Senate Floor Activity - Thursday, May 14, 2026

Mr. Tim Sheehy, from the State of Montana, called the Senate to order at 10 a.m., the Chaplain offered a prayer, and Mr. Sheehy led the Senate in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.

The Journal

Pursuant to the order of yesterday, the Journal of the proceedings of the Senate was deemed approved to date.

Certain Procedures Dispensed With

Pursuant to the order of yesterday, the morning hour being deemed expired, and the times for the recognition of the two leaders being reserved.

Transaction of Morning Business

The following transactions of morning business occurred on today.

Legislative Business (Thursday, May 14)

S. 4530 (Sen. McConnell): A bill to amend chapters 83 and 84 of title 5, United States Code, to authorize an increase of the retirement age for members of the Capitol Police.

-- Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent.

S.Res. 526 (Sen. Kennedy): A resolution withholding the pay of Senators if a Government shutdown occurs.

-- Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.

S.Res. 680 (Sen. Bennet): A resolution commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Columbine Day of Service and honoring the memories of the victims, survivors, and their families.

-- Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.

-- Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

S.Res. 706 (Sen. Cornyn): A resolution expressing support for the designation of April 2026 as "National Child Abuse Prevention Month", and the goals and ideals of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

-- Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions discharged by Unanimous Consent.

-- Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

S.Res. 729 (Sen. Schmitt): A resolution recognizing and honoring Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, and the Corps of Discovery, for their expedition to explore the Louisiana Purchase.

-- Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

S.Res. 730 (Sen. Schatz): A resolution congratulating the University of Hawaii men's volleyball team for winning the 2026 National Collegiate Athletic Association Men's Volleyball Championship.

-- Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

S.Res. 733 (Sen. Lankford): A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that public servants should be commended for their dedication and continued service to the United States during Public Service Recognition Week and throughout the year.

-- Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

S.Res. 734 (Sen. Wyden): A resolution designating May 16, 2026, as "Kids to Parks Day".

-- Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

S.Res. 735 (Sen. Grassley): A resolution designating the week of May 10 through May 16, 2026, as "National Police Week".

-- Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

S.Res. 736 (Sen. Barrasso): A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Hospital Week, to be observed from May 10 through May 16, 2026.

-- Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

S.Res. 737 (Sen. Grassley): A resolution recognizing National Foster Care Month as an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges of children in the foster care system and to encourage Congress to implement policies to improve the lives of children in the foster care system.

-- Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

Executive Business (Thursday, May 14)

PN726-1: Andrew Benson, of Maine, to be United States Attorney for the District of Maine for the term of four years

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN726-3: William Boyle, of North Carolina, to be United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina for the term of four years

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN726-7: Kevin Holmes, of Arkansas, to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas for the term of four years

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN726-8: Zachary Keller, of Louisiana, to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana for the term of four years

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN726-10: Brian David Miller, of Pennsylvania, to be United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania for the term of four years

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN726-13: Richard Price, of Missouri, to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri for the term of four years

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN726-14: Darin Smith, of Wyoming, to be United States Attorney for the District of Wyoming for the term of four years

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-1: Ademola Adewale-Sadik, of New York, to be United States Director of the African Development Bank for a term of five years

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-3: Matthew Anderson, of Colorado, to be Deputy Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-5: Brian Barber, of Louisiana, to be United States Marshal for the Western District of Louisiana for the term of four years

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-8: Brian Birdwell, of Texas, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-9: James Bishop, of North Carolina, to be United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina for the term of four years

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-12: Wesley Brooks, of Florida, to be Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-21: Mark Ditlevson, of Minnesota, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-22: Daniel Edwards, of North Carolina, to be an Assistant Secretary of Transportation

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-25: Gregory Gilmore, of Illinois, to be United States Attorney for the Central District of Illinois for the term of four years

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-26: Brian Gootkin, of Montana, to be United States Marshal for the District of Montana for the term of four years

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-27: Thomas Govan, Jr., of Alabama, to be United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama for the term of four years

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-28: Michael Graham, of Virginia, to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board for a term expiring December 31, 2030

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-29: Steven Haines, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Commerce

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-31: Robert Harvey, of Florida, to be a Federal Maritime Commissioner for a term expiring June 30, 2029

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-37: Richard Kloster, of West Virginia, to be a Member of the Surface Transportation Board for a term expiring December 31, 2028

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-40: Lee Lipton, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-41: Gregory LoGerfo, of Massachusetts, to be Coordinator for Counterterrorism, with the rank and status of Ambassador at Large

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-43: William Long, of Missouri, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Iceland

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-44: Priscilla Lopez, of Florida, to be United States Marshal for the Southern District of Florida for the term of four years

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-48: Eric Meyer, of California, to be Ambassador to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-50: Jared Novelly, of Missouri, to be Ambassador to New Zealand, and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador to the Independent State of Samoa, the Cook Islands, and Niue

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-51: Seval Oz, of California, to be an Assistant Secretary of Transportation

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-52: Stevan Pearce, of New Mexico, to be Director of the Bureau of Land Management

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-54: Arvind Raman, of Indiana, to be Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-56: Ryan Raybould, of Texas, to be United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas for the term of four years

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-57: Robert Rotter, of Iowa, to be United States Marshal for the Northern District of Iowa for the term of four years

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-58: Daniel Satterlee, of South Dakota, to be United States Marshal for the District of South Dakota for the term of four years

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-60: David St. Pierre, of Maine, to be United States Marshal for the District of Maine for the term of four years

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-61: James Stuart, of Minnesota, to be United States Marshal for the District of Minnesota for the term of four years

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-62: Robert Sweeney, of Texas, to be United States Director of the Asian Development Bank, with the rank of Ambassador

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-66: Frank Weiland, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs)

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-67: Jennifer Wicks McNamara, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN730-68: Phillip Williams, Jr., of Alabama, to be United States Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama for the term of four years

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN786-4: Frank Garcia, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (African Affairs)

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN786-7: Melissa Holyoak, of Utah, to be United States Attorney for the District of Utah for the term of four years

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN786-8: David LaCerte, of Louisiana, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a term expiring June 30, 2031

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN786-11: Douglas Weaver, of Maryland, to be a Member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the term of five years expiring June 30, 2031

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN806-1: Catherine Dillon, of Maryland, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Educational and Cultural Affairs)

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN806-3: Kyle Haustveit, of North Dakota, to be Under Secretary of Energy

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN806-4: Steven Lewis, of Missouri, to be United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Missouri, for the term of four years

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN806-6: Asel Roberts, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Slovenia

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

PN851-1: Sheria Akins Clarke, of South Carolina, to be United States District Judge for the District of South Carolina

-- Motion to proceed to executive session to consideration of nomination agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.

-- Cloture motion presented in Senate.

PN851-6: Evan Rikhye, of the Virgin Islands, to be Judge for the District Court of the Virgin Islands for a term of ten years

-- Motion to proceed to executive session to consideration of nomination agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.

-- Cloture motion presented in Senate.

PN852-7: Yeouk Kim, of Texas, to be Representative of the United States of America to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, with the rank and status of Ambassador

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.

-- Cloture invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 124

-- Considered by Senate.

-- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote 5/18/2026.

Adjournment

Under the authority of the order of today, at 2:45 p.m, the Presiding Officer (Mr. Moreno in the chair) declared the Senate adjourned, under its order of today, until 3 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2026.