Live updates: Musk takes the stage at CPAC; Senate vote-a-rama stretches into the night

Tech billionaire Elon Musk took the stage at this year's Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) with a late-scheduled appearance that saw him wield a chainsaw and discuss a range of topics.

The annual conference, which traditionally has brought together difference factions of the Republican Party, has become increasingly aligned with President Trump's MAGA wing.

Vice President Vance kicked off Thursday's conference. Other speakers slated to appear include former Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake, former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon and conservative commentator Ben Shapiro.

In the Senate, meanwhile, the vote-a-rama on its budget resolution — what is expected to be an overnight marathon voting session — has begun.

Also on Thursday, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) announced he will not seek reelection in 2026, bringing an end to the longest-serving Senate leader’s political career.

“Seven times, my fellow Kentuckians have sent me to the Senate,” McConnell said.

“Every day in between I’ve been humbled by the trust they’ve placed in me to do their business here. Representing our commonwealth has been the honor of a lifetime. I will not seek this honor an eighth time. My current term in the Senate will be my last.”

Follow live updates here.

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