First US Congress session with Democratic majority elects Pelosi Speaker

California Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, 78, was again elected Speaker when the US House of Representatives held its opening session on Thursday with a Democratic majority. She was sworn in and took the gavel as the government remained partially shut down over the Democrats refusal to approve any spending bills that include funding for President Donald Trump’s border wall with Mexico. The Republicans say they won’t pass any bills without funding for the wall.