5:45 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 6th pursuant to the provisions of S.Res. 484 as a further mark of respect to the memory of former Senator Johnny Isakson. On Thursday, at 12 noon, there will be a moment of silence in observance of the events of January 6, 2021. There will be no votes during Thursday’s session, the next vote will be on Monday, January 10th at 5:30 p.m. on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Alan Davidson to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications & Information.

5:42 p.m. Senator Murphy began wrap up:

• Agreed to by unanimous consent – S.Con.Res. 25, authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the Lying in State of the remains of the Honorable Harry Mason Reid Jr., a Senator from the state of Nevada.

• Agreed to by unanimous consent – S.Con.Res. 26, providing for the use of the catafalque situated in Exhibition Hall of the CVC in connection with memorial services to be conducted in the Rotunda of the Capitol for the Honorable Harry Mason Reid Jr., a Senator from the state of Nevada.

5:28 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke on January 6th and voting rights legislation.

5:13 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke on January 6th and on voting rights legislation.

5:02 p.m. Senator Brown spoke on January 6th.

4:53 p.m. Senator Marshall spoke on Covid-19 and the need to prioritize theraputics.

4:50 p.m. ML Schumer filed cloture on the following nominations:

• Executive Calendar #612 Alan Davidson to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications & Information
• Executive Calendar #465 Amitabha Bose to be Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration

4:35 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on overreach by the Attorney General.

4:30 p.m. Senator Warren spoke on voting rights legislation.

4:09 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about January 6th and in support of S. 2747 and S. 4.

3:56 p.m. Senator Scott (FL) spoke on the floor about vaccine mandates and the CRA. Senator Scott asked unanimous consent to call up and pass the CRA related to vaccine mandates. Senator Cantwell objected.

3:28 p.m. Senator Warnock paid tribute to former Senator Isakson and asked for unanimous consent to pass S. Res. 484, honoring the life and legacy of former Senator Johnny Hardy Isakson. S. Res. 484 was adopted by unanimous consent.

3:23 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about voting rights and the filibuster.

3:11 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about January 6th and the 2020 election.

3:05 p.m. By a vote of 51-26 the Senate confirmed Anne A. Witkowsky to be an Assistant Secretary of State.

2:10 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on the confirmation of Executive Calendar #327 Anne A. Witkowsky to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Conflict and Stabilization Operations)

2:00 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke about COVID-19 and testing.

2:00 p.m. The Senate returned from recess.

1:06 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 2:00 p.m., at 2:15 p.m. the Senate will vote on confirmation of the Witkowsky nomination.

12:59 p.m. Senator Rosen paid tribute to former Senator Reid.

12:58 p.m. By a vote of 62-24 the Senate invoked cloture on the Witkowsky nomination.

12:08 p.m. The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #327 Anne A. Witkowsky to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Conflict and Stabilization Operations).

11:54 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about the filibuster.

11:43 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about January 6th and the 2020 election.

11:34 a.m. ML Schumer spoke about January 6th and filibuster reform.

11:14 a.m. RL McConnell spoke about voting rights, the filibuster and Russia.

11:00 a.m. The Senate convened

*****

The Senate will convene at 11:00 a.m. and resume consideration of Executive Calendar #327, Anne Witkowsky to be an Assistant Secretary of State for Conflict and Stabilization Operations. 

Approximately 12 noon – 1 vote: Cloture on the Witkowsky nomination.

UC agreements:

1. At a time to be determined the Senate will vote on confirmation of Gabriel Sanchez to be US Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.
2. At a time to be determined no later than January 14, the Senate proceed to the consideration of S.3436, regarding Nord Stream 2 pipeline for up to two hours of debate, after which the Senate will vote on passage of S.3436, with 60-affirmative votes required for passage.
3. At a time to be determined, the Senate will vote on confirmation of Holly Thomas to be US Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.