Nancy Pelosi, first-ever female leader of US House of Representatives

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-05-2007 09:07

US Democrat Nancy Pelosi has become the first-ever female leader of the House of Representatives. She was elected to the top post on Thursday at the 110th Congress.

In the celebrations within the party after their win in November's elections, Democrat Rahm Emanuel said "I'm directed by the unanimous vote of that caucus to present for election to the office of the speaker of the House of Representatives the 110th Congress the name of the Honorable Nancy Pelosi as a member from the state of California."

The 66-year-old Democrat entered the chamber to prolonged cheers. She will lead a fractious House divided 233 to 202 with Democrats claiming control for the first time since 1994.

On the other end of the Capitol, 10 new senators were taking the oath of office--eight of them Democrats. The party now maintains a tenuous hold on a Senate divided 51 to 49. The fragile margin ensures little Democratic-sponsored legislation can pass without support from at least some Republicans. Both parties have pledged cooperation despite years of bitter partisanship.

US senate majority leader Sen. Harry Reid said "Senator McConnell and I believe this is a new day in Washington and our efforts are going to be to work on a bipartisan basis in an open fashion to solve the problems of the American people."

The convening of the Democratic-led Congress opened a new chapter in the presidency of George W. Bush. He faces a divided government as he cements his legacy during his final two years in the White House.

Editor:Du Xiaodan