Tuesday, July, 2016

The Senate convened at 9 a.m. for a pro forma session, Senator Gardner presiding. No legislative business was conducted.

The Senate then adjourned until its next legislative session convenes on Wednesday, July 6 at 10 a.m.

  • At that time, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to the sanctuary cities bill (S. 3100).
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus luncheons.
  • At 2:15 p.m., the Senate will enter Executive Session in order to consider the nomination of Brian Martinotti to be a United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey, with a vote expected at 2:45 p.m. on confirmation of the Martinotti nomination.
  • Following disposition of the Martinotti nomination, the cloture motions filed during the session of Wednesday, June 29 will ripen in the following order.
  • If cloture is invoked on any of the below items, there will be up to thirty hours of post-cloture debate prior to adoption of the given motion, at which point the next cloture petition will ripen for a vote.
  • If cloture is not invoked on any of the below items, the Senate will immediately proceed to the next cloture vote.

o    Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to the sanctuary cities bill (S. 3100).

o    Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to Kate’s Law (S. 2193)

o    Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 764 [GMO legislation] with a Roberts amendment in the nature of a substitute (#4935)

o    Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (H.R. 5293)

Friday, July 1, 2016

The Senate convened for a pro forma session today at 9:30 a.m. Senator Sessions was in the chair. The Senate will next convene on Tuesday July 5 at 9:00 a.m., for another pro forma session, during which no business will be conducted.

The Senate will next convene for legislative business on Wednesday, July 6 at 10:00 a.m.

  • At that time, resume consideration of the motion to proceed to the sanctuary cities bill (S. 3100).
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus luncheons.
  • At 2:15 p.m., the Senate will enter Executive Session in order to consider the nomination of Brian Martinotti to be a United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey, with a vote expected at 2:45 p.m. on confirmation of the Martinotti nomination.
  • Following disposition of the Martinotti nomination, the cloture motions filed during the session of Wednesday, June 29 will ripen in the following order.
  • If cloture is invoked on any of the below items, there will be up to thirty hours of post cloture debate prior to adoption of the given motion, at which point the next cloture petition will ripen for a vote.
  • If cloture is not invoked on any of the below items, the Senate will immediately proceed to the next cloture vote.

o    Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to the sanctuary cities bill (S. 3100).

o    Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to Kate’s Law (S. 2193)

o    Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 764 [GMO legislation] with a Roberts amendment in the nature of a substitute (#4935)

o    Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (H.R. 5293)

 

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

8:50 p.m. Senator Sasse spoke about Russian crackdowns on free speech and religious observance.

8:30 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about addiction.

8:00 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on climate change.

7:52 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke about the June 11 passing of Veterans Activist Fred Becker, aka Bulldog.

The next roll call vote is expected next Wednesday, July 6, at 2:45pm on confirmation of the Martinotti nomination (NJ judge) and cloture petition(s) filed today.

On Wednesday evening, ML McConnell moved to proceed to Calendar #531, S.3100 (Sanctuary Cities) and filed cloture on the motion to proceed (FIRST CLOTURE TO RIPEN).  He then moved to proceed to Calendar #276, S.2193 (Kate’s Law) and filed cloture on the motion to proceed (SECOND CLOTURE TO RIPEN). ML McConnell made a new motion to concur with the new GMO amendment (Roberts-Stabenow), filed cloture on the motion, and filled the tree (THIRD CLOTURE TO RIPEN). He then moved to proceed to Calendar #524, H.R.5293 (DOD Appropriations) and filed cloture on the motion to proceed (FOURTH AND FINAL CLOTURE TO RIPEN).

Upon disposition of the Martinotti nomination, the cloture petitions filed tonight will ripen in the order offered (Sanctuary Citites, Kate’s Law, GMO, DOD Approps). If cloture is invoked on any of them, there will then be up to 30 hours of debate followed by a vote on the motion followed by an immediate vote on the next cloture motion.

