WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Whip Jon Kyl today announced the addition of Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) to his whip team. 

“Rob served in the U.S. House of Representatives and in the previous Administration,” said Kyl.  “Roy is the former House Republican Whip.  And Roger has contributed greatly to our efforts over the past two years.  Their unparalleled knowledge and command of the issues will be critical in helping to advance the Republican legislative agenda.” 

“I look forward to working with Senator Kyl to provide commonsense solutions and contribute to an agenda that the American people support,” said Wicker.  “All members of the Senate should have the opportunity to share their ideas and voice their concerns to best address the issues we face.”

“I’m pleased to be tapped for this honor on Day 1 in the Senate,” said Portman.  “Getting our economy back on track has to remain our top priority, and in this role, as with everything else I do as a Senator, that’s where my focus will be.”

“I look forward to joining Jon’s great team and building on my House Whip Team experience as we fight to constrain the size of government, create good-paying private sector jobs, and spur economic growth across America,” said Blunt.

Wicker, Portman and Blunt join Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), and David Vitter (R-La.), who were all members of the Whip team during the 111th Congress.  Senator Richard Burr (R-N.C.) will remain Chief Deputy Whip.

The Whip and his team are responsible for building support for the Republican legislative agenda and assisting the Republican Leader in recommending legislative agenda items and strategy.

Sen. Jon Kyl is the Senate Republican Whip and serves on the Senate Finance and Judiciary committees. Visit his website at www.kyl.senate.gov.

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