The House has passed the adjournment resolution therefore, the Senate is adjourned until Monday, February 22 at 3:00 p.m.

Next vote is on Monday, February 22nd at 5:30 p.m. – the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Robert McKinnon Califf to be the Commissioner of Food and Drug.

During today’s session the Senate confirmed the following nominees en bloc by voice vote:

• #153 – Sunil Sabharwal, CA, to be U.S. Alternate Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund.
• #148 – Azita Raji, CA, to be Ambassador  to the Kingdom of Sweden.
• #204 – Brian James Egan, MD, to be Legal Adviser of the Department of State.
• #263 – Samuel D. Heins, MN, to be Ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway.
• #329 – John L. Estrada, FL, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
• #375 – Thomas A. Shannon, Jr., VA, to be Under Secretary of State (Political Affairs).
• #421 – David McKean, MA, to be Ambassador to Luxembourg.

S. 2451 – A bill to designate the area between the intersections of International Drive, Northwest and Van Ness Street, Northwest and International Drive, Northwest and International Place, Northwest in Washington, District of Columbia, as “Liu Xiaobo Plaza” was passed by voice vote.

S. Con. Res. 31 – Adjournment resolution was passed by unanimous consent.

****

The Senate has adjourned until 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 12th for morning business.

Cloture was filed on the nomination of Robert McKinnon Califf to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs and a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture is scheduled for Monday, February 22nd at 5:30 p.m. 

During wrap-up the following nominations were confirmed and legislation passed:

• En bloc by voice vote –
  • PN1039 – Morton H. Halperin, DC, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Millennium Challenge Corporation.
  • PN1040 – Michael O. Johanns, NE, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Millennium Challenge Corporation.
• All nominations on the Secretary’s Desk in the Foreign Service by unanimous consent.
• H.R. 487 – An act to allow the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma to lease or transfer lands, by unanimous consent.
• S. Res. 99 – Calling on the government of Iran to fulfill its promise of assistance in the case of Robert Levinson.
• S. Res. 298 – Recognizing Connecticut’s submarine century.

During today’s session:

• Cloture was invoked on the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 644, the Trade Facilitation and the Trade Enforcement Act of 2015. The Conference Report was later agreed to by a vote of 75-20.
• The nomination of Leonard Strand to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Iowa was confirmed.

****

6:07 p.m. Senator Markey spoke on the nomination of Robert Califf to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs.

5:32 p.m Senator Cardin spoke on Black History Month and the water crisis in Flint Michigan.

5:22 p.m. Senator Donnelly spoke on the Veteran’s Choice Program.

5:08 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke on Iran.

4:43 p.m Senator Hatch spoke on the national debt.

4:27 p.m. Senator Portman spoke on the opiate addiction crisis.

4:13 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke on trade policy.

4:00 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke on the Every Child Succeeds Act.

3:39 p.m. Senator Coats spoke on wasteful government spending.

3:15 p.m. Senators Cantwell and Collins spoke about border security and overseas airports.

3:00 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about Criminal Justice.

2:50 p.m. Senator Cassidy spoke about Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina.

2:49 p.m. Senator Whitehouse discussed the provisions of the bill and the requirements attached to grant money in the bill.

2:46 p.m. Senator Cotton discussed his opposition to S. 1169 the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act.  He specifically objects to the provisions about confining minors.

2:45 p.m. Senator Grassley propounded a UC to pass S. 1169, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act.  Senator Cotton objected.

2:30 p.m. Senators Grassley and Whitehouse spoke on the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act.  They plan to put the bill forward for unanimous consent.  Senator Whitehouse suggested that expects opposition from one Senator.

2:30 p.m. Strand nomination confirmed 93-0.

Senators not voting: 7 ( 5 Republicans: Cruz, Graham, Moran, Rubio, Sullivan. 1 Democrat: Boxer.  1 Independent:Sanders.)

1:42 p.m. The Senate began voting on the nomination of Leonard Strand to be a US District Judge for the Northern District of Iowa.

1:39 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on the nomination of Leonard Strand to be a US District Judge for the Norhtern District of Iowa.

1:14 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke on the budget.

1:10 p.m. Senators Bennet and Gardner spoke about the Denver Broncos.

1:04 p.m. Senator Tillis spoke about the Super Bowl and paid tribute to the Denver Broncos.

12:52 p.m. Senator Collins spoke on gun regulations.

12:47 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke on gun regulations.

12:46 p.m. ML McConnell UC that at 1:30 p.m. proceed to Executive Session,  consider the nomination of Leonard Strand to be a US District Judge for the Northern District of Iowa, with a vote on the nomination at approximately 1:45 p.m. Further UC that Senate be in a period of morning business until 1:30 p.m.

12:45 p.m. The conference report was adopted by a vote of 75-20.

Senators voting in favor: 47 Republicans, 27 Democrats, 1 Independent (King).

Senators voting against:  (3 Republicans: Alexander, Enzi, Rounds. 17 Democrats: Boxer, Brown, Durbin, Franken, Gillibrand, Heinrich, Hirono, Markey, Menendez, Mikulski, Reed, Reid, Schatz, Schumer, Udall, Warren, Whitehouse.)

