11:26 a.m. Senator Sullivan spoke supporting the nomination of Lloyd Austin and on American energy production.

11:17 a.m. Senator Inhofe spoke supporting the National Guard troops stationed at the Capitol.

11:07 a.m. Senator Cotton spoke against the Chinese sanctions of outgoing Trump Administration members.

11:03 a.m.. Senator Wyden spoke supporting the Yellen nomination.

11:03 a.m. The Senate confirmed the nomination of Lloyd James Austin to be Secretary of Defense by a tally of 93-2.

Senators Hawley and Lee voted no.

Not voting: Senators Burr, Capito, Hyde-Smith, Moran and Tillis.o

10:28 a.m. Senator Inhofe spoke in favor of the nomination.

10:23 a.m. Senator Reed spoke in favor of General Austin’s nomination to be secretary of Defense.

10:14 a.m. Minority Leader McConnell spoke about the National Guard/ He spoke about the negotiations for a Senate power-sharing deal and about the filibuster. He spoke about the schedule for the impeachment trial. He spoke about confirmations and, in particular, about the nomination of former military officers as secretaries of Defense.

10:06 a.m. Majority Leader Schumer spoke about accommodations for the National Guard. He spoke about key items on the Senate agenda: confirmation of President Biden’s nominees; relief aid for the pandemic and the economy; the former president’s impeachment trial.

The Senate will convene at 10:00 a.m. and at 10:30 a.m. proceed to a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of Lloyd Austin to be Secretary of Defense. Further votes are possible on Friday.