Thursday, January 8, 2026

4:30 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026. Following Leader remarks, the Senate resume the motion to proceed to H.R. 6938, which will ripen 5:30 p.m.

4:28 p.m. Wrap up:

  • H.R. 6938 received its second reading and Senator Murkowski filed cloture on the bill.

4:27 p.m. The Senate has convened for a new legislative day and is now in a period of morning business.

4:25 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 4:27 p.m. The following resolutions were agreed to en bloc: S. Res. 577, S. Res. 578, and S. Res. 579. The following bill received its first reading: H.R. 6938 – An act making consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes.

2:50 p.m. Senators Merkley and Tillis spoke about a plaque honoring the service of law enforcement officers on January 6 by unanimous consent, S. Res. 580, directing the Architect of the Capitol to prominently display in a publicly accessible location in the Senate wing of the United State Capitol a plaque honoring the members of law enforcement responding on January 6, 2021, until the plaque can be placed in its permanent location, was agreed to.

2:30 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke about things the Senate needs to do in 2026 and also spoke about Greenland.

2:26 p.m. By a vote of 53-40, the nomination of Alexander Van Hook to be a District Judge for the Western District of Louisiana was confirmed.

Dems/Independents voting aye: Senators Durbin, Hassan, Kaine, King, Klobuchar, Shaheen and Welch.

Not voting: Senators Cramer, Daines, Moran, Scott (FL), Scott (SC), Tuberville and Wicker.

1:31 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation on the nomination of Alexander Van Hook to be a District Judge for the Western District of Louisiana.

1:19 p.m. Senator Markey spoke on Venezuela.

1:07 p.m. Senator Bennett spoke on the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act.

1:00 p.m. Senator Marshall spoke on nutrition.

12:50 p.m. Senator Murray spoke on the US and Venezuela.

12:39 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on whistleblowers.

12:26 p.m. Senator Moody spoke about Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

12:17 p.m. Senator Rosen spoke on inflation. She then asked for unanimous consent for the Senate to pass S.3229 – No Tariffs on Groceries Act of 2025, with the Rosen substitute amendment, Senator Crapo objected.

12:09 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke on the economy.

11:44 a.m. Senator Kennedy spoke on welfare fraud in Minnesota and the budget.

11:40 a.m. By a vote of 52-47, the Senate agreed to the motion to discharge S.J. Res. 98, A joint resolution to direct the removal of US Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress. Republican senators voting in favor: Collins, Hawley, Murkowski, Paul, and Young. Senator Daines did not vote.

11:00 a.m. The Senate is now voting on the motion to discharge S.J.Res.98 – A joint resolution to direct the removal of US Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress. (Kaine)

10:56 a.m. Senator Kaine spoke in favor of the war powers resolution and he made a motion to discharge S. J. Res. 98 out of the Foreign Relations commitee.

10:52 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke in favor of the war powers resolution.

10:44 a.m. Senator Risch spoke on the US and Venezuela.

10:23 a.m. Senator Schiff spoke on the Trump Administration’s actions in Venezuela.

10:14 a.m. Senator Reed spoke on US military operations in South America.

10:08 a.m. Majority Leader Thune spoke on government funding.

10:02 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke on National Law Enforcement Day.

10:00 a.m. The Senate is now in session and in a period of morning business.

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and following any leader remarks will be in a period of morning business.

At 11:00 a.m. the Senate will vote on the motion to discharge S.J.Res.98 – A joint resolution to direct the removal of US Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress (Kaine)

At 1:45 p.m. the Senate will vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #574 Alexander Van Hook to be a District Judge for the Western District of Louisiana.