9:54 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 9:30 a.m. Saturday August 2nd, 2025. Following Leader Remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of Andrew Puzder to be Representative of the United States of America to the European Union, with the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.

At 10:00 a.m. the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Andrew Puzder to be Representative of the United States of America to the European Union, with the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.

9:49 p.m. Majority Leader Thune started wrap up

• Agreed to by unanimous consent – S. Res. 340, National Whistleblower Appreciation Day
• Agreed to by unanimous consent – S. Res. 367, Designating July 2025 as American Grown Flower and Foliage Month  
• Passed by unanimous consent – S. 1071, A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disinter the remains of Fernando V. Cota from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Texas, and for other purposes.
• Passed by unanimous consent – S. 1659, Bankruptcy Administration Improvement Act of 2025

9:49 p.m. By a vote of 50-45, the Senate confirmed Nicholas Kent to be Under Secretary of Education. Party line vote with Senators Cassidy, Gallego, McConnell, Tillis & Welch not voting.

8:35 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Nicholas Kent to be Under Secretary of Education.

8:34 p.m. By a vote of 51-43, the Senate confirmed David Woll to be General Counsel of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Democrat voting in favor: Senator Fetterman. Not voting: Senators Cassidy, Gallego, McConnell, Sanders, Tillis, and Welch.

8:19 p.m. The Senate began a vote on Confirmation of David Woll to be General Counsel of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

8:18 p.m. By a vote of 51-44, the Senate confirmed the nomination of Luigi Rinaldi to be Ambassador to the Republic of Uruguay. This was a party line vote. Senators Cassidy, Gallego, McConnell, Sanders and Welch did not vote.

8:02 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Luigi Rinaldi to be Ambassador to the Republic of Uruguay.

8:01 p.m. Majority Leader Thune spoke on H.R. 3944.

8:00 p.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke on H.R. 3944.

8:00 p.m. By a vote of 81-15, the Senate adopted Mullin amendment #3412 (Leg Branch) to H.R. 3944, MilCon/VA Appropriations Act, 2026. Senators voting No: Banks, Husted, Johnson, Kennedy, Lee, Lummis, Markey, Moody, Murphy, Padilla, Paul, Sanders, Schiff, Scott (FL), and Warren. Senators Cassidy, Gallego, McConnell, and Welch did not vote.

7:46 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on Mullin amendment #3412 (Leg Branch) to H.R. 3944, the MilCon/VA Appropriations Act, 2026.

7:45 p.m. Senator Kennedy spoke against Mullin amendment #3412.

7:42 p.m. Senator Heinrich spoke in support of Mullin amendment #3412.

7:41 p.m. Senator Mullin called up his amendment #3412 (Leg Branch) to H.R. 3944, the MilCon/VA Appropriations Act, 2026.

7:42 p.m. By a vote of 87-9, the Senate passed H.R. 3944, MilCon/VA Appropriations Act, 2026, as amended. Senators voting No: Booker, Lummis, Markey, Murphy, Padilla, Paul, Sanders, Schiff, Warren. Senators Cassidy, Gallego, McConnell, and Welch did not vote.

7:28 p.m. The Senate is now voting on passage of H.R.3944, MilCon/VA Appropriations Act, 2026, as amended.

7:28 p.m. By a vote of 87-9, the Senate adopted Collins substitute amendment #3411 to H.R. 3944, MilCon/VA Appropriations Act, 2026. Senators voting No: Booker, Lummis, Markey, Murphy, Padilla, Paul, Sanders, Schiff, and Warren. Senators Cassidy, Gallego, McConnell, Welch did not vote.

7:10 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on passage of Collins substitute amendment #3411 to H.R. 3944, MilCon/VA Appropriations Act, 2026.

7:08 p.m. Senators Collins and Murray spoke about the appropriations process.

