The U.S. Senate convened for a morning session on July 16, 2026. The proceedings began at 9:59 a.m. EDT with the presiding officer calling the chamber to order.
Following the call to order, Senate Chaplain Dr. Barry Black delivered the opening prayer. Dr. Black’s remarks focused on the responsibilities and challenges facing lawmakers, offering a petition for clarity of thought and peace for the members of the Senate as they began their scheduled work.
The opening rituals preceded the day's legislative business. Congressional records indicate the session was part of the standard gavel-to-gavel coverage provided by C-SPAN.