6:40 p.m. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 10.  At 11:15 a.m.,  the Senate will resume S. 524 with a vote on final passage to occur at 11:30 a.m. During wrap up the Senate passed the following bills by voice vote:

• S. Res. 376-first week of April is Asbestos Awareness week
• S. Res. 395-March 2016 is National Colorectal cancer awareness month

6:17 p.m. Senator Sullivan spoke about American leadership in the world.

6:02 p.m. Senator Inhofe spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy.

5:43 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke about medical research, lead poisoning and opioid addiction.

5:26 p.m. Senator Alexander spoke about biomedical research.

4:42 p.m. Senator Peters spoke about the Supreme Court Vacancy.

4:28 p.m. Senator Whitehouse gave his weekly speech about climate change.

4:14 p.m. Senator Coats spoke about the Waste of the Week and the EU refugee crisis.

3:33 p.m. Senator Murkowski spoke about the urgency of the addiction crisis and the need to pass CARA.

2:07 p.m. Senators Mikulski and Cardin spoke on and asked unanimous consent to take up and confirm the nominations of Waverly Crenshaw to be a US District Judge for the middle district of Tennessee, and Paula Xinis to be a US District Judge for the District of Maryland; Senator Cornyn objected.

1:56 p.m. Senator Portman spoke on the pending addiction recovery bill.

1:12 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy and also about genetically modified food labeling.

12:45 p.m. Senator Warren spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy.

12:34 p.m Senator Lee spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy.

12:30 p.m. The motion to invoke cloture on S. 524 was passed by 93-3. Senators Lee, Markey and Sasse voted no. Senators Cruz, McCaskill, Rubio and Sanders did not vote.

12:02 p.m. The Senate began voting on the motion to invoke cloture on S. 524-the CARA addiction bill.

12:00 p.m. By voice vote, the Senate passed the Donnelly amendment #3374 and the Grassley amendment #3378.

11:52 a.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke about the U.S. Relationship with Canada.

11:28 a.m. Senator Vitter spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy.

11:02 a.m. Senator Lankford spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy.

10:40 a.m. Senator Nelson spoke on the disappearance in Iran of former FBI agent Robert Levinson.

10:03 a.m. Senator Blunt spoke about the addiction bill.

9: 55 a.m. Senator Thune spoke about legislation to promote new wireless technology.

9:48 a.m. Senator Cotton spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy.

9:37 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy.

9:32 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the addiction bill.

***

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m., and following one hour of morning business, will resume consideration of S. 524, the CARA addiction bill.

At 12:00 p.m. there will be up to 3 votes:
• Grassley (for Donnelly) amendment #3374, as modified
• Grassley substitute amendment #3378, as amended
• Cloture on S. 524, as amended

The Senate has adjourned until 9:30 a.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, March 9th. Following one hour of morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S. 525, the CARA addiction bill. All post-cloture debate time expires at 12 p.m. and there will be up to 3 votes:

• Grassley (for Donnelly) amendment #3374, as modified
• Grassley substitute amendment #3378, as amended
• Cloture on S. 524, as amended

During wrap-up the following legislation was passed by unanimous consent:

• S.2426, to direct the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to obtain observer status for Taiwan.
• Motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 1580, an act to allow additional appointing authorities.
• Motion to concur in the House amendment to S.1172, an act to improve the process of presidential transition.
• H.R. 1755, to make certain improvements in the congressional charter of the Disabled American Veterans.
• S. Res. 385, recognizing the historic achievement of Astronaut Scott Kelly.
• H. Con. Res. 113, authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall.
• S. Res. 393, supporting the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week.

****

5:13 p.m. Senator Vitter paid tribute to departing staffer Zach Bay.

4:53 p.m. Senator Markey spoke about the addiction bill.

4:31 p.m. Senator Wicker spoke about Alzheimer’s disease.

4:08 p.m. Senator Gardner spoke about the CARA addiction bill, S.524 and paid tribute to Corporal Nate Carrigan of the Park County Sheriff’s Office.

