Thursday, February 10, 2022

3:30 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will next convene at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, February 14, 2022. Following leader remarks the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R.3076, Postal Service Reform Act.

1 vote at 5:30 p.m. — motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 3076, Postal Service Reform Act.

Senator Leahy will deliver the traditional reading of Washington’s Farewell Address on February 28.

During wrap-up:

H. Con. Res. 69 – Providing for a joint session of Congress to receive a message from the President, was agreed to by unanimous consent.

S. Res. 467 – A resolution recognizing the contributions made by the 305-meter radio telescope at the Arecibo Observatory, and the Blumenthal amendment, was agreed to by unanimous consent.

S. Res. 510 – Designating January 25 as National Poll Workers Recruitment Day, was agreed to by unanimous consent.

3:13 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act.

2:40 p.m. Senator Moran spoke about a blood supply shortage.

2:30 p.m. Senator Fischer paid tribute to U.S. District Court Judge John Gerrard.

2:25 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke on Black History Month.

2:24 p.m. The Senate confirmed Max Vekich to be a Federal Maritime Commissioner, 51-43.

Republicans voting in favor: Collins, Murkowski, and Sullivan.

Not voting: Barrasso, Blunt, Burr, Hagerty, Lujan, and Sanders.

1:43 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Max Vekich to be a Federal Maritime Commissioner.

1:28 p.m. Senator Lankford spoke about energy.

1:05 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke on Ukraine and banking.

12:49 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on Ukraine.

12:30 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke on Ukraine.

12:29 p.m. By a vote of 52-45 , cloture was invoked on Executive Calendar #705 Max Vekich to be a Federal Maritime Commissioner.

Republians voting in favor: Collins, Murkowski, and Sullivan.

Senators not voting: Barrasso, Blunt and Lujan.

11:48 a.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #705 Max Vekich to be a Federal Maritime Commissioner.

11:40 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about inflation.

11:16 a.m. Senator Shaheen spoke in support of nominations to the Dept. of Defense and asked unanimous consent that the Senate confirm the nominations of David A. Honey to be Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, Celeste Ann Wallander to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, and Melissa Griffin Dalton to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense. Senator Hawley objected.

11:15 a.m. The Senate passed by voice vote H.R. 4445, Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act.

10:55 a.m. Senators Ernst, Graham, Gillibrand, and Schumer spoke about Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act.

10:31 a.m. Senator Cantwell spoke about maritime commission and supply chain.

10:24 a.m. Senator McConnell spoke about inflation.

10:20 a.m. Second reading of S. 3623-Violence Against Women Act.

10:10 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about the Violence Against Women Act, infrastructure, a postal bill, and appropriations. He filed cloture on H.R. 3076-provide stability and enhance the services of the U.S. Postal Service. He also filed cloture on the nomination of Robert McKinnon Califf to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Dept of HHS.

10:00 a.m. The Senate convened.

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and following Leader remarks will proceed to the consideration of H.R.4445, the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act.

At 11:00 a.m., the Senate will vote on passage of H.R.4445, a voice vote is expected.

Upon the disposition of H.R.4445, the Senate will resume consideration of the nomination of Max Vekich to be a Federal Maritime Commissioner.

At approximately 11:45a.m. the Senate will vote on cloture on the Vekich nomination.

At approximately1:45 p.m. the Senate will vote on confirmation of the Vekich nomination.