 

The Senate took five roll call votes during Wednesday’s session:

  1. By a vote of 68 to 32, cloture was invoked on S. 2328, the vehicle for the Puerto Rico debt measure.
  2. By a vote of 44-54, the Senate rejected a Menendez motion. The Menedez motion was to table the motion to concur with amendment #4865 to S. 2328.
  3. By a vote of 85-13, the Senate voted to waive the budget act in regards to the Sanders’ point of order

7:20 p.m. The motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 2328 was agreed to by a vote of 68-30. Republicans voting no: Boozeman, Capito, Cotton, Cruz, Daines, Ernst, Grassley, Heller, Lee, Moran, Murkowski, Perdue, Portman, Sasse, Scott, Shelby, Tillis, Wicker. Democrats voting no: Baldwin, Booker, Boxer, Brown, Cantwell, Markey, Menendez, Merkley, Murray, Sanders, Tester and Warren. Warner and Manchin did not vote.

7:02 p.m. The motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Budget point of order was agreed to by a vote of 85-13.

6:30 p.m. The motion to table the motion to concur to amendment #4865 was not agreed to by a vote of 44-54. Republicans voting aye: Cruz, Lee, and Paul. Democrats voting no: Donnelly, Feinstein and King.

5:44 p.m. Senator Carper spoke about the Department of Homeland Security.

5:30 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about Zika and about Puerto Rico.

4:55 p.m. Senator Vitter spoke about the Obamacare and the rules for covering Congress and staff.

4:46 p.m. Senators Alexander and Corker spoke in recognition Tennessee basketball coach Pat Summit after her death.

4:20 p.m. The Senate stands in recess until 4:40 p.m.

3:54 p.m. Senator Grassely spoke about the Puerto Rico debt crisis.

3:39 p.m. Senator Heitkamp and Senator Cantwell spoke about the Export Import bank.

3:37 p.m. Senator Menendez made his motion to table the debt bill and secured consent for the Yea’s and nays.

3:10 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke against the debt bill. He said if his tabling motion succeeds, he will offer an amendment that, among other provisi0ns,  would deal with the powers of the oversight board under the debt measure.

2:56 p.m. Senator Hatch moved to waive the provisions of the Budget Act raised in the point of order. Senator Hatch then spoke in favor of the Puerto Rico debt measure.

2:56 p.m. Senator Sanders raised his budget point of order on the bill.

2:39 p.m. Senator Sanders spoke on financial assistance to Puerto Rico.

2:34 p.m. Senator Reid spoke on the upcoming votes on financial assistance to Puerto Rico.

2:32 p.m. The Senate has reconvened and ML McConnell set up 3 votes for approximately 7:30 this evening:

  1. Vote on the Menendez motion to table, the motion to concur with amendment #4865 to S. 2328
  2. Vote on the motion to waive the budget act in regards to the Sanders’ point of order.
  3. The vote on the motion to concur with the House amendment to  S. 2328, the Puerto Rico Public Finances Assistance bill.

****

1:08 p.m. The Senate went into recess until 2:15 p.m.

11:00 a.m. Senator McConnell offered a 2nd degree amendment #4866 to his amendment #4865 (date change).

10:59 a.m.  By a vote of 68 to 32, cloture was invoked on S. 2328, the vehicle for the Puerto Rico debt measure. Voting Aye: 36 Republicans, 31 Democrats and 1 Independent (King).

Republicans voting Nay: Boozman, Capito, Cotton, Cruz, Daines, Donnelly, Ernst, Grassley, Heller, Lee, Moran, Murkowski, Perdue, Portman Sasse, Shelby, Scott, Tillis,Wicker.

Democrats voting Nay: Baldwin, Booker, Boxer, Brown, Cantwell, Manchin, Markey, Menendez, Merkley, Murray, Tester, Warren.

Independent voting Nay: Sanders.

10:30 p.m. The vote began on the cloture motion for S. 2328.

10:21 a.m. Senator Menendez spoke against cloture on the Puerto Rico debt measure.

10:12 a.m. Senator Durbin criticized aspects of of the Puerto Rico bill but said it is a compromise response to the debt crisis that he supports.

10:07 a.m. Senator Cantwell spoke against cloture for the Puerto Rico package.

9:55 a.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about water resources legislation.

9:54 a.m. Senator Durbion made a parliamentary inquiry.

