Democrats take over the gavel in 110th US Congress

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 01-05-2007 15:57

The Democrats are now in control of the US Congress. High on the agenda, hearings on how to stop sectarian strife in Iraq and perceived mistakes by the administration on getting into the war.

Nancy Pelosi, first-ever female leader of US House of Representatives. Full Story >>

For the first time in US history, the House welcomes a female speaker.

And for the first time in more than a decade, the democrats are taking the lead.

"The campaign is over. Democrats are ready to lead." said Nancy Pelosi.

For the last six years, President Bush has enjoyed working with a Congress which has mostly done his bidding.

But as Democrats take over the gavel, their plan of 100 legislative hours immediately leaves a Democratic stamp on the new congress.

However, the war in Iraq still dominates the agenda.

Harry Reid, Senate Majority leader, said "We want to work with Republicans, I'm happy to see the President met with the Study Group early on, he said he wouldn't, I'm glad he did. But this is not a time for threatening the President with anything. We are going to see how we can work with him to change course in Iraq."

Ahead of the 110th congress gathering, Democrats are organizing up to a dozen hearings on the administration's handling of the war in Iraq.

History professor of Boston University, Julian Zelizer said "I think the implementation of the war will be front and center, because the implementation has been the issue has mostly harm the administration. Why have things gone wrong and has there been so little planning. And I think that's the kind of issue where democrats can unleash a full investigation and receive public support for doing so."

President Bush is preparing to announce a new strategy for Iraq within days. He is considering a short-term increase of thousands of US troops to try to bring stability to Baghdad.

Analysts say, at the end of the day, the question of Iraq may determine whether decisions reached can survive beyond the opening gavel.

Editor:Du Xiaodan