Texas U S Senator John Cornyn elected Senate Minority Whip

Challenges Ahead...

Today, our Republican U.S. Senators have asked me to take on a larger role in the leadership of the U.S. Senate - as the minority Whip.

I want you to be one of the first to know I view this responsibility as a way to give Texans a strong and distinctively clear voice in restoring common sense to Washington, D.C. In my opinion, we face a challenge as great as any generation, and an unmatched opportunity for Texas to shape the future of our country.

I understand our agenda must be clear. Our country's growing debt and the priorities of our great nation cannot be left unattended. And so it is with a sense of urgency, optimism and a clear understanding of our country's need for real leadership that I take on this new responsibility.

This will be only the 2nd time a Texan has been elected to the minority Whip position in the Senate. Republicans are in the minority, but from that position we understand there is a responsibility greater than merely stopping bad legislation.

We have the responsibility to offer genuine solutions to America's economic and fiscal challenges. None of us came to Washington to do small things. We came to tackle the big problems that are hampering job growth and threatening to unleash a future debt crisis.

Ronald Reagan faced tremendous challenges and setbacks in his years as Governor and President. Yet his adversaries were surprised to see setbacks often made him stronger and more determined.

I know many of us are disappointed in the wake of some of last week's election results, but we cannot let that disappointment prevent us from seeing clearly what lies ahead.

I am also proud to welcome Ted Cruz as the newest U.S. Senator from our great state of Texas. I look forward to him joining me and working together in the important weeks and months ahead.

Texans know something about creating jobs and prosperity. We can show Washington how to get the government out of the way so our nation's economy can confidently move forward. We can show Washington how limited, open government can make a difference.

I saw great enthusiasm throughout this campaign for a stronger, more secure and prosperous America. As we move on, we face a $16 trillion national debt that continues to rise, unsustainable entitlement programs, increasing regulations, a failing economy and the looming fiscal cliff. President Reagan said, "Governments have a tendency not to solve problems, only to rearrange them." Regrettably, I've seen that all too often.

My Texas upbringing taught me when I put on my boots, it's time to go to work. I'm ready to get down to the business of solving problems. I will continue to fight to strengthen our economy and allow individuals and small businesses to be the spark for our country's economic engine. To succeed, I will need your help and support.

Just as we fought to elect leaders that would deal with our debt responsibly and stand for the principles that will turn our economy around, we must now to continue to stand strong for the right solutions to our economic struggles. We have had the courage to do what is right in the past, and we will now use that courage to put our country back on the right path.

Our fight for this country did not end on Election Day, but continues in the months and years ahead. I'm realistic about the challenges we face. And I'm optimistic about our country's courage and strength. I know you are, too, and I ask for your help to spread the word about how we can help the nation find solutions. If you have a moment, I hope you will forward this email to friends and family. Let them know we are offering solutions and optimistic leadership.

Thank you for all that you do for Texas and our country. And let's welcome in the next phase of our battle to make Washington operate more like Texas.

Sincerely,

Senator John Cornyn