9:53 a.m. The Senate resumed consideration of the House message accompanying S. 2328, the Puerto Rico debt package.

9:40 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke about the progress in the campaign against the Islamic State. He criticized Republicans for including in the Zika vehicle reduced levels of spending for birth control and other purposes. He criticized Republican-sponsored aspects of the Puerto Rico debt measure but said he will support it.

9:33 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the terrorist attack in Istanbul. He criticized Democrats for opposing the MilCon-VA spending bill, which included money to respond to the outbreak of the Zika virus. He spoke in favor of the legislative vehicle for the Puerto Rico debt measure.

* * * * * * * * * *

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

At 10:30 a.m., there will be a cloture vote on the House amendment to S. 2328 (the vehicle for the Puerto Rico debt relief measure).

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

7:50 The Senate has adjourned for the evening and will resume legislative session Wednesday, June 28, at 9:30 a.m. There will be a cloture vote on the House amendment to S. 2328. at 10:30 a.m.

7:39 p.m. Senator Menendez finished speaking about Puerto Rico. The Senate is now in a Quorum call.

7:00 p.m. Senator Cantwell joins Senator Menendez in speaking about Puerto Rico.

6:30 p.m. Senator Menendez continued to speak about Puerto Rico.

5:00 p.m. Senator Menendez continued to speak about Puerto Rico.

3:44 p.m. Senator Menendez continued to speak about Puerto Rico.

3:34 p.m. Senator Menendez yielded to Senator Sanders for a question.

3:23 p.m. Senator Menendez spoke about Puerto Rico.

2:57 p.m. Senator Fischer spoke about Marine Sergeant Joshua Robinson.

2:45 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke on the minors protection act.

2:38 p.m. Senator Manchin yielded to Senator Capito to speak on mines.

2:33 p.m. Senator Manchin yielded to Senator Donnelly to speak on mines.

2:26 p.m. Senator Manchin yielded to Senator Portman to speak on mines.

2:22 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke on the history of mines.

2:18 p.m. Senator Brown also spoke on the minors protection act.

2:18 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke on the minors protection act.

12:45 p.m. The Senate stands in recess for the weekly caucus luncheons.

12:35 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke on the Puerto Rico bill.

12:30 p.m. Senators Isakson and Blumenthal  spoke on the VA/MilCon/Zika virus conference report.

11:55 a.m. Senators Leahy and Merkley spoke on food labeling.

11:36 a.m. Senators Reid and Cornyn spoke on Zika.

11:32 a.m. ML McConnell entered the motion to reconsider the motion to invoke cloture on H.R. 2577 and spoke on Zika.

11:31 a.m. Cloture on H.R. 2577 was not agreed to by a vote of 52 to 48. Senators voting for cloture: 52 Republicans, 1 Democrat: Donnelly.

Senators voting against cloture: 43 Democrats, 3 Republicans: Lankford, Lee and McConnell*; and 2  Independents: King and Sanders.   ML McConnell changed his vote to no in order to be able to enter a motion to reconsider.

11 a.m. The cloture vote began on H.R. 2577, the MilCon appropriation conference report.

10:58 a.m. Senator Cochran objected. He spoke for the MilCon-VA approriation, including the Zika spending.

10:57 a.m. Senator Nelson sought consent to speak about Orlando.

10:50 a.m. Senator Hirono spoke against the Zika package.

10:48 a.m. Senator Thun spoke for the Zika package.

10:41 a.m. Senator Nelson spoke against the appropriations bill containing the Zika money. He cited the bill’s reduction in speeding for family planning.

10:36 a.m. Senator Murray criticized the legislative vehicle for the Zika money.

10:26 a.m. Senator Capito spoke about the floods in West Virginia.

10:17 a.m. Senator Schumer said Republicans designed the Zika spending vehicle to fail.

10:08 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke against the bill’s spending levels for birth control and other purposes.

10:03 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell acted under Rule XIV to place on the Senate calendar S. 3100, a bill concerning state and local cooperation with federal authorities in fighting terrorism. Senator McConnell also spoke about Democatic opposition to the bill that provides money to combat the Zika virus.

