Monday, November 17, 2014

7:28 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 10 a.m. on November 18, 2014.

7:25 p.m. Majority Leader Reid secured unanimous consent for voice votes Wednesday — following confirmation of the Georgia judicial nominations — to confirm ambassadorial nominations to Paraguay, Bangladesh, Senegal and Guinea-Bissau; Brunei Darussalem; and Bahrain.

7:07 p.m. By voice votes the Senate confirmed these ambassadorial nominations:

* Barbara A. Leaf of Virginia, to the United Arab Emirates;

* Theodore G. Osius III of Maryland to Vietnam;

* Erica J. Barks Ruggles of Minnesota to Ruanda;

* Karen Clark Stanton of Michigan to Timor-Leste.

6:04 p.m. to 7:06 p.m.  The Senate voted to invoke cloture on these nominations to U.S. District Courts:

 

  • Leslie Joyce Abrams, Middle District of Georgia (68 to 28);
  • Mark Howard Cohen, Northern District of Georgia (67 to 29);
  • Eleanor Louise Ross, Northern District of Georgia (66 to 29).

 

6:02 p.m. On a vote of 89 to 1, the Senate concurred in the House amendment to S.1086, the Child Care Development Block Grant bill.

3:42 p.m. to 5:18 p.m. These senators spoke for the Child Care Development Block Grant bill: Burr, Cornyn, Mikulski, Harkin, Alexander.

3:33 p.m. RL McConnell paid tribute to former Senate Sgt at Arms Howard Greene on news of his recent passing.

2:12 p.m.  Senator Leahy spoke on Republican obstruction and nominations.

2:04 p.m.  ML Reid spoke on Obamacare, funding the government, immigration,  nominations, and a tribute to Howard Green.

The Senate will convene at 2 p.m. and proceed to morning business.

 At 5:30 p.m., there will be a roll call vote on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2013 (S. 1086).

The Senate will then proceed to roll call votes on the motions to invoke cloture on these judicial nominations to U.S. District Courts: 

    • Leslie Joyce Abrams, Middle District of Georgia
    • Mark Howard Cohen, Northern District of Georgia
    • Eleanor Louise Ross, Northern District of Georgia

 Time Agreements for Tuesday, November 18:

Following leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to six hours of debate on the Keystone XL Pipeline bill (S. 2280).  No amendments will be in order.

At about 6:15 p.m., a roll call vote on passage is expected, with 60 votes required. If an identical House bill has been received, it will be deemed passed by unanimous consent and will be sent to the president.

After disposition of the Keystone bill, confirmation votes will follow on the Abrams, Cohen and Ross nominations.

After disposition of the Ross nomination, the Senate will begin 30 minutes of debate on of the motion to proceed to the bill to revise the USA Patriot Act, S. 2685.

The Senate will then proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 2685.

Friday, November 14, 2014

The Senate is not in session.

The Senate will reconvene on Monday, November 17 at 2:00 p.m.

At 5:30 p.m. Monday, the Senate will proceed to four votes:

  • Motion to concur with the House amendment to S. 1086, the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act
  • Motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Leslie Abrams to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of GA.
  • Motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Mark Cohen to by U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of GA.
  • Motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Eleanor Ross to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of GA.

On Tuesday, November 18, the Senate will proceed, immediately after leaders’ remarks, to the Keystone Pipeline bill (S. 2280). There will be six hours of debate; no amendments will be permitted. A roll-call vote will ensue, with 60 votes required for passage.

 

 

Thursday, November 13, 2014

7:20 p.m.: The Senate adjourned and will reconvene on Monday, Nov. 17 at 2:00 p.m. At 5:30, the Senate will proceed to four votes:

  • Motion to concur with the House amendment to S. 1086-Childcare Development Block Grant
  • Motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Leslie Abrams to be U.S. District Judge for GA
  • Motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Mark Cohen to by U.S. District Judge for GA
  • Motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Eleanor Ross to be U.S. District Judge for GA

7:20 p.m.: 1st reading-H.R.2- Remove Federal obstacles to the production of more domestic energy.

7:20 p.m. : 2nd reading- H.R. 4-Act to make revisions to federal law to improve conditions for job creation.

6:45 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about the Affordable Care Act.

6:12 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about nominations for the Homeland security committee.

6:02 p.m. Senator Heitkamp spoke about the Keystone Pipeline

5:22 p.m. Senator Landrieu spoke about the Keystone Pipeline

5:10 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke about about energy indepence.

5:02 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about the Keystone Pipeline.

4:51 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the Keystone Pipeline.

4:45 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke about the Keystone Pipeline.

4:41 p.m. Senator McConnell spoke about the Keystone Pipeline.

4:36 p.m. Senator Landrieu spoke in favor of the Keystone Pipeline.

4:20 p.m. Senator Corker spoke on Iran.

4:12 p.m. Senator Graham discussed Iran and their weapon potential.

4:09 p.m. Senator Murphy objected.

4:07 p.m. Senator Graham asked UC to take up S.2650 regarding Iran.

4:05 p.m. Senator Markey joined Senator Warren in paying tribute to Mayor Tom Menino.

4:01 p.m. Senator Landrieu wrapped up her Keystone speech.

3:58 p.m. Senator Manchin echoed Sen. Landrieu on the keystone pipeline.

3:50 p.m. Senator Landrieu spoke on the Keystone pipeline.

3:48 p.m. Senator Warren paid tribute to Boston Mayor Tom Menino, who passed away recently.

3:38 p.m. Senator Durbin paid tribute to Rep Lane Evans, who passed away last week.