3:12 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke about the process of nominating and confirming a Supreme Court justice. He spoke about the strong character of Judciairy Committee chairman Senator Chuck Grassley.

3:05 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about the CARA addiction bill, S. 524.

2:15 p.m. The Senate returned from the recess.

12:30 p.m. Senator Grassley asked UC for the Senate to recess for the weekly caucus lunches.

12:15 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke on the addiction recovery bill and New York state allowing illegal immigrants a license to practice medicine.

12:07 p.m. Senator Udall spoke on the pending addiction recovery bill.

11:53 a.m. Senator Murphy spoke briefly on a child who was killed in Sandy Hook who would have turned 10 today; before transitioning to speak on the addiction recovery bill. He later spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy.

11:38 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy.

11:20 a.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke on the pending addiction recovery bill.

10:37 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy.

10:07 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke about judicial nominations.

10:02 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the addiction bill.

***

The Senate will convene at 10 a.m.  No roll call votes have been scheduled at this time.

At about 11 a.m., the Senate will resume consideration of S.524, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. As a reminder, cloture was invoked Monday on the substitute amendment, #3378.

The Senate will recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus meetings. If all time is used, post-cloture debate on the substitute amendment to the addiction bill would conclude shortly after midnight.

Amendments pending to S.524, the addiction bill:

Grassley-Leahy amendment #3378 (substitute)

Donnelly amendment #3374, as modified (follow-up services)

6: 41 p.m. The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00am on Tuesday, March 8, 2016. No roll call votes have been scheduled at this time.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for 1 hour, with Democrats controlling the first half and Republicans controlling the final half.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.524, Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. As a reminder, cloture was invoked on the substitute amendment to S.524 during Monday’s session.

The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings. All time during morning business, recess, and adjournment of the Senate will count post-cloture on the substitute amendment to S.524.

6:10 p.m. Cloture was invoked on the Grassley Amendment by a vote of 86 to 3. There will be no further roll call votes today. Senator Portman spoke on the CARA bill.

5:30 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke on S. 524 – CARA bill

4:40 p.m. Senator Sessions spoke about CARA and about the need for lawmakers to reduce drug use by increasing price and reducing access.

4:25 p.m. Senator Markey spoke in favor of the S. 524 CARA bill (Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act).

3:56 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s private email server.

3:31 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke about checks and balances and against rushing to consider a Supreme Court nominee.

3:08 p.m. Senator Reid spoke about Senator Grassley and urged Senate consideration of a Supreme Court nominee.

3:00 p.m. Senator McConnell remembered former first lady Nancy Reagan, who passed away over the weekend.

The Senate convened at 3:00 p.m. and proceeded to a period of morning business until 4:00 p.m.

At 4:00 p.m, the Senate will resume consideration of S. 524, the addiction recovery bill.

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will conduct a cloture vote on the Grassley substitute amendment to S.524.

As a reminder, Majority Leader McConnell has filed cloture on the Grassley substitute amendment to S.524; and the underlying bill.

6:15 p.m. Senate adjourns until 3:00 p.m. on Monday March 7.

6:13 p.m. ML McConnell UC that when the Senate adjourns it do so until 3:00 p.m. Monday March 7, 2016.

6:10 p.m. ML McConnell wraps up for the evening. The following were passed by Unanimous consent:

Cal.#370, S.2276 – Safe Pipe Act with Fischer amendment
S.Res.389 – World Lymphedema Day
S.Res.390 – World Wildlife Day

6:08 p.m. ML McConnell filed cloture on the Grassley substitute amendment #3278; and the underlying bill S. 524. Vote on the Grassley substitute amendment will be at 5:30 p.m on Monday March 7.

6:04 p.m. Majority Leader McConnell asked UC to call up the Durbin amendment #336 and Johnson #329, and vote on them Monday evening at 5:30 p.m. Democratic Leader Reid reserved the right to object and offered his own UC with ten amendments. ML McConnell objected to the modification and then DL Reid objected to the underlying request.

4:49 p.m. Senator Coons spoke on World Widelife Day.

4:31 p.m. Senator Heinrich spoke on CARA.

4:24 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy.