***

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m.   Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the Conference Report to accompany H.R.2577, MilCon/VA/Zika.

At approximately 11:00 a.m., the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Conference Report.

On Monday, ML McConnell moved to concur in the House amendment to S.2328, the vehicle for the Puerto Rico bill, and filed cloture on the motion to concur. He then filled the amendment tree.  Unless an agreement is reached, the cloture vote on the motion to concur will occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Wednesday.

 

 

Monday June 27, 2016

6:50 p.m. Senator Brown spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy and today’s abortion ruling.

6:34 p.m Senator Wyden spoke on the Intelligence authorization.

6:19 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke about sanctuary cities.

6:15 p.m. ML McConnell moves to concur in relation to S. 2328 (the vehicle for the Puerto Rico bill), files cloture on the motion, and fills the tree.   S. 3100 has its first reading.  S.1479 is passed by unanimous consent.  UC that when the Senate adjourns it do so until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, resume consideration of the conference report to accompany S. 2577, with a cloture vote on on that conference report at 11:00 a.m.  UC that the Senate stand adjourned following the remarks of Toomey, Wyden and Brown.

6:14 p.m. The Rossiter nomination was confirmed by a vote 0f 90-0.

Senators not voting: 7 Republicans: Blunt, Capito, Isakson, Johnson, Kirk, Murkowsk and Vitter. 2 Democrats: Boxer and Menendez.  1 Independent: Sanders.

5:32 p.m. Roll call vote began on the nomination of Robert Rossiter to be US District Judge for the District of Nebraska.

5:17 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke on zika funding and today’s Supreme Court abortion decision, as well as the Supreme Court vacancy and immigration.

5:05 p.m. Senator Sullivan discussed the whaling industry in Alaska.

5:00 p.m. Senator Cotton paid tribute to his Arkansans of the week, two first responders who rescued a 13 year old boy who was swept into a drainage system during a flash flood.

4:44 p.m. Senator Fischer spoke in favor of the Rossiter nomination.

4:26 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about Puerto Rico’s debt crisis and the Naval training facility in Vieques.

4:02 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about Zika spending and ISIS.

3:48 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about the Puerto Rico debt crisis.

3:21 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke about the floods in West Virginia.

3:08 p.m. Minority Leader Reid criticized spending levels in the Zika bill, including the provision on birth control programs. Senator Reid also spoke about the British vote to leave the European Union and about today’s Supreme Court decisions.

3:03 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell criticized Democratic opposition to the transportation-veterans spending bill that contains money to combat the Zika virus.

* * *

The Senate will convene on Monday at 3:00 p.m.  Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 5:00 p.m.

At 5:00 p.m., proceed to Executive Session to consider the nomination of Robert Rossiter, to be US District Judge for the district of Nebraska, with a vote on confirmation of the nomination expected at 5:30 p.m.

As a reminder, on Thursday evening, Senator McConnell turned to the consideration of the conference report to accompany H.R.2577, MilCon/VA/Zika, and filed cloture on the conference report.

That vote is expected on Tuesday.

Thursday, June 23, 2016

6:07 p.m. Senate stands adjourned until Monday June 27 at 3:00 p.m.

6:06 p.m. ML McConnell UC that when the Senate adjourns, it do so until Monday, June 27 at 3:00 p.m.  Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 5:00 p.m.  Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the Rossiter nomination to be US District Judge for the district of Nebraska; with a vote on the nomination expected at 5:30 p.m.

6:00 p.m. ML McConnell wraps up for the evening.  UC that at 5:00 p.m. Monday June 27, consider the nomination of Robert F Rossiter, to be US District Judge for the district of Nebraska until 5:30 p.m, at which time vote on confirmation of the nomination.  Further UC that at a time to be determined on July 6, the Senate proceed to Executive Session to consider the nomination of Brian Martinotti, to be US District Judge for the district of New Jersey for thirty minutes, and then proceed to vote on the nomination.

Items passed by UC:

Legislative Business

Passed Calendar #472, H.R.3114 – an act to provide funds to the Army Corps of Engineers to hire veterans.

Passed Calendar #506, S.795 with committee-reported substitute amendment – to enhance whistleblower protection for contractor and grantee employees.

