Jan. 3 (UPI) -- A new Congress will be sworn in Thursday that includes a Democratic majority in the House of Representatives and a record number of women and other minorities in both chambers.
The swearing-in ceremony for newly elected and re-elected senators and representatives starts at noon Eastern time on Capitol Hill. That includes Rep. Nancy Pelosi's anticipated appointment as House speaker for the second time. Pelosi will be the third person to serve in the speaker position in non-consecutive terms.
Republicans retain a majority in the Senate.
A Gallup poll released Thursday shows that congressional leaders aren't very popular, as a federal government shutdown drags on for the 12th day.
Pelosi is viewed favorably by 38 percent of Americans and unfavorably by 48 percent. Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is viewed favorably by 30 percent of Americans and unfavorably by 48 percent. The Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., is viewed favorably by 32 percent and unfavorably by 40 percent.