Transfer of Power: New Congress, Familiar Fights

Expect more partisanship, via National Journal:

American elections have consequences, and today, lawmakers of both parties on Capitol Hill and the Democrat in the White House must begin living with the seismic changes ushered in by the midterm elections of 2010, which put Republicans in control of the House of Representatives and Democrats, particularly President Obama, on the defensive.

A new Congress convenes in Washington today with prayer events, real and ceremonial swearing-in ceremonies, and a formal transfer of the Speaker’s gavel from Nancy Pelosi to John Boehner, reflecting the change in party control over the House. The day will be a stream of pomp and pageantry along with hopeful, optimistic speeches about the future of the country and the decency and diligence of the American people.

According to advance remarks released by his office, Boehner will say, “The people voted to end business as usual. And today we begin carrying out their instructions.” He'll promise to lead a Congress that “respects individual liberty, honors our heritage, and bows before the public it serves.” But in all likelihood, the ceremony will simply serve as another escalation point in the intense political skirmishing that has been the hallmark of our national politics for more than a generation.

Republicans have pledged to use their new leverage to roll back Democratic advances made over the last two years, particularly on health care, and to do whatever they can to make sure that Obama is not reelected in 2012.

For their part, Democrats are gearing up to vigorously defend their achievements.

Yes, and outgoing Speaker Nancy Pelosi got a head-start on that last night:

RELATED: "As Boehner Ascends, His Power Comes With Caveats" (via Memeorandum).