Agreed to S.Con.Res.39 with Nelson amendment to the preamble – honoring the members of the United States Air Force who were casualties of June 25, 1996, terrorist bombing of the United States Sector Khobar Towers military housing complex on Dhahran Air Base.

Adopted S.Res.512 – designating June 2016 as “National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month” and June 27, 2016, as “National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day.”

Completed the Rule 14 process to place on the Legislative Calendar of Business H.R.5447, Small Business Health Care Relief.

Completed the Rule 14 process to place on the Legislative Calendar of Business H.R.5456, Family First Prevention Services.

Executive Business

The Senate confirmed by voice vote:

Julie Helene Becker, to be Associate Judge of the Superior Court

Steven Nathan Berk, to be Associate Judge of the Superior Court

Elizabeth Carroll Wingo, to be Associate Judge of the Superior Court

R. David Harden, to be an Assistant Administrator US AID

5:48 p.m. Senator Murkowski paid tribute to Frederick Charles Becker.

5:19 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke on economic issues.

4:28 p.m. Senator Sessions spoke on todays Supreme Court decision of US vs Texas.

4:09 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about a transportation grant for Columbus.

3:40 p.m. Senator Brown listed items of good news for Ohio. He also spoke about voting rights.

2:50 p.m. Democratic Leader Reid and Senator Mikulski spoke on the Collins amendment and gun control.

2:45 p.m. The chair lays before the Senate the Conference report to accompany HR 2577, the Transportation/Housing and URban Development Appropriations bill, and Majority Leader McConnell files cloture on the conference report.

2:44 p.m. Motion to table agreed to 67-31.

Senators in favor of tabling the amendment: 24 Republicans, 42 Democrats. 1 Independent (King).

Senators opposed to tabling the amendment: 30 Republicans (Alexander, Blunt, Burr, Capito, Cassidy, Coats, Cochran, Corker, Ernst, Graham, Grassley, Hatch, Heller, Inhofe, Isakson, Johnson, Lankford, Lee, McCain, McConnell, Murkowski, Perdue, Portman, Rounds, Rubio, Scott, Tillis, Toomey, Vitter and Wicker); 1 Democrat: Manchin.

Senators not voting: 1 Democrat (Feinstein) and 1 Independent (Sanders).

2:25 p.m. Roll call vote began on a motion to table the Johnson amendment #4859.

2:24 p.m. Senators Johnson, Mikulski and Heitkamp spoke in relation to the Johnson amendment.

2:23 p.m. Motion to table the motion to commit (the Collins amdt) not agreed to 46-52.

Senators in favor: 46 Republicans.

Senators against: 43 Democrats, 8 Republicans (Alexander, Ayotte, Coats, Collins, Flake, Graham, Kirk and Toomey).  1 Independent (King).

Senators not voting: 1 Democrat (Feinstein) and 1 Independent (Sanders).

2:02 p.m Roll call vote began on the motion to table.

2:00 p.m. Senator McConnell made a motion to table the motion to commit (which contains Collins amendment).

1:59 p.m. Senator Collins spoke on her amendment.

1:58 p.m. Senator Mikulski yielded the floor to Senator Collins.

1:57 p.m. Senator Heitkamp spoke on Collins amendment.

1:55 p.m. Senator Heinrich spoke on Collins amendment.

1:54 p.m. Senator King spoke on Collins amendment.

1:51 p.m. Senator Flake spoke on Collins amendment.

1:51 p.m. Senator Heitkamp yielded the floor to Senator Flake.

1:48 p.m. Senator Mikulski spoke on Collins amendment #4858.

1:46 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke on Collins amendment #4858.

1:40 p.m. Senator Collins spoke in her amendment #4858.

1:34 p.m. Senator Schumer spoke on Collins amendment #4858.

1:13 p.m. ML McConnell withdrew his motion to recommit H.R. 2578 and moved to commit the bill to the judiciary committee with instructions to report back with amendment #4858 (Collins on guns). He then offered, for Senator Johnson, amendment #4859 (on due process/guns) (to amendment #4858) and McConnell amendment #4860 (date change) (to amendment #4859).