Senators not voting: 5 (4 Republicans: Cruz, Graham, Rubio, Sullivan. 1 Independent: Sanders)

12:05 p.m. The Senate began voting on the conference report to accompany H.R. 644, the Trade promotion and customs enforcement act.

11:46 a.m. Senator Durbin paid tribute to Phil Rock and spoke on the customs bill.

11:21 a.m. Senator Enzi spoke against the Customs/Trade bill due to the Internet tax issue.

11:09 a.m. Senator Thune spoke in favor of the Customs/Trade bill conference report.

11:05 a.m. Senator Udall offers UC to take up and vote on the nomination of Roberta Jacobson to be Ambassador to Mexico.

Senator Lee, on behalf of Senator Rubio objected.

11:04 a.m. ML McConnell announced vote on adoption likely at approximately 12:00 p.m.,  and a vote on the nomination of  Leonard Strand to be a US District Judge for the Northern District of Iowa at approximately 1:45 p.m.

11:03 a.m. Cloture was invoked 73-22.

Senators voting in favor: 47 Republicans,  25 Democrats, 1 Independent (King).

Senators voting against: 22 (3 Republicans: Alexander, Enzi, Rounds.  19 Democrats: Baldwin, Boxer, Brown, Durbin, Franken, Gillibrand, Heinrich, Hirono, Markey, McCaskill, Menendez, Mikulski, Reed, Reid, Schatz, Schumer, Udall, Warren, Whitehouse.)

Senators not voting: 5 (4 Republicans: Cruz, Graham, Rubio, Sullivan. 1 Independent: Sanders)

10:35 a.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the conference report to accompany H.R. 644, the Trade Promotion and Customs Enforcement Act.

10:21 a.m. Senators Stabenow and Peters spoke about the lead contaminated water crisis in Flint, Michigan.

10:15 a.m. Senator Alexander spoke in favor of the Internet Tax Freedom Act.

10:05 a.m. Senator Wyden spoke in favor of the conference report to accompany H.R. 644.  He spoke against child slave labor.

10:00 a.m. Senator Hatch spoke in favor of the conference report to accompany H.R. 644.

9:59 a.m. The Senate resumed consideration of the conference report to accompany H.R. 644, Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015.

9:42 a.m. Senator Reid spoke about the Internet Tax Freedom Act, and  immigration policy, specifically children facing deportation hearings without lawyers

9:32 a.m. Senator McConnell spoke about the internet tax freedom act and ISIL.

****

• The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and resume consideration of the conference report to accompany the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (H.R. 644).
• At approximately 10:30 a.m., the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the conference report to accompany H.R. 644.
• If cloture is invoked, by rule there are up to 30 hours of post-cloture debate, but we anticipate time to be yielded back and an adoption vote should occur during Today’s session.

• The Senate is also expected to vote on the nomination of Leonard Strand to be a US District Judge for the Northern District of Iowa.

7:02 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene on Thursday, February 11 at 9:30 a.m. The Senate will resume consideration of H.R. 644, the Customs Enforcement bill. During wrap up the injunction of secrecy was removed from the following treaties:

• 114-5 U.N. Convention on the use of electronic communications
• 114-6 Facilitate access to public works for persons blind or visually impaired
• 114-7 U.N. convention on the assignment of receivables and international trade
• 114-8 Beijing treaty on audio visual performances
• 114-9 U.N. convention on independent guarantees and standby letters for credit
• 114-10 Extradition treaty with the Dominican Republic

6:14 p.m. Senator Sessions spoke about a customs bill and the TPP.

5:57 p.m. Senator Casey spoke about child care and early learning.

5:50 p.m. H.R. 757, the North Korea Sanctions bill, passed by a vote of 96-0.  Senators Durbin, Graham, Sanders and Sullivan did not vote.

5:01 p.m. Senator Gardner spoke in favor of the North Korea sanctions bill.

4:55 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke in favor of the North Korea sanctions bill.

4:47 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke in favor of the North Korea sanctions bill.

4:41 p.m. Senator Corker spoke about the North Korea sanctions bill.

4:38 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about the North Korea sanctions bill.

4:32 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke about the North Korea sanctions bill.

4:26 p.m. Senators Klobuchar, Corker and Capito spoke about the North Korea sanctions bill.

3:40 p.m Senators Donnelly, Moran, Hoeven, Gardner and Klobuchar spoke on the North Korea sanctions bill.

3:31 p.m. Senator Rounds spoke in opposition to the Customs and Trade Enforcement Conference Report.

2:58 p.m. Senators Inhofe, Corker, Feinstein and Markey spoke on the North Korea sanctions bill.

2:31 p.m Senators Heitkamp and Murkowski spoke on tribal colleges and universities.

2:13 p.m. Senator Paul spoke about the President’s foreign policy.

2:05 p.m. Senator Shaheen spoke about the North Korea sanctions bill.

1:38 p.m. Senators Schatz, Blunt and Gardiner spoke about the North Korea sanctions bill.

1:35 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about climate change.

1:05 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke on the Customs and Trade Enforcement Conference Report.