4:18 p.m. Senator Brown spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy.

4:08 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke on the four Cardin amendments offered to S.524, CARA.

3:24 p.m. Senator Peters spoke on Iran

3:14 p.m. Senator Coons spoke about Iran and Mahan Air, a private Iranian airline that

3:07 p.m. Sen. Hoeven spoke about his two amendments.

2:50 p.m. Senator Daines spoke about Daines amendment #3390 about protecting veterans in the findings and #3391 on Veterans Treatment Courts.

2:44 p.m. Senator Peters spoke about the Daines Peters amdendment #3391, on Veterans Treatment Courts.

2:14 p.m. Senator Udall asks UC to take up and confirm the nomination of Roberta Jacobson to be Ambassador to Mexico. Senator Risch, on behalf of himself and Senator Rubio objected.

2:13 p.m. The Manchin amendment was agreed to 90-0. There are no further votes during today’s session.

Senators voting in favor: 48 Republicans; 41 Democrats; 1 Independent (King).

Senators not voting: 6 Republicans (Cornyn, Cruz, Gardner, Roberts, Rubio and Toomey); 3 Democrats (Boxer, McCaskill and Nelson); 1 Independent (Sanders).

1:45 p.m. Roll call vote began on the Manchin amendment, #3420.

1:43 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke on his pending amendment, #3420.

1:40 p.m. Senator Flake spoke on the lack of an ambassador to Mexico.

1:03 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke about the addiction bill.

12:53 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about last week’s mass shootings.

12:52 p.m. Senator McConnell secured consent to bring up Amendment #3420, with a roll call vote to occur at 1:45 p.m.

12:36 p.m. Senator Portman spoke about the addiction bill.

12:19 p.m. Senator Feinstein spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy and urged a nomination and confirmation process.

12:05 p.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy and argued against rushing to fill the vacancy.

11:41 a.m. Senator Donnelly spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy and urged a nomination and confirmation process.

11:40 a.m. Senator Cornyn sought and got unanimous consent for committees to meet during today’s session.

11:30 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy and Senate debate surrounding it. He also spoke about criminal justice and mental illness treatment.

11:23 a.m. Senator King spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy and the term “lame duck.”

11:14 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy, the Judiciary Committee’s meeting schedule.

11:05 a.m. Senator Casey spoke about ISIS.

10:58 a.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke about CARA and the schedule.

10:52 a.m. Senators Leahy and Schumer engaged in a colloquy about the Judiciary Committee.

10:44 a.m. Senator Tillis spoke on the addiction bill and the Supreme Court vacancy.

10:43 a.m. Senator Grassley assumed the chair and recognized Senator Tillis.

10:35 a.m. Senator Schumer joined the colloquy.

10:33 a.m. Senator Whitehouse joined in the colloquy about the Supreme Court.

10:28 a.m. Senator Coons joined in the colloquy on the court vacancy.

10:12 a.m. Senator Leahy began a colloquy on the Judiciary Committee and the Supreme Court vacancy.

10:02 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about the addiction bill.

9:52 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke about President Roosevelt’s Supreme Court packing plan in the 1930s and commented about the current court vacancy, in colloquy with Senator Leahy.

9:38 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke about yesterday’s defeat of an amendment to provide more money for the addiction bill. He spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy.

9:33 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the addiction bill.

***

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and will resume consideration of the opioid addiction bill (S. 524).

There amendments are pending to the bill:

• Grassley-Leahy substitute (#3378);

o    Donnelly amendment (#3374, as modified); follow-up services for those who have taken opioid overdose treatment drugs.

6:45 p.m. The Senate adjourned until Thursday, March 3rd, 2016 at 9:30 am. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.524, Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act.

6:45 p.m  ML McConnell did wrap-up and the Senate passed on resolution by unanimous consent.  S.Res.385 – Read Across America Day

5:08 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke on reproductive rights for woman.

4:55 p.m. Senator Isakson spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy.

4:38 p.m. Senator Hirono spoke about the Texas abortion case heard by the Supreme Court.

4:28 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke about Takata airbags.

