US Congress opens
Published:Tuesday | January 6, 2009 | 3:38 PM
The new US Congress is preparing to convene, with Democrats in charge of both chambers.
Reports say Democratic celebrations are likely to be dampened amid the scale of the economic challenges facing the US.
President-elect Barack Obama, who takes office on January 20, is pressing Congress to pass a stimulus package said to be worth US$800 billion.
The session also begins with unresolved wrangling over two Senate seats.
Roland Burris has been appointed by Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich to replace Obama in the Senate.
However, the governor has been engulfed in scandal and is facing calls for his impeachment.
Senate Democrats have said they will block Burris from taking up his seat.