The Senate is considering the nomination of Robert Lighthizer to be US Trade Representative. Cloture was filed on this nomination on Tuesday.
The Senate has adjourned until 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 11th.
5:52 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on climate change.
5:46 p.m. Senator Tillis spoke supporting the FDA commissioner.
5:45 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell asked u.c. that when the Senate completes its business today it adjourn until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday. Following Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to resume consideration of Robert Lighthizer to be U.S. Trade Representative and that the Senate adjourn tonight following the remarks of Senator Tillis and Senator Whitehouse.
5:33 p.m Senator Bennet spoke about the Comey firing and the Russian investigation.
5:00 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about President Trump contacts with Sergei Lavrov and Ambassador Kisliov and the firings of officials related to the interference investigation.
4:53 p.m. Senator Murray spoke about Russian interference in the elections and the need for an independent investigation.
4:05 p.m. Senator Peters spoke about the Comey firing.
3:51 p.m. Senator Heinrich spoke about the Methane Waste prevention rule.
3:30 p.m. Senator McConnell filed cloture on the following nominations:
- Jeffrey Rosen to be Deputy Secretary of Transportation
- Rachel Brand to be Assistant Attorney General
2:56 p.m. Senators Klobuchar and Cornyn spoke on the Comey firing and Russia.
2:47 p.m. Democratic Leader Schumer spoke on the methane rule and the Comey firing.
2:42 p.m. Senator Bennet spoke on the methane rule.
2:21 p.m. Senator Franken spoke about the Comey firing and Russian interference in the elections.
2:13 p.m. Senator Hoeven asked u.c that the Indian Affairs committee be able to meet today, Senator Hirono objected.
2:06 p.m. Senator Daines spoke about Democrats preventing witnesses who spent thousands of dollars to come to DC from testifying at committee hearings. Senator Daines asked u.c. to allow the Energy Committee to meet, Senator Hirono objected.
1:11 p.m. Senator Collins spoke about the Aging Committee being blocked from meeting.
12:30 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke about the Comey firing.
11:54 a.m. Senator King spoke on health care.
11:46 a.m. Senator Moran spoke about Senator Durbin’s objection to committees meeting during today’s session.
10:34 a.m. Senators Cantwell and Udall spoke against HJ Res 36.
10:33 a.m. ML McConnell asked unanimous consent that 13 committees meet during today’s session and Senator Durbin objected.
10:28 a.m. The motion to proceed to H.J. Res. 36 was not agreed to by a vote of 49-51, with Senators Collins, Graham and McCain joining all Democrats and Independents voting against. The motion to proceed to the nomination of Robert Lighthizer to be US Trade Representative, was agreed to by voice vote.
9:50 a.m. The Senate is now voting on the motion to proceed to H.J. Res. 36, the Congressional Joint Resolution of Disapproval regarding methane.
9:42 a.m. Minority Leader Schumer spoke about the firing of former FBI Director Comey and suggested the reason Mr. Comey was fired was not because of Deputy AG Rosenstein’s recommendation. The Minority Leader also suggested the need for a special prosecutor. Schumer said he will ask the Majority Leader for a closed and if necessary all Senators briefing with the AG and Deputy AG separately.
9:30 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell moved to proceed to H.J.Res 36, Methane CRA, spoke about a group of Kentucky Honor Flight veterans, work on health care legislation, past statements of the Democratic Leader regarding Mr. Comey’s conduct, and the need for a fair and timely confirmation of a new FBI Director.
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The Senate meets today at 9:30 a.m. Following Leader remarks the Senate be in a period of morning business. At approximately 10:00 a.m. the Senate expects a roll call vote on the motion to proceed to H.J.Res. 36, the methane CRA resolution of disapproval.