4:01 p.m. Senator Portman discussed the addiction recovery bill, CARA.

3:48 p.m. Senator Whitehouse engaged in a colloquy with Senators Shaheen and King on the defeat of the Shaheen amendment and the funding of the addiction recovery bill, S.254 CARA.

3:47 p.m. Senator Grassley called up the Donnelly amendment #3374.

3:46 p.m. Shaheen motion to waive the Enzi budget point of order in relation to the Shaheen amendment #3345 was NOT agreed to 48-47. (60 vote threshold)

Senators voting in favor: 42 Democrats, 5 Republicans: Ayotte, Collins, Graham, Kirk, and Portman. 1 Independent: King.

Senators voting against: 47 Republicans

Senators not voting: 2 Republicans: Cruz and Rubio. 2 Democrats: McCaskill and Reid. 1 Independent: Sanders.

3:23 p.m. Senator Enzi raised a budget point of order on the Shaheen amendment, which would raise money for the addition programs during the current fiscal year. A roll call began on Senator Shaheen’s motion to waive provisions of the budget act in order to consider her amendment.

3:21 p.m. The Toomey amendment, #3362, passed by a voice vote.

3:18 p.m. By a vote of 46 to 50, the budget point of order on the Wyden amendment was sustained.

Senators in favor: 43 Democrats, 2 Republicans: Ayotte and Collins, 1 Independent (King).

Senators against: 50 Republicans

Senators not voting: 2 Republicans: Cruz and Rubio. 1 Democrat: McCaskill. 1 Independent: Sanders.

3:05 p.m. Senator Enzi raised a budget point of order on the Wyden amendment. A roll call vote began on Senator Wyden’s motion to waive provisions of the Budget Act in order that his amendment be considered.

3:00 p.m. By a vote of 94 to 0, with Senator Paul voting present, the Senate passed the Feinstein amendment.

Senators not voting: 3 Republicans: Cruz, Rubio and Shelby. 1 Democrat: McCaskill. 1 Independent: Sanders.

2:33 p.m. Roll call vote began on Feinstein amendment.

2:31 p.m. Senator Feinstein spoke on her amendment #3362 to S.524, CARA.

2:27 p.m. Senator Perdue spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy.

2:13 p.m. Senators Boozman and Shaheen spoke on the addiction recovery bill, CARA.

2:06 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke on Scott Kelly’s return to earth.

1:48 p.m. Senator Ayotte paid tribute to Ashley Guindon, a New Hampshire native and police officer in Virginia who was killed in the line of duty last week on her first day of work. She also paid tribute to Jimmy Geraghty, a police officer in New Hampshire who passed away recently.

1:25 p.m. Senators Donnelly, Toomey and Ayotte spoke on the addiction recovery bill, CARA.

1:17 p.m. Senator Warner spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy.

1:10 p.m. Senator Durbin spoke on the addiction recovery bill, CARA.

1:00 p.m. Senator Fischer spoke on directly dialing 911 from hotel phones.

12:59 p.m. ML McConnell acheived UC that at 2:30 p.m. there will be 4 roll call votes on the following amendments to CARA: Feinstein #3362, Wyden #3395, Toomey #3367, and Shaheen #3345.

****

12:48 p.m. Senator Gillibrand spoke on the addiction recovery bill, CARA.

12:43 p.m. Senator Wyden offered amendment #3395.

12:42 p.m. Senator Grassley offered Toomey amendment #3367.

12:27 p.m. Senator Kaine spoke on the addiction recovery bill, CARA.

12:07 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about labeling GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms)

11:50 a.m. Senator Markey spoke about the addiction bill, CARA.

11:39 a.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke about the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. He discussed funding CARA and the need for additional appropriations for the bill.

11:31 a.m. Senator Leahy spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy and partisanship.

11:07 a.m. Senator Menendez spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy, Senator Grassley responded.

10:57 a.m. Senator Leahy spoke on the addiction recovery bill (CARA).

10:46 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the anniversary of Texas Independence Day. He later paid tribute to Scott Kelly, who returned to earth after over 340 days in space.

10:18 a.m. Senator King spoke about the Shaheen amendment.

