112th Congress Sworn In

Jan. 5 marked the swearing of the 112th congress. The much talked about event created an atmosphere more likely found at a presidential inauguration.

The new congress was one of the biggest house upsets in seventy years. Republicans now hold a 242-193 majority in the House, while Democrats hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate. The American people are anxious to cut down Washington’s spending, a message that has been received loud and clear. 

Policies promoting bigger government and unsustainable deficit spending have been shelved with the departure of Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. The former House Speaker has officially been replaced by republican Representative John Boehner. Boehner is a former businessman from Ohio and a 20-year veteran of the house.

After selecting a new speaker, the new Congress was sworn into the crowded House chamber. On the second day, Speaker Boehner initiated the House’s proceeding with a reading of the Constitution. To the surprise of many, it was the first time in 221 years that the Constitution was read aloud among lawmakers. Through the reading, the new speaker and conservative Congress hoped to emphasize their pledge to issue all legislation to our founders’ principles of a fully accountable and limited federal government.

In concordance with the wish to cut down federal spending, the House has already cut down their own operating budget by 5 percent. Although it is a small step, it sets in motion the House’s plan to place all federal spending under a microscope. Speaker Boehner has promised to lower the federal budget as low as pre-stimulus standards, and begin the process of reducing the size of government.

In the meantime, the American society looks forward to the plans that will hopefully set our country back on track.

By Ellie Fink