Democrats took control of the House and Senate on Thursday, making history with Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California serving as the first female Speaker of the House.

Pelosi and other Democrats pledged to address lobbying and ethics reform, raise the minimum wage, allow stem cell research, cut interest rates on student loans and repeal oil and gas incentives in their first month in office. In the House, they plan to pass most bills without Republican input.

In the Senate, Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada took control as Majority Leader. The chamber is more closely divided so it will be harder to push the Democratic agenda through.

The House Resources Committee will be led by Rep. Nick Rahall of West Virginia, a longtime tribal advocate. The ranking Republican will be Rep. Don Young, a friend to Alaska Native corporations.

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee will be chaired by Sen. Byron Dorgan of North Dakota. The vice chairman will be Sen. Craig Thomas of Wyoming.

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Democrats Take Control on Hill (the Washington Post 1/5)
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Jubilant Democrats Assume Control on Capitol Hill (The New York Times 1/5)

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