3:37 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 1086, 96-1. (Lee)

3:16 p.m. Senate began voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 1086, Child Care and Development Block Grant.

3:13 p.m. May nomination confirmed 99-0.

2:52 p.m. Senate began voting on confirmation of the nomination of Leigh Martin May to be a US District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia.

2:51 p.m. Moss nomination confirmed 54-45.

2:32 p.m. Senate began voting on confirmation of the nomination of Randolph Moss to be a US District Court Judge for the District of Columbia.

2:24 p.m. Senator Chambliss paid tribute to the guest Chaplain and spoke in support of the May nomination.

2:15 p.m. Senate convened, following prayer and pledge, Sen Landrieu was recognized to discuss the Keystone bill.

 

 

 

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

7:52 p.m. Senate adjourns until 2:15 p.m on Thursday November 13th.

7:50 p.m. Senator Whitehouse wraps up the day in the Senate.  Items passed by UC: S Res 576, “National Day of Writing.”  HR 4 has its first reading.  There will be 3 roll call votes at 2:30pm on Thursday, on confirmation of the Moss and May nominations and cloture on the Child Development Block Grant bill.

7:25 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke for the 79th time to discuss climate change.

7:19 p.m. Senator Toomey joined a colloquy with Senator Alexander on the background check proposals.

7:03 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke against the Manchin/Toomey proposal.

6:43 p.m. Senator Toomey continued on the background check bill.

6:42 p.m Senator Harkin objected.

6:41 p.m.  Senator Toomey asked UC to take up S. 1086, Child Development Block Grant bill and HR 2083, Protecting Students from Sexual and Violent Predators Act.

6:36 p.m. Senator Manchin began a colloquy with Senator Toomey on background checks for school employees.

6:35 p.m. Senate invoked cloture on the May nomination, 67-30.

6:08 p.m. Senate began a cloture vote on the nomination of Leigh Martin May, to be US District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia

6:07 p.m. Senate invoked cloture on the Moss nomination 53-45.

5:43 p.m. Senate began a cloture vote on the nomination of Randolph Moss to be a US District Judge for the District of Columbia.

5:42 p.m. UC agreement agreed to.

5:39 p.m. Senator Cornyn amended UC to include that if the Senate passes S.2280, and has received from the House a bill identical to S.2280, it be passed with no intervening action.

5:37 p.m. Senator Landrieu offered a UC that on Tuesday the 18th, the Senate debate for six hours S. 2280, the Keystone Pipeline bill.  No amendments in order, bill subject to 60 vote threshold.

5:26 p.m. ML Reid filed cloture on the following:

1. Nomination of Leslie Abrams to be US District Judge for the middle district of Georgia.

2. Nomination of Mark Cohen to be US District Judge for the northern district of Georgia.

3. Nomination of Eleanor Ross to be US District Judge for the northern district of Georgia.

4. S. 2685, the “USA Freedom Act.”

5:06 p.m. Senator Isakson spoke in favor of the May nomination.

4:42 p.m. Senator Coburn spoke on the Taxpayers rights amendment.

4:23 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke on the issue of exploding airbags.

4:10 p.m. Senator Landrieu again spoke on Keystone XL pipeline.

4:06 p.m. Senator Schatz spoke on the climate change agreement with China.

3:57 p.m. Senator Brown spoke on the Affordable Care Act.

3:50 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about China, coal and emissions.

3:35 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke in favor of the Childcare Development block grant.

3:17 p.m. Senator Heitkamp spoke in favor of the Keystone XL pipeline.

2:49 p.m. Senator Tester spoke in favor of the Keystone XL pipeline.

2:44 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke in favor of the Keystone XL pipeline.

2:27 p.m. Senator Landrieu spoke on bipartisanship and the Keystone XL pipeline.

2:03 p.m.  Majority Leader Reid spoke on the change in leadership and bipartisanship.

2:09 p.m.  Senator McConnell spoke on new Republican leadership.

2:11 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on new Republican leadership, unemployment, budget and bipartisanship.

The Senate will convene at 2:00 p.m. and proceed to Morning Business. The first of two roll-call votes will begin at 5:30 p.m. Votes will be on whether to invoke cloture on these nominations:

o    Randolph D. Moss to be a United States District Court Judge for the District of Columbia

o    Leigh Martin May to be United States District Court Judge for the Northern District of Georgia

NOTE: Here follow highlights of the Senate’s plans for Thursday, November 13, 2014:

 Members of both parties will fill leadership posts for the 114th Congress.

  • Democrats will meet to elect their leaders at 9 a.m. in the Old Senate Chamber.
  • Republicans will meet for elections at 9:30 a.m. in the Mansfield Room.
  • Party policy luncheons will begin at 12:30 p.m. Democrats will meet in the Mansfield Room, Republicans in the LBJ Room.
  • Republican leaders will be available to reporters at 2 p.m. at the Ohio Clock stakeout position.
  • If cloture has been invoked on the Moss and May nominations on Wednesday, the Senate will proceed to confirmation votes at about 2:15 p.m. Thursday.
  • Following disposition of the Moss and May nominations, the Senate will immediately proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2013 (S. 1086).

 

 

 

 

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Senate adjourned at 10:35 p.m.