12:50 p.m. Senator Lee spoke in favor of the North Korea sanctions bill.  He also discussed his amendment, related to the August 2004 disappearance in China of David Sneddon from Utah.

12:33 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke in favor of the North Korea sanctions bill.

12:29 p.m. Senator Gardner spoke in favor of the North Korea sanctions act and highlighted human rights provisions in the bill.

12:24 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke in support of the Obama record in the Middle East.

12:02 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke in support of the North Korea Sanctions bill and a mental health crisis in America.

11:57 a.m. Senator Peters spoke in support of the North Korea Sanctions bill.

11:56 a.m. Senator Gardner spoke on the North Korea Sanctions bill.

11:40 a.m Senator Perdue spoke in favor of the North Korea Sanctions bill.

11:29 a.m. Senator Coons spoke in favor of the North Korea Sanctions bill.

11:22 a.m. Senator Hirono spoke in favor of the North Korea Sanctions bill.

11:05 a.m. Senator Corker spoke on the North Korea Sanctions bill.

10:53 a.m. Senator Gardner spoke in favor of the North Korea Santions bill.

10:38 a.m. Senator Cardin spoke in favor of the North Korea Sanctions bill.

10:30 a.m. Senate proceeded to H.R. 757-North Korea Sanctions Bill. Senator Corker spoke on the bill.

10:09 a.m. Senator McConnell spoke on the retirement of Ed Pese from the Senate Periodical Press Gallery. North Korea, and the Supreme Court decision on power plant regulations.

10:02 a.m. Senator Reid spoke about the Supreme Court decision on power plant regulations, North Korea, and on the retirement of Ed Pesce from the Senate Periodical Press Gallery.

****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and proceed to a period of morning business until 10:30 a.m.

• At 10:30am, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of the North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Act of 2016 (H.R. 757).

• At approximately 5:00 p.m., the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on passage of H.R. 757.

Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (H.R. 644)/Conference Report

• Senator McConnell filed cloture on the conference report to accompany H.R. 644.  Absent a consent agreement, the cloture vote will occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Thursday.

The Senate has adjourned until 10 a.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, February 10th. Following morning business, the Senate will begin consideration of H.R. 757, the North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Bill. A roll call vote is expected to occur at 5:30 p.m. 

During wrap-up, the following legislation was agreed to by unanimous consent.

• S.2109 – To direct the administrator of the FEMA.
• H.R. 1428 – To Extend Privacy Act Remedies.
• S. Res. 367 – Supporting the goals and ideals of career and technical education month.
• S. Res. 369 – Confirming the importance of the student data privacy and recognizing digital learning day.

****

6:00 p.m. ML McConnell spoke on the Internet Tax Freedom Forever Act and filed cloture on the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 644, the Trade Facility and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015. A cloture vote will occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Thursday.

5:31 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke on energy.

5:08 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on climate change.

4:58 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about gun violence.

4:42 p.m. Senator Cotton spoke on the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act.

4:23 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke on space research and development.

3:58 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke on biomedical research innovations.

3:24 p.m. Senators Portman and Manchin spoke on prescription drug and heroin epidemics.

3:14 p.m. Senator McCain spoke on health care.

2:43 p.m. Senator Thune achieved UC to move the Senate to a period of morning business.

2:42 p.m. The nomination of Scott Marciel to be Ambassador to Burma is confirmed 90-0.

2:18 p.m. Roll call vote began on the nomination of Scot Marciel to be Ambassador to Burma.

2:15p.m. Senators Cotton and Cardin spoke in support of the Marciel nomination.

12:36 p.m. The Senate stands in recess until 2:15 p.m.

12:24 p.m. Senator McCain spoke on threats to our nation and the candidates for President discussing torture.

12:10 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke on the President’s budget.

11:57 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about North Korea’s weapons program.

11: 31 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the President’s budget.

11:14 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about Defense Department contracts for rocket launchers.

11:08 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke about the Zika virus and the Flint water crisis.

11:03 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the President’s budget, the Zika virus, the Marciel nomination and North Korea’s weapons program.

***

The Senate will convene at  11 a.m.

Senate will recess from 12:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. for weekly caucus luncheons.

The Senate will vote at 2:15 p.m. on the nomination of Scot Marciel of California to be Ambassador to Burma.

NOTE: On Wednesday, February 10, the Senate will begin debate of up to seven hours on H.R. 757, the North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Act. Upon completion of the debate, the Senate will vote on passage of the bill, as amended.

6:38 p.m. Senate adjourned until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 9th.  Senate will recess from 12:30 to 2:15 for weekly caucus luncheons.  Next vote will occur at 2:15 p.m. on Exec Cal #464 – Scot Marciel, CA, to be Ambassador of Burma.  The Senate passed S. Res 366 — Recognizing cultural significance of the lunar new year.

5:30 p.m. The Senate proceeded to a roll call vote on the nomination of Executive Calendar #360, Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger, of Iowa, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Iowa for 30 minutes of debate. The vote was confirmed by a vote of 83-0.

5:00 p.m. The Senate moved to executive session to consider the nomination of Executive Calendar #360, Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger, of Iowa, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Iowa for 30 minutes of debate.

