There was no sign of a breakthrough in the ongoing US Government shutdown as the Democratic Party officially took control of the House of Representatives today.
The US Congress convened for its 116th session this evening, with more women taking office than ever before.
The Democrats pledged to pass legislation that would end the government shutdown over funding for President Donald Trump’s planned Mexican border wall.
The party aims to pass legislation that would allow Government to re-open – without providing the funding.
However, Republican Senators have indicated they will not consider any bills that President Trump refuses to sign.
New elected Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi holds the Gavel, 03-01-2019. Image: Douliery Olivier/ABACA/ABACA/PA Images
In her first remarks to the House, re-elected Speaker Nancy Pelosi said: "We all have the ability and the privilege to serve and to serve with over 100 women members of congress, the largest number in history.
"As McCarthy said each of us comes to this chamber strengthened by the trust of our constituents and the love of our families.
"My mother and father and my brother Tommy who was mayor of Baltimore taught us that public service was a noble calling. They taught us to serve with a heart full of love and that America's heart is full of love."
She also said she was pleased to be speaker of the House in the 100th year since women won the right to vote in the US.
Ms Pelosi said: "This House will be for the people to lower health costs and prescription drugs prices, and protect people with pre-existing conditions; to increase pay checks by rebuilding America with green and modern infrastructure - from sea to shining sea."
She urged Congress to be "pioneers of the future" saying it must "accelerate a future that advances America's pre-eminence in the world."
She said this should include "workplace development, good paying jobs and secure pensions" for American citizens.
A record 110 women will sit in the US Congress.
