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.

6:34 p.m The Senate adjourned until 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 10th.  Following a period of morning business for one hour, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R. 1735, the National Defense Authorization Act.

During wrap-up, the following legislation was passed by unanimous consent:

• S. Res. 196 – Designating July 10 as Collector Car Appreciation Day.
• S. Res. 197 – Recognizing the need to improve physical access to many facilities for all people of the U.S., particularly people with disabilities.
• S. 611 – Reauthorize technical assistance to small public water systems.
• S.653 – Water Resources Research.

The following nominations were confirmed by unanimous consent:

• Brig. Gen. Anthony C. Funkhouser to be Major General
• Brig. Gen. Donald E. Jackson, Jr. to be Major General
• Brig. Gen. Kent D. Savre to be Major General

****

6:24 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke on Vladimir Putin and natural gas.

5:51 p.m. Senator Cassidy spoke on the Affordable Care Act.

5:27 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke on amendment #1901 to the DoD Authorization bill.

5:09 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about Rhode Islanders and the burning of the H.H.S Gadsby in 1772.

4:50 p.m. Senator Stabenow also spoke on youth unemployment.

4:45 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke on the youth unemployment.

4:30 p.m. Senator Wicker spoke in favor of the DoD Authorization bill.

4:25 p.m. Senator Burr called up Burr amendment 1569, criminal background checks for military child care employees and offered a second degree amendment to that amendment 1921 , Cybersecurity Information Act of 2015.

4:23 p.m. Senator McCain offered a package of amendments which were agreed to en bloc: 1485, 1510, 1520, 1538, 1579, 1622,1791, 1677, 1701, 1733, 1739, 1744, 1781 and 1796.

4:07 p.m. Senator Gillibrand spoke on her amendment regarding sexual violence in the military.

3:50 p.m. Senator Fischer offered amendment #1825.

3:45 p.m. Senator Feinstein offered amended #1889.

3:40 p.m. The Senate rejected the Reed Amendment #1521, on spending for overseas contingency operations by a roll call vote of 46-51.

3:01 p.m. Senator Reed spoke in favor of his amendment.

2:49 p.m. Senators Sessions and McCain spoke against the Reed amendment.

2:43 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on for profit colleges.

2:30 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke in favor of the Reed amendment.

2:15 p.m. The Senate returned from recess. Senator Cornyn spoke on U.S. energy resources.

***

12:43 p.m. The Senate stands in recess until 2:15 p.m.

12:33 p.m. Senator Mikulski spoke in favor of the Reed amendment.

12:28 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke in support of the Reed amendment.

12:12 p.m. Senator Enzi spoke about the budget and Defense spending and against the Reed amendment.

11:36 a.m. Senator Reed spoke in favor of his amendment.

11:24 a.m. Senate resumes consideration of HR 1735, Defense Authorization. Senator McCain spoke about the need to pass this bill.

11:00 a.m. Senators Hirono, Manchin, and Markey spoke in favor of Senator Reed’s amendment on overseas contingency operations.

10:55 a.m. Senator Nelson spoke about the defense authorization.

10:44 a.m. Senator Capito spoke about coal.

10:34 a.m. Senator Barasso spoke about the new
health care law.

10:20 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about the appropriations process and about the financing of defense programs.

10:13 a.m. Minority Leader Reid praised the new medical system. He also spoke about the defense bill.

10:05 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell criticized the new medical system. He also discussed the defense authorization.

10:03 a.m. Senator Franken praised the guest chaplain, Rabbi Kravitz of Minnetonka, Minnesota.

***

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m.

At 11 a.m., the Senate will resume consideration of the 2016 defense authorization (H.R. 1735).

The Senate will adjourn for weekly policy lunches from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m.

At 3 p.m., there will be a roll call vote on Reed Amendment #1521, on spending for overseas contingency operations.

Agreements may be reached Tuesday to conduct more votes on amendments to the defense bill.

6:45 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 10 a.m. Tuesday.

6:29 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke on the defense authorization.

6:19 p.m. Senator McCain secured unanimous consent for the following order of business tonight and tomorrow: After Senator Blumenthal’s remarks this evening, the Senate will adjourn until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9. At about 11 a.m. debate will resume on the defense bill. From 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m., the Senate will adjourn for weekly policy lunches. The vote on the Reed amendment will occur at 3 p.m.

6:17 p.m. Senator Reed concurred in Senator McCain’s request that colleagues complete their presentation of amendments to the defense bill. More than 100 amendments are now pending, he said.

6:14 p.m. Senator McCain announced that there will be a 3 p.m. roll call vote Tuesday on Senator Reed’s amendment (#1521) concerning spending on overseas contingency operations. Senator McCain said agreements for further votes on the defense bill (H.R. 1735) may come on Tuesday morning.

6:08 p.m. Senator McCain offered Amendment #1569 on behalf of Senator Burr.

