The 117th Congress convened on Sunday to swear in new lawmakers and re-elect Nancy Pelosi as House speaker. Democrats are set to enter the session with the narrowest majority in the House for either party in 20 years with a 222-211 lead over Republicans and two new Democrats and four Republicans were sworn into the Senate while a pair of runoff elections to determine the balance of the chamber will be held Tuesday.
Nancy Pelosi is reelected House Speaker in narrow vote
Written by on January 4, 2021
Pelosi secured the votes necessary for another round as House speaker, after running unopposed following a nomination from Rep. Hakeem Jeffries. Two Democrats voted against Pelosi, with Rep. Jared Golden of Maine voting for Sen. Tammy, D-Ill., and Rep. Conor Lamb of Pennsylvania voting for Jeffries. All Republican members supported House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy for speaker with 209.
Sunday’s meeting comes amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Senate and House will also prepare to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election on Wednesday in a joint session.
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