House and Senate sworn in, leaders elected
The 113th Congress convened for the first time at noon on Thursday, January 3 to swear in new members and elect their party leaders. As expected, Congressman John Boehner from Ohio was chosen, again, as Speaker of the House. Republicans maintained their majority in the House but will have a smaller advantage than the 112th Congress, 234-201. Democrats will control the Senate with a 55-45 majority in the new two-year Congress. Harry Reid will remain Majority Leader in the Senate. President Obama's second inauguration will take place on January 21. For more information on what policy areas will be important for the 113th Congress, please visit NRHA's member-only blog here.