10:17 a.m. Senator Shaheen brought up her amendment (#3345) to the Grassley substitute.

10:07 a.m. Senator Barrasso spoke about the new health care law.

9:55 a.m. Senator Grassley brought up his substitute (Amendment#3378) to the addiction bill (S. 524). He then brought up the Grassley-Feinstein Amendment (#3362) to the substitute.

9:39 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke about the Senate Prayer Breakfast. He also spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy and about Donald Trump.

9:33 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy and the addition bill.

***

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and will proceed to the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (S. 524), which will be adopted by unanimous consent. Senator Grassley will then offer substitute amendment #3378, replacing the committee-passed substitute.

o    These amendments will then be made pending to Grassley substitute (#3378):

• Feinstein-Grassley amendment (#3362) to give the Department of Justice tools to target extraterritorial drug trafficking.
• Shaheen amendment (#3345) to make appropriations for the current fiscal year to address heroin and opioid drug abuse.
• Toomey amendment (#3367) to establish a program to prevent drug and opioid abuse in Medicare.

o    Further, it will be in order for Senator Grassley to offer a side-by-side amendment to Shaheen amendment #3345 and Senator Leahy to offer a side-by-side amendment to Toomey amendment #3367.

The Senate has adjourned until 9:30 a.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, March 2nd.

Following leader remarks the Senate will agree to the motion to proceed to S. 524, Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, by unanimous consent, the committee reported substitute be withdrawn, and Senator Grassley be recognized to offer substitute amendment #3378. Followed by Feinstein/ Grassley amendment #3362, Shaheen amendment #3345 and Toomey amendment #3367. Senator Grassley will be permitted to offer a side by side amendment to the Shaheen amendment and Senator Leahy be permitted to offer a side by side amendment to the Toomey amendment.

During wrap-up the following legislation was agreed to by unanimous consent:

S. Res. 380 – Designating February 29th, 2016 Rare Disease Day.

S. Res. 382 – Congratulating the Community Colleges of Iowa for 50 Years of Outstanding Service.

****

6:01 p.m. Senator Wyden spoke on women’s health.

5:36 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on climate change.

5:30 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke of the return of astronaut Commander Scott Kelly from the ISS.

5:27 p.m. Senator Gardner paid tribute to Mesa County Sheriff’s Deputy Derrick Gear.

4:55 p.m. Senator Hatch spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy.

4:38 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke on addiction recovery bill (CARA).

4:22 p.m. Senator Coats spoke on the addiction recovery bill (CARA).

4:16 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke on the addiction recovery bill (CARA).

4:02 p.m. Senator Murray spoke on women’s health and on the addiction recovery bill (CARA).

3:44 p.m. Senator Boxer spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy and the coming debate at the court on an abortion case from Texas.

3:10 p.m. Senator Warner engaged in a colloquy with Senators Gardner, Collins and King on encryption and digital security.

3:06 p.m. Senator Portman spoke briefly on the addiction recovery bill (CARA).

2:55 p.m. Senator Whitehouse continued on the addiction recovery bill (CARA).

2:53 p.m. Senator Whitehouse yielded to Senator Daines to speak briefly on the issue of Guantonomo Bay.

2:45 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on the addiction recovery bill (CARA).

2:25 p.m. Senator Thune spoke on the addiction recovery bill (CARA).

2:15 p.m. Senator Tillis spoke on the addiction recovery bill (CARA).

12:21 p.m. The Senate stands in recess until 2:15 p.m.

11:51 a.m. Senator Shaheen spoke on the addiction recovery bill and her funding amendment.

11:34 a.m.Senator Ayotte spoke on the addiction recovery bill (CARA).

11:25 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the addiction recovery bill.

11:00 a.m. Senator Durbin briefly spoke on the addiction recovery bill before turning to discuss the Supreme Court vacancy.

10:43 a.m. Senator Collins spoke in support of the addiction recovery bill.

10:34 a.m. Democratic Leader Reid discussed the Supreme Court vacancy.

10:32 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell discussed the addiction recovery bill and his visit to the White House later today with Senator
Grassley to discuss the Supreme Court vacancy.