If the Senate does not receive a message that the House of Representatives has adopted a concurrent resolution providing for a conditional adjournment or recess of the Senate and an adjournment of the House of Representatives (S.Con.Res. 44), the Senate will convene for pro forma sessions on the following dates, during which no business will be conducted:

 

  • Monday, September 22nd at 4:00pm
  • Thursday, September 25th at 12:00pm
  • Monday, September 29th at 12:00pm
  • Thursday, October 2nd at 12:00pm
  • Monday, October 6th at 2:00pm
  • Thursday, October 9th at 12:00pm
  • Monday, October 13th at 12:00pm
  • Thursday, October 16th at 12:00pm
  • Monday, October 20th at 10:15am
  • Thursday, October 23rd at 12:00pm
  • Monday, October 27th at 12:00pm
  • Thursday, October 30th at 12:00pm
  • Monday, November 3rd at 12:00pm
  • Thursday, November 6th at 12:00pm
  • Monday, November 10th at 12:00pm

 

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

 

  • If the Senate does receive a message that the House of Representatives has adopted S.Con.Res. 44, the Senate will not convene for the above pro forma sessions, but will convene at 10:00am on Wednesday, October 15 for a pro forma session only, during which no business will be conducted.

 

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

 

  • The Senate will convene at 2:00pm and proceed to a period of morning business until 5:30pm, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to ten minutes each.  The time will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders, or their designees.

 

  • At 5:30pm, the Senate will enter Executive Session and proceed to roll call votes on the motions to invoke cloture on the following nominations:

 

    • Randolph D. Moss to be a United States District Judge for the District of Columbia
    • Leigh Martin May to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia

 

  • By unanimous consent, if cloture is invoked on the Moss and May nominations, the Senate will proceed to roll call votes on confirmation of the nominations at 2:15pm on Thursday, November 13, 2014.

 

  • Following disposition of the Moss and May nominations, the Senate will immediately proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2013 (S. 1086).

 

 

The following amendments/motion are currently pending to the House message to accompany the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2013 (S. 1086):

 

  • Reid amendment to change the enactment date. (#3923)

 

  • Reid second-degree amendment to Reid amendment #3923, of a perfecting nature. (#3924)

 

  • Reid motion to refer the House message with respect to S. 1086 to the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee with instructions to report back forthwith with an amendment, to change the enactment date. (#3925)

 

  • Reid amendment to Reid motion to refer #3925, of a perfecting nature. (#3926)

 

  • Reid second-degree amendment to Reid amendment #3926, of a perfecting nature. (#3927)

 

During Thursday’s Session

 

The House message to accompany the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2013 (S. 1086)

 

  • Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 1086.

 

Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2015 (H.J.Res. 124)

 

  • H.J.Res. 124 passed by a roll call vote of 78-22.

 

    • The motion to invoke cloture on H.J.Res. 124 was agreed to 73-27.

 

    • Cruz motion to table Reid second-degree amendment to Reid amendment #3851, of a perfecting nature (#3852) was not agreed to by a roll call vote of 50-50.

 

The Senate passed/adopted the following by voice vote:

 

  • Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act of 2014 (S. 1691, as amended by a Committee-reported substitute amendment, which was amended by a Carper amendment, which were agreed to by unanimous consent.)
  • Preventing Conflicts of Interest with Contractors Act (S. 2061, as amended by a Committee-reported substitute amendment, which was agreed to by unanimous consent.)
  • A concurrent resolution providing for a conditional adjournment or recess of the Senate and an adjournment of the House of Representatives. (S.Con.Res. 44)The Senate passed/adopted the following by unanimous consent:
  • Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act of 2014 (H.R. 4323)
  • A bill to require the Secretary of the Interior to assemble a team of technical, policy, and financial experts to address the energy needs of the insular areas of the United States and the Freely Associated States through the development of energy action plans aimed at promoting access to affordable, reliable energy, including increasing use of indigenous clean-energy resources, and for other purposes. (H.R. 83, as amended by Murkowski amendment in the nature of a substitute (#3928), which was agreed to by unanimous consent.)
  • Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research, and Education Amendments of 2014 (H.R. 594)
  • To amend the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act to clarify how the Act applies to condominiums. (H.R. 2600)
  • Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act of 2013 (H.R. 3043)
  • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe – Fish Springs Ranch Settlement Act (H.R. 3716)
  • IMPACT Act of 2014 (H.R. 4994)
  • Examination and Supervisory Privilege Parity Act (H.R. 5062)
  • Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2014 (H.R. 5404)
  • Federal Data Center Consolidation Act of 2013 (S. 1611, as amended by a Committee-reported substitute amendment, which was amended by Bennet and Carper amendments, all of which were agreed to by unanimous consent.)
  • Blackfoot River Land Exchange Act of 2014 (S. 2040, as amended by Crapo amendment in the nature of a substitute, which was agreed to by unanimous consent.)
  • E-LABEL Act (S. 2583)
  • United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014 (S. 2673, as amended by a Boxer amendment, which was agreed to by unanimous consent.)
  • A bill to require the Secretary of State to offer rewards totaling up to $10,000,000 for information on the kidnapping and murder of James Foley and Steven Sotloff. (S. 2778)
  • A bill to authorize the award of the Medal of Honor to Henry Johnson. (S. 2793)
  • Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act (H.R. 4980)
  • Improper Payments Agency Cooperation Enhancement Act of 2014 (S. 1360, as amended by a Carper-Coburn amendment in the nature of a substitute, which was agreed to by unanimous consent.)
  • Don’t Tax Our Fallen Public Safety Heroes Act (S. 2912)
  • A resolution celebrating the 125th anniversary of the State of South Dakota. (S.Res. 566)
  • A resolution designating the week of October 6 through October 12, 2014, as “Naturopathic Medicine Week” to recognize the value of naturopathic medicine in providing safe, effective and affordable health care. (S.Res. 420)
  • A resolution recognizing Veterans Day 2014 as a special “Welcome Home Commemoration” for all who have served in the military since September 14, 2001. (S.Res. 479, as amended by an amendment to the preamble, which was agreed to by unanimous consent.)
  • A resolution recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and commending its members for their courage and sacrifice in service to the United States. (S.Res. 529)
  • A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the current situation in Iraq and the urgent need to protect religious minorities from persecution from the Sunni Islamist insurgent and terrorist group the Islamic State, formerly known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), as it expands its control over areas in northwestern Iraq. (S.Res. 530, as amended by a Committee-reported substitute amendment, a Committee-reported amendment to the preamble, and a title amendment, which were agreed to by unanimous consent.)
  • A resolution recognizing the severe threat that the Ebola outbreak in West Africa poses to populations, governments, and economies across Africa and, if not properly contained, to regions across the globe, and expressing support for those affected by this epidemic. (S.Res. 541, as amended by a Committee-reported amendment to the preamble, which was agreed to by unanimous consent.)
  • A resolution designating September 30, 2014, as “United States and India Partnership Day”. (S.Res. 571)
  • A resolution congratulating the Sailors of the United States Submarine Force upon the completion of 4,000 ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) deterrent patrols. (S.Res. 572)
  • A resolution relative to the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act (S.Res. 573)
  • A resolution designating the week of September 20 through September 27, 2014 as “National Estuaries Week”. (S.Res. 574)
  • A resolution designating September 2014 as “National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month”. (S.Res. 575)

