6:48 p.m. Senate stands adjourned until 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 1st.  The Senate will vote on  passage of  the Iran Sanctions bill at 1:45 p.m.  The Senate passed the following bills during today’s session:

S.2971 – National Urban Search and Rescue Response System Act of 2016, with committee-reported amendment; S.3183 – Better Online Ticket Sales Act, with committee-reported amendment; Concurred in the House amendment to S.1550 – Program Management Improvement Accountability Act;  H.R.5995 – GAO Civilian Task and Delivery Order Protest Authority Act of 2016; H.R.55009 – Dr. Otis Bowen Veteran House; S.Res.605 – honoring Arnold Palmer;  S.Res.610 – Manufacturing Day; S.Res.626 – 75^th anniversary of MD Anderson Cancer Center and S.3386 – Silver Star Service Banner Day.

4:53 p.m. Senator Cruz spoke about Fidel Castro.

4:33 p.m. Senator Fischer paid tribute to the retiring Adm. Cecil C. Haney.

4:05 p.m. Senators Graham and McCain engaged in a colloquy about the bill to permit lawsuits by the families of victims of terrorist attacks abroad.

3:55 p.m. Senator Isakson spoke about the 21st Century Cures bill.

3:45 p.m Senator Rounds spoke about the VA and emergency room care.

3:25 p.m. Senator Cassidy and Senator Murphy spoke about mental health.

3:13 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke about the fires in Tennessee and about mental health.

2:55 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke against sanctuary cities.

2:51 p.m. Senator Grassley asked unanamous consent to proceed with consideration of H.R. 5963. Senator Cotton objected and explained his  concerns.

2:47 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on need to reform federal juvenile justice programs.

2:36 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on need to reform federal juvenile justice programs.

2:26 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke on the appropriations process and President-elect Trump’s business holdings.

2:24 p.m. Senator Cotton spoke about James A. Ross, Arkansan of the week.

2:12 p.m. Senator Shaheen spoke about Homeland Security funding and the appropriations process.

1:54 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke about the Dakota Access Pipeline.

12:58 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about the election and about healthcare.

12:56 p.m. Senator Sasse spoke about ISIL.

12:46 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about retired coal miner’s health and retirement benefits.

12:31 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke about the death of Chief Petty Officer Scott Dayton in Syria and AUMF.

12:15 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke against the 21st Century Cures Act.

12:05 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke against the 21st Century Cures Act.

11:58 a.m. Senator Warren spoke on the 21st Century Cures Act.

11:40 a.m. Senator Wyden addressed Senator Cornyn’s objections to consideration of legislation relating to Rule 41.

11:32 a.m. Senator Wyden asked unanamous consent to proceed to a roll call vote on S. 3485. Senator Cornyn objected and explained his objection.

11:26 a.m. Senator Coons asked unanamous consent to proceed to immediate consideration of S. 3475. Senator Cornyn objected.

11:23 a.m. Senator Coons spoke about Rule 41 and protecting privacy rights.

11:20 a.m. Senator Daines spoke about Rule 41 and keeping citizens safe from government hacking.

11:19 a.m. Senator Wyden asked unanamous consent to proceed to immediate consideration of S. 2952. Senator Cornyn objected.

11:11 a.m. Senator Wyden spoke about Rule 41 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.

10:55 a.m. Senator Cornyn thanked Senator Enzi. He spoke about the legislative agenda.

10:32 a.m. Senator Enzi spoke about the federal debt.

10:15 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about immigration.

10:21 a.m. Senator Boxer spoke in tribute to Senator Reid.

10:05 a.m. Minority Leader Reid paid tribute to Senator Boxer.

10:02 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke of measures up for Senate consideration, including the 21st Century Cures Act. He said the Senate will take up that bill after the House passes it.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m.

No votes have yet been scheduled for today.

By an agreement reached Tuesday, a vote is expected this week on H.R.6297, the House-passed Iran sanctions bill.

Majority leadership has indicated that the Senate may take up following measures during the lame-duck session:

The spending resolution to continue government operations; the defense authorization; the water resources bill; the energy bill; the 21st Century Cures Act.

5:09 p.m. Senator Schatz spoke about the appropriations process.

