As Democrats took control of both chambers of Congress for the first time in 12 years, the party planned quick action on legislative priorities that included boosting both the minimum wage and stem cell research. Democrats also said they would pressure President Bush to bring U.S. troops home from Iraq. The House also plans to reform its own rules to resolve ethics problems and to end federal budget deficits.

On Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2007, the clock started on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's "100-hour agenda," a list of legislation she wants her chamber to pass in its "first 100 legislative" hours, which will take a couple of weeks.

While Democrats have the votes to get the measures through the House, a number of them may run into trouble in the closely divided but Democratic-led Senate, where Republicans can raise procedural roadblocks.

<<< Click the dates on the calendar for more information on issues to be addressed that day and the outcome as each day passes.