7:06 p.m. By a vote of 21-75, the Senate did not agree to the Johnson amendment #3411 (earmarks) to Collins substitute amendment #3411 to H.R.3944, MilCon/VA Appropriations Act, 2026. Senators voting in favor: Banks, Blackburn, Budd, Crapo, Cruz, Curtis, Daines, Ernst, Hagerty, Hawley, Johnson, Kennedy, Lankford, Lee, Lummis, Marshall, Moody, Moreno, Paul, Risch, and Scott (FL). Senators Cassidy, Gallego, McConnell, and Welch did not vote.

6:52 p.m. The Senate is now voting on adoption of the Johnson amendment #3428 (earmarks) to Collins substitute amendment #3411 to H.R.3944, MilCon/VA Appropriations Act, 2026.

6:51 p.m. Senator Murray spoke against the Johnson amendment #3428.

6:49 p.m. Senator Johnson spoke in support of his amendment #3428.

6:49 p.m. By a vote of 15-81, the Senate did not agree to the Scott (FL) amendment #3113 (Reduce Ag Program Funding) to to to Collins substitute amendment #3411 to H.R.3944, MilCon/VA Appropriations Act, 2026. Senators voting in favor: Banks, Barrasso, Budd, Curtis, Ernst, Hagerty, Johnson, Kennedy, Lee, Lummis, Moody, Moreno, Paul, Schmitt, and Scott (FL). Senators Cassidy, Gallego, McConnell, and Welch did not vote.

6:30 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on Scott (FL) amendment #3113 (Reduce Ag Program Funding).

6:29 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke in support of Scott (FL) amendment #3113.

6:28 p.m. Senator Scott (FL) called up his amendment #3113 (Reduce Ag Program Funding).

6:27 p.m. By a vote of 14-81, the Senate did not agree to Kennedy amendment #3414 (Reduce Ag 2%). Senators voting in favor: Banks, Barrasso, Budd, Cruz, Curtis, Hagerty, Johnson, Kennedy, Lummis, Moody, Paul, Schmitt, Scott (FL), and Tuberville. Senators Cassidy, Duckworth, Gallgeo, McConnel and Welch did not vote

6:12 p.m. The Senate is now voting on adoption of the Kennedy Amendment #3414, to to Collins substitute amendment #3411 to H.R.3944, MilCon/VA Appropriations Act, 2026.

6:12 p.m. Senator Shaheen spoke against the Kennedy amendment #3414.

6:11 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke against the Kennedy amendment #3414.

6:11 p.m. Senator Kennedy spoke in support of his amendment #3414.

6:10 p.m. By voice vote, the Senate adopted the Tuberville Amendment #3413.

6:08 p.m. Senator Ossoff spoke in support the Tuberville amendment #3413.

6:06 p.m. Senator Tuberville spoke in support of his amendment #3413.

6:05 p.m. By a vote of 45-50, the Senate did not agree to Duckworth amendment #3644 (workforce reduction) to Collins substitute amendment #3411 to H.R.3944, MilCon/VA Appropriations Act, 2026. Republican voting in favor: Senator Sullivan. Senators Cassidy, Duckworth, Gallego, McConnell, and Welch did not vote.

5:53 p.m. The Senate is now voting on adoption of the Duckworth amendment #3466.

5:51 p.m. Senator Ossoff called up and spoke in support of the Duckworth amendment #3466.

5:50 p.m. By a vote of 42-53, the Senate did not agree to Van Hollen amendment #3115 (Ag Dept Reorganization) to Collins substitute amendment #3411 to H.R.3944, MilCon/VA Appropriations Act, 2026. Democrats voting against: Senators Bennett and Hickenlooper. Senators Cassidy, Duckworth, Gallego, McConnell, and Welch did not vote.

5:33 p.m. The Senate is now voting on adoption of the Van Hollen amendment #3115.