4:45 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.

4:05 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy.

3:31 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke on the 21st century cures act.

2:46 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke on Iran sanctions.

2:28 p.m. Senator Boxer spoke on her bill changing the electoral college.

2:15 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke on funding for the National Institutes of Health.

2:15 p.m. The Senate returns from recess.

12:51 p.m. Senate stands in recess until 2:15 p.m.

12:38 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke on the Garland nomination, the appropriation process and challenges ahead in the 115th Congress.

12:30 p.m. Senator Thune spoke on accomplishments of the 114th Congress and looks forward to the 115th Congress.

12:20 p.m. Senator Mikulski  spoke on the appropriations process in both this Congress and the next.

12:14 p.m. Senator Blunt moves the Senate to a period of morning business, and speaks regarding international adoption.

12:13 p.m. S. 2873, the medical education “ECHO” bill was agreed to 97-0.  Senators Corker, Gardner and Sanders did not vote. 

11:30 a.m. The Senate began voting on S. 2873

11:22 a.m. Senator Daines (for Alexander) offered amendment #5110 to S. 2873. It was agreed to via previous agreement.

11:02 a.m. The Senate began consideration of the medical education bill.

10:33 a.m. Senator Cardin spoke on his measure to address the “emolument” clause of the Constitution, which concerns official conflicts of interest.

10:27 a.m. Senator Wicker spoke about S. 2873, the “ECHO” bill on medical education.

10:15 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about a constituent who struggled with U.S. Immigration policy.

10:10 a.m. Senator Reid described Democratic preferences on several of the lame duck agenda items.

10:08 a.m. Senator McConnell described the legislative agenda for the lame duck session, including the defense authorization, the water resources bill, the energy bill, the 21st Century Cures Act and the resolution to continue federal spending into next year.

10:05 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell sought consent to take up H.R. 6297, the reauthorization of the Iran sanctions bill, at a time to be determined.

Minority Leader Reid indicated that there is no Democratic objection. Senator McConnell said a Senate vote on the House-passed Iran sanctions bill may occur this week.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 11:00 a.m.

At 11:00 a.m., begin consideration of S.2873, ECHO Act

There will be up to 30 minutes of debate followed by a vote on passage of the bill,  thus expect a roll call vote on passage at approximately 11:30 a.m.

The Senate will recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

6:29 p.m. Senate adjourns until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday November 29, 2016.

6:26 p.m. ML McConnell does wrap-up.

The following were passed by UC:

• S.2974, ensure funding for the National Human Trafficking Hotline, and for other purposes.
• Passed Calendar #660, S.2325, to require the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to establish a constituent-driven program to provide a digital information platform capable of efficiently integrating costal data with decision-support tools, training, and best practices and to support collection of priority costal geospatial data to inform and improve local, State, regional, and Federal capacities to manage the coastal region, and for other purposes, with Baldwin amendment.
• Passed H.R.5111, to prohibit the use of certain clauses in form contracts that restrict the ability of a consumer to communicate regarding the goods or services offered in interstate commerce that were the subject of the contract, and for other purposes.

HR 6297, the re-authorization of the Iran Sanctions bill had its first reading.

UC that when the Senate adjourns it do so until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday November 29. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 11:00 a.m.
At 11:00 a.m., begin consideration of S.2873, ECHO Act, and the Alexander substitute amendment will be agreed to. There will be up to 30 minutes of debate followed by a vote on passage of the bill; at approximately 11:30 a.m. The Senate will recess on Tuesday from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

5:09 p.m. Senator Cornyn responded to Senator Warrens comments regarding pharmaceutical companies; before turning to discuss nominations of President Elect Trump, including Senator Sessions.

4:57 p.m. Senator Warren spoke on the 21st Century Cures bill and concerns regarding pharmaceutical companies.

4:00 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival.

3:34 p.m. ML McConnell spoke on the business to complete before the end of the 114th Congress.

3:04 p.m. Senator Reid spoke on the Standing Rock protest and energy.

The Senate will convene at 3 p.m. There will be no votes today.

The next roll call vote will occur at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, on passage of the ECHO Act, S. 2873, a measure concerning medical education.

