John Boehner sworn in as Speaker of the House (13 images)

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) passes the gavel to House Speaker-designate John Boehner (R-OH) prior to him being sworn-in in the House Chambers of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington on January 5, 2011. Boehner was elected Speaker of the House after the Republicans gained the majority for the 112th Congress. UPI/Kevin DIetsch

House Speaker-designate John Boehner (R-OH) (R) hugs Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) after she gave him the gavel prior to him being sworn-in, in the House Chambers of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington on January 5, 2011. Boehner was elected Speaker of the House after the Republicans gained the majority for the 112th Congress. UPI/Kevin DIetsch

House Speaker-designate John Boehner (R-OH) wipes tears from his eyes as he delivers remarks prior to being sworn-in, in the House Chambers of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington on January 5, 2011. Boehner was elected Speaker of the House after the Republicans gained the majority for the 112th Congress. UPI/Kevin DIetsch

Two children read a Star Wars book during the swearing-in ceremony for House Speaker-designate John Boehner (R-OH) at the start of the 112th Congress in the House Chambers of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington on January 5, 2011. UPI/Kevin Dietsch.