WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Republican conference elected the following leadership team for the 114th Session of Congress: Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) as Senate Republican Leader, John Cornyn (R-Texas) as Senate Republican Whip, John Thune (R-South Dakota) as Senate Republican Conference Chairman, John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) as Senate Republican Policy Chairman, Roy Blunt (R-Missouri) as Senate Republican Vice Conference Chairman, and Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) as National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman.
“We’ve assembled a great leadership team that will focus on getting the Senate working again, and passing legislation to help create jobs, improve the economy and continue moving our nation towards energy independence,” said McConnell. “We are eager to work towards bipartisan agreements and to implement real legislative accomplishments.”
“I’m humbled to have been chosen by my colleagues to help lead the new majority in the U.S. Senate, and I pledge that those fundamental Texas values of personal liberty and limited government will continue to be my guide,” said Cornyn. “After years of gridlock and dysfunction in the Senate the work before us is considerable, but Republicans approach this opportunity with determination, with humility, and above all with a firm commitment to address the top priorities of the American people.”
“It’s an honor to be selected by my colleagues to serve as the Chair of the Republican Conference,” said Thune. “We will continue to speak directly to the American public about our solutions to create jobs, grow the economy, and strengthen the middle class. The new Republican majority is ready to roll up our sleeves and get the Senate back to working for them. With the House Republican majority, we will work to pass policies that lead to more jobs, lower energy costs, and a less intrusive, more efficient government.”
“I am grateful that my colleagues have given me this opportunity to serve as Chairman of the Policy Committee,” said Barrasso. “Our Republican majority of new and returning Senators will bring innovative ideas and fresh solutions to the challenges facing Americans. We will offer reforms that will help our party grow and our nation succeed. In the New Year, we will have the important responsibility of passing legislation and sending it to President Obama for his approval. Republicans will be focused on what the American people are focused on. We will present our ideas, fully debate them and pass bills that make it easier for people to find good jobs, quality healthcare, and affordable energy. We will also work to strengthen our national security and protect our homeland. It is our duty to reflect the will of voters and get the policy right.”
“I’m honored to be re-elected as the Vice Chairman of the Republican Conference for the 114th Congress,” said Blunt. “It’s been a privilege to serve in this position for the last two years, and I will continue to bring Missourians’ concerns to the leadership table in the new Republican majority,” said Blunt. “I believe we have the tools necessary to ensure the Senate will function again in a more transparent and accountable way for the American people. I urge President Obama and congressional Democrats to work with us to address the real challenges facing the nation, including putting people back to work, boosting American energy, fixing our broken health care system, and strengthening our national security.”
“I am thankful for the confidence and the support of my colleagues,” said Wicker. “I intend to roll up my sleeves immediately to ensure that we have the resources available to preserve our Republican majority. This Senate Republican leadership team is ready to go to bat for the American people, and I am proud to be a part of it.”