2:00 p.m. Leader McConnell opened the Senate and moved to a period of morning business to be evenly divided until 5:00 p.m.

The Senate will convene at 2:00 p.m. and be in a period of morning business until 5:00 p.m.
At 5:00 p.m., the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the nomination of Rebecca Ebinger to be a US District Judge for the southern district of Iowa, with a confirmation vote on the nomination expected at 5:30 p.m.

Majority Leader McConnell filed motions to reconsider the cloture votes on the Murkowski substitute amendment #2953 to S.2012, the Energy Policy Modernization Act, and S.2012 and could reconsider those votes at any time.

Note: on Wednesday, February 10th following morning business, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of  H.R.757, North Korea Sanctions, with seven hours of debate and a roll call vote on the measure expected following the use or yielding back of time.

5:47 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until Monday February 8th at 2:00 p.m.

5:44 p.m. Senator Sasse does wrap-up for the evening.

Passed/Confirmed by Unanimous Consent:

Agreed to H.Con.Res.109, use of Emancipation Hall to present the Congressional Gold Medal to the foot soldiers who participated in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches.

Adopted S.Res.363, University of Mount Union Purple Raiders.

Adopted S.Res.364, relative to the death of Marlow Cook, former United States Senator for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Executive Calendar #465  Lt. Gen. John W. Nicholson, Jr., to be General.

UC that the Senate adjourn until 2:00 p.m. until Monday, February 8th, 2016.  At that time, be in a period of morning business until 5:00 p.m.

***

5:04 p.m. Senator Heitkamp spoke on the Agriculture export expansion act.

4:39 p.m. Senator Carper echoes Senator Coons in paying tribute to Vernon Alston.

4:26 p.m. Senator Coons paid tribute to outgoing Chief of Staff Todd Webster and the life of Capitol Police officer Vernon Alston, who passed away recently.

4:10 p.m. Senator Reid spoke about Secretary Clinton’s emails.

4:05 p.m. Senator Coons spoke on Iran.

3:45 p.m. Senator Coats spoke about wasteful government spending.

3:38 p.m Senator Franken spoke on forced arbitration/ mandatory arbitration.

3:30 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke on the Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Act.

2:54 p.m. Senator McCain and Senator Graham spoke about Assad and Syria.

2:32 p.m. Senator Murray spoke about the cost of higher education.

2:25 p.m. Senator McConnell paid tribute to Senator Marlow Cook.

He  also announced the vote at 5:30 p.m. Monday, February 8 be on the nomination of Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger to be US District Judge for the Southern District of Iowa. 

1:05 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about defective Takata airbags.

12:47 p.m. Senator Shaheen attempts to obtain unanimous consent to call up and confirm the nomination of the Under Secretary of Treasury for terrorism, Senator Lee objects on behalf of Senator Shelby.

12:43 p.m. Senator Shaheen echoes Senator Klobuchar on the nominees for Ambassodorial positions to Sweden and Norway, propounding UC requests, to which Senator Lee again objects on behalf of Senator Cruz.

12:37 p.m. Senator Klobuchar attempts to obtain unanimous consent to call up and confirm the nominations of the Ambassadors to Norway and Sweden.  Senator Lee, on behalf of Senator Cruz, objects.

12:30 p.m. Senator Cornyn discussed the energy bill.

12:29 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell entered motion to reconsider.  He also announced the next roll call vote would be on Monday at 5:30 p.m.

12:28 p.m. Cloture was not invoked on S. 2012, the energy bill by a vote of 43-54.

Senators in favor: 38 Republicans, 5 Democrats (Donnelly, Heitkamp, Kaine, Manchin, Shaheen, 1 Independent: King).

Senators against: 39 Democrats, 15 Republicans (Ayotte, Boozman, Burr, Cotton, Crapo, Flake, Lankford, Lee, McConnell*, Paul, Risch, Sasse, Scott, Toomey, Vitter).

Senators not voting: 3 (2 Republicans: Cruz, Rubio; 1 Independent: Sanders).

12:07 p.m.: The Senate began voting on the motion to invoke cloture on S. 2012 the energy bill.

12:05 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell entered motion to reconsider.

12:04 p.m. Cloture was not invoked on the Murkowski substitute amendment: 46-50, with one Senator voting present.

Senators in favor: 40 Republicans, 5 Democrats (Donnelly, Heitkamp,      Kaine, Manchin, Shaheen), 1 Independent (King).

Senators voting against: 38 Democrats, 12 Republicans (Ayotte, Boozman, Burr, Cotton, Flake, Lankford, Lee, McConnell*, Paul, Sasse, Scott, Toomey).

*Majority Leader McConnell changed his vote to no in order to be able to enter a motion to reconsider.

Senators voting present: 1: Whitehouse.

Senators not voting: 3 (2 Republicans: Cruz, Rubio, 1 Independent: Sanders).

11:30 a.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the Murkowski substitute amendment.

11:00 a.m. Senator Murkowski spoke on the Energy Bill. She offered a UC to pass a group of amendments. Stabenow objected.

10:18 a.m. Senators Durbin, Stabenow, Peters and Mikulski spoke about Flint.

