5:56 p.m. Senator Carper paid tribute to Senator Voinovich.

5:44 p.m. Senator Sasse does wrap up for the evening.  Items passed by UC:

• S Res 499, regarding the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Stanley Cup.
• S Res 500, regarding Juneteenth Independence Day.
• S. 2808, regarding appropriations for the Kennedy Center.

UC that when the Senate completes its business (following remarks by Senators Stabenow and Carper) it do so until Friday June 17 at 11:00 a.m. for a pro forma session only.  Following the pro forma, adjourn until Monday June 20 at 3:00 p.m. At that time, resume consideration of H.R 2578, the Commerce, Justice Science Appropriations bill. Further, the 4 cloture motions will ripen at 5:30 p.m.

5:32 p.m. Senator Coons spoke on gun legislation.

4:56 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke on the Cornyn amendment.

4:23 p.m. Senator Cotton paid tribute to Marion Fletcher as the Arkansan of the week.

4:15 p.m. Senator Shelby withdrew the committee reported amendment to H.R.2578, Commerce, Justice, Science appropriations. He then offered amendment #4685 (substitute, same text of the previously offered substitute).

Senator McConnell called up Feinstein amendment #4720 (terror gap) to the substitute amendment. He then called up Cornyn second-degree amendment #4749 (terror gap) to the Feinstein amendment.

Senator McConnell then moved to commit the bill to the Judiciary Committee with instructions (text of Murphy amendment #4750 [background checks]). He then offered Grassley amendment #4751 (background checks) to the instructions, and called up 2^nd degree amendment #4752 (date change).

Senator McConnell then filed cloture on Grassley amendment #4751, the motion to commit with instructions (Murphy amendment #4750), Cornyn amendment #4749, and Feinstein amendment #4720.

We expect these cloture motions to ripen on Monday.

Monday, June 20 – up to 4 roll call votes:

1. Grassley amendment #4751
2. Murphy amendment #4750
3. Cornyn amendment #4749
4. Feinstein amendment #4720

If cloture is invoked on any of the amendments, there would be up to 30 hours of debate prior to a vote on the amendment and then we would move on to the next cloture vote.

3:56 p.m. Senator Fischer spoke on the terrorist attack in Orlando.

3:46 p.m. Senator Klobuchar also spoke on H.R. 3209.

3:45 p.m. By unanimous consent, the Senate passed H.R. 3209 to allow certain tax information to be released from the IRS to help with exploited children investigations. This amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

3:44 p.m. Senator Enzi continued to speak on H.R. 3209.

3:38 p.m. Senator Casey spoke on the recovering missing children act, H.R. 3209, requesting the IRS gives information to help find missing children.

3:29 p.m. Senator Peters spoke about pipeline safety.

3:19 p.m. Senator Graham also spoke on the anniversary of the Charleston church killings.

3:10 p.m. Senator Scott spoke on the anniversary of the Charleston church killings.

3:09 p.m. By a vote of 70 to 24, the Senate passed the Whitehouse motion to  instruct conferees.

2:38 p.m. Senator Whitehouse offered a motion to instruct conferees regarding rural communities and other instructions.

2:37 p.m. Shaheen motion to instruct agreed to 66-29.

Senators voting in favor: 41 Democrats, 1 Independent (King) and 24 Republicans. (Alexander, Ayotte, Burr, Capito, Cassidy, Coats, Cochran, Collins, Cruz, Graham, Grassley, Hoeven, Isakson, Kirk, McCain, Moran, Murkowski, Paul, Portman, Roberts, Rounds, Thune, Tillis, Wicker.

Senators voting against: 29 Republicans

Senators not voting: 2 Democrats ( Boxer and Nelson) 1 Republican (Rubio) 1 Independent (Sanders)

2:18 p.m. Roll call vote begins on the Shaheen motion to instruct.

2:17 p.m. Senator Shaheen offered a motion to instruct conferees regarding funding for prevention treatment and recovery.

2:16 p.m. By a tally of 95-1, cloture was invoked on the motion to go to conference.  Senator Lee voted against.  Senators Boxer, Nelson, Rubio and Sanders did not vote.

1:48 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the motion to go to conference on S. 524, CARA.

1:46 p.m. Senator Vitter got UC that following the cloture vote Senators Shaheen and Whitehouse be recognized to offer motions to instruct and the Senate vote on those motions.

1:29 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke on the Puerto Rico bankruptcy.

1:26 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke on the opioid epidemic.

1:03 p.m. Senator Cruz spoke on the shooting in Orlando and terrorism.

12:07 p.m. Senator Portman spoke on S. 524, CARA.

12:05 p.m. ML McConnell offered a motion to go to conference on S. 524, CARA, appoint Senators Grassley, Alexander, Hatch, Sessions, Leahy, Murray and Wyden as conferees, and filed cloture on the motion.

There are now two hours of debate on the motion, with a cloture vote expected at approximately 1:30 p.m.  If cloture is invoked, the question would be on the motion, with a voice vote expected.  It would then take consent to make motions to instruct in order.  It is possible there could be further votes on motions to instruct.