The Senate convened for a pro forma session at 11:00 a.m. Senator Coats presided and no business was conducted.

The Senate has adjourned until Monday, November 28 at 3:00 p.m. There are NO votes on Monday.

The next roll call vote will occur at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 29, relative to the ECHO Act (S. 2873).

The Senate convened for a pro forma session at 11:00 a.m. Senator Coats presided and no business was conducted.

The Senate will convene for one further pro forma during this Thanksgiving recess, on Friday November 25 at 11:00 a.m. No business is expected.

Following the pro forma on Friday, the Senate will adjourn until Monday, November 28 at 3:00 p.m., and which time proceed to a period of morning business.

There are NO votes on Monday.

The next roll call vote will occur at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 29, relative to the ECHO Act (S. 2873).

The Senate convened for a pro forma at 9:32 a.m. Senator Sullivan presided. No business was conducted.

6:10 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene on Friday, Nov. 18 at 9:30 a.m. for a pro forma session. Pro forma sessions will also be held on the followind days: Tuesday Nov. 22 at 11:00 a.m. and Friday, Nov. 25 at 11:00 a.m. The Senate will then convene at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 28 for morning business only. A vote on S. 2873 (Echo Act) will occur at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 29. The following bills were passed by voice vote during wrap up.

• Concurred with S. 2754: to designate the Federal Building and United States Courthouse located at 300 Fannin Street in Shreveport, Louisiana, as the “Tom Stagg United States Court House”
• H.R. 5873: to designate the Federal Building and United States courthouse located at 511 East San Antonio Avenue in El Paso, Texas as the “R.E. Thomason Federal Building and United States Courthouse.”
• S. 3395: a bill to require limitations on prescribed burns.
• H.R.3471: to amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the provision of automobiles and adaptive equipment by the Department of Veterans Affairs, with Moran-Tester amendment.
• H.R. 4902: to amend title 5, United States Code to expand law enforcement availability pay to employee of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations.
• S.434: Security Clearance Accountability, Reform, and Enhancement Act of 2015.
• S.Res.604: expressing support for the designation of November 2016, as “National Bladder Health Month”.
• S.Res.617: designating November 27, 2016, as “Drive Safer Sunday”.
• S.Res.618: commending and congratulating the Chicago Cubs on their 2016 World Series Victory.
• S.Res.619: recognizing National Native American Heritage Month and celebrating the heritages and cultures of Native Americans and the contributions of Native Americans to the United States.

5:50 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about opioid abuse.

5:33 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about employees of the Department of Homeland Security.

5:12 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke about the National Law Enforcement memorial fund.

3:45 p.m. Senators Franken and Merkley spoke on the Trump administration and Steve Bannon.

3:31 p.m. Senator Hoeven paid tribute to his outgoing deputy chief of staff Stephanie Schisler.

2:26 p.m. Senators Whitehouse and Warren spoke about the role of lobbyists in government and about President-elect Trump.

2:18 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke about appropriations.

2:02 p.m. Senator McCain spoke about defense appropriations.

1:27 p.m. Senator Coats spoke for the 54th and one of the last times on the “waste of the week.”

1:00 p.m. Senator Tillis spoke on flooding in North Carolina.

12:47 p.m. Senator Peters spoke on the democratic process and the incoming Trump administration.

12:45 p.m. Cloture was not invoked 51-47.

Senators in favor: 49 Republicans and 2 Democrats: Heitkamp and Manchin.

Senators against: 41 Democrats, 4 Republicans: Ayotte, Burr, Collins and Paul; and 2 Independents: King and Sanders.

Senators not voting: Boxer and Sessions

12:04 p.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 3110, the energy and conservation bill.

11:55 p.m. Senator Schumer and Senator Cantwell spoke against the energy bill because of off shore drilling.

11:52 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke against off shore drilling near states with military training facilities and against the energy bill.

11:35 p.m. Senator Murkowski and Senator Sullivan spoke about Alaska, nature, and oil and gas development.

11:29 a.m. Senator Shelby paid tribute to Marine Johnny Michael Span.

11:19 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the energy bill.

11:07 a.m. Senator Menendez spoke on the energy bill.

10:53 a.m. Senator Markey spoke on the energy bill and the opioid epidemic.

