House Speaker Boehner Reelected As Congress Begins New Term

John Boehner, the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives

Ohio Republican John Boehner has been reelected as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The U.S. Congress began its new term on January 3 after the last session passed a bill averting the threat of a so-called “fiscal cliff."

Twelve new senators and 82 new congressmen were sworn-in.

Democrat President Barack Obama secured a second term in the November elections.

The Democrats also increased their majority in the Senate, while the Republicans still control the House.

In the coming weeks, lawmakers will seek to reach agreement to avoid automatic higher taxes and spending cuts, and debate legislation to raise the U.S. administration’s borrowing ability.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters