Senator Lankford to Serve on Deputy Whip Team for 116th Congress

WASHINGTON, DC – Senate Majority Whip Senator John Thune (R-SD) today announced the deputy whip team for the 116th Congress.

Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) will lead the team as chief deputy whip. Serving as deputy whips are: Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Martha McSally (R-AZ), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Cornyn (R-TX), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Rob Portman (R-OH), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Tim Scott (R-SC), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Todd Young (R-IN).

“This is a dynamic team, and I will rely on each of these men and women over the next two years. I’m thrilled to have the experience of Sen. Cornyn and those who have served as deputy whips in the past, as well as an opportunity to welcome our new members, Sen. McSally and Sen. Romney,” Thune said. “Last Congress, Senate Republicans worked together to implement reforms to help working families and increase opportunities for American workers. With the team we have put in place, I am confident we will continue to successfully deliver on the promises we made to the American people to improve their everyday lives.”

“I’m pleased to have the opportunity to help Sen. Thune hear from members of our conference on their policy positions in the 116th Congress,” Lankford said. “The whip team provides an opportunity to serve the whole conference by walking through policy ideas and the logistical side of votes in the Senate. It is an honor to continue to serve in this capacity.”

“I thank Sen. Thune for the opportunity to continue in this important role,” Crapo said. “Working together with Sen. Thune and our entire leadership team, the Republican-led Senate will build on the work accomplished in the last Congress to deliver policies that strengthen our economy and continue our robust job growth.”

“I’m honored to once again serve on the whip team in the new Congress,” Blunt said. “I look forward to supporting Sen. Thune and our entire leadership team’s efforts to advance priorities important to the people we serve, like keeping our country safe and economy strong.”

“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to continue my role as a deputy whip — especially under the capable and effective leadership of Sen. Thune. He and Republican leaders have a proven track record of addressing our country’s challenges and creating new opportunities for American families, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to build on the momentum of last Congress,” Capito said.

“I’m grateful to the American people for again entrusting Republicans to lead the Senate, where we can build on our historic accomplishments over the last two years,” Cornyn said. “I’m looking forward to continue serving our conference as part of the whip team and fighting for the conservative, pro-growth policies that have been so successful in Texas.” 

“Last Congress, the Senate cut taxes, confirmed a record number of judges, and reduced burdensome job-killing regulations,” Gardner said. “I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the Senate to accomplish even more this Congress on behalf of all Coloradans and the American people.”

“I appreciate the opportunity to join Sen. Thune’s whip team. I will serve in this role with one thing in mind, using it to advance Arizona’s federal priorities and secure victories for communities throughout our state,” McSally said.

“I look forward to working with the Majority Whip and the entire Republican Conference to craft and pass common-sense solutions that continue to strengthen our economy and address the big issues facing our country,” Portman said.

“Action is essential if we are to overcome the challenges facing Utahns and our nation. Being part of this team will allow me to advocate for Utah priorities and to work with my Republican colleagues to find consensus on the pressing issues facing our nation,” Romney said.

“It is humbling to once again be a part of the whip team to ensure that our expanded Senate Republican majority hits the ground running in the 116th Congress. With our majority, we will be able to open more doors and opportunity for folks looking to get ahead, who may have been overlooked for far too long. I look forward to advancing a modern, conservative agenda on behalf of everyday Americans seeking a more accountable and effective government,” Scott said.  

“I want to thank Senate Majority Whip Thune for asking me to be on the deputy whip team once again for the 116th Congress. The American people are looking to Congress for bipartisan results that move our country forward, and I will continue to work with my Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle to build support for legislation that accomplishes that goal,” Tillis said.

“I look forward to serving on the Senate Republican whip team again this Congress as we continue working to advance policies that support job growth and economic opportunity for all Americans,” Young said.

###