1:13 p.m. Senator Carper spoke on guns legislation.

****

12:07 p.m. The Senate stands in recess subject to the Call of the Chair.

****

11:58 a.m. Senator Hirono spoke on gender discrimination.

11:45 a.m. Senator Merkley spoke on the We The People Act.

11:34 a.m. Senator Udall spoke on the We The People Act.

11:21 a.m. Senator Tillis spoke about the House sit-in.

11:05 a.m. Senator Carper spoke on the appropriations bill, H.R. 2578 and Isis.

10:53 a.m. Senator King spoke on guns.

10:41 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke on the Dream Act and the Supreme Court vote.

10:23 a.m. Senator Manchin continued to speak on opioid drug addiction.

10:08 a.m. Senator Durbin joined in a colloquy on addiction.

10:02 a.m. Senator Manchin spoke about opioid drug addiction.

9:42 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell acted under Rule XIV to put on the calendar H.R. 5457 (group health plans) and H.R. 5456 (Social Security). He also spoke about the pending legislation to pay for the campaign against the Zika virus.

9:32 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke about legislation to combat the Zika virus.

*****

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. By consent, the Senate will resume consideration of the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill at 10:30 a.m.

A motion has been filed to reconsider the vote by which the Senate failed on Wednesday to invoke cloture for the McCain “lone wolf” amendment.

As of 9 a.m., no votes have been scheduled for Thursday.

 

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

6:29 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 9:30 a.m. Thursday. By consent, the Senate will resume consideration of the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill at 10:30 a.m.

6:28 p.m. Senator McConnell secured consent for second reading, en bloc, of H.R. 5447 (on group health plans) and H.R. 5456 (on amendments to Social Security).

5:39 p.m. Senator Moran spoke about veterans.

5:08 p.m. Senators Mikulski, Sullivan, Boozman and Blumenthal have joined in the colloquy on veterans.

4:32 p.m. Senator Isakson spoke on veterans.

4:09 p.m. Senator Lee spoke on the McCain amendment #4787.

3:39 p.m. Senator Moran spoke on general aviation.

3:06 p.m. Senators Brown and Portman paid tribute to the Cleveland Cavaliers; passes by UC S Res 509, congratulating the Cavaliers.

3:01 p.m. Senator Brown spoke in favor of the Veterans First Act.

2:16 p.m. Senator Coats spoke about terrorism and government waste.

2:02 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about guns and terrorism.

1:17 p.m. Senator McCain spoke about guns and terrorism.

1:05 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about terrorism and radical Islam.

12:50 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about global warming.

12:35 p.m. Senator Mikulski supported Senator Murray’s amendment for equal pay.

12:32 p.m. Senator Murray introduced an amendment on equal pay.

12:21 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke on gun control.

11:54 a.m. Senator Inhofe spoke on Orlando and gun control.

11:33 a.m. Senator Portman spoke on opioid crisis.

11:25 a.m. ML McConnell, who changed his vote to no, offered a motion to reconsider.

11:25 a.m. Cloture was not invoked on the McCain amendment 58-38.

Senators in favor: 46 Republicans, 11 Democrats (Casey, Heitkamp, Klobuchar, Manchin, McCaskill, MIkulski, Nelson, Reed, Reid, Warner, Whitehouse); 1 Independent (King).

Senators against: 30 Democrats, 8 Republicans (Daines, Gardner, Heller, Lee, McConnell*, Murkowski, Paul), 1 Independent (Sanders).  *McConnell changed his vote in order to offer a motion to reconsider.

Senators not voting: 3 Democrats (Donnelly, Feinstein, Menendez) and 1 Republican (Crapo).

10:30 a.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the McCain amendment #4787.

10:23 a.m. Senator McCain spoke about self radicalization.

10:20 a.m. Senator Wyden spoke on the FBI and the USA Freedom Act.

10:13 a.m. Senator Burr spoke on guns.

10:06 a.m. Senator Wyden spoke on guns.

10:00 a.m. Senator Leahy spoke on amendment #4787.

9:50 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke on Zika.

9:38 a.m. Senator Reid spoke on guns and Zika.