 

Executive Session

 

Judicial Nominations/Cloture

 

  • Senator Reid filed cloture on the following judicial nominations:
    • Randolph D. Moss to be a United States District Judge for the District of Columbia
    • Leigh Martin May to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of GeorgiaThe Senate confirmed the following nominations by voice vote:
    • Mark William Lippert to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Korea
    • Adam M. Scheinman to be Special Representative of the President for Nuclear Nonproliferation, with the rank of Ambassador
    • Kevin F. O’Malley to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Ireland
    • Bathsheba Nell Crocker to be an Assistant Secretary of State (International Organization Affairs)
    • Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall to be Deputy Secretary of Energy
    • Robert W. Holleyman II to be a Deputy United States Trade Representative, with the rank of Ambassador
    • Eric Rosenbach to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense
    • D. Nathan Sheets to be an Under Secretary of the Treasury
    • Charles H. Fulghum to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Homeland Security
  • Alfonso E. Lenhardt to be Deputy Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development

 

  • Thomas Frieden to be US Representative to the World Health Organization

8:06 p.m. ML Reid filed cloture on the following nominations: (with votes scheduled to occur on both at 5;30 p.m., Tuesday November 12) Randolph Moss, MD, to be US District Judge for DC; Leigh Martin Ma, GA, To be US District Judge for Northern GA.   ML Reid also filed cloture on  the motion to concur to the House Amendment to S. 1086, childcare block grant bill , he then filled the Amendment tree.

6:39 p.m. The following nominations were confirmed by voice vote: Lippert, Scheinman, O’Malley, Crocker, Sherwood-Randell, Holleyman, Rosenbach, Sheets, Fulghum, Lenhardt, Friedman.

6:37 p.m. ML Reid asked unanimous consent to modify the executive calendar consent that was agreed to Wednesday, Sept. 17, to include the nomination of Thomas Friedman, NY, to be Representative of the United States on the Executive Board of the World Health Organization.

6:35 p.m. H.J. Res. 124 was passed by a vote of 78-22.

6:17 p.m. Cloture was invoked on H.J. Res. 124 by a vote of 73-27.

6:00 p.m. Cruz/Sessions motion to table the Reid Amdt #3852 fails by a vote of 50-50.  Five Democratic Senators voted to table:   Hagan, Landrieu, Manchin, Pryor and Shaheen.  Senate now voting on Cloture motion to H.J. Res 124 -  Continuing Resolution until December 11, 2014.

5:27 p.m. The Senate is currently voting on Senator Cruz’s motion to table Reid amendment # 3852.

5:22 p.m. Senator Leahy asked unnimous consent that the Senate pass H.R. 4323. Passed without objection, after comments by Senators McConnell, Cornyn, and Mikulski.

5:20 p.m. Senator Leahy asked unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to H.R. 4323, Reauthorize the Debbie Smith Act of 2004. Passed without objection.

5:07 p.m. Senator Mikulski spoke on the continuing resolution.

5:00 p.m. Senator Coburn spoke on the continuing resolution.

4:53 p.m. Senator Rubio spoke on Syria.

4:46 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke on Syria.

4:41 p.m. Senator Mikulski asked unanimous consent to modified the Executive Calender consent to include executive calendar # 925, the Alfonso E. Lenhardt, NY to be Deputy Administrator  of the U.S. Agency for International Development. Unanimous consent confirmed.

4:39 p.m. Senator Lee asked unanimous consent to offer amdt. # 3845. Senator Mikulski objected.

4:23 p.m. Senator Lee spoke on amnesty and ISIS.

4:16 p.m. Senator Cruz moved to table Reid amdt. # 3852 to offer Cruz/ Session amdt. #3859. Senator Mikulski seconded the motion.

4:09 p.m. Senator Cruz spoke about the border and amnesty.

3:45 p.m. Senator Sessions spoke about the border and executive amnesty.

3:30 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the CR and ISIS.

3:20 p.m. Senator Begich spoke about not supporting arming Syrian rebels.

3:10 p.m. Senator Graham spoke about ISIS.