11:48 a.m. The following resolutions were agreed to en bloc:

• S. Res. 495, regarding the Boy Scouts.
• S. Res. 496, regarding the shooting in Orlando.
• S. Res. 497, regarding Gordie Howe.
• S. Res. 498, regarding elder abuse.

The following bills were agreed to by voice vote:

• S. 2815-establish the US Semiquincentennial commission.
• S. 2348-implement the use of Rapid DNA instruments to inform decisions about pre trial release or detention to solve and prevent violent crimes and to prevent backlogs
• S.2577-protect crime victims’ rights, to eliminate the substantial backlog of DNA and other forensic evidence samples.

11:35 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about ISIS “lone wolf” terrorist attacks, gun control and radical Islam and his amendment, “The SHIELD Act.”

10:55 a.m. Senator Coats spoke about government waste and about a legislative response to the killings in Orlando.

10:25 a.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about health care premium increases.

10:14 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell have spoke about the Islamic State’s call for such “lone wolf” attacks as the one in Orlando this week. He said there will be votes on amendments to the

10:02 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke about Senator Murphy’s filibuster on gun control. He also spoke about Juneteenth.

* * * * *

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. and will resume consideration of H.R. 2578, the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill.

Votes have yet to be scheduled for today.

Pending to the appropriations bill are:

• The Shelby substitute amendment, #4685;
• The Shelby technical corrections amendment (#4686) to amendment #4685.

The Senate has adjourned until 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 16th and and will resume consideration of H.R. 2578, Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill.

****

2:11 a.m. Senator Murphy yielded the floor.

1:47 a.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Blumenthal for a question.

12:55 a.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Booker for a question.

12:44 a.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Durbin for a question.

12:30 a.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator King for a question.

12:15 a.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Casey for a question.

11:47 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Merkley for a question.

11:20 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Baldwin for a question.

11:02 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Schatz for a question.

10:59 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Donnelly for a question.

10:50 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Blumenthal for a question.

10:18 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Kaine for a question.

10:08 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Cantwell for a question.

9:57 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Klobuchar for a question.

9:48 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Schumer for a question.

9:41 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Brown for a question

9:26 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Durbin for a question.

9:17 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Donnelly for a question.

9:00 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator King for a question.

8:35 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Casey for a question.

8:20 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Blumenthal for a question.

7:55 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Booker for a question.

7:43 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Reed for a question.

7:24 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Whitehouse for a question.

7:04 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Heinrich for a question.

6:57 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Hirono for a question.

6:48 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Bennet for a question.

6:38 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Udall for a question.

6:00 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Baldwin for a question.

5:55 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Carper for a question.

5:43 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Markey for a question.

5:33 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Stabenow for a question.

5:22 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Brown for a question.

5:20 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Mikulski for a question.

5:09 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Klobuchar for a question.

5:02 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Warner for a question.

4:52 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator McCaskill for a question.

4:43 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Gillibrand for a question.

4:38 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Shaheen for a question.

4:32 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded to Senator Menendez for a question.

4:20 p.m. Senator Merkley yielded to Senator Blumenthal for a question.

4:11 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded for a question from Senator Merkley.

3:56 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded for a question from Senator Warren.

3:45 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded for a question from Senator Wyden.

3:29 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded for a question from Senator Casey.

3:17 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded for a question from Senator Peters.

3:10 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded for a question from Senator Murray.

3:04 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded for a question from Senator Blumenthal.

2:58 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded for a question from Senator Franken.

2:54 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded for a question from Senator Toomey.

2:45 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded for a question from Senator Leahy.

2:35 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded for a question from Senator Durbin.

2:13 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded for a question from Senator Markey.

2:03 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded for a question from Senator Cardin.

1:54 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded for a question from Senator Blumenthal.

1:38 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded for a question from Senator Manchin.

1:30 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded for a question from Senator Schumer.

1:20 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded for a question from Senator Nelson.

12:47 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded for a question from Senator Booker and Senator Blumenthal on terrorism and gun control.

12:43 p.m. Senator Murphy yielded for a question from Senator  Blumenthal on terrorism and gun control.

12:36 p.m. Senator Durbin joined in the colloquy on terrorism and gun control.

12:33 p.m. Senator Murphy acknowledged Senator Sasse for a question.

12:12 p.m. Senator Booker joined in the colloquy on terrorism and gun control.

11:53 a.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke about the mass murders and gun control.

11:21 a.m. Senator Murphy spoke on Sandy Hook, Orlando and gun control.

11:09 a.m. Senator Blunt spoke about terror watch list.

10:58 a.m. Senator Nelson spoke on gun control and Orlando.

10:44 a.m. Senator Mikulski spoke on the CJS bill.

10:36 a.m. Senator Shelby called up his #4685 and spoke in support of it.

10:36 a.m. ML McConnell calls up the substitute amendment, #4685.