***

The Senate convened at 10:30 a.m.

Following leader time, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2015 (S. 524), post-cloture.

The Senate will recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15.p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus luncheons.

5:30 p.m. The Senate is currently voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.524.

5:10 p.m. Senator Leahy spoke on the motion to proceed to S.524, Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA).

5:05 p.m. The Senate resumed consideration of the motion to proceed to S.524, Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA).

4:45 p.m. Senator Carper spoke on the great work being done by the Department of Homeland Security.

4:30 p.m. Senator Fisher spoke on B.S.E. restrictions on beef and trade.

4:20 p.m. Senator Grassley spoke on the confirmation process for the new Supreme Court Justice.

4:15 p.m. Senator Brown spoke on healthcare and planned parenthood funding.

3:55 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke on S.524, Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA).

3:30 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on S.524, Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA).

3:20 p.m. Senator Capito spoke on S.524, Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA).

3:10 p.m. Leader Reid spoke on the Republicans’ promise to prevent President Obama from nominating a new Supreme Court Justice.

3:00 p.m. Leader McConnell spoke on S.524, Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA).

The Senate will convene at 3:00 p.m.  

Following any leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of Morning business until 5:00 p.m.

At 5:00 p.m., the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.524, Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA).

At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.524.

5:48 p.m. The Senate adjourned until 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 29, when it will consider the motion to proceed to S. 524, the opioid drug addiction bill. At. 5:30 p.m. Monday, there will be a cloture vote on the motion to proceed.

5:29 p.m. Senators Heitkamp and Hoeven spoke in memory of Jason Mosure, a Fargo, N.D. police officer who died in the line of duty.

5:09 p.m. Senator Tillis spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy.

4:45 p.m. Senator Udall spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy.

4:30 p.m. Senator Feinstein spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy.

4:21 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke on National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

4:08 p.m. Senator Coons spoke on the Iranian election.

3:20 p.m. Senator Coats speaks for the 34th time about a “waste of the week”.

2:35 p.m. ML McConnell Announces that Senators Murkowski and Cantwell are still working on energy bill/Flint issue.  Files cloture on the motion to proceed to S.524, prescription drug/heroin bill.  Hopes to finish it with a few amendments next week.

2:15 p.m. Senator Mikulski spoke in support of confirming a new Supreme Court Justice.

2:16 p.m.  The Senate voted 93-0 to adopt S. Res 374, honoring Supreme Court Justice Scalia.

Absent were Senators Booker, Cornyn, Cruz, McCaskill, Rubio, Sanders and Wicker.

1:16 p.m. Senator Murphy spoke about victims of gun violence.

1:06 p.m. Senator Fischer spoke about Sergeant Jeffrey Hansen.

12:53 p.m. Senator Brown spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy.

12:31 p.m. Senator Daines spoke about the passing of  Porkchop John.

12:23 p.m. Senator Fischer spoke on a pipeline safety bill.

11:55 a.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy.

11:49 a.m. Senator Cardin spoke on Children’s Dental Health Month.

11:44 a.m. Senator Murray spoke on women’s health.

10:40 a.m. Senators Grassley, Durbin and Hatch spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy.

10:31 a.m. Senator Nelson spoke about the Apple dispute over telephone records.

10:20 a.m. Senator Toomey spoke about opioid addiction.

9:59 a.m. Senator Grassley spoke about federal water regulations and about the Supreme Court vacancy.

9:39 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke about opioid addiction and about the Supreme Court vacancy.

9:34 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke about opioid addiction and legislation to fight it.

***

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and proceed to a period of morning business.

At 1:45 p.m., the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on adoption of a resolution relating to the death of Justice Scalia, (S.Res. 374).

The Senate adjourned at 6:21 p.m. and will reconvene tomorrow, Thursday February 25th at 9:30 a.m. The Senate will vote at 1:45 p.m. on S. Res 374, relating to the death of Antonin Scalia.

5:35 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke on Supreme Court vacancy.

5:23 p.m. Senator Blumenthal spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy.