3:02 p.m. Senator McCain  spoke about the CR, ISIS and Syria.

2:59 p.m. Senator Ayotte spoke about Ukraine.

2:48 p.m. Senator King spoke about ISIS.

2:41 p.m. Senator Mikulski paid tribute to the Baltimore Orioles.

2:10 p.m. Senator Levin, and at 2:30 p.m. Senator Tester spoke about the Islamic State.

1:22 p.m. Senator Paul sought a unanimous consent agreement to conduct a separate vote on war spending. Senator Mikulski objected. Senator Paul spoke against intervention in Syria.

1:01 p.m. Senators Mikulski and Shelby spoke in favor of the continuing resolution (H.J. Res. 124).

1:00 p.m. The Senate turned to H.J. Res. 124 and Senator Reid filled the amendment tree and filed cloture on the Resolution.  Votes on cloture and final passage are expected after up to four and a half hours of debate.

12:19 a.m. Senator Boxer spoke about the importance of the vote on H.J. Res 124 and then responded to the colloquy on the Keystone XL pipeline.

12:13 a.m. Senator Nelson urged the Senate to give President Obama broad authority to fight ISIS.

11:33 a.m. Senator Hoeven engages in a colloquy with Senators Barrasso, Isakson, and Inhofe on the Keystone XL pipeline.

11:29 a.m. Republican Leader  McConnel spoke on the address from the President of Ukraine this morning. before turning to discuss the CR.

11:26 a.m. Senator Cruz continues on ISIS.

11:25 a.m. Senator Hirono objects.

11:13 a.m. Senator Cruz discussed ISIS; asks UC to take up and pass S.2779, regarding US citizens joining ISIS would be renouncing their US citizenship .

The Senate is in a period of morning business until 1:00 p.m.

At 1:00 p.m., the Senate will turn to H.J. Res. 124 (the House-passed CR). Votes on H.J. Res. 124 (the CR), including final passage, are expected to begin around 5:30 p.m, Thursday, September 18, 2014.

According to the time agreement, the Senate will have up to four and a half hours of debate on H.J. Res. 124 (the CR).  Only a Sessions (or designee) motion to table or a budget point of order and an applicable motion to waive will be in order to the Joint Resolution.  If the motion to table is agreed to, Majority Leader Reid will be recognized.  If a motion to table is not agreed to, the Senate will proceed to vote on a cloture motion on H.J. Res. 124 (the CR).  If cloture is invoked, all post-cloture time will be considered expired and the Senate will proceed to a vote on final passage of H.J. Res. 124.  

Following disposition of H.J. Res 124, the Senate will consider a series of military nominations — Executive Calendar # 1009-1026.

Following that, the Senate will consider the following nominations:

  • Mark William Lippert, of Ohio, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Korea.  (Cal.#893)
  • Adam M. Scheinman, of Virginia, to be Special Representative of the President for Nuclear Nonproliferation, with the rank of Ambassador. (Cal.# 524)
  • Bathsheba Nell Crocker, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of State. (Cal.# 702)
  • Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, of California, to be Deputy Secretary of Energy.  (Cal.# 1002)
  • Robert W. Holleyman II, of Louisiana, to be a
    Deputy United States Trade Representative (Cal.#  997)
  • Eric Rosenbach, of Pennsylvania, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense. (Cal.# 708)
  • D. Nathan Sheets, of Maryland, to be an Under Secretary of the Treasury. (Cal.# 996)
  • Charles H. Fulghum, of North Carolina, to be Chief Financial
    Officer, Department of Homeland Security (Cal.# 1917)
  • Kevin F. O’Malley, of Missouri, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Ireland (Cal.# 959)

Wednesday, September 17

6:45 p.m. Majority Leader Reid offered a unanimous consent agreement to turn to H.J. Res. 124 (the House-passed CR) at 1:00 p.m.  Votes on H.J. Res. 124 (the CR), including final passage, are expected to begin around 5:30 p.m, Thursday, September 18, 2014.

During wrapup, the Senate passed the following measures:

  • S 2651 to repeal certain mandates of the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (as amended)
  • S 2141 amending the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (as amended)
  • HR 4751 making technical corrections to PL 110-229
  • HR 4809 reauthorizing the Defense Production Act and improving the Defense Production Act Committee
  • S.J. Res. 545 recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month
  • S. Res. 543 designating November 1, 2014 as National Bison Day
  • The following resolutions en bloc: S. Res. 552-560.
  • A motion to remove the injunction of secrecy from treaty 113-6 concerning extradition and the Republic of Chile.

6:16 p.m. Senator Cantwell spoke about her frustration that the Ex-Im Bank will be extended only 9 months by the CR that passed in the House earlier tonight.

5:42 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about ISIS.

5:37  p.m.  Majority Leader Reid objected to Senator Corker’s request.

5:29 p.m. Senator Corker offered a UC for the Senate to consider his bill which authorizes arming rebels in Syria in the same language that is incorporated in the CR, but without the spending provisions that would continue to fund the government. Senator Corker proposed  that his bill be voted on before the CR.

5:23 p.m. Senator Walsh spoke about public lands.

5:10 p.m. Senator Lee spoke on the CR and government accountability.

4:54 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke on domestic violence and the NFL.

4:42 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the Democratic agenda.

4:37 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke on ISIS.

3:56 p.m.Senators Wyden, Udall of Colorado, and Heinrich spoke on the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act and the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

3:07 p.m. Senator Vitter asked for a UC to pass HR 3522, to let workers keep their current health care plans. Objection is heard.

2:53 p.m. Senator Landrieu spoke on orphans, Angels and the Congressional Coalition of Adoption.

