7:31 p.m. The Senate adjourned.
6:47 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about the Artic Council meeting happening in Fairbanks soon; and later on US/China relations.
6:36 p.m. Senator Thune spoke about health care.
6:34 p.m. ML McConnell wrapped up the session for the day.
Items passed by UC:
- S. 140, regarding the White Mountain Apache tribe water rights.
- S. 249, regarding the leasing of land by the Pueblo of Santa Clara.
- S Res 159, recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of national sexual assault awareness month.
UC that when the Senate adjourns it reconvene on Tuesday May 9 at 10:00 a.m. and resume consideration of the nomination of Scott Gottleib to be the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Further that the Senate recess for the weekly caucus luncheons from 12:30-2:15 p.m.
UC that the Senate adjourn following the remarks of Senators Thune and Sullivan.
6:29 p.m. Senator Thune spoke in support of the Wilson nomination.
6:28 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the nomination of Scott Gottlieb to be FDA Commissioner by a vote of 57 to 41.
Senators voting in favor: 51 Republicans, 5 Democrats: Bennet, Carper, Coons, Heitkamp and Nelson; 1 Independent: King.
Senators not voting: 1 Republican: Isakson, 1 Independent: Sanders
6:00 p.m. The Senate is now voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Scott Gottlieb to be FDA Commissioner.
5:59 p.m. The nomination of Heather Wilson to be Sec. of the Air Force was confirmed by a vote of 76 to 22.
Senators voting in favor: 51 Republicans, 24 Democrats, 1 Independent: King.
Senators voting against: 22 Democrats: Blumenthal, Booker, Cantwell, Cardin, Cortez Masto, Duckworth, Feinstein, Franken, Gillibrand, Harris, Hassan, Hirono, Leahy, Markey, Merkley, Murray, Reed, Schumer, Van Hollen, Warren, Whitehouse and Wyden.
Senators not voting: 1 Republican: Isakson, 1 Independent: Sanders
5:31 p.m. Roll call vote began on confirmation of the nomination of Heather Wilson to be Secretary of the Air Force.
5:26 p.m. Senator McCain spoke in support of the Wilson nomination.
5:09 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke in support of the Wilson nomination.
4:56 p.m. Senator Reed spoke about Wilson nomination.
4:45 p.m. Senator Capitol spoke in support of the Wilson nomination.
4:33 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about healthcare.
3:58 p.m. Senator Markey spoke about the Paris climate change agreement.
3:36 p.m. Senator Cardin discussed the Paris climate change agreement.
2:56 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about health care.
2:41 p.m. Democratic Leader Schumer talked about the Kentucky Derby, the former nominee for the Secretary of the Army post, the elections in France, and health care.
2:28 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell discussed the Wilson and Gottlieb nominations and the health care and omnibus votes last week.