10:05 a.m. Minority Leader Reid noted the USO’s 75th anniversary. He also spoke about the Flint water crisis.

10:02 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell secured consent to move the cloture vote on the Murkowski amendment to 11:30 a.m.   He noted the USO’s 75th anniversary.

***

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. and resume consideration of the energy bill (S. 2012).

At 11 a.m., the Senate will have a cloture vote on the Murkowski substitute (amendment #2953).

o    The filing deadline is 10 a.m. for second-degree amendments to the substitute and the underlying bill.

Pending to S. 2012 are these amendments:

• Murkowski substitute (#2953);

o    Cassidy-Markey amendment on the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (#2954);

o    Murkowski amendment on bulk-power system reliability impact statements (#2963).

7:25 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 10:00 a.m. February 4, 2016.

7:20 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke about continuing work to pass the energy bill.  Then she did wrap-up.

In wrap-up, the Senate passed HR 3033, an act to require the President’s annual budget request to Congress to include a line item, as amended by the Lee-Murray amendment.

6:20 p.m. ML McConnell scheduled a vote for Wednesday February 10 on H.R. 757, the North Korea Sanctions bill.  After the Senate comes in on February 10, it will begin up to 7 hours debate on the bill and then the Senate will vote on the bill as amended by the committee-reported amendment.

The Senate passed H.R. 907, an act to improve defense cooperation between the U.S. and Jordan.
The Senate passed four Senate resolutions, en bloc.  S Res. 357, 358, 359 and 360.

5:38 p.m. Senator Reed spoke about the energy bill and cybersecurity.

5:20 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change and education costs.

4:30 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about the Energy Bill.

4:03 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke about Flint, MI.

3:40 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke about the TPP agreement.

3:26 p.m. Senator Peters spoke about Flint, MI contaminated drinking water.

3:11 p.m. Senator Shaheen spoke about the holds on nominations.

2:55 p.m. Senator Klobuchar and Senator Franken spoke about nominations of ambassadors to Norway and Sweden.

2:35 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about nominations and Senate process.

2:10 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke about prescription drug abuse.

1:58 p.m. Senator Enzi spoke on the coal industry.

1:35 p.m. Senator Collins engaged in a colloquy with Senators Klobuchar, King and Merkley about the role of woody biomass can play in the energy sector.

1:09 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about guns and Second Amendment rights.

12:49 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke about his amendment, #3016, would eliminate the corn portion of the renewable fuel standard.  He spoke about the problems caused by ethanol and ethanol policy.

12:35 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about drilling in the Gulf of Mexico.

12:25 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke on the amendment about Flint, MI to the energy bill.

12:13 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke on the Iran nuclear deal.

11:56 a.m. Senator Murphy spoke on Islam, ISIS and Saudi Arabia.

11:38 a.m. Senator Merkley spoke on the energy bill.

11:24 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the energy bill.

10:52 a.m. Senator Udall paid tribute to Sergeant Matthew McClintock.

10:43 a.m. Senator Lankford spoke on the energy bill.

10:33 a.m. Senator Isakson congratulated Zippy Duval becoming the American Farm Bureau president and spoke on the USO.

10:23 a.m. Senator Barrasso spoke on the energy bill.

10:15 a.m. Senator Stabenow spoke about the Flint water crisis.

10:06 a.m. Senator Warren said the government is lenient in punishing corporate crime but severe in punishing such crimes as drug offenses.

9:50 a.m. Senator King spoke in favor of the renewable energy amendment and joined with Senator Reid in a colloquy about it.

9:40 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke for the Schumer-Peters amendment on the Flint water crisis. He also spoke for amendment #3120 on renewable energy sources.

9:36 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell completed the Rule XIV process to place on the calendar H.R. 4168 (on incentives for investment in small business). Senator McConnell also spoke of discussions with Speaker Ryan and President Obama on the Zika virus and the opioid addiction crisis.  He also spoke in favor of the energy bill.

9:34 a.m. Senator Murkowski welcomed Rabbi Yosef Greenberg of Anchorage as a leader of Alaska’s vibrant Jewish community who leads the state on matters of Jewish culture and history.

9:33 a.m. Minority Leader Reid recognized Senator Murkowski for a tribute to the acting chaplain for today.

***

The Senate will convene at 9:30am and proceed to a period of morning business for one hour.

• Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015 (S. 2012).

• Senator McConnell filed cloture on Murkowski amendment in the nature of a substitute (#2953) and the underlying bill during Tuesday’s session.  Absent a time agreement, the cloture vote on the Murkowski substitute amendment would occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Thursday, February 4, 2016.

The following amendments are currently pending to S. 2012:

• Murkowski amendment in the nature of a substitute. (#2953)
• Cassidy-Markey amendment to provide for certain increases in, and limitations on, the drawdown and sales of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. (#2954)
• Murkowski amendment to modify a provision relating to bulk-power system reliability impact statements. (#2963)

The Senate has adjourned until 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 3rd. Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S. 2012, the energy bill.

