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The Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi was re-elected to lead the chamber. The 117th Congress announced that California Democrat set to shepherd her party through a new Congress with the slimmest majority in years. Members cast their votes for speaker ahead of their swearing-in Sunday evening. Pelosi earned support from 216 Democrats and clearing the threshold of 214 to secure the House’s top position. The proceedings at the Capitol were marked by the coronavirus pandemic. It led to a changing of procedures to ensure the new Congress could gather safely. Democrats Jared Golden of Maine and Conor Lamb of Pennsylvania cast their votes for Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Congressman Hakeem Jeffries of New York. 3 Democratic House members voted Present.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other members of The Squad backed Pelosi in her bid for the speakership. Point to be noted that the US House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy won 209 votes from Republicans. The recent move marked her to a fourth term as speaker. Pelosi said, “The chamber’s most urgent priority will be defeating the coronavirus pandemic. Congress must do more to recognize the workers on the frontlines of the crisis. They make our lives possible at the state and local level and will facilitate the distribution of the vaccine.  We owe them more. Many of our essential workers are from communities of color and low-wealth communities which have been devastatingly and disproportionately affected by the coronavirus. They have been there for us, and we must be there for them”.

Pelosi also said the new Congress must pursue justice as it addresses the disparities the pandemic has exposed and challenged House members to live up to the pledge to provide justice for all. She said, “In all that we do, let us be for the people recognizing the beautiful diversity of America so that no one is left out or left behind. We do so, guided by the vision of our founders, the sacrifice of our military and their families and the aspirations that we all have for the children”. The new session came days before legislators will meet to count the votes of the Electoral College and finalize the presidential election results. At least a dozen GOP senators said they plan to object to the results on Wednesday.