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January 4, 2007
Democrats take control of Congress
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Democrats Thursday took control of both houses of Congress with plans to quickly raise the minimum wage and toughen lobbying rules.Incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will accept her new position "in the spirit of partnership, not partisanship," according to an advance text of her remarks. "With today's convening of the 110th Congress, we begin anew."
The Democratic takeover after spending most of the past dozen years in the minority comes as President Bush echoes congressional calls for bipartisanship -- but with indications of partisan fights to come.
Pelosi, a California Democrat, becomes the first woman to hold that post and Sen. Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, takes over as Senate majority leader. (Watch to see what the Democratic-led Congress might accomplish Video)
"Let us join together in the first 100 hours to make this Congress the most honest and open in history," Pelosi's text said.
Amid bursts of applause, new members of Congress took oaths of office in ceremonies on Thursday in the Capitol.
Pelosi was escorted into the House chamber by her grandchildren. She greeted colleagues with hugs and handshakes as her family walked beside her.
Among her guests watching from Pelosi's box in the House gallery were singers Tony Bennett and Carole King, and actor Richard Gere.
Exit polls showed that rising discontent over corruption scandals and the war in Iraq helped drive voters to hand Democrats control of both houses of Congress for the first time since 1994.
"Nowhere were the American people more clear about the need for a new direction than in Iraq," said Pelosi's text. "The American people rejected an open-ended obligation to a war without end."
A national poll released this week showed Democrats have strong support for nearly all the measures they want to pass in their first days in charge.
I must say this change make me sleep somewhat easier at night. Now go out there and get them Democrats! Help restore the country's faith in our leaders and do what you promised to do! We're all anxiously awaiting your successes. Don't let us down...We've put our already battered trust and faith in you!
Found via CNN.
Posted by Dianne at January 4, 2007 1:41 PM
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