9:33 a.m. Senator McConnell spoke on the attacks in Orlando.

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and will resume consideration of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 2578).

  • At 10:30 a.m., the Senate will vote on cloture for the McCain amendment on “lone wolves” and related terrorism issues (#4787).

The following amendments/motion are pending to the appropriations bill:

  • Shelby-Mikulski substitute (#4685);

o    McCain (#4787);

  • McConnell motion to recommit H.R. 2578 to the Appropriations Committee for a period of 14 days. 

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

6:52 p.m. The Senate adjourned.  It will convene at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday June 22, 2016 and will then resume consideration of H.R.2578, Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations. A cloture vote is scheduled to occur at 10:30 a.m.on Wednesday on McCain amendment #4787 (lone wolf and national security letters).

 

 

 

6:50 p.m. ML McConnell did wrap-up and the Senate adopted the following three measures:

S.Res.507, designating July 8, 2016 as Collector Car Appreciation Day and recognizing that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.

S.2736, Patient Access to Durable Medical Equipment, with Thune amendment.

H.R. 1777, to amend the Act of August 25, 1958, commonly known as “Former Presidents Act of 1958,” with respect to the monetary allowance payable to a former President, and for other purposes with an Ernst substitute amendment.

6:45 p.m. ML McConnell propounded a unanimous consent agreement t0 have confirmation votes on judicial nominees: At a time to be determined by the Republican Leader in consultation with the Democratic Leader, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider individually the following nominations:
Executive Calendar #357, Brian R Martinotti, US District Judge for New Jersey;
Executive Calendar #358, Robert F Rossiter, US District Judge for Nebraska;

6:15 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke on GDP.

6:00 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on climate change.

5:45 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke against for-profit colleges.

5:20 p.m. Senator Coats spoke about conflict in Israel.

4:21 p.m. Senator Capito spoke about legislation to assist coal miners.

4:11 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about the attack in Orlando and about gun control measures.

3:55 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the shooting in Orlando and ISIS.

3:35 p.m. Senators Menendez spoke on the situation in Puerto Rico, and asked UC to take up his Puerto Rico recovery bill, Senator Cornyn objected.

3:25 p.m. Senator Mikulski discussed the McCain amendment and her own amendment.

3:17 p.m. Senator Wyden responded to Senator McCain on privacy and security.

2:58 p.m. Senator McCain spoke on the FBI, cyberterrorism and lone wolves.

2:48 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke on national security letters.

2:43 p.m. Senator Hatch continued to talk about Social Security.

2:37 p.m. Senator Mikluski asked Senator Hatch a question about Social Security

2:15 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke on Social Security.

12:28 p.m. Senator Gillibrand spoke on Orlando and gun control votes. She also spoke about three amendments she proposed.

12:21 p.m. Senator Murray spoke about Zika research funding.

11:58 a.m. Senator Baldwin spoke on Orlando and gun control.

11:38 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke on globalization.

11:23 a.m. Senator Thune spoke on Isis.

11:17 a.m. Senator Cotton declared computer science teacher Joel Spencer as “Arkansan” of the week.

11:05 a.m. Senator Cotton spoke on Great Britian and their upcoming vote this Thursday deciding if they will remain in the European Union.

10:50 a.m. Senator Flake spoke on guns.

10:18 a.m. The Senate will resume consideration of H.R. 2578 and recess for weekly policy lunches around 12:30 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on gun violence.

10:07 a.m. Senator Reid spoke on Orlando and guns.

10:03 a.m. ML McConnell spoke on Orlando and ISIL.

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. and will be in morning business until 12:30 p.m., when it will recess until 2:15 p.m. for weekly caucus luncheons.

The Senate will then resume consideration of H.R.2578, Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations.

 

Senator McConnell has offered and has filed cloture on McCain amendment #4787 (lone wolf and national security letters). A cloture vote could occur after the Senate convenes on Wednesday.

Amendments pending to H.R.2578, CJS Approps:

Shelby amendment #4685 (substitute)

McCain amendment #4787 (lone wolf and national security letters)

McConnell motion  to recommit the bill for a period of 14 days

 

 

Monday, June 20, 2016

7:15 p.m. Senator Portman paid tribute to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

7:12 p.m. ML McConnell offered amendment #4787, and filed cloture on that amendment.