10:35 a.m. The Senate preceded to H.R. 2578, Commerce Justice Science Appropriations bill.

10:13 a.m. Senator Perdue spoke on water rights.

9:58 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke on deportation policies, highlighting the Dream Act.

9:49 a.m. Senator Enzi spoke on the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.

9:41 a.m. Senator Reid spoke on gun laws and the 4th anniversary of President Obama’s “Dreamers” program to protect young people from deportation; Senator Reid spoke in favor of maintaining this program.

9:32 a.m. Senator McConnell spoke on ISIL and the Orlando attack. He also spoke on the opioid epidemic.

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and proceed to a period of morning business until 10:30 a.m.

At 10:30 a.m., the Senate will vote on the motion to proceed to the Commerce, Justice, Science, Appropriations (H.R. 2578).

6:09 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 15. After an hour of morning business, the Senate is expected to vote on the motion to proceed to H.R.2578, the Commerce, Justice, Science appropriations bill. A voice vote is expected.

5:47 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about climate change.

5:23 p.m. Senators Brown, Portman and McConnell spoke about the late Senator Voinovich.

5:06 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about the Orlando murders.

4:42 p.m. Senator Franken spoke on the the mass murder in Orlando.

2:58 p.m. By a vote of 94 to 3, the Senate invoked cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 2578. 

YEAS: 51 Republicans, 42 Democrats, 1 independent King.

NAYS: 3 Democrats (Heller, Isakson, Perdue) 

NOT VOTING: Democrat Boxer, Republican Lankford, Independent Sanders

2:58 p.m. Roll call vote closed. Senators Sanders, Langford and Boxer were not present. The vote closed with 94 Yea’s and 3 Nays; Senators Perdue, Isakson and Heller voted no.

2:43 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the motion to proceed to the Commerce/Justice/Science appropriations.

11:42 a.m.  Senator Perdue spoke on the water compact being Georgia, Florida and Alabama.

11:31 a.m. Senators McCain and Reed thanked everyone who helped on this bill.

11:30 a.m. By a vote of 85 to 13, the Senate passed the defense authorization bill for fiscal year 2017, S. 2943 (as amended).

YEAS: 48 Republicans, 36 Democrats, independent King.

NAYS: 7 Democrats (Gillibrand, Leahy, Markey, Merkley, Reid of Nevada, Warren, Wyden); 6 Republicans (Crapo, Cruz, Lee, Paul, Risch, Sasse).

NOT VOTING: Democrat Boxer, independent Sanders.

10:59 a.m. Senator Reed echoed Senators Moran and McCain.

11:01 a.m. By voice votes, amendments #4670 and 4607 were agreed to.

10:57 a.m. Senator Moran expressed disappointment in his inability to have the Senate consider his Guantanamo amendment.

10:56 a.m. Senator McCain criticized President Obama’s approach to the Islamic State.

10:55 a.m. Senator Coates lamented the impasse.

10:47 a.m. Senator Murray spoke about her measure to permit military personnel, to freeze their sperm and eggs before they are deployed. She sought consent to have it considered. Senator McCain objected and asked for consent to alter Senator Nelson’s amendment.
10:44 a.m. Senator Gillibrand sought consent to consider her amendment #4310 on military sexual abuse. Senator McCain objected on behalf of another senator. Senator Gillibrand spoke on the issue.

10:27 a.m. Senators McCain and Graham discussed the need of friendly Afghan interpreters for more American visas.

10:24 p.m. Senators McCain and Nelson exchanged thanks for the Senates’s movement toward a compromise on the space issue. Senator Durbin joined in the discussion.

10:23 a.m. Senator Nelson called up Amendment #4670, on space, to Amendment #4607.

10:22 a.m. Senator Reed withdrew amendment #4603 to the defense bill.

10:20 a.m. The Senate resumed consideration of the defense authorization, S. 2943.

10:09 a.m. Minority Leader Reid criticized Donald Trump’s response to the Orlando attack. He said Senator McConnell should condemn Trump’s comments on the attack.

10:03 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the mass murder in Orlando and the threat of the Islamic State. He said today’s passage of the defense authorization would help to advance the struggle against terrorism. The leader also called for action on the Commerce, Justice appropriation.

* * * * *

The Senate will convene on Tuesday June 14^th at 10:00 a.m.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.2943, the Defense Authorization until 11:00 a.m.

At 11:00 a.m. the Senate will conduct a series of roll call votes.  Barring any further agreement, the Senate would dispose of any pending germane amendments, passage of the bill as amended, and cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.2578, Commerce, Justice, Science appropriations.

If cloture is invoked on the motion to proceed to H.R.2578, it will be considered to have been invoked at 10:00pm, Monday, June 13.

Following the votes, we expect the Senate to recess for the usual Tuesday luncheons, after which, at 2:15 p.m. Senators will move to the chamber for the official Senate photo of the 114^th Congress.

