New House leader threatens Obama's health reforms
Republicans today claimed their US elections victory gave them a mandate to throw out President Barack Obama's health care reform, calling it a "monstrosity".
John Boehner, who will be the new speaker of the House, said the party's gains were proof that the American people rejected the Obama administration.
"I think that it's a mandate for Washington to reduce the size of government and continue our fight for smaller, less costly and more accountable government," he said.
Come January Mr Boehner is in line to succeed Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat who became the first female Speaker of the House four years ago.
While Mr Boehner spoke of popular opposition to the health care law, a national exit poll found that voters were split on the issue, with nearly half calling for its repeal and a roughly equal number saying it should either be expanded or left as is.
However it would be difficult for the House Republicans to roll back the health care measure. Democrats are still in control of the Senate and unlikely to allow such a measure to reach the floor for debate or vote.
Mr Obama also still holds his veto power and the Republicans do not have sufficient numbers to override.
"We have a big job ahead of us and that's why you'll see us roll up our sleeves and go to work today," Mr Boehner said, adding that Republicans will take the next several months, before the new session begins in January, to map out their agenda.
Mr Boehner said: "The American people were concerned about the government takeover of health care."
He added: "I think it's important for us to lay the groundwork before we begin to repeal this monstrosity."
