I ask unanimous consent that privileges of the floor be granted to a member of my staff, Lauren Arias. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

I rise today to talk about the prescription drug crisis. Every day someone in our Nation dies--a son, daughter, a parent--from a drug overdose. Most overdoses are from prescription drugs, such as opioid painkillers. Too often drugs that…

Absolutely, absolutely unacceptable.

It's going to be an uphill battle for this subcommittee to fully fund your proposal given the flat budget caps in 2017.

I look forward to working with you, Chief, to make sure we do extend that program and working with my colleagues.

I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the role. The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.

addiction to prescription opioid pain relievers and heroin is a growing public health epidemic that is taking a heartbreaking toll on families and communities in every State of this country. In 2014, more than 47,000 Americans died because…

my good friend, Senator Jeff Flake from Arizona, appeared here just an hour or so before and also spoke on the issue that I am going to speak about today. That issue is the ambassadorship to Mexico and the woman who has been nominated by…

I ask unanimous consent to be recognized in morning business for such time as I may consume. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Nomination of Roberta Jacobson

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nomination: Calendar No. 365; that the Senate proceed to vote without intervening action or debate on the nomination; that if confirmed, the…

However, more veterans are unhappy with the decisions on their claims, which has led to more appeals.

Our veterans have earned the best care we can provide, the appointment scandal showed a disturbing disregard for health and safety of our heroes.

I think it's important we move forward, so we make sure that we have a good, long-term relationship between the Air Force and the White Sand's National Monument.

the military's ability to meet future global challenges is directly tied to its facilities.

years of reduced MILCON budgets and deferred maintenance have resulted in facilities and infrastructure that may not be adequate.

I fully respect the fact that you took this assignment, Mr. Secretary, at a difficult time during great publicity around a serious scandal.

I look forward to an update on this research as it moves forward on how we can ensure veterans get the treatment they need for such exposure.

We are going to have to keep that up to regain and maintain the trust of America's veterans, and I know that you all are committed to that.