Amendments Pending to S.2943, NDAA

McCain amendment #4607 (share-in-savings)

Reid amendment #4603 (date change) to McCain amendment #4607

6:09 p.m. Senate adjourns until 10:00 am. Tuesday June 14.

6:06 p.m. ML McConnell wrapped up the Senate session for the day.  UC that the Senate adjourn until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 14, 2016, resume consideration of S. 2943 until 11:00 a.m.

Items passed by UC:

• Executive Cal #487, Jennifer O’Connor to be General Counsel of the Department of Defense.
• Concurred in the House amendment to S.2276, SAFE PIPES Act.

5:51 p.m. Senator Casey spoke about the Orlando shooting.

5:38 p.m. Senator Isakson spoke about the Orlando shooting before explaining he will vote no on the motion to proceed to the Commerce/Justice/Science appropriations bill due to a provision relating to a tri-state water compact between Georgia, Alabama and Florida.

5:28 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the Orlando shooting.

5 :10 p.m. Senators Daines and Tester spoke about the Orlando shooting, with Senator Tester also discussing veterans health care.

5:01 p.m. Senator Vitter spoke about helping small businesses.

4:26 p.m. Senators Nelson, Markey and Carper spoke on the Orlando shooting.

4:13 p.m. Democratic Leader Reid paid tribute to Senator Voinovich, and then turned to discuss the Orlando shooting.

4:04 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell discussed the Orlando shooting; and later paid tribute to Senator Voinovich.

***

The Senate convened at 4:00 p.m. and following leader time, will resume consideration of the Defense Authorization (S. 2943).  There will be no roll call votes today.

At 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, all post-cloture time on S. 2943 will be deemed expired and the Senate will immediately proceed to a series of votes on the bill.

Absent a consent agreement, the Senate will dispose of any pending germane amendments and vote on passage of the bill.

Immediately upon disposition of S. 2943, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to the Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations (H.R. 2578).

If cloture is invoked, it will be considered as having been invoked at 10:00 p.m. on Monday, June 13.

12:09 p.m. The Senate adjourns until Monday June 13 at 4:00 p.m.

12:02 p.m. ML McConnell spoke on the defense authorization.  UC that Senate adjourn until Monday June 13 at 4:00 p.m.   There are no votes on Monday.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.2943, the National Defense Authorization Act.

By consent, all post-cloture time on S.2943 will expire at 11:00am, Tuesday, June 14. We expect a series of roll call votes to begin Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. Barring any further agreement, the Senate would dispose of any pending germane amendments, passage of the bill as amended, and cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.2578, Commerce, Justice, Science appropriations.  If cloture is invoked on the motion to proceed to H.R.2578, it will be considered to have been invoked at 10:00pm, Monday, June 13.

Passed by UC in wrap-up: HR 2137, HR 2212, HR 812, HR 1762, S Res 489-492.

11:07 a.m. Senator Collins spoke about the defense bill.

10:48 p.m. Senator Cotton spoke on Thomas Galagon, his Arkansan of the week.

9:49 a.m. Senator Wicker paid tribute to James Meredith and his role in the civil rights movement.

9:48 a.m. By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to S. Res. 488, to recognize the 50th anniversary of James H. Meredith’s March Against Fear.

9:30 a.m. By a tally of 68-23, cloture was invoked on S. 2943, Defense Department authorization.

AYES: 50 Republicans, one independent (King), 17 Democrats (Baldwin, Bennet, Blumenthal, Donnelly, Heinrich, Heitkamp, Kaine, Klobuchar, Manchin, McCaskill, Murphy, Nelson, Peters, Schatz, Stabenow, Tester, Udall)

NAYS: 20 Democrats, three Republicans (Cruz, Lee, Paul)

NOT VOTING: Independent Sanders; Republican Hatch; Democrats Boxer, Coons, Durbin, Leahy, Mikulski, Warner, Wyden

9:01 a.m. Roll call vote on cloture on the defense authorization began.

8:47 a.m. Senator Reed called for an agreement to consider several of the contentious amendments that have been discussed.

8:45 a.m. In light of the objections to the Murray and Gillibrand amendments, Senator Reid called upon senators to oppose cloture on the defense authorization.

8:43 a.m. Senator McCain objected.

8:37 a.m. Senator Gillibrand sought consent for a vote on her sexual assault amendment (#4310) in the event that cloture is invoked on the defense authorization

8:36 a.m. Senator McCain objected. He explained that another senator’s objection required him to object reluctantly. He thanked Senator Gillibrand in advance for her plan to seek a vote on her amendment on sexual assault and warned that he would object to it.

8:32 a.m. Senator Murray criticized the bill’s omission of a program to allow service members to preserve their eggs or sperm prior to deployment in order to protect their reproductive ability from injury on duty. She sought consent to vote on restoring the program.

8:19 a.m. ML McConnell spoke on the defense authorization bill.

The Senate will convene at 8:15 a.m. and resume consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (S. 2943).

At 9:00 a.m., the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S. 2943.

