Congressman Byron Donalds, who was nominated as Speaker of the House Wednesday as an alternative to Republican leader Kevin McCarthy, has congratulated the congressman from California who finally was named speaker after a contentious 15 rounds of balloting.

Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL-19) has issued a statement congratulating Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) on becoming Speaker of the House for the 118TH Congress.

“What our nation has witnessed this week is a testament to the majesty of our Constitutional Republic and the ideals which have sustained our country for 246 years<" Donalds said in a prepared statement released shortly before 3 a.m. “Since day one, I’ve said leadership isn’t given, it’s earned, and the fruits of tireless labor have delivered a product that puts the American people first and restores power to We The People.

“As I enter my second term in the U.S. House of Representatives, it’s been my honor to work alongside my colleagues to get to this moment and elect the next Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). In this Congress, Republicans will listen to our nation’s forgotten men and women and fulfill our Commitment to America. It’s a new day in the House. Under this new leadership, my colleagues and I will fight to secure our borders, prioritize sound economic policy that lowers inflation, empower parents and children in education, hold the Biden administration accountable, and improve the lives of hardworking American families.

“It’s time to get to work, and I look forward to serving under the leadership of Speaker McCarthy.”