2:10 p.m. Senator Portman spoke on the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act.

1:20 p.m. Senator Donnelly spoke on military suicide prevention.

12:37 p.m. Senator Harkin sought UC to ratify a treaty on the treatment of individuals with disabilities. Senator Lee objected.

12:28 p.m. Senator Boozman sought unanimous consent to pass H.R. 503, to honor Gulf War Veterans. Senator Booker objected, seeking to re-link the measure to H.R. 1033, to protect U.S. battlefields. Senator Coburn objected on budget grounds, seeking UC for budget amendments to H.R. 1033. Senator Booker objected.

12:30 p.m. On voice votes the Senate confirmed these nominations: Eric Schultz ambassador to Zambia; Thomas Daughton, ambassador to Namibia; David Pressman, alternate representative for Special Affairs in the United Nations; Debra Wada, assistant Army secretary; Laura Wertheimer, inspector general, Federal Housing Finance Agency; Bradford Huther, CFO of HUD.

12:26 p.m. On a vote of 98 to 0, the Senate confirmed the nomination of John Bass to be ambassador to Turkey.

11:45 a.m. Senator Tester spoke in favor of the Land Water Conservation Fund

11:18 a.m. Senator Sessions spoke about the budget and immigration.

11:05 a.m. Senator Manchin spoke about ISIS

10:46 a.m. Senator Blunt spoke on the United States Air Force, ISIS, and healthcare.

10:39 a.m. Senator Coons gave a tribute to Matt Haley, a Delaware businessman.

10:12 a.m. Republican Leader McConnell spoke on President Obama’s policies, coal, energy policy, and gave a tribute to Staff Sgt. Daniel N. Fannin.

10:03 a.m. ML Reid spoke on the Washington Nationals victory.

The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00am on Wednesday, September 17, 2014.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 12:00pm.

At 12:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session and proceed to 1 roll call vote on confirmation of the Bass nomination.

12:00pm—1 roll call vote; 7 voice votes expected:

  1. John Bass to be Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey (roll call vote)
  2. Eric Schultz to be Ambassador to the Republic of Zambia (voice vote)
  3. Thomas Daughton to be Ambassador to the Republic of Namibia (voice vote)
  4. David Pressman to be Alternate Representative of the United States of America for Special Political Affairs in the United Nations, with the rank of Ambassador (voice vote)
  5. David Pressman to be an Alternate Representative of the United States of America to the Sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations, (voice vote)
  6. Debra Wada to be an Assistant Secretary of the Army (voice vote)
  7. Laura Wertheimer to be Inspector General of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (voice vote)
  8. Bradford Huther to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Housing and Urban Development (voice vote)

 

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

6:04 p.m. Senate adjourns

5:57 p.m. Senator Heitkamp wraps up the days session.

Items passed by UC: S.2539: amending the Public Health Service Act.  S. 1214: requiring the purchase of domestically made flags of the US for use by the federal government. HR 4149: Providing for the elimination or modification of federal reporting requirements. S. 2117; S. 2511: Amending the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. S. 2440: Expanding and extending the program to improve coordination by the Bureau of Land Management. S. Res 506: Recognizing the patriotism of auxiliaries of veteran service organizations. S Res 540, 547, 548, and 549.  UC that Senate adjourn until 10:00am, period of morning business until 12:00noon.  At 12:00noon, vote on the following nominations:

1. John Bass to be Ambassador to Turkey (roll call vote expected)

2. Eric Schultz – to be Ambassador to Zambia (voice vote expected)

3. Thomas Daughton to be Ambassador to Namibia (voice vote expected)

4. David Pressman to be Alternate Representative of the US for Special Political Affairs in the United Nations, with the rank of Ambassador (voice vote expected)

5. David Pressman to be an Alternate Representative of the United States of America to the Sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations (voice vote expected)

6. Debra S. Wada – to be an Assistant Secretary of the Army (voice vote expected)

7. Laura S. Wertheimer – to be Inspector General of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (voice vote expected)

8. Bradford Raymond Huther – to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Housing and Urban Development (voice vote expected)

5: 27 p.m. Senators Moran and Heitkamp engaged in a colloquy on the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act.

5:24 p.m. Majority Leader Reid entered into a UC to have votes on the following nominations at 12:00noon on Wednesday:

1. John Bass to be Ambassador to Turkey (roll call vote expected)

2. Eric Schultz – to be Ambassador to Zambia (voice vote expected)

3. Thomas Daughton to be Ambassador to Namibia (voice vote expected)

4. David Pressman to be Alternate Representative of the US for Special Political Affairs in the United Nations, with the rank of Ambassador (voice vote expected)

5. David Pressman to be an Alternate Representative of the United States of America to the Sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations (voice vote expected)

6. Debra S. Wada – to be an Assistant Secretary of the Army (voice vote expected)

7. Laura S. Wertheimer – to be Inspector General of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (voice vote expected)

8. Bradford Raymond Huther – to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Housing and Urban Development (voice vote expected)

 

5:00 p.m. Senator Reed spoke on student loans.

4:21 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke on energy issues and the keystone pipeline.

4:06 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on ISIS.

4:05 p.m. Senator Stabenow wrapped up the colloquy on S.2432.

4:01 p.m. Senator Warren requested that the Senate take up S. 2432 (The Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act) by unanimous consent. Senator Cornyn objected.

3:04 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke on student loans and held a colloquy with Senators Baldwin, Shaheen, Franken, Schumer, and  Warren.