The following amendments are currently pending to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (S. 2943):

McCain amendment to amend the provision on share-in-savings contracts. (#4607)

Reid second-degree amendment to McCain amendment #4607, of a perfecting nature. (#4603)

The Senate has adjourned until 8:15 a.m. Friday, June 9th. A cloture vote on S. 2943, the defense authorization bill,  will occur at 9:00 a.m. 

S. Res. 486, Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the ROTC program, was passed by unanimous consent during wrap-up.

****

7:14 p.m. Senator Sasse spoke on the draft.

6:34 p.m. Senators Murray and Blumenthal spoke on defense contractors that steal money from their workers’ paychecks or pay unfair wages.

6:13 p.m. Senator Moran spoke on the NDAA and asked unanimous consent to vote on his amendment #4066. Senator Brown objected.

6:03 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on the Military Injustice Improvement Act.

5:54 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on the anniversary of the Gaspee Affair of 1772.

5:44 p.m. Senator Coats spoke on foreign policy.

5:39 p.m. Senator Boozman spoke on President Obama’s foreign policy.

5:24 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke on President Obama’s foreign policy.

5:19 p.m. Senator Rounds spoke on healthcare for military retirees.

5:02 p.m. Senator Lee objected to Senator McCain’s request and spoke about his reasoning.

4:55 p.m. Senator Graham said he would object.

4:53 p.m. Senator Lee asked to amend the consent request to include consideration of his Ex-Im Bank amendment (#4448).

4:52 p.m. Senator McCain sought consent for votes on the Shaheen amendment (#4604) on Afghan interpreters visas and the Moran amendment (#4068) on replacement of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility.

4:31 p.m. Senator Shaheen, Senator Moran and Graham joined the colloquoy. Senator Moran said his amendment (#4068) would forbid spending on a domestic detention facility to replace the one at Guantanamo Bay

4:26 p.m. Senator McCain began a colloquoy on amendments concerning visas for Afghan interpreters and the Deion facility at Guantanamo Bay.

4:21 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke for the defense authorization.

4:03 p.m. Senator McCain spoke about the Russian rocket engines. He said amendments will be moving soon on interpreters and on Guantanano Bay.

3:49 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about the U.S. use of of a Russian rocket engine.

3:44 p.m. Senator Murray spoke on the NDAA bill.

3:26 p.m. Senator Feinstein spoke in favor of the due process amendment.

3:15 p.m Senator Lee  and Senator Paul spoke about due process for U.S. Citizens.

2:58 p.m. Senator McCain spoke about ULA.

2:43 p.m. Senator Gardner spoke on the NDAA bill and ULA.

2:17 p.m. Senator McCain spoke on the NDAA bill.

1:58 p.m. Senator Ayotte spoke on detention and interrogation policies, specifically in Guantanamo Bay.

1:51 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on the passing of Ms. Cassandra Butts before she was elected ambassador to the Bahamas.

1:29 p.m. Senator Donnelly spoke in support of amendment #4509.

1:22 p.m. Senator Ernst spoke on the NDAA bill.

1:07 p.m. Senator Perdue spoke on the NDAA bill.

1:02 p.m. Senator McCain spoke about foreign interpreters.

12:50 p.m. Senator Reed spoke on the defense authorization bill and introduced his amendment #4603.

12:34 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke on growing hemp in America.

12:25 p.m. Senators Reed and Shaheen spoke on the protecting foreign interpreters assisting US Forces.

12:20 p.m. Senator McCain withdrew his amendment #4229 then called up his amendment # 4607 and spoke on protecting foreign interpreters assisting US Forces.

12:19 p.m. By a vote of 56 to 42, the motion to invoke cloture on the McCain amendment #4229 failed. 11 Republicans voting nay: Alexander, Cochran, Corker, Enzi, Flake, Grassley, Heller, Kirk, Lankford, Lee, and Paul. 12 Democrats and 1 Independent voting Aye: Baldwin, Bennet, Blumenthal, Casey, Donnelly, Heinrich, Heitkamp, Kaine, King, Klobuchar, McCaskill, Peters, and Stabenow.

11:45 p.m. By a vote of 43 to 55, the cloture motion on the Reed amendment failed. AYES: Republicans Ayotte and Portman, independent King, and 40 Democrats. NAYS: Democrats Carper, Manchin and Tester and 52 Republicans.

11:15 a.m. The vote began on cloture for the Reed amendment.

11:12 a.m. Senator McCain spoke against the Reed amendment.

11:06 a.m. Senator Mikulski spoke about the amendment.

11 a.m. Senator Reed spoke for his second-degree amendment on non- defense spending.

10:55 a.m. Senator McConnell moved to proceed to H.R. 2578, the Commerce/Justice Appropriations bill, filed cloture on the motion to proceed to the bill, and withdrew his motion to proceed.

10:50 a.m. Senator Lee spoke about the Ex-I’m Bank.

10:46 a.m. Senator Donnelly spoke on the Ex-Im Bank.

10:33 a.m. Senator Heitkamp spoke on the Ex-I’m Bank.