6:06 p.m. On behalf of Senator Durbin, Senator Reed offered a modification of Amendment #1559 that was accepted.

5:03 p.m. Senator McCain spoke about the defense bill.

3:03 p.m. Democratic Leader Reid spoke about judicial nominations.

The Senate convened at 3:00pm. 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.

Please note, there will be no roll call votes today. The next votes are expected around lunchtime on Tuesday.

6:08 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 8.  They will resume consideration of  H.R. 1735 (National Defense Authorization Act) at 4:00 p.m. The next vote is expected around lunch time on Tuesday, June 9.

5:50 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about the economy.

5:40 p.m. Senator Collins spoke in support of NDAA.

5:39 p.m.  H.R. 2146 (No penalty fee for early withdraws from government plans for federal law officers and firefighters over age 50). Passed by voice vote.

5:15 p.m. Senator Heitkamp spoke about Vietnam Veterans.

5:07 p.m. Senator Roberts spoke about D-Day.

4:55 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke about national security and energy vulnerabilities.

4:33 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about NDAA and his amendment about campaign finance disclosure.

4:30 p.m. Senator Fischer spoke about NDAA.

4:18 p.m. Senator Coats spoke on government waste.

4:06 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke on the export-import bank.

3:31 p.m. Senator Donnelly spoke on the NDAA.

3:15 p.m. Stabenow spoke on security and budget. Senator Daines spoke on health insurance.

2:58 p.m.  Paul amendment #1543 was modified.  Senate entered into  a period of morning business for one hour. Senator Tillis spoke on EPA.

2:40 p.m. Senate passed the following amendments to H.R. 1735 en bloc: 1618, 1539, 1551, 1571, 1484 and 1511.  Three amendments were called up and then set aside 1543 (Paul) 1564 (Blumenthal) and 1559 (Durbin).

There are no further votes today.

2:3p.m. Tillis amendment agreed to 50-42.  Democrats in favor: McCaskill and Menendez.

Republicans against: Capito. Senators missing vote: Alexander, Boxer, Durbin, Graham, Heller, Moran, Rubio and Sanders.

2:17 p.m. Roll call vote begins on the Tillis amendment, #1506.

2:15 p.m. Shaheen amendment not agreed to 53-42.  (6o vote threshold).  Republicans in favor: Ayotte, Capito, Collins, Flake, Johnson, Kirk, Murkowski, and Portman.  Senators missing vote: Boxer, Graham, Heller, Moran, and Rubio.

1:48 p.m. Roll call vote begins on the Shaheen amendment, #1494.

1:46 p.m. Senator Shaheen spoke about her amendment (#1494) regarding definition of spouse for VA benefits.

1:33 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke about NDAA.

1:10 p.m. Senator King spoke about the Export Import bank and the NDAA.

12:55 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about the Biden family.

There will be up to two votes at 1:45 on amendments: Shaheen #1494 (60-vote threshold) on the definition of spouse and Tillis #1506 on C-130 aircraft.

12:38 p.m. Senator Reed spoke on the Tillis amendment #1506.

12:25 Senators McCain and Flake spoke about an amendment #1543 to end payments to NFL teams.

12:24 p.m. Senator McCain asked UC to schedule two amendment votes at 1:45: Shaheen #1494 (60-vote threshold) on the definition of spouse and Tillis #1506 on C-130 aircraft.

12:15 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke about shipbuilding and the Defense bill.

12:05 p.m. Senator Gillibrand spoke about her amendment, #1578, about military sexual assault.

11:54 a.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about Obamacare.

11:14 a.m. Senator Markey offers and discusses his amendment #1645 regarding exporting oil.

11:07 a.m. Senators Shaheen and Reed discuss the Shaheen amendment #1494.

11:05 a.m. Senator Mccain discusses scheduling, possible votes on Shaheen (#1494 definition of spouse re: VA benefits); a side by side to  the Shaheen amendment, Cornyn (#1486 a report on energy security issues involving the Europe and the Russian Federation) and the Markey amendments at approximately 1:45 p.m. Possible manager package as well. Further notes that would likely be last batch of votes for the day.11:04 a.m. Senator Vitter offers his amendment #1473, his amendment   concerning brigade combat teams.

11:03 a.m The Bennet amendment is agreed to by voice vote.

11:02 a.m. Portman amendment agreed to 61-34.  Democrats/Independents in favor: Bennet, Cantwell, Casey, Donnelly, Heinrich, Hirono, King, Murray, Peters, and Stabenow. Senators missing the vote: Boxer, Graham, Heller, Rubio, and Warner.

10:32 a.m. The vote began on the Portman amendment.

10:31 a.m. Senate Reed spoke on the amendment.

10:26 a.m. Senator Portman spoke for his amendment (#1522) on the Stryker.

10:20 a.m. Senator Reed spoke against Senator Portman’s amendment on the Stryker armored vehicle.

10:15 a.m. Senators Bennet and Gardner spoke about their amendment (#1540) on major medical projects.