5:31 p.m. Senator Van Hollen spoke on his amendment #3115 (Dept. Of Agriculture)

5:30 p.m. By a vote of 44-51, the Senate did not agree to Murphy amendment #3447 (Veteran Suicide) to Collins substitute amendment #3411 to H.R.3944, MilCon/VA Appropriations Act, 2026. It was a party line vote with Senators Cassidy, Duckworth, Gallego, McConnell and Welch not voting.

5:09 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on Murphy amendment #3447 (Veteran Suicide).

5:08 p.m. Senator Boozman spoke on Murphy amendment #3447.

5:07 p.m. Senator Murphy called up his amendment #3447.

5:06 p.m. The Senate agreed to Blumenthal amendment ##3432 (Veterans Crisis Line) to Collins substitute amendment #3411 to H.R.3944, MilCon/VA Appropriations Act, 2026.

5:06 p.m. Senator Boozman spoke on the Blumenthal amendment.

5:04 p.m. Senator Blumenthal called up his amendment #3432 and spoke.

5:03 p.m. By a vote of 44-51, the motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to Merkley amendment #3114 (Limit Rescissions). The Budget Point of Order is sustained and the amendment falls. It was a party line vote with Senators Cassidy, Duckworth, Gallego, McConnell, and Welch not voting.

4:27 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to Merkley amendment #3114 (Limit Rescissions) – this has a 60-vote affirmative threshold.

4:26 p.m. Senator Merkley made a motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to Merkley amendment #3114.

4:24 p.m. Senator Graham raised a budget point of order with regards to Merkley amendment #3114.

4:22 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke on his amendment #3114.

4:16 p.m. Senator Collins spoke on appropriations and the Senate resumed consideration of H.R. 3944 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026 and received unanimous consent for the Committee reported substitute be withdrawn, for the Collins substitute amendment #3411 [MilCon and Ag only] be considered an Appropriations Committee amendment and for the manager’s package to Collins substitute amendment #3411 be agreed to.

4:04 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke on appropriations.

3:52 p.m. Senator Murray spoke on appropriations.

3:37 p.m. Senator Collins received unanimous consent that at 4:15 p.m. today, the Senate resume consideration of H.R. 3944 and the committee reported substitute be withdrawn. That the Collins substitute amendment #3411, MilCon/VA Appropriations Bill and the Agriculture Appropriations, be considered an Appropriations Committee amendment. That the following Managers’ package of amendments be considered and agreed to en bloc:

• Paul #3070
• Shaheen/Grassley #3430
• Smith #3025
• Hirono #3409
• Rounds #3081
• Rounds #3082
• Budd/Shaheen #3416
• Hawley #3080
• Rosen/Cortez Masto #3208
• Cornyn #3073
• Hirono #3110
• Shaheen #3431
• Klobuchar #3418
• Crapo/Rosen #3163
• Blumenthal #3433
• Booker/Tuberville #3200
• Moran #3190
• Crapo/Merkley #3220

Upon disposition of the manager’s package, the Senate will proceed to up to 13 roll call votes in relation to H.R. 3944, MilCon/VA Appropriations Act, 2026:

• 1. Merkley amendment #3114
• 2. Blumenthal amendment #3432
• 3. Murphy amendment #3447
• 4. Van Hollen amendment #3115
• 5. Duckworth amendment #3466
• 6. Tuberville amendment #3413
• 7. Kennedy amendment #3414
• 8. Kennedy amendment #3415
• 9. Scott (FL) amendment #3113
• 10. Johnson amendment #3428
• 11. Collins substitute amendment #3411, as amended, if amended (60 vote-affirmative threshold)
• 12. Passage of H.R.3944, as amended, if amended. (60 vote affirmative threshold)
• 13. Mullin amendment #3412

Further, following the roll call vote on adoption of Mullin amendment #3412, the Senate is expected to proceed to three roll call votes on the following:

1. Confirmation of David Woll to be General Counsel of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
2. Confirmation of Nicholas Kent to be Under Secretary of Education.
3. Confirmation of Luigi Rinaldi to be Ambassador to the Oriental Republic of Uruguay.

