Pelosi Announces Opening Session of 110th Congress

US Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi announced that the House of Representatives will open the first session of the 110th Congress on Jan. 4, 2007 and will remain in session for several weeks in January to take up crucial legislation that will address the urgent priorities of the American people.

"From economic security to national security, the American people have resoundingly called for a New Direction. It is imperative that we waste no time in addressing the pressing needs facing our nation," Pelosi says. "In the first 100 legislative hours, Democrats will get to work immediately to restore civility, integrity and fiscal responsibility to the House, while increasing prosperity, opportunity and security for all Americans."

Based on this month's elections, Democrats will have the majority in both houses of Congress starting in January for the first time since 1994. Pelosi, of California, has been elected to be the first woman House speaker in US history.

Included in House Democrats' first 100 legislative hours are:

• Draining the swamp -- break the link between lobbyists and legislation and commit to pay-as-you-go budgeting, no new deficit spending
• Making America more secure -- implement the independent 9/11 Commission recommendations
• Giving Americans a raise -- increase the minimum wage
• Making college more affordable -- cut the interest rate in half on federally subsidized student loans
• Making health care more affordable -- negotiate for lower prescription drug prices
• Ending subsidies for Big Oil
• Giving hope to families with devastating diseases -- allow stem cell research

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