WASHINGTON — This morning the Senate Republican Conference elected its leadership team for the 115th Congress: Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) as Senate Republican leader, John Cornyn (R-Texas) as Senate Republican whip, John Thune (R-S.D.) as Senate Republican Conference chairman, John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) as Senate Republican Policy Committee chairman, Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) as Senate Republican Conference vice chairman, and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) as National Republican Senatorial Committee chairman.

“It’s an honor to once again have been chosen by my colleagues to continue serving as their leader,” said Sen. McConnell. “I know I speak for each of my Republican colleagues in expressing my gratitude to the American people for entrusting us with this majority. We are eager to work with House Republicans and President-elect Trump to bring the national and economic security our nation is asking for.”

“I’m grateful for the privilege to again help lead my colleagues and build on the progress we’ve been able to make over the last two years in the Majority,” Sen. Cornyn said. “The hallmark Texas principles of limited government and individual liberty will continue to guide me as we work with the new Republican Administration to chart a new direction for the country.”

“I’m honored my colleagues re-elected me to serve as chair of the Senate Republican Conference,” said Sen. Thune. “The Republican-led Congress will work with President-elect Trump and our colleagues across the aisle to continue the work we began two years ago to improve Americans’ economic security and protect our nation. We have a lot of work to do, and we look forward to bringing our country together to address the big challenges we face.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead a unified Republican Policy Committee. We plan to move quickly to support our conference and to work closely with the new administration,” said Sen. Barrasso. “There are clearly policy areas that will be high on the list for the new Congress. Jobs, the economy, protecting our homeland and dismantling Obamacare will drive much of the agenda. It is critical during those first 100 days that we get the policy right.”

“I’m proud that the American people have returned a Republican majority to the Senate to continue advancing their priorities,” said Sen. Blunt. “Now more than ever, it is critical that we maintain an open and robust dialogue with the American people about the challenges they’re facing and what we’re doing to address them. I thank my colleagues for this opportunity, and look forward to continuing our efforts to expand our digital reach, meet people where they are, and help bring this country together.”

“I am excited about this expanded opportunity to serve Coloradans and make their voice heard on a larger stage. I am honored to have the confidence of the other Republican Senators to take on this leadership role and I won’t let them down,” said Sen. Gardner.