Tuesday, May 9, 2017

6:17 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday May 10th.

6:12 p.m. Senator Sullivan recognized the Alaskan of the week, Sherry Bess, of the Homer Animal Shelter.

6:09 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the firing of FBI Director James Comey and the status of the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 elections.

5:23 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell filed cloture on calendar number 52, Robert Lighthizer to be the United States Trade Representative. ML McConnell asked u.c. that when the Senate completes it business today it adjourns until 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 10th. Following Leader remarks the Senate be in a period of morning business. At approximately 10:00 a.m. the Senate expects a roll call vote on the motion to proceed to H.J.Res. 36, the methane CRA resolution of disapproval. 

5:16 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke about growing tensions in Venezuela.

5:15 p.m. The nomination of Scott Gottleib to be the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration was confirmed 57 -42. 6 Democrats voted NO: (Bennet, Carper, Coons, Heitkamp, King (I), and Nelson). Senator Isakson did not vote.

4:25 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about the chaos in the Ft. Lauderdale airport surrounding Spirit Airline cancellations.

4:05 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke in favor of the Gottleib nomination.

The Senate is considering the nomination of Scott Gottleib to be the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration; post cloture. A vote on confirmation of Gottleib will occur at 4:30 p.m. today. 

3:50 p.m. Senator Murray spoke against the Gottleib nomination.

3:33 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke briefly on the opioid epidemic and in favor of the Gottleib nomination.

3:10 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about the opioid epidemic.

2:35 p.m. Senators Cassidy and Wyden spoke about health care.

2:15 p.m. Senator Heller spoke about Yucca Mountain.

12:29 p.m. The Senate has recessed for the weekly caucus luncheons, and will return at 2:15 p.m.

12:00 p.m. Senators Van Hollen and Brown spoke about health care. Senator Brown also spoke against the Gottlieb nomination.

11:39 a.m. Senator Hassan spoke about the opioid epidemic and against the Gottlieb nomination. Senator Markey continued his remarks on the opioid epidemic.

11:29 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about Russia and healthcare.

11:21 a.m. Senator Markey spoke about the opioid epidemic.

10:09 a.m. Senator Schumer spoke about Russian interference in the French elections and questions about President Trump’s Russian business interests.

10:00 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke supporting the Gottlieb nomination and the fight against opioid abuse.

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The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and resume post cloture consideration of the nomination of Scott Gottleib to be the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration.

The Senate recess for the weekly caucus luncheons from 12:30-2:15 p.m.

A vote on the Gottlieb nomination is likely on Tuesday.