10:22 a.m. Senator Murray and Senator Cantwell also spoke in support of Export-Import Bank.

10:18 a.m. Senator Shumer spoke in support of Export-Import Bank.

10:17 a.m. Senator Heitkamp spoke on the Export-Import Bank.

9:57 a.m. Senator McCain and Senator Graham spoke in support of spoke on S. 2943, the National Defense Authorization Act.

9:45 a.m. Senator Blunt spoke on S. 2943, the National Defense Authorization Act.

9:37 a.m. Senator Reid spoke on the budget agreement.

9:32 a.m. Senator McConnell spoke on S. 2943, the National Defense Authorization Act.

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and resume consideration of the Defense Authorization(S. 2943).

• At 11:15am, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Reed-Mikulski second-degree amendment (#4549) to the McCain amendment #4229.

• If cloture is not invoked, the Senate will immediately proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on McCain amendment.

• Senator McConnell filed cloture on S. 2943 during Wednesday’s session.  Absent a time agreement, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S. 2943 one hour after the Senate convenes on Friday.

9:09 p.m. The Senate adjorned until 9:30 a.m. Thursday, June 9, 2016.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.2943, the National Defense Authorization Act.

At 11:15 a.m. the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Reed amendment #4549 (non-defense increase) to McCain amendment #4229 (OCO increase) to S.2943, NDAA. If cloture is not invoked, the Senate will immediately vote on McCain amendment #4229.

9:00 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on S.2943, the National Defense Authorization Act.  Unless an agreement is reached, that cloture vote will be one hour after the Senate convenes on Friday, June 10.

8:37 p.m. By a roll call vote of  56-38, the Senate rejected  the Sullivan motion to instruct conferees.  His motion, subject to a 60-vote threshold, would simplify permitting and is designed to simplify bridge replacement and improvement.

8:35 p.m. By a roll call vote of 46-49, the Senate did not adopt the Nelson motion to instruct conferees (not to redirect any money designated to funding the fight against Ebola to fighing Zika)

Senator Nelson spoke in favor and Senator Blunt spoke against the Nelson motion.

The Senate adopted the motion to go to conference on H.R. 2577 by voice vote.

The Senate invoked cloture on the motion to disagree in the House amendment and to agree to the motion to appoint conferees by a roll call vote of 93-2.

6:27 p.m. Senator Cornyn propounded a UC and at 7:30pm the Senate will proceed to up to 4 roll call votes on the following in relation to H.R.2577, the THUD/MilConVA Appropriations bill:

1. Motion to invoke cloture on the compound motion to go to conference on H.R.2577
2. Motion to go to conference on H.R.2577
3. Nelson motion to instruct conferees (60 vote affirmative threshold)
4. Sullivan motion to instruct conferees (60 vote affirmative threshold)

6:00 p.m. Senator Graham spoke about military funding.

5:49 p.m. Senator Hoeven spoke on his proposed amendement, including one requiring the purchase of blackhawk helicopters.

5:29 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke about her amendment, #4222, which would eliminate cuts to the Basic Housing Allowance.

5:22 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke about the NDAA and spending.

5:17 p.m. Senator Isakson spoke about his disagreement with the Attorney General’s decision not to defend the Veterans Accountability and Choice Act and the firing of Sharon Helen under the act.

5:06 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about a Chicago resident who is a member of the Irish Senate and Trump’s remarks about a judge.

5:00 p.m. Senator Collins spoke about her support of the Murkowski amdendment.

4:56 p.m. Senator Daines spoke about his amendment about military pay raises.

4:50 p.m. Senator Franken spoke about the Supreme Court Vacancy and Merrick Garland.

4:30 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about TSCA.

4:01 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about his measure to require that presidential candidates release their tax returns.

3:47 p.m. Senator Cats spoke about government waste.

3:16 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke against the Reed amendment. He also spoke about the visit of Prime Minister Modi.

3:09 p.m. Senator Murray spoke for the Reed amendment on non-defense spending.

2:54 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke on healthcare.

2:38 p.m. Senator Warner spoke on nominees yet to be confirmed and asked unanimous consent that the Senate vote on a series of 15 nominations. ML McConnell objected. Senator Warner then asked unanimous consent to vote on 9 district court judges. ML McConnell objected. Senator Warner asked unanimous consent that the Senate vote on the 4 longest waiting nominations. Senator Hatch objected. Senator Warner asked unanimous consent to vote on the nomination of Brian R. Marionotti to be US District judge for the District of NJ. Senator Hatch objected.

2:22 p.m. Senator Mikulski spoke on the defense authorization bill.

1:59 p.m. Senator McCain spoke on the defense authorization bill.

1:27 p.m. Senator Baldwin spoke in support of Senator Reed’s amendment #4549 to aid non-defense programs.

12:56 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about his amendment, #4299 to the Defense authorization regarding the war in Yemen.

12:22 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke on the recent comments by Donald Trump regarding Judge Curiel; and judicial nominations in the Senate.