Wrap-Up:

• S.2306, to require the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to undertake remediation oversight of the West Lake Landfill located in Bridgeton, Missouri, was passed by unanimous consent.
• S. Res. 353, S. Res. 354, S. Res. 355, and S. Res. 356 were passed by unanimous consent en bloc.
• H.R. 4168, the Small Business Capital Formation Enhancement Act, was read for the first time.

****

7:32 p.m. Senator Cantwell spoke on the energy bill.

7:28 p.m. The following amendments to S. 2012 were approved en bloc by voice vote:

• Hirono #3064
• Hirono #3065, as modified
• Klobuchar #3179
• Carper #3145
• Heitkamp #3174
• Collins #3140, as modified
• Baldwin #3156
• Carper #3143
• Boxer #3194, as modified
• Inhofe #3205
• Booker #3160

6:32 p.m. Senator Gardner spoke on the energy bill.

6:22 p.m. Senator Warren spoke against the Trans Pacific Partnership.

6:04 p.m Senators Wyden and Crapo spoke on forest fires.

5:55 p.m. Senator Schatz paid tribute to Hawaiian state senator Gil L. Kahele

5:51 p.m. Senator Brown spoke on lead poisoning.

5:45 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on the Murkowski substitute amendment #2953 to S. 2012 and S. 2012.

4:41 p.m. Senator Murkowski praises work done on this bill thus far, hopes to finish by the end of the week.

4:39 p.m. Whitehouse amendment not agreed to 43-52, (60 vote threshold).

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

Senators voting against: 50 Republicans, 2 Democrats (Heitkamp, Manchin).

Senators not voting: 5 (4 Republicans – Cruz, Graham, Rubio, Shelby) (1 Independent – Sanders)

4:23 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Whitehouse amendment (#3125) to require campaign finance disclosures for certain persons benefitting from fossil fuel activities.

4:20 p.m. The Senate agrees to the Durbin amendment (#3095) to increase funding for the Office of Science of the Department of Energy by voice vote.

4:17 p.m. Schatz amendment not agreed to 45-50. (60 vote threshold).

Senators voting in favor:  42 Democrats, 3 Republicans (Alexander, Ayotte, Collins), 1 Independent (King).

Senators voting against: 47 Republicans, 3 Democrats (Donnelly, Heitkamp, Manchin).

Senators not voting; 5 (4 Republicans – Cruz, Graham, Rubio, Shelby) (1 Independent – Sanders).

4:01 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Schatz amendment (#3176) to phase out tax preferences for fossil fuels on the same schedule as the phase out of the tax credits for wind facilities. (#3176)

3:58 p.m. Sullivan amendment not agreed to 49-46. (60 vote threshold).

Senators voting in favor: 49 Republicans

Senators voting against: 44 Democrats, 1 Independent (King), 1 Republican (Collins).

Senators not voting: 5 (4 Republicans – Cruz, Graham, Rubio, Shelby); (1 Independent – Sanders).

3:41 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Sullivan amendment (#2996) to require each agency to repeal or amend one or more rules before issuing or amending a rule.

3:38 p.m. Barrasso amendment not agreed to 52-43. (60 vote threshold).

Senators voting in favor: 50 Republicans, 2 Democrats (Heitkamp, Manchin).

Senators voting against: 42 Democrats, 1 Independent (King).

Senators not voting: 5 (4 Republicans – Cruz, Graham, Rubio, Shelby), (1 Independent – Sanders).

3:20 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Barrasso amendment (#3030) establishing deadlines and expediting permits for certain natural gas gathering lines on Federal land and Indian land.

3:17 p.m. The Senate accepted the Rounds amendment #3182 regarding establishment of a conservation incentives landowner education program by a voice vote.

3:15 p.m. Franken amendment not agreed to 43-52, (60 vote threshold).

Senators voting in favor: 41 Democrats, 1 Independent (King), 1 Republican (Collins).

Senators voting against: 49 Republicans, 3 Democrats (Heitkamp and Manchin, Tester)

Senators not voting: 5 (4 Republicans – Cruz, Graham, Rubio, Shelby) 1 Independent – Sanders).

2:55 p.m. Lee amendment not agreed to 47-48. (60 vote threshold) The Senate will next vote on the Franken amendment #3115 regarding energy efficiency resource standards for electricity and natural gas suppliers.

Senators voting in favor: 46 Republicans, 1 Democrat (Manchin).

Senators voting against:44 Democrats, 3 Republicans (Alexander, Ayotte, Kirk) 1 Independent (King).

Senators not voting: 5 (4 Republicans – Cruz, Graham, Rubio, Shelby) (1 Independent – Sanders).

2:32 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Lee Amendment #3023 regarding authority of the President to declare national monuments.

2:29 p.m. Senator Cantwell spoke in opposition to the Lee amendment, prior to Senator Lee wrapping up in support of his amendment.

2:15 p.m. The Senate returns to session, Senator Flake spoke in support of the Lee amendment.

At 2:30 p.m., the Senate will conduct eight (8) roll call votes, each with 60 vote affirmative thresholds.

