US Senate majority leader congratulates President-elect Trump

"I congratulate President-elect Trump on his victory, and I look forward to speaking with him soon," Schumer told the Senate floor.

The Republicans clinched a majority in last week’s election, assuming control of the House and Senate and the White House.

Trump won the presidential election with 312 electoral votes, surpassing the threshold of 270 against Democratic rival Vice President Kamala Harris.

"As I told my caucus this week, we should regard this election not merely as a defeat, but more importantly, as a challenge," Schumer said.

Last Tuesday brought "a mix of success and disappointment" for Senate Democrats, he added.

Schumer offered "a word of caution in good faith" to Republicans, saying: "Take care not to misread the will of the people, and do not abandon the need for bipartisanship."

The Senate is "most effective" when it's bipartisan, he said, urging bipartisan cooperation.

"Democrats will be ready to do what we have consistently done -- work with both sides when the opportunity arises," he added.