Republicans take power in new US Congress

The new Republican majority in the House of Representatives took power yesterday, vowing to open a legislative battle with President Barack Obama over the size of government and how much it spends.

As the 112th Congress convened, Representative John Boehner took over as speaker, one of the most powerful jobs in Washington. He assumes the gavel from Democrat Nancy Pelosi. As speaker, Mr Boehner is second in line of succession behind vice-president Joe Biden.

Mr Boehner said the Republicans' goal is to give the government back to the people and provide honesty and accountability.

He said members have been reminded just how temporary the privilege to serve is, a reference to Democrats' defeat in November, and said Congress "can no longer fall short".

Mr Boehner, a conservative from Ohio with a working-class background, said "scar tissue" had built up on both sides of the aisle, but both Republicans and Democrats believe they are working for the common good.