4:35 p.m. Senator Markey spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy.

4:25 p.m. Senator Cardin spoke about Justice Scalia and the Supreme Court vacancy.

4:15 p.m. Senator Shaheen spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy.

4:02 p.m. Senator Lee spoke about Justice Scalia and the Supreme Court vacancy.

3:48 p.m. Senator Franken spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy.

1:05 p.m. Senator Merkley spoke about the constitution and the economy.

12:36 p.m. Senator Blunt spoke on Justice Scalia and the Supreme Court vacancy.

12:36 p.m. Senate proceeds to a period of morning business.

12:35 p.m. The Califf nomination was confirmed 89-4.

Senators voting in favor: 49 Republicans, 39 Democrats, 1 Independent (King).

Senators voting against: 4 (1 Republican: Ayotte) (3 Democrats: Blumenthal, Manchin, Markey).

Senators not voting:7.  4 Republicans: Corker, Cruz, Johnson, Rubio.  2 Democrats: McCaskill, Warner.  1 Independent: Sanders.

12:00 p.m. The Senate began voting on the Califf nomination.

11:31 a.m. Senators Cornyn and Heitkamp spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy.

10:58 a.m. Senator Hirono spoke against the Republican position on the Supreme Court vacancy and spoke on Japanese internment during WWII.

10:28 a.m. Senator Barrasso spoke  about opioid addiction.

10:10 a.m. Senator Durbin spoke against the Republican position on the Supreme Court vacancy.

9:59 a.m. Senator Cotton secured consent to reschedule the Califf confirmation vote until noon.

9:38 a.m. Minority Leader Reid spoke against the Republican position on the Supreme Court vacancy.

9:34 a.m. Majority Leader McConnell spoke against President Obama’s plan for the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. Senator McConnell announced that the Califf confirmation vote will be postponed from 11 a.m. until about noon.

***

The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and following any leader time will resume consideration of the nomination of Robert Califf to be Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, post cloture. At 11:00 a.m., the Senate will vote on confirmation of the nomination.

6:15 a.m. Senate adjourns until 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday February 24.

6:13 p.m. Senator Daines takes the Senate out for the night. UC that Senate adjourn until 9:30 a.m. Following leader time, resume consideration of Califf nomination, with a vote on confirmation of the nomination at 11:00 a.m.

6:07 p.m. Senator Daines paid tribute to departing staffer Ali Lockman.

5:43 p.m. Senator Whitehouse spoke for the 128th time on climate change.

5:04 p.m. Senator Murray spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy.

3:48 p.m. Senator Manchin spoke on the prescription drug crisis.

3:36 p.m. Senator Roberts spoke on Guantanomo.

3:14 p.m. Senator Nelson spoke on Takata airbags.

3:00 p.m. Senator Klobuchar spoke on the nomination process for a new justice.

2:45 p.m. Senator Boxer expressed her outrage at Republicans for holding up the nomination process.

2:35 p.m. Senator Cornyn spoke on the nomination process for a new justice.

2:15 p.m. Senator Hatch paid tribute to Scalia and spoke about the nomination process for a new justice.

12:26 p.m. The Senate stands in recess until 2:15.

11:19 a.m. Senators Ayotte and Markey spoke on the prescription drug and heroin epidemic.

10:38 a.m. Senators Leahy, Schumer and Durbin spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy.

10:31 a.m. Senator Inhofe spoke on the Supreme Court vacancy briefly before discussing the nomination of the Inspector General of the Veterans Affairs Department.

10:16 a.m. DL Reid references this mornings prayer acknowledging Senator McCaskill before turning to discuss the Supreme Court vacancy.

10:03 a.m.  ML McConnell spoke on the Califf nomination and the prescription drug problem before turning to discuss Guantanamo, and finally the Supreme Court vacancy.

***

The Senate convened at 10:00 a.m.

Following leader remarks the Senate will be post-cloture on the nomination of Robert Califf to be commissioner of the FDA.  If all time is used, this will likely expire around 12:15 a.m. Wednesday.

The Senate will recess from 12:30 -2:15 p.m. for caucus lunch meetings.