• Lee amendment to modify the authority of the President of the United States to declare national monuments. (#3023)

• Franken amendment to establish a Federal energy efficiency resource standard for electricity and natural gas suppliers. (#3115)

• Rounds amendment to direct the Secretary of the Interior and the secretary of Agriculture to establish a conservation incentives landowner education program. (#3182, as modified)

• Barrasso amendment to establish deadlines and expedite permits for certain natural gas gathering lines on Federal land and Indian land. (#3030)

• Sullivan amendment to require each agency to repeal or amend 1 or more rules before issuing or amending a rule. (#2996)

• Schatz amendment to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to phase out tax preferences for fossil fuels on the same schedule as the phase out of the tax credits for wind facilities. (#3176)

• Durbin amendment to increase funding for the Office of Science of the Department of Energy. (#3095)

• Whitehouse amendment to require campaign finance disclosures for certain persons benefitting from fossil fuel activities. (#3125)

12:50. The Senate stands in recess until 2:15 p.m.

12:48 p.m.  The Senate is scheduled to conduct 8 roll call votes beginning at 2:30.  After the disposition of the Franken amendment, #3115, the Senate will votes on the following votes in order.  Each will have a 60-vote affirmative threshold:

Rounds #3182 (as modified)
Barrasso #3030
Sullivan #2996
Schatz #3176
Durbin #3095
Whitehouse #3125

12:31 p.m. Senator Lee called up his amendment, #3023 to amendment #2953.  Lee spoke about federal lands and his amendment updating the antiquities act, by adding input from neighbors about monument destinations.  He also spoke against a monument designation for the Utah site called Bears Ears.

12:00 p.m. Senators Shaheen, Portman and Cornyn spoke about Energy efficiency and the Energy bill.

11:47 a.m. Senator Cassidy and Senator Vitter spoke on the Cassidy amendment to the energy bill.

11:37 a.m. Senator Franken spoke on the energy bill.

11:34 a.m. Senator Cantwell spoke on the energy bill.

11:13 a.m. Senator Murkowski spoke on the energy bill.

11 a.m. Senator Markey spoke about opioid addiction.

10:49 a.m. Senator Thune spoke in favor of the energy bill.

10:27 a.m. Senator Boxer spoke about the Flint water crisis and about a natural gas leak in California.

10:20 a.m. Senator Hatch spoke in favor of the Judicial Redress Act, which would allow people to seek the correction of errors in their electronic records.

10:07 a.m. Minority Leader McConnell spoke about contaminated water in Flint, Michigan. He endorsed the Stabenow-Peters amendment to address the Flint water crisis.

10:02 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke in favor of the energy bill.

   *** 

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. and will resume consideration of the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015 (S. 2012).

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

At 2:30 p.m., the Senate will proceed to roll call votes on the following amendments.  No second degree amendments are in order to either amendment and each is subject to an affirmative 60-vote threshold:

o    Lee amendment on presidential authority to declare national monuments (#3023);

o    Franken amendment to set standard for electricity and natural gas suppliers (#3115).

The following amendments are currently pending to S. 2012: 

• Murkowski substitute (#2953);

o    Cassidy-Markey amendment on the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (#2954);

o    Murkowski amendment on bulk-power system reliability impact statements (#2963)

The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00 am on Tuesday, February 2. There will be a period of morning business until 11:00 am when the Senate will resume S. 2012. They will recess for party caucus luncheons from 12:30 – 2:15. At 2:30 there will be 2 roll call votes on #3023 (Lee) and #3115 (Franken).

6:40 p.m. Senator Murkowski asked unanimous consent for the following amendments by agreed to en bloc by voice vote: 2970, 2989, 2991, 3119, 3019, 3066, 3137 and 3056 (as modified). She also asked for the nomination of Ricardo A Aguilera, of VA, to be an Asst. Secretary to the Air Force be confirmed by voice vote. In wrap up she asked for S. Res. 347, paying tribute to terrorist attack victim be approved by voice vote.

5:55 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on energy legislation.

5:30 p.m. Senator Cantwell spoke on energy legislation.

5:10 p.m. Senator Sessions spoke on the Transpacific Partnership Trade Agreement.

4:55 p.m. Senator Warren spoke on student loan debt.

4:45 p.m. Senator Collins spoke on energy legislation.

4:25 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the Obama Administration.

4:05 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke on drilling in the Gulf of Mexico

3:50 Senator Udall spoke on energy legislation.

3:15 Senator Murkowski welcomed the new Senate pages and followed with energy legislation.

3:05 p.m. Senator McCain spoke on the NFC Championship.

3:00 p.m. Leader McConnell spoke on the pending energy legislation.

The Senate will convene at 3:00pm and resume consideration of the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015 There will be no roll call votes during Today’s session.  The next roll call vote is expected to occur at 2:30 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, February 2.

