Today, Republicans assume full control of Congress for the first time in eight years. The Associated Press,
As required by the Constitution, Congress convened at noon. On the Senate floor, newcomers mixed with veterans as, with Vice President Joe Biden presiding, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was automatically ascended to majority leader following the approval of rank-and-file Republicans last year…
Seeking unity despite the internal party dissension, the GOP moved swiftly toward a veto showdown with President Barack Obama over the long-stalled Keystone XL pipeline, a taste of things to come in divided government.
At the White House, Obama planned to meet with the new congressional leadership next week as both sides positioned themselves for two years of clashes and, perhaps, occasional cooperation that will help shape the outcomes of the 2016 presidential and congressional elections.
McConnell replaces Democrat Harry Reid of Nevada, who was a surprise no-show from the day’s proceedings after he injured himself exercising.
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