6:45 p.m. The Senate adjourned until Tuesday October 17, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.
6:40 p.m. ML McConnell wrapped up the Senate business for the day. The following were passed by unanimous consent:
A resolution recognizing the 11 African-American soldiers of the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion who were massacred in Wereth, Belgium, during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. (S.Res. 99)
A resolution condemning the brutal and senseless attack at a country music festival in Las Vegas, Nevada, honoring the memory of the victims of the deadly shooting, offering condolences to, and expressing support for, the families and friends of the victims and all of the individuals who were affected by the attack, and applauding the dedication and bravery of law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, medical professionals, hotel security and staff, and community members in responding to the attack. (S.Res. 292)
A concurrent resolution authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for the unveiling of the American Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Chair of Honor. (S.Con.Res. 26)
Child Protection Improvements Act (S. 705, as amended by Hatch amendment in the nature of a substitute (#1112) and to amend the title (#1113), which were agreed to by unanimous consent.)
Child Protection Improvements Act (H.R. 695, as amended by Hatch amendment in the nature of a substitute (#1114) and to amend the title (#1115), which were agreed to by unanimous consent.)
Henry Kerner to be Special Counsel, Office of Special Counsel
6:18 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.
6:13 p.m. Senator Brown spoke on the Marino nomination.
6:12 p.m. Senate resumes consideration of the nomination of David Trachtenberg to be a Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense. The vote on this nomination is scheduled on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.
6:11 p.m. The Gingrich nomination was confirmed 70-23.
Senators voting in favor: 46 Republicans, 23 Democrats, 1 Independent (King).
Senators voting against: 22 Democrats, 1 Independent: Blumenthal, Booker, Brown, Duckworth, Durbin, Gillibrand, Harris, Hassan, Heinrich, Hirono, Leahy, Markey, Merkley, Nelson, Peters, Sanders (I), Schatz, Stabenow, Tester, Udall, Van Hollen, Warren and Wyden.
Senators not voting: 6 Republicans, 1 Democrat: Cochran, Graham, Isakson, McCain, Menendez (D), Moran and Portman.
5:3o p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the nomination of Calista Gingrich to be Ambassador to the Holy See.
5:04 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about Puerto Rico.
4:48 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke about drug abuse.
4:35 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about tax reform and Hurricane Harvey.
4:17 p.m. Democratic Leader Schumer spoke about health care, tax reform, and the Marino nomination.
4:08 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the Senate’s upcoming workload: nominations, hurricane relief, budget, and tax reform.
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The Senate will convene at 4:00 p.m., and resume consideration of the nomination of Calista Gingrich to be the ambassador to the Holy See. A vote on the nomination will occur at 5:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, October 17th at 10:30 a.m., the Senate will vote on the nomination of David Trachtenberg to be Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense.