In Washington, the new 112th U.S. Congress convenes today at noon with Republicans set to take control of the U.S. House of Representatives. With a 242-to-193 majority, Republicans are expected to elect John Boehner of Ohio to be the new Speaker of the House, replacing Nancy Pelosi. House Republicans have already called for a vote next week to repeal President Obama’s healthcare legislation. Meanwhile, in the Senate, the Democrats, who hold a 53-to-47-seat edge, are proposing rule changes to curb filibusters.