Move Back
![Boehner and Family]()
John Boehner with 10 of his 11 siblings at the Capitol before his oath of office as the new House speaker, Jan. 5, 2011.![Senate Swearing In]()
Over in the Senate, lawmakers started their session with new members signing an oath book declaring their allegiance to the Constitution. Vice President Joe Biden then started swearing in members four at a time, alphabetically. Here, Sens. Mark Kirk, a freshman Republican from Illinois and Patrick Leahy, a seventh-term Vermont Democrat, were sworn in side-by-side.![New Congress Pledge]()
Representatives-elect recite the "Pledge of Allegiance" during the opening session of the 112th Congress.![House Democratic Leadership]()
Outgoing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California reacts to the applause during the opening session of the 112th Congress. Assistant House Minority Leader James Clyburn of South Carolina is at left and House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland stands in the middle.![President of the Senate]()
As president of the Senate Vice President Joe Biden relished his role swearing in lawmakers, including old friends and colleagues and new arrivals.![Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell]()
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky speaks at the opening session in the Senate.![Senate Democratic Leader Reid]()
Democratic Leader Harry Reid of Nevada overcame a major challenge to return as the majority leader of the 112th Senate.Swearing-in Ceremony for the 112th Congress
Republicans take majority control of Congress as John Boehner is sworn in as the new House speaker and the 112th Congress begins what is surely to be a tumultuous two years.
Move Forward
- Swearing-in Ceremony for the 112th Congress