3:01 p.m. The following nominations were confirmed by voice vote:

  • Linda A. Schwartz to be Assistant Secretary of Veteran’s Affairs
  • Matthew T. Harrington to be Ambassador to Lesotho
  • Todd D. Robinson to be Ambassador to Guatemala
  • Jane D. Hartley to be Ambassador to France
  • Jane D. Hartley to be Ambassador to Monaco
  • Nina Hachigian to be Representative of the U.S. to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
  • Gordon O. Tanner to be General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force

2:40 p.m   By a vote of 56-44, the Baren nomination was confirmed, and the Senate began voting on confirmation of the nomination of Steven Burns to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

2:15 p.m. The Senate returned and began voting on confirmation of the nomination of Jeffery Baran to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

12:35 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 2:15 p.m.

12:25 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about the benefits of the Affordable Care Act (12:10 p.m.); Senator Barrasso spoke about problems with the Affordable Care Act (12:24 p.m.).

Executive Calendar #976 Joseph L. Nimmich – to be Deputy Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security

11:45 a.m. Senator Thune spoke on a “do nothing Senate” (11:25); Senator Enzi spoke on the CR and spending (11:35) and Senator Sanders spoke on poverty and a living wage (11:45).

10:35 a.m. Senator Durbin responds to Senator Alexander on labor issues and the paycheck fairness act; after which he discussed the economy that President Obama inherited in 2009; the Affordable Care Act; student loans, and campaign finance reform.

10:21 a.m. Senator Alexander spoke briefly on the ebola outbreak before discussing the   National Labor Relations Board.

10:08 a.m. RL McConnell pays tribute to Navy Yard shooting survivors, before turning to discuss Democratic agenda, and finally the US response to the Ebola virus outbreak.

10:05 a.m. ML Reid offers motion to proceed to S.2432, regarding student loans.  Discussed Republican efforts to block Democrats agenda.

The Senate convened at 10:00 a.m. and is in morning business until 12:30 p.m. when it will break for party lunches.

The Senate will reconvene at 2:15 p.m. and will have two roll call votes on confirmation of  Jeffery Baran and Steven Burns to be members of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Following those votes, the Senate will consider the following nominations:

  • Linda A. Schwartz, of Connecticut, to be an Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs  (Calendar # 594)
  • Matthew T. Harrington, of Virginia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the
    United States of America to the Kingdom of Lesotho. (Calendar # 546)
  • Todd D. Robinson, of New Jersey, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the
    United States of America to the Republic of Guatemala. (Calendar # 958)
  • Jane D. Hartley, of New York, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the French Republic.(Calendar #960)
  • Jane D. Hartley, of New York, to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Principality of Monaco.(Calendar # 963)
  • Nina Hachigian, of California, to be Representative of the United States of America to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, with the rank and status of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. (Calendar #784)
  • Gordon O. Tanner, of Alabama, to be General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force (Calendar #870)

 

Monday, September 15, 2014

7:06 p.m. The Senate adjourned.

7:03 Senator Reid did wrapup and the Senate passed the following items by unanimous consent:

H.R. 5134, an Act to extend the National Advisory Committee on Instutional Quality and Integrity and Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance for one year.

S. Res. 544 Designating the year of 2014 as the International Year of Family Farming.

6:52 p.m. Senator Reid spoke about the Tesla battery plant to be built in Nevada.

6:35 p.m. Senator Mikulski spoke about the failure to invoke cloture on S. 2199, the Paycheck Fairness Act.

6:35 p.m. By a roll call vote of 52-39, the Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of Jeffery Baran to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

By a roll call vote of 54-37, the Senate invoked cloture  on the nomination of Steven G. Burns to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

6:00 p.m Roll call vote began on the cloture motion of the nomination of Jeff Baran to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

5:58 p.m Cloture not invoked 52-40.

5:30 p.m. Roll call vote began on the cloture motion with respect to S.2199, Paycheck Fairness Act.

5:10 p.m.  Senators Boxer and Klobuchar spoke about the paycheck fairness act.

4:10 p.m Senator Whitehouse spoke for the 78th time on climate change.

2:50 p.m.  Senator Wicker spoke on ISIL.

2:15 p.m.  ML Reid and President Pro Tem Leahy spoke in tribute to  the recent passing of Tommy Boggs.  Reid also spoke on S. 2199, paycheck fairness.

The Senate reconvened at 2:00 p.m and is in morning business until 5:30 p.m. There will be 3 roll call votes at 5:30 p.m.:

  • Motion to invoke cloture on S. 2199 (paycheck fairness)
  • Motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Jeffery Baran to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
  • Motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Steven Burns to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

If cloture is invoked on the nominations the votes on confirmation will occur on Tuesday, September 16 at 2:15.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

4:00 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 15. There will be 3 roll call votes at 5:30:

  • Motion to invoke cloture on S. 2199 (paycheck fairness)
  • Motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Jeffrey Baron to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
  • Motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Steven Burns to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

If cloture is invoked on the nominations the votes on confirmation will occur on Tuesday, September 16 at 2:15.

3:55 p.m. ML Reid made a motion to invoke cloture on the nominations of Jeffrey Baron and Steven Burns to be members of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The following bills were passed by unanimous consent:

  • H.R. 4197-whistle blower protection
  • S. 2258-increase rates for veterans with service related disabilites
  • S. Res. 542-Supporting save for retirement week

3:40 p.m. Senator Ayotte spoke about paycheck fairness.

3:30 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about ISIS.

3:27 p.m. Majority Leader Reid spoke about Hamas.

3:13 p.m Senator Schumer spoke on S.J. Res 19; Constitutional Amendment.

