Thursday, May 14, 2020

5:21 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2020. Following Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of Executive Calendar #564, Scott H. Rash, of Arizona, to be United States District Judge for the District of Arizona. At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Rash nomination.

5:02 p.m. Senator Sullivan paid tribute to the Alaskans of the Week, Adam Crumb and Dr. Ann Zink.

4:36 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the accomplishments of the Senate over the past two weeks. Senator Cornyn began wrap up and all Military Promotions confirmed by consent: Cal.#583, Cal. #633 – Cal. #639 and all nominations on the Secretary’s Desk in the Army, Marine Corps and Navy; passed as amended by voice vote S. 3607, extending public safety officer death benefits officers whose death was caused by COVID-19 with the Grassley-Booker amendment; The Senate passed by u.c. S. 3434, a bill to make Federal law enforcement officer peer support communications confidential; passed by u.c. S. 2746, requiring the Director of the FBI to provide a report on suicide rates and law enforcement; passed by u.c. S.Res. 555, recognizing and supporting the advocates, counselors, volunteers, and first responders who served survivors on an emergency basis during national sexual assault awareness and prevention month; passed by u.c. S.Res. 560, recognizing the goals and ideals of National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

4:04 p.m. ML McConnell called up and passed by u.c. S. 3744, a bill to condemn gross human rights violations of ethnic Turkic Muslims and calling for an end of detention, torture and harassment of these communities inside and outside of China.

4:03 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on Executive Calendar #602 John Leonard Badalamenti to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Florida.

4:01 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on Executive Calendar #601 John Heil III to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern, Eastern and Western Districts of Oklahoma.

4:00 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on Executive Calendar #600 Anna Manasco to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Alabama.

3:59 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on Executive Calendar #564 Scott H. Rash to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Arizona.

3:56 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on Executive Calendar #564 Scott H. Rash to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Arizona.

2:52 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke honoring National Police Week.

2:37 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke about voting by mail and ask u.c. to pass a bill modifying the provisions on funding for election security grants. Senator Johnson objected.

2:34 p.m. By a tally of 80-16, the Senate passed H.R.6172, FISA, as amended. (60 vote affirmative threshold)

Voting against 14 Democrats and 2 Republicans: Senators Baldwin, Brown, Burr, Cantwell, Durbin, Heinrich, Hirono, Markey, Merkley, Murray, Paul, Schatz, Tester, Udall, Warren and Wyden.

Not voting: Senators Alexander, McSally, Sanders, and Sasse.

1:24 p.m. Senate began a roll call vote on passage of H.R. 6172, as amended. 60 votes required.

12:48 p.m. Senator Cramer, Senator Schumer and Senator Shaheen spoke about adding Vietnam Veteran Sailors names being added the Vietnam Memorial. Senator Cramer asked for UC that the Senate pass S. 849. Senator Murkowski objected.

12:47 p.m. The Paul amendment failed by a vote of 11-85. Voting aye: Blackburn, Braun, Cruz, Daines, Kennedy, Lee, Moran, Murkowski, Paul, Scott of FL, and Sullivan.

Senators Alexander, McSally, Sanders, and Sasse did not vote.

11:33 a.m. Senator Paul spoke about the FISA.

11:18 p.m. Senator Udall spoke about FISA.

11:01 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about unemployment and fiscal relief.

10:50 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about the economic emergency.

10:38 a.m. Senator McConnell spoke about unemployment

10:32 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about public input on Federal Regulations.

The Senate will convene at 10:30 a.m. Following leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R. 6172, FISA Reauthorization.

12:00 noon – roll call vote on the Paul amendment, if offered (rights of Americans). 60 votes required.

1:30 p.m. —  roll call vote on passage of H.R. 6172, as amended. 60 votes required.