RALEIGH, N.C. _ Top Republicans in Congress did not fully embrace Donald Trump as their party's presidential nominee.
But after securing the GOP majority on Capitol Hill, they quickly congratulated the president-elect, expressing an eagerness Wednesday to tackle party priorities with a unified GOP government after the brutal election.
House Speaker Paul D. Ryan called Trump's victory "a great night for our party, and now we must turn our focus to bringing the country together."
"We are eager to work hand-in-hand with the new administration," Ryan said.
Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Republican majority leader, said "the American people have chosen a new direction for our nation."
"President-elect Trump has a significant opportunity to bring our nation together," McConnell said.
House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy promised results from one-party government in Washington.
"Donald Trump and congressional Republicans will deliver," the Bakersfield Republican promised.
And Republican Sen. Ted Cruz congratulated his former rival on a victory that "astonished the pundits" as the Texan sought to play a key role in advancing a conservative agenda.
"I look forward to working with the new administration," Cruz said, citing a long list of priorities _ repealing Obamacare, clamping down on illegal immigration and confirming conservative judges.
"I am eager to help lead the fight in the Senate to pass the conservative agenda that President-elect Trump promised to the American people."