7:11 p.m. ML McConnell motion to table the Feinstein amendment is agreed to by voice vote.

7:10 p.m. The motion to table the motion to commit was agreed to 56-42.

Senators in favor: 53 Republicans, 3 Democrats (Heitkamp, Manchin and Tester).

Senators against: 40 Democrats, 2 Independents (King and Sanders).

Senators not voting: Carper and Lee.

6:54 p.m. Senate began voting on the motion to table the motion to commit with instructions the Murphy amendment #4750.

6:53 p.m. Cloture fails on the Feinstein amendment 47-53.

Senators in favor: 43 Democrats, 2 Republicans (Ayotte and Kirk), 2 Independents (King and Sanders).

Senators against: 52 Republicans, 1 Democrat (Heitkamp).

6:38 p.m. Roll call vote on cloture on the Feinstein amendment #4720 began.

6:37 p.m. Cloture fails on the Cornyn amendment 53-47.

Senators in favor: 51 Republicans, 2 Democrats (Donnelly, Manchin)

Senators against: 42 Democrats, 3 Republicans (Collins, Flake and Kirk) 2 Independents (King and Sanders).

6:19 p.m. Roll call vote begins on cloture on the Cornyn amendment #4749.

6:18 p.m. Cloture fails in relation to Murphy amdt 44-56.

Senators in favor: 41 Democrats, 2 Independents (King and Sanders) 1 Republican (Kirk).

Senators against: 53 Republicans, 3 Democrats (Heitkamp, Manchin and Tester).

6:03 p.m. Cloture vote began on the motion to commit the Murphy amendment #4750.

6:02 p.m. Cloture fails on Grassley amendment 53-47.

Senators in favor: 52 Republicans, 1 Democrat (Donnelly).

Senators against: 43 Democrats, 2 Republicans (Gardner and Kirk), 2 Independents (King and Sanders).

Senators not voting: Sanders

5:37 p.m. Roll call vote began on cloture on the Grassley amendment #4751.

5:30 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about the filibuster.

5:24 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke on guns.

5:17 p.m. Senator Toomey spoke on guns.

5:07 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on guns.

4:55 p.m. Senator Boxer spoke on guns.

4:53 p.m. Senator Cornyn yielded to a question from Senator Feinstein.

4:38 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on amendment #4749.

4:10 p.m. Senator Feinstein spoke on amendment #4720.

3:59 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke in support of amendments #4720 and #4750.

3:40 p.m. Senator Ayotte spoke on a bipartisan effort by her and Senators Flake, Collins, Graham and others to vote for gun amendments put forth by both parties.

3:32 p.m. Senator Mikulski spoke on guns.

3:23 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke in support of amendment #4720 and amendment #4750.

3:22 p.m. The Senate resumed consideration of HR 2578.

3:10 p.m. Senator Reid spoke on mass shootings and amendments #4720 and #4750.

3:03 p.m. Senator McConnell spoke on ISIL and amendments #4751 and #4749.

3:00 p.m. The Senate convened at and resumed consideration of HR 2578, the Commerce, Justice Science Appropriations bill.

At 5:30 there will be up to 4 roll call votes:

  1. Cloture on the Grassley amendment #4751, if cloture is not invoked then
  2. Cloture on the motion to commit the Murphy amendment #4750, if cloture is not invoked then
  3. Cloture on the Cornyn amendment #4749, if cloture is not invoked then
  4. Cloture on the 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.

 

Friday June 17, 2016

The Senate will convene at 11 a.m. for a pro forma session only.  No legislative business will be conducted.

The Senate will next convene for legislative business at 3 p.m. Monday, June 20 at 3 p.m. At 4 p.m., the Senate will resume consideration of H.R 2578, the Commerce, Justice Science Appropriations bill.

In accord with Thursday’s agreement, the Senate will begin roll call votes at 5:30 p.m. on cloture motions for the four firearms-related amendments offered, respectively, by Senators Grassley, Murphy, Cornyn and Feinstein.

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