A New Congress

Democrats take control

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Newly elected Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is surrounded by the children and grandchildren of members of Congress in the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, D.C., on January 4, 2007. (Photo: Susan Walsh/AP Images)

January 4, 2007

It's a new day in Congress. Thursday marks the first official day of the 110th Congress. For the first time in 12 years, Democrats are the majority party in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Representative Nancy Pelosi (Democrat of California) took the gavel as the first female Speaker of the House.

Pelosi's grandchildren escorted her into the House chamber. As the House gathered, a number of kids—the children and grandchildren of assembled lawmakers—joined Pelosi on the floor.

"For all of America's children, the House will be in order," said Pelosi.

The new Congress includes 86 women—the highest number of women to serve in U.S. history.

"Today we make history,” said Pelosi. “Today we change the direction of our country."

Also taking an oath of office was Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison from Minnesota. Ellison will become the first Muslim member of Congress. He will be sworn in using a Koran—or Islamic religious text—that used to belong to Thomas Jefferson.

Democrats promised to start introducing bills beginning next Tuesday that they hope will become new laws during the 110th Congress.

Six new bills are on the party's agenda. Proposed legislation includes raising the federal minimum wage to $7.25 an hour and increasing funding for research on alternative energy.

Another change recommended by Democrats involves setting more ethical standards for Congress, including a ban on gifts and meals offered to congressional members by lobbyists.

Meanwhile, President George W. Bush called on Republicans and Democrats to work together to find common ground on the issues facing the new Congress.

"It's time to set aside politics and focus on the future," said Bush in a statement on Wednesday. "We need to reform Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid so future generations of Americans can benefit from these vital programs without bankrupting our country."

One of the main issues on the agenda for the 110th Congress is the war in Iraq. According to Pelosi, Democrats in Congress plan to push for a new direction concerning Iraq. Next week, President Bush is expected to announce a new strategy for the war.

 

Critical Thinking Question

Read today's news story, and then answer the following question.

A New Congress How do you think the Democratic majority will impact Congress?

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