCain spoke on President Obama’s strategy towards ISIS.

10:52 a.m. Senator Gardner spoke on his amendment #1708 to the NDAA.

10:16 a.m. Senator Coats spoke about wasteful federal spending. He also spoke about the new medical system.

10:03 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the defense bill and about budget sequestration.

9:46 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke about the new health care system. He also spoke about the defense will and budget sequestration.

9:33 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the new health care system. He also spoke about the defense bill and Fort Campbell, KY.

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

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and after morning business will resume consideration of the 2016 defense authorization (H.R. 1735).

So far, no votes have been scheduled for Wednesday.

These amendments are pending to the defense bill:

• McCain substitute (#1463), the text of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (S. 1376), as reported by the Senate Armed Services Committee;

o    McCain amendment to require additional information supporting long-range plans for construction of naval vessels (#1456);

o    Cornyn amendment (#1486) to require reporting on energy security in Europe and Russia and to express the sense of Congress on helping vulnerable allies and partners with energy security;

o    Vitter amendment (#1473) to limit the retirement of Army combat units;

o    Markey amendment (#1645) to express the sense of Congress that it is not in the national interest to import oil that increases U.S. energy prices  or reliance on foreign oil;

o    Blumenthal amendment (#1564) to increase civil penalties for violations of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act;

o    Paul amendment (#1543, as modified) to strengthen federal employee cost savings suggestions programs;

o    Durbin amendment (#1559, as modified) to prohibit defense contracts with inverted domestic corporations;

o    Burr amendment (#1569) to ensure criminal background checks of military child care workers; Burr second-degree amendment (#1921) to Burr amendment #1569, to improve the sharing of information about cybersecurity threats;

o    McCain-Feinstein amendment (#1889) to affirm the prohibition on torture;

o    Fischer amendment (#1825) to authorize Merchant Marine appropriations that bear on national security.