3:27 p.m. Senator Scott (SC) paid tribute to Mr. Lloyd Wayne Coppage and also on the One Big Beautiful Bill.

3:23 p.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke on the Commissioner at the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Erika McEntarfer.

3:16 p.m. By a vote of 52-45, the Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of Luigi Rinaldi to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the U.S. to the Oriental Republic of Uruguay.

Not voting: Senators Cassidy, Gallego, and Welch.

2:50 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Luigi Rinaldi to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Oriental Republic of Uruguay.

2:49 p.m. By a vote of 54-43, the Senate confirmed Brian Nesvik to be Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Senators Heinrich and Rosen voted in favor.

Not voting: Senators Cassidy, Gallego, and Welch.

2:15 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Brian Nesvik to be Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

1:28 p.m. Senators Scott (FL), Moreno, and Lummis spoke on the Federal Reserve. Senator Scott (FL) asked unanimous consent to call up and pass S. 1627, A bill to require Presidential appointment and Senate confirmation of the Inspector General of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. Senator Peters objected.

12:11 p.m. Senator Schmitt spoke on political violence and got unanimous consent to agree to S.Res. 363, Solemnly marking the one-year anniversary of the attempted assassination attempt.

12:10 p.m. Majority Leader Thune asked unanimous consent that at 2:15pm today, the Senate will proceed to two roll call votes on the following:

1. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #90 Brian Nesvik to be Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

2. Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #192 Luigi Rinaldi to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Oriental Republic of Uruguay.

12:08 p.m. By a vote of 52-44, the Senate confirmed Casey Mulligan to be Chief Counsel for Advocacy, Small Business Administration. This was a party line vote. Not voting: Cassidy, Duckworth, Gallego, Kaine, & Welch.

11:39 a.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #59 Casey Mulligan to be Chief Counsel for Advocacy, Small Business Administration.

11:38 a.m. By a vote of 55-41, the Senate invoked cloture on the Nesvik nomination. Democrats voting in favor: Senators Coons, Heinrich, and Rosen.

Not voting: Senators Cassidy, Duckworth, Gallego, and Welch.

11:01 a.m. The Senate began voting on cloture on the nomination of Brian Nesvik to be Director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

10:41 a.m. Senators Barrasso and Durbin spoke on nominations.

10:30 a.m. Democratic Leader Schumer spoke on the latest jobs report, President Trump’s tariffs and trade, and the Smithsonian removal of references to President Trump’s impeachments.

10:02 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke on mental health resources for veterans.

10:00 a.m. The Senate convened.

***

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and following any Leader remarks will resume consideration of Executive Calendar #90, Brian Nesvik to be Director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

At 11:00 a.m. the Senate will proceed to a series of two votes:

1. Cloture on the Nesvik nomination.
2. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #59, Casey Mulligan to be Chief Counsel for Advocacy, Small Business Administration.

Further votes are expected.

At a time to be determined, the Senate will vote on confirmation of the following nominations:
1. David Woll to be General Counsel of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
2. Nicholas Kent to be Under Secretary of Education.

Cloture has also been filed on the following nominations:
1. Luigi Rinaldi to be Ambassador to Uruguay.
2. Andrew Puzder to be US Representative/Ambassador to the European Union.
3. Brian Burch to be Ambassador to the Vatican.
4. Jason Quinones to be US Attorney for the Southern District.
5. Jeanine Pirro to be US Attorney for the District of Columbia.
6. Luke Lindberg to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade/Foreign Agricultural Affairs.
7. Catherine Hanson to be Chief Financial Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency.
8. John Arrigo to be Ambassador to Portugal.
9. Sean Cairncross to be National Cyber Director.
10. Adam Telle to be an Assistant Secretary of the Army.
11. Marcus Molinaro to be Federal Transit Administrator.