The following amendments are currently pending to S. 2012:

• Murkowski amendment in the nature of a substitute. (#2953)

o    Cassidy-Markey amendment to provide for certain increases in, and limitations on, the drawdown and sales of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. (#2954)

o    Murkowski amendment to modify a provision relating to bulk-power system reliability impact statements. (#2963)

7:07 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene on Monday, February 1 at 3:00 p.m. and they will resume consideration of S. 2012, the Energy Bill.  During wrap-up, the Senate confirmed the following nominations and passed the following bills by unanimous consent:

• #449-Lt. Gen. Anthony J. Rock to be Lt. General, Air Force
• #450-Col. James H. Dienst to be Brigadier General, Air Force
• #451-Col. John J. Degoes and Col. Mark A. Koeniger to be Brigadier General, Air Force
• #452-Brig. Gen. James Barkley, Brig. Gen. Kimberly Crider, Brig. Gen. David O’Brien, Brig. Gen. Eric S. Overturf, Brig. Gen. Walter Sams, Brig. Gen. John Stokes, Brig. Gen. Curtis Williams, and Brig. Gen Edward Yarish to be Major General, Air Force
• #453- Col. Paige P. Hunter to be Brigadier General, Air Force Reserves
• #454- Col. Thomas J. Owens, II to be Brigadier General, Air Force Reserves
• #455- Col. Robert Michnowicz to be Brigadier General, Army Reserves
• #456-Col. Jeffrey C. Coggin to be Brigadier General, Army Reserves
• #457 Col. Kevin C. Wulfhorst to be Brigadier General, Army Reserves

S. Res. 350-Congratulating the University of Alabama football team.

S. Res. 351- Week of Jan. 24-30, 2016 as National School Choice Week

S. Res. 352-Commemoriating the 30th anniversary of the loss of the Challenger.

6:47 p.m. Senator Sessions spoke about the TPP

6:13 p.m. Senator Sasse spoke about debate and the Senate.

5:46 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about energy regulations.

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

5:10 p.m. Senator Perdue spoke about the debt.

5:00 p.m. The following amends were agreed to en bloc:

• Barrasso #3029-energy policy for Indian Tribal Land
• Baldwin #2984-higher education-based industrial research and assessment centers
• Wyden #3001-geothermal production
• Capito #3063-ethane storage and distribution hub
• Daines #3020-Gibson Dam
• Hirono #3067-modernize certain terms relating to minorities

4:17 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke about the ambassador nominations for Sweden and Norway.

4:14 p.m. Senator Reed spoke about the weatherization assistance program.

4:00 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about the earned income tax credit.

3:55 p.m. Senator Baldwin spoke about the cost of higher education.

3:35 p.m. Senator Nelson paid tribute to the Challenger astronauts.

3:17 p.m. Senator Coats paid tribute to Susan Jordan, an elementary school principle killed in an accident and spoke on wasteful government spending.

3:06 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke about the energy bill.

2:32 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about unaccompanied minors crossing the southwestern border.

2:27 p.m. Senator Moran spoke on Iran.

2:24 p.m. The Senate agreed to the Schatz amendment #2965, to S. 2012 by a vote of 55-37.

1:29 p.m. Senator Flake spoke about the energy bill.

1:20 p.m. Senator Peters spoke about the water crisis in Flint, Michigan.

1:15 p.m. Senator Warren spoke about the anniversary of the Challenger disaster.

1:04 p.m. Senator Fischer spoke about a fallen Nebraskan, Sergeant John Ford of Pender, Nebraska.

12:58 p.m. Senator Ayotte spoke about Challenger teacher-astronaut and the McAuliffe planetarium.

12:57 p.m. The Senate adopted the Crapo amendment #3021, research and development of nuclear technologies by a roll call vote of 62-29.

11:55 a.m. Shaheen amendment #2968, clarify the definition of the term “smart manufacturing,” was passed by voice vote.

11:54 a.m. Barrasso amendment #3017, a financial award for separation of carbon dioxide from dilute sources, as modified, was passed by voice vote.

11:41 a.m. Senator Markey paid tribute to Christa McAuliffe and spoke on the energy bill.

11:23 a.m. Senator Hoeven spoke on the energy bill.

11:20 a.m. Senator Bennett spoke on the energy bill.

11:15 a.m. Senator Gardner spoke about Iran.

10:46 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about for-profit colleges.

10:44 p.m. Senator Isakson spoke in favor of the bill and of the Schatz amendment.

10:36 a.m. Senator Schatz spoke about renewable energy.

10:07 a.m. Senator Murkowski noted that 89 energy amendments have been files and several have been brought up or scheduled for votes. Another amendment may get consent for a vote as early as 11 a.m., she said. Murkowski urged members to file any amendments they contemplate, in order to speed the bill’s progress toward possible enactment.

9:52 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke about previous energy legislation. He also criticized Republican opposition to Obama administration nominees.

9:48 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke in favor of the energy bill and paid tribute to retiring majority leadership staffer Mike Brumas.

***

The Senate will convene at 9:45 a.m. and will resume consideration of the energy bill (S. 2012).

The Senate has agreed to votes today on these amendments to the energy bill:

• At noon, the Crapo amendment #3021 on nuclear energy technologies;
• At 1:45 p.m., on the Schatz amendment #2965 on advanced research projects.

More votes are possible today.

The Senate agreed during Wednesday to bring up these amendments to the energy bill:

• #2968 (Shaheen), defining “smart manufacturing;”
• #2963 (Murkowski), bulk power system reliability;
• # 3017 (Barrasso), federal prizes for separating carbon dioxide from dilute sources;
• #2982 (Murkowski), mandatory federal reports on U.S. energy production and the effects of crude oil exports.