10:49 a.m. Senator Daines spoke on cyber criminals.

10:40 a.m. Senator Enzi spoke on government spending.

10:29 a.m. Senator Cassidy spoke about the energy bill.

10:12 a.m. Senators Coons and Wyden joined in a colloquy on privacy legislation.

10:01 a.m. Senator McCain saluted Russians whom he portrayed as symbols of resistance to wrongdoing by the Putin government. He spoke in favor of human rights legislation.

9:38 a.m. The Senate resumed consideration of the motion to proceed to the energy bill.

9:34 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke about reports that the incidence of hate crimes has increased since the election.

9:32 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about business before the lame-duck session of Congress. Besides the energy bill, the Senate will take up bills to extend U.S. sanctions against Iraq and to finance the operation of the federal government, he said. Senator McConnell said he expects the Iran sanctions to pass by a large bipartisan vote.

***

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

After remarks by the leaders, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S. 3110, the energy and conservation bill.

At noon, the Senate will vote on cloture for the motion to proceed to S. 3110.

6:46 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 17. By consent, there will be a roll call vote at noon on the motion to proceed to the energy bill, S. 3110.

6:31 p.m. Senator Moran spoke about the Department of Veterans Affairs.

6:25 p.m. By unanimous consent, the Senate passed these measures:

• S. 1808, to order a Northern border threat assessment;
• S. 1915, regarding anthrax vaccine;
• H.R. 5392, to improve the veterans crisis line;
• H.R. 845, on volunteers in the Agriculture Department;
• H.R. 6007, to amend Title 49 of the U.S. Code;
• S. Res. 560, designating Oct. 30, 2016 as a Day of Remembrance for Nuclear Program Workers;
• S. Res. 608, designating the week of Sept. 17 as National Estuaries Week.

6:02 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about the elections and about climate change.

5:39 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke on religious freedom.

5:17 p.m. Senator Kirk spoke on the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series.

4:53 p.m. Senator McCain spoke on the election and the defense budget.

3:47 p.m. Senator Cotton spoke in tribute to Jack Shackford and also spoke about the U.S. Military and budget.

3:28 p.m. Senators Vitter and Cassidy engaged in a colloquy on the energy bill

3:10 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the Republican control of the White House and the White House.

.CO32:48 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke on the energy and conservation bill. He also offered a greeting to the incoming Trump administration.

2:35 p.m. Senator Reid spoke about the election.

2:33 p.m. ML McConnell spoke about the leadership elections and Senator-elect Todd Young of Indiana.

****

The Senate will convene at 2:30 p.m. and resume consideration of the motion to proceed to the American Energy and Conservation Act (S. 3110).

Majority Leader McConnell filed cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 3110 during Tuesday’s session. That cloture vote is expected to occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Thursday.

6:49 p.m. Senate stands adjourned until 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 16, 2016.

6:43 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on the Chicago Cubs World Series win.

6:15 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about the elections.

6:14 p.m. By a vote of 97 to 0, the Senate passed H.R. 4511.

5:30 p.m. A roll call vote began on H.R. 4511.

5:04 p.m. Senator Vitter spoke about his legislation on Lou Gehrig’s disease and on flood relief.

5 p.m. The Senate began consideration of the the Gold Star families bill (H.R. 4511). Senator Blunt spoke for the bill.

4:50 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about opioid addiction.

4:22 p.m. Senator Cornyn rebutted Senator Reid. He spoke about the recent elections.

4:06 p.m. Minority Leader Reid saluted the late Gwen Ifill. He spoke about the elections and criticized President-elect Trump.

4:04 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell began Rule XIV proceedings on S. 3464 and H.R. 6089. He spoke about the recent elections and the work ahead in the Senate.

4 p.m. The Senate convened.

***

The Senate will convene at 4:00 p.m.

At that time, following any leader remarks, be in a period of morning business until 5:00 p.m.

At 5:00 p.m., proceed to the consideration of the Gold Star Families Voices Act (H.R. 4511) until 5:30 p.m., when the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on passage of H.R. 4511.

The Senate convened for a pro forma session at 5:30 p.m.  Majority Leader McConnell presided, and no business was conducted.