10:11 a.m. Senator Reed spoke about the effect of budget “sequestration” on national defense.

10 a.m. Senator McCain began the day’s debate on the defense bill with a discussion of international trouble spots.

9:46 a.m. Minority Leader Reid praised McConnell’s efforts on Burma and differed with him on the health care law. He also spoke on the defense bill.

9:34 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the Defense Department authorization, the new health care law, and government reform in Burma.

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

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m.  Following leader time, the Senate will resume consideration of the Defense Authorization (HR 1735).

At approximately 10:15 a.m., the Senate will proceed to two roll call votes on the following amendments:

• Portman SA #1522 (Stryker Lethality Upgrades)
• Bennet SA #1540 (major medical facility projects)

Further votes are possible and likely on Thursday.

***

The following amendments are pending to the Defense Authorization:

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

McCain SA#1456 (naval vessels)

Reed SA #1521 (OCO funding levels)

Portman SA #1522 (Stryker Lethality Upgrades)

Bennet SA #1540 (major medical facility projects)

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

Shaheen SA #1494 (definition of spouse re: VA benefits)

Tillis SA #1506 (AMP)

6:31 p.m. Senate adjourns until 9:30 a.m. on Thursday June 4th.

6:29 p.m. ML McConnell wraps up the Senate business for the evening.  Items passed in wrap up: H Con Res 48 regarding use of Emancipation Hall for a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War; S Res 87 regarding antisemitism in Europe; S Res 191 regarding the death of Beau Biden.  UC that Senate adjourn until 9:30 a.m. on Thursday June 4th.

6:07 p.m. Senators Shaheen and Heitkamp spoke on the Export/Import Bank.

5:48 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke on highway funding.

5:29 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke about higher education and its costs.

5:27 p.m. Senator Tillis moves the Senate to a period of morning business, announces no votes this evening.

5:23 p.m. Senator Reed calls up amendment #1494 on behalf of Senator Shaheen. Urges Senators to bring their amendments.

5:19 p.m. Senator Tillis acheives UC for votes on Thursday morning at 10:15 a.m. on the following amendments:  Portman SA #1522 (Stryker Lethality Upgrades); Bennet SA #1540 (major medical facility projects).  Further UC that the next two amendments in order to be offered be his and an amendment from Senator Shaheen.  Offers his amendment #1506.

4:55 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on the defense authorization and sequestration.

4:49 p.m. Senator Lee paid tribute to Mormon leader L Tom Perry.

4:37 p.m. Senator Schatz spoke about climate change.

4:33 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke on the pending defense authorization.

4:09 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke about Iran.

3:19 p.m. Senator Reed for Senator Bennet offered amendment #1540.

2:59 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about America’s power and offered amendment #1486-require reporting on energy security issues involving Europe and the Russian Federation and to express the sense of Congress regarding ways the US could help vulnerable allies and partners with energy security.

2:43 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about Ukraine and amendment #1522-provide addtional amounts for procurement and for research, developement, test and evealuation for Stryker Lethality Upgrades, and to provide an offset.

2:42 p.m. Senator Reed offered amendment #1521-to limit the availability of amounts authorized to be appropriated for overseas contingency operations pending relief from the spending limits under the Budget Control Act of 2011.

2:41 p.m. Senator McCain offered amendment #1456-to require additional information supporting long-range plans for construction of naval vessels.

2:27 p.m. Senator Sessions spoke about increasing defense funding.

2:15 p.m. Senator Cantwell spoke about the Ex-Im bank.

2:00 p.m. Senator Murray spoke about helping children through trauma.

1:21 p.m. Senate stands in recess until 2pm today.

1:14 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke on FISA (in response to Senator Burr’s statement).

1:06 p.m. Senator Burr spoke on FISA in response to Senator Merkley’s statement.

12:53 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke on FISA.

12:45 p.m. Senator Nelson Spoke on Defense Auth bill.

11:57 a.m. Senator Reed saluted Senator McCain’s Vietnam war service and his role in the reconciliation of Vietnam and the United States. Senator Reed also spoke about the fiscal year 2016 defense authorization bill.

11:09 a.m.  Senator McCain spoke on the Defense Authorization bill and offered amendment #1463. The Senate will recess from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

10:25 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke on “dreamers”, how Congress is like an extension cord, and the Patriot Employer Tax Credit Act.

10:09 a.m. Senator Daines spoke on regulatory burdens.

9:55 a.m. Senator Barrasso spoke on the recent waters of the United States ruling.

9:47 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell responds to DL Reid, discusses the defense authorization.

9:37 a.m. Democratic Leader Reid spoke about governing by crisis.

***

• The Senate convened at 9:30am and following leader time, will proceed to a period of morning business until 11:00am.

• At 11:00am, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (H.R. 1735), at which point it will be in order for Senator McCain to offer an amendment in the nature of a substitute (#1463) [text of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (S. 1376), as reported by the Senate Armed Services Committee].