12:20 p.m. The Senate returned from the joint meeting recess.

10:30 a.m. The Senate recessed, subject to the call of the chair, for a Joint Meeting of Congress for an address by the Prime Minster Modi of India.

9:59 a.m. Senator Reed spoke on his amendment #4549  to add money to non-defense programs.

9:37 a.m. Minority Leader Reid joined Senator McConnell in welcoming Prime Minister Modi and spoke on Zika legislation as well as Donald Trump.

9:33 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the Zika legislation, yesterday’s passage of the toxic substances bill, the defense authorization and this morning’s visit from the prime minister of India.

***

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

Debate has begun on the McCain amendment (#4229) which would add $18 billion to the defense authorization and on the Reed second-degree amendment (#4549) to add money to non-defense programs.

Cloture was filed Wednesday night on both amendments.

Absent a time agreement, the cloture vote on the Reed second-degree amendment will occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Thursday, June 8, 2016.

At 10:30 a.m., the Senate will recess until the call of the chair for a Joint Meeting of Congress with His Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India.  Senators will gather in the Senate Chamber at 10:35 a.m. to depart as a body to the Hall of the House of Representatives at 10:40 a.m.  The Joint Meeting will begin at 11 a.m.

8:44 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, when it will resume consideration of the defense bill. At 10:30 a.m., the Senate will recess until the call of the chair.

8:42 p.m.  Senator McConnell filed cloture on the Reed second-degree amendment (#4549) to McCain amendment (#4229) and on the McCain amendment itself. By voice votes, the Senate passed S. 2487, to direct the VA to identify mental health programs; and H. Con. Res 119, allowing the Capitol grounds to be used for the Soapbox Derby.

7:57 p.m. Senator Booker spoke about addiction.

7:47 p.m. Senator Merkely spoke about the toxics bill.

7:19 p.m. Senator Gardner spoke about rocket programs.

7:13 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke about his amendment (#4510) to deal with certain military contracting problems.

7:07 p.m. Senator Peters spoke about his amendment (#4138) to help military victims of brain injuries.

7:06 p.m. Senator McCain expressed hope that votes on the McCain and Reed measures will come Wednesday.

7:05 p.m. Senator Reed secured consent to bring up his second-degree amendment (#4549) to McCain amendment #4229, which would add $18 billion to the defense authorization. Senator Reed noted that his second-degree amendment would add money to non-defense programs.

6:52 p.m. Senators Markey, Inhofe and Udall exchanges thanks for the bipartisan work on the toxics bill.

6:50 p.m. By a voice voice, the Senate concurred with the House on H.R. 2576, the Toxic Substances Control Act.

6:47 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about the toxics bill.

6:44 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about the toxics bill.

6:36 p.m. Senator Markey talked about the toxics bill.

6:16 p.m. Senator Vitter spoke on the Toxic Substance Control Act.

6:06 p.m. Senator Boxer spoke on the Toxic Substance Control Act.

6:05 p.m. The Senate agreed to move to debate on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 2576, Toxic Substance Control Act, by unanimous consent. A voice vote is expected at approximately 6:45 p.m. after 45 minutes of debate.

5:47 p.m. Senator Coons and Whitehouse engaged in a colloquoy in climate change.

5:28 p.m. Senator Paul spoke against the Toxic Substance Control Act.

5:12 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about prescription drug and heroin addiction.

5:08 p.m. Senator McCain added details on the prospective defense amendment.

5:07 p.m. Senator Inhofe said there may be a motion shortly to take up the Toxic Substance Control Act.

5:05 p.m. Senators McCain and Reed engaged in a colloquoy about possible votes tomorrow or Thursday on a McCain amendment to add $17 billion to the defense authorization, and a second-degree amendment to be offered by the minority.

5:05 p.m. The Inhofe amendment passed by a vote of 70 to 28.

4:32 p.m. The Durbin amendment passed by a vote of 66 to 32. YEAS: 43 Democrats, 22 Republicans, 1 independent. NAYS: All Republican.
Not voting: independent Sanders and Democrat Warner.

3:57 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke in favor of the Durbin amendment.

3:55 p.m. Senators Graham spoke in opposition to the Durbin amendment.

3:53 p.m. Senator Isakson spoke in favor of the resolution of disapproval of the proposed overtime rules.

3:49 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about investing in medical research and his amendment.

3:43 p.m. Senator Reed spoke about the pending amendments.

3:30 p.m. Senators Johnson and Alexander spoke in favor of a resolution of disapproval about a proposed overtime rule.

3:16 p.m. Senator Durbin and Senator Graham continued speaking about the NDAA

3:10 p.m. Senator Graham spoke against the Durbin amendment.

2:53 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on his medical research amendment #2369.

2:36 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on artwork stolen by the nazis during the holocaust.  He later spoke on the defense authorization bill.

2:15 p.m. Senator Mikulski spoke on the Inhofe – Mikulski amendment regarding commissaries; and then engaged in a back and forth with Senator McCain on the amendment and the topic of commissaries.

