Published January 3, 2019 at 7:03 PM Updated January 3, 2019 at 8:37 PM
A historic day here in Washington for the opening of the 116th Congress.
A record number of women were sworn into office as Democrats took control of the House of Representatives.
CGTN’s Nathan King has more.
History being made, Nancy Pelosi now the most powerful woman in Washington, head of a party which has a record number of women, people of color and other minorities. Elected during the midterm elections, this Congress is vowing to be very different from the previous Republican-controlled House.
“We have important work to do in this Congress. We have to address the disparity of income in our country, we have to address climate crisis and what that means in terms of environmental justice in our country,” Pelosi said.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, these are dark times in Washington-nine government departments shut down and 800,000 government workers either working without pay, or at home, without paychecks hostage to the standoff over border security and whether the U.S. president will get funding to build his controversial wall on the Mexican border.
Just after Pelosi took up the speakers gavel, the U.S. President appeared at the White House briefing room he congratulated her and offered warm words.
“I want to start off by congratulating Nancy Pelosi on being elected speaker of the House. A very, very great achievement,” Trump said.
But flanked by border security agents who all spoke in favor of the Wall, the U.S. president, once again, pressed his case.
“Without a wall, you cannot have border security without a strong form of barrier. Call it what you will, but without a wall you cannot have border security, it won’t work,” Trump said.
But in the U.S. political system, Congress controls the cash and the U.S. president knows that he will have to reach a deal. Two years into his presidency, Donald Trump’s reputation as a dealmaker will be put to the test.
The White House has offered to discuss a way forward, but there is little talk of compromise, just yet.
View images from the first day of the 116th House of Representatives. Rep. Nancy Pelosi was elected speaker ushering in Democratic control of the House for the first time in eight years.
(Click on image to enlarge)
finalIMG_1875
The U.S. Capitol on the first day of the 116th Congress. (Photo: Lisa Chiu)
finalIMG_1872
People waited in meandering lines to enter the House of Representatives on the first day of session. (Photo: Lisa Chiu)
finalIMG_1841
Andrea Harris, chief of staff for Freshman Congresswoman Lauren Underwood of Illinois inspects the just delivered office stationary on the first day of the 116th Congress.
finalIMG_0564
Freshmen lawmakers Rep. Lauren Underwood of Illinois, Rep. Jahana Hayes of Connecticut, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York await the swearing in of the 116th House of Representatives. (Photo: Lisa Chiu)
US-POLITICS-CONGRESS
Member-elect Rashida Tlaib(D-MI) plays with her children during the 116th Congress and swearing-in ceremony on the floor of the US House of Representatives at the US Capitol on January 3, 2019 in Washington,DC. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP)
US-POLITICS-CONGRESS
A little boy plays with a gavel as lawmakers and their children and grandchildren arrive before the start of the 116th Congress and swearing-in ceremony on the floor of the US House of Representatives at the US Capitol on January 3, 2019 in Washington,DC. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP)
US-POLITICS-CONGRESS
Newly elected congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) arrives during the 116th Congress and swearing-in ceremony on the floor of the US House of Representatives at the US Capitol on January 3, 2019 in Washington,DC. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP)
final-IMG_0556
Rep. Joe Neguse of Colorado and Rep. Eric Swalwell of California compare baby cuddles. (Photo: Lisa Chiu)
final IMG_0540
Members of the 116th House of Representatives on their first day of the legislative session. (Photo: Lisa Chiu)
final IMG_0473
Out with the old, in with the 116th Congress. Building Inspector Riff Lanier takes out the old directory at the Longworth House Building and inserts the new one on the first day of session. (Photo: Lisa Chiu)
US-POLITICS-CONGRESS
Nancy Pelosi reacts as she is elected Speaker of the House during the 116th Congress and swearing-in ceremony on the floor of the US House of Representatives at the US Capitol on January 3, 2019 in Washington,DC. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP)
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. AcceptRejectRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.