2:23 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke on the Radzanowski nomination and the state of NASA, before turning to discuss ISIS.

2:22 p.m. Senate agreed to the following nominations by voice votes:

John Hoover – to be Ambassador to Sierra Leone

Anne E. Rung – to be Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy

David Radzanowski – to be Chief Financial Officer, NASA

Miranda A. A. Ballentine – to be an Assistant Secretary of the Air Force

Joseph L. Nimmich – to be Deputy Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency

Judith M. Davenport – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

Elizabeth Sembler – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

David J. Arroyo – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

2:20 p.m. Cloture was not invoked 54-42.

1:45 p.m. Roll call vote began on the motion to invoke cloture on SJ Res 19.

1:40 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke about the ebola outbreak in West Africa.

1:26 p.m. Senator Lee spoke on the campaign finance amendment to the Constitution.

1:13 p.m. Senator Vitter spoke about campaign finance.

1:05 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about student loan debt.

1 p.m. Senator Boxer spoke about the president’s campaign against the Islamic State.

12:44 p.m. Senator Graham spoke about the campaign against the Islamic State.

12:30 p.m. Senator McCain spoke about the president’s response to the Islamic State.

12:15 p.m. Senator Walsh spoke about veterans and mental health.

11:40 a.m. Senator Coons spoke about Ebola and ISIS.

11:35 a.m. ML Reid announced that the cloture vote on S.J. Res 19 (constitutional amendment for campaign finance) will occur at 1:45 p.m.

ML Reid motion to proceed to S. 2432 (Higher Education Act).

11:30 a.m. ML Reid filled the amendment tree on S. 2199 (paycheck fairness)

  • Reid amend #3800
  • Reid 2nd degree amend #3801 to amend #3800
  • Reid motion to commit the bill to the HELP committee with instructions
  • Reid amend #3803
  • Reid 2nd degree amend #3804 to amend #3803
  • Reid motion to invoke cloture on S. 2199

11:20 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on 9/11.

11:05 a.m. Senator Mikulski spoke on 9/11 and then turned to discuss the middle class.

10:50 a.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke on 9/11.

10:29 a.m. Senator Blunt spoke on 9/11, terrorism, and healthcare.

10:20 a.m. Senator McConnell spoke on 9/11, ISIS, and the democrat’s agenda.

9:45 a.m. Senator Thad Cochran spoke on 9/11.

9:37 a.m. H.R. 5078, to Preserve Existing Rights and Responsibilities with Respect to Waters of the U.S., was read a 2nd time.  Senator Reid spoke on 9/11 and ISIS.

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m.

After the prayer and the pledge, there will be a moment of silence for the victims of the September 11 attacks.

The Senate will then resume post-cloture consideration of the motion to proceed to S. 2199, the Paycheck Fairness Act.

Leader Reid has indicated that unanimous consent may be sought for early afternoon votes on S. 2199 and on cloture for S.J. Res. 19, the constitutional amendment  on campaign finance.

There is a consent agreement for votes on the following nominations after the cloture  vote on S.J. Res. 19 (with voice votes expected):

Executive Calendar Numbers 544 (John Hoover, ambassador to Sierra Leone); 977 (Anne Rung, administrator of Federal Procurement Policy); 685 (David Radzanowski, CFO of NASA); 867 (Miranda Ballentine, assistant secretary of the Air Force); 976 (Joseph Nimmich, deputy administrator of FEMA); and 917, 914 & 758 (Elizabeth Sembler, Judith Davenport and David Arroyo to the board of the Corp. for Public Broadcasting).

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

1:42 p.m. Senator Hirono spoke in favor of the Paycheck Fairness Act.

1:22 p.m. Senator Cardin paid tribute to outgoing staff member Priscilla Ross.

1:05 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about S.J. Res 19 and the rest of the Democrats agenda.

12:48 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about fraudulent student visas, and the passing of Senator Jeffords.

12:40 p.m Senator Blunt spoke about equal pay.

12:30 p.m. Senator Stabenow spoke about health care.

12:10 p.m Senator Cornyn spoke about ISIS.

11:55 a.m. Senator Warner spoke about the anniversary of September 11th attacks and student debt.

11:45  a.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about ISIS.

11:28 a.m.Senator Fischer spoke about S.J. Res 19.

11:16 a.m. Senator Cardin spoke about Ferguson.

11:08 a.m. Senator Flake spoke against S. J. Res 19.

10:57  a.m. Senator Tester spoke in favor of S. J. Res 19, supporting an amendment to the U.S. Constitution relating to contributions intended to affect elections.

10:37 a.m. Senator Markey spoke in favor of S. J. Res 19, supporting an amendment to the U.S. Constitution relating to contributions intended to affect elections.  He also spoke in favor of net neutrality.

10:27 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke on ISIS.

10:10 a.m. Senator Udall (NM) spoke in favor of the proposed constitutional amendment.

10:09 a.m. Senator Levin spoke on ISIS.

9:45 a.m. Senator McConnell spoke on ISIS and paid tribute to Marine Lance Cpl. Matthias N. Hanson.

9:35 a.m. Senator Reid spoke on ISIS.

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and will resume post-cloture consideration of the motion to proceed to the proposed constitutional amendment on campaign finance (S.J. Res. 19).

At 2 p.m., all post-cloture time will be deemed expired and a vote will occur on the motion to proceed to S.J. Res. 19. A voice vote is possible.

Following adoption of the motion to proceed to S.J. Res. 19, a roll call vote is expected on reconsideration of the motion to proceed to S. 2199, the Paycheck Fairness Act.

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