12:55 p.m. The Senate stands in recess until 2:15 p.m.

12:45 p.m. Senator Inhofe called up his amendment #4204 and spoke in favor of the amendment.

12:40 p.m. Senator McCain asked unanimous consent for the Durbin #4369 and Inhofe #4202 amendments to be called up and time until 4:00 p.m. be equally divided for debate on the two amendments. At 4:00 the Senate will have two roll call votes.

He further asked the following amendments be agreed to en bloc by unanimous consent: 4138,4293, 4112, 4177, 4354, 4079, 4317, 4031, 4169, 4236, 4119, 4095, 40864071,4247, 4344.

12:30 p.m. Senator Merkley also spoke on the recent train derailment in Oregon.

12:20 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke on the recent train derailment in Oregon.

12:10 p.m. Senator Thune spoke on President Obama’s foreign policy.

11:55 a.m. Senator Menendez spoke on Donald Trump and his remarks about Judge Curiel.

11:50 a.m. Senator McCain responded again to Senator Cruz.

11:46 a.m.  Senator McCain responded to Senator Cruz, hopes he votes for the bill, with Senator Cruz responding regarding women being subject to selective service; and due process.

11:26 a.m. Senator Cruz spoke on flooding in Texas, and later the defense authorization and his amendments to it.

11:21 a.m. Senator Daines spoke on his cyber security and terrorism amendment, #4260.

11:20 a.m. Senator McCain informed colleagues there may be a UC regarding votes for later today soon.

11:12 a.m. Senator Manchin spoke on prescription drug overdoses.

10:59 a.m. Senators Durbin and McCain continued to speak on medical research.

10:42 a.m. Senator McCain spoke of the medical research funds.

10:45 a.m. Senator McCain spoke against the Durbin amendment.

10:35 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about his amendment on military medical research.

10:29 a.m. Senator McConnell spoke about the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay.

10:28 a.m. Senator McCain spoke in support of Senator Shaheen’s measure on Afghan visa applicants.

10:20 a.m. Senator Shaheen spoke about her measure to assist Afghan visa applicants who have assisted U.S. forces during the war.

10:12 a.m. Senator King spoke about cyber-attacks.

10:03 a.m. Senator Reid spoke about Senator Grassley’s response to Donald Trump’s comments about the federal judge who is overseeing court cases against Trump University.

*****

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and resume consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (S. 2943).

The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus luncheons.

The following amendment is currently pending to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (S. 2943):

• McCain amendment to address unfunded priorities of the Armed Forces. (#4229)

7:06 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 7, 2016.

6:55 p.m. ML McConnell spoke about Muhammed Ali and then did wrap-up.  In wrap-up, the Senate confirmed the following nominations by voice vote:

Executive Calendar #506, Jennifer Choe Groves, of Virginia, to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade; and

Executive Calendar #507, Gary Stephen Katzmann, of Massachusetts, to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade.

The Senate also Adopted S.Res.484, authorizing the taking of a photograph in the Senate Chamber.

And the Senate completed the Rule 14 process to place on the Legislative Calendar of Business S.3011, Bolster Accountability to Drive Government Efficiency and Reform Washington Act of 2016 (Johnson).

6:31 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke on protecting children of service members.

6:30 p.m. Senator McCain offers amendment #4229.

6:29 p.m. The Fischer amendment was agreed to 91-0.  Senators not voting:  Barrasso, Booker, Coats, Flake, Heitkamp, Hoeven, Johnson, Kirk, and Sanders.

5:30 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Fischer amendment #4206 to the Defense authorization.

5:12 p.m. Senators Tillis and Portman spoke on the 72nd anniversary of D-Day.

4:47 p.m. Senator Coons spoke about South Africa.

4:23 p.m. Senate Reed spoke in favor of S.2943, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017.

4:22 p.m. Senator McCain offered amendment (#4206) for Fischer to modify the requirement that the Secretary of Defense maintain the wartime readiness of military medical personnel.

4:20 p.m. The Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to S.2943, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017.

3:26 p.m. Senators Cornyn and McCain spoke on the Defense authorization.

2:03 p.m. DL Reid spoke on Donald Trump.

***

The Senate convened at 2:00 p.m. and will be in morning business until 4 p.m.

At 4 p.m., the motion to proceed to S.2943, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, will be agreed to. Senator Fischer will offer her amendment (#4206) to modify the requirement that the Secretary of Defense maintain the wartime readiness of military medical personnel.

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on the Fischer amendment, with no second degree amendments in order before the vote.

The Senate will convene at 1:00 p.m., for a pro forma session only. No business will be conducted.

The Senate will next convene for legislative business on Monday June 6 at 2:00 p.m.

The Senate will then be in morning business until 4:00 p.m.

At 4:00 p.m., the motion to proceed to S.2943, the National Defense Authorization Act, will be agreed to, and Senator Fischer, or her designee, with be recognized to offer her amendment #4206.

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on the Fischer amendment with no second degree amendments in order before the vote.