4:59 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 3 p.m. on Monday, March 9, when the Senate will resume consideration of the energy package, S. 2657. Today’s cloture filings will ripen Monday at 5:30 p.m.
Cloture vote Monday, 5:30 p.m.: Murkowski substitute amendment #1407 to the energy package, S. 2657. If cloture is not invoked on Murkowski, the Senate will vote on cloture for the underlying energy bill.
4:51 p.m. The Senate consented to passage of S.1757, to authorize a congressional gold medal to commemorate the service of Army Rangers during World War II, as amended by Senator Ernst.
By voice vote, the Senate passed S. 2683, to set up a task force to plan child certain safety measure.
The Senate consented to these measures: H.R. 4803, on citizenship rights of military children living abroad; S. 2321, to mint a coin to commemorate Major League Baseball’s 100th anniversary; S.3414, to authorize VA medical facilities; S.Res. 535, to make March 5 National Slam the Scam Day.
4:18 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke about the Taliban and Afghanistan.
3:51 p.m. Senator Perdue spoke about military funding.
3:38 p.m. Senator Blackburn spoke about the Tennessee tornado.
3:35 p.m. Senator Loeffler spoke about the Coronavirus.
3:25 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke about the need to reach consensus to have amendment votes on S. 2657. Senator Murkowski also spoke on the modified substitute amendment.
3:09 p.m. Senator Cassidy spoke about the Coronavirus and Medicare.
2:46 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about DL Schumer’s comments at the Supreme Court and on the Coronavirus.
2:40 p.m. Senator Scott of FL spoke honoring the victims of the terrorist attack at Pensacola Naval Air Station.
2:27 p.m. Senator Sullivan paid tribute to the Alaskan of the week. On this occasion he recognized four young Alaskans; ages 2-14, who were rescued recently.
2:25 p.m. Senator Portman proposed his amendment with Senator Shaheen on energy efficiency.
2:23 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell withdrew the Ernst amendment #1419. Senator Murkowski then modified the substitute amendment; that modification included the Ernst amendment. ML McConnell then filed cloture on the substitute amendment and the underlying bill.
2:22 p.m. The Senate agreed to H.R.6074, the Coronavirus Supplemental Appropriation by a tally of 96-1.
Voting no: 1 Republican: Paul.
Not voting: 1 Democrat: Warren; 1 Independent: Sanders; 1 Republican: Enzi.
1:45 p.m. Roll call vote began on passage of H.R. 6074.
1:35 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke supporting the supplemental appropriations legislation for the Coronavirus.
1:33 p.m. Senator Shelby spoke supporting the supplemental appropriations legislation for the Coronavirus.
12:55 p.m. Senator Kennedy paid tribute to Ronnie Anderson of the Louisiana Farm Bureau upon his imminent retirement.
12:41 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on the cost of prescription drugs.
12:33 p.m. Senator Cantwell spoke about COVID-19 and supporting the supplemental.
12:32 p.m. The Senate tabled, by a vote of 80-16, the Paul amendment #1506 to H.R.6074, the Coronavirus Supplemental Appropriations.
Voting against the motion to table (16 Republicans): Senators Blackburn, Braun, Crapo, Cruz, Daines, Ernst, Johnson, Kennedy, Lankford, Lee, Loeffler, Paul, Perdue, Risch, Sullivan and Toomey.
Not voting: 2 Democrats: Markey and Warren; 1 Republican: Enzi, 1 Independent: Sanders.
11:59 a.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to table the Paul amendment #1506 (to rescind unobligated balances for certain international programs to offset the amounts appropriated in this bill to respond to the coronavirus outbreak).
11:36 a.m. Senator Paul introduced his amendment #1506 to H.R. 6074, Coronavirus spending bill.
11:16 a.m. Senator Cardin spoke on education policy.
11:07 a.m. Senator Leahy spoke on the coronavirus spending bill.
11:03 a.m. Senator Graham spoke on the coronavirus spending bill.
10:36 a.m. Senator Dubin spoke on abortion case before the Supreme Court.
10:31 a.m. Leader Schumer spoke about the abortion case before the Supreme Court. He expressed regret for some of his remarks about the court.
10:04 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the coronavirus spending bill. He spoke about Senator Schumer’s comments on the court.
10:03 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about Minority Leader Schumer’s comments on the Supreme Court.
The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m.
Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.2657, the energy package.
At 11:15 a.m., the Senate will proceed to the consideration of H.R.6074, making emergency supplemental appropriations (Coronavirus). The only amendment in order will be the Paul amendment #1506.
At 12:00 Noon, the Senate will vote in relation to the Paul amendment.
At 1:45 p.m., the Senate will vote on passage of the bill with a 60-affirmative vote threshold required for passage.
