Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) addresses the House of Representatives for the first time after being elected Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives in a late night 15th round of voting on the fourth day of the 118th Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., January 7, 2023. REUTERS/Jon CherrySpeaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) addresses the House of Representatives for the first time after being elected Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives in a late night 15th round of voting on the fourth day of the 118th Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., January 7, 2023. 

Kevin McCarthy took the gavel of the chamber after a weeklong battle within his own party, promising to carry out a conservative, America first agenda.

After 14 failed votes, the California Republican was able to get the votes he needed to become speaker.

McCarthy laid out an ambitious plan in addressing the 118th congressional session early Saturday morning, saying he wants to be the check and give some balance to President Joe Biden's policies. More than 87,000 new IRS agents will be affected by the repeal of funding. The Republican-controlled House will hold some of its first hearings of the year at the southern border.

He said that the crisis of safety and sovereignty should be ignored. The border must be secured.

Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) bangs the Speaker’s gavel for the first time after being elected the next Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives in a late night 15th round of voting on the fourth day of the 118th Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., January 7, 2023. 

McCarthy said he will pass bills fixing problems in the nation with an America first approach. He said he wants to address "America- Last" energy policies and "woke indoctrination" in schools, as well as immigration.

He said that he would address long-term challenges like debt and the Chinese Communist Party and that he was committed to law enforcement and criminal prosecution.

The tense confrontation on the House floor this week proved that McCarthy is not someone who gives up easily, according to McCarthy.

He said that his father always told him to finish how he started. We have to finish strong for the Americans.

McCarthy said that his election was a new beginning for the nation after a long week in Washington.

Republican members-elect celebrate as House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is elected Speaker of the House in the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol Building on January 07, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Shortly before 1 a.m., Biden issued a statement commending McCarthy on his election. There is an hour and a half later.

Kevin McCarthy was elected as the Speaker of the House. Voters made clear that they expect Republicans to be prepared to work with me as well and that's why I'm prepared to work with them when I can.

McCarthy's victory did not go down well with other Democrats.

Schumer said that the speaker's dream job could turn into a nightmare for the Americans.

The GOP elected a speaker who enabled the violent insurrection at the Capitol in January of 2021.

She saidMcCarthy sold out our democracy to white supremacists. It is not leadership.

McCarthy thanked Donald Trump for his support in a press conference early Saturday morning.

McCarthy thinks that anyone should doubt his influence. From the start, he was with me.

On Truth Social Saturday, Trump publicly supported McCarthy. The Republican Party came together, according to the former president.

The speaker selection process, as crazy as it may seem, has made it all bigger and more important. Thank you to Kevin McCarthy and the Republicans.

Senate Republicans look forward to working with McCarthy, McConnell said in a message on his verified account.

McCarthy was going to swear in the other members of Congress who had been in limbo since Tuesday, when the 118th Congress began. The House approved the new package of rules after all the new members were sworn in.

McCarthy's victory shows that the Republicans can work together despite the slim margins.

He said that he thinks what you will see by having this now is how to work together.

Christina Wilkie worked for CNBC.