New era as Democrats take power
Nancy Pelosi will be second in line to the presidency
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Democrats are taking control of the US Congress after 12 years as a minority - with a woman at the helm of the House of Representatives for the first time.
"Today we change the direction of our country," said Nancy Pelosi, who is set to become speaker and the second in line to the presidency.
In another first, a representative will use the Koran not Bible for their vow.
Correspondents say the shift in power could lead to challenges to the authority of the White House.
Democrats have said they will put pressure on Mr Bush to begin a phased withdrawal from Iraq.
clipped from: news.bbc.co.uk