The US Senate's new Republican leader and President Barack Obama have both promised to end the political gridlock that has so frustrated American voters.
Republicans made historic gains in the mid-term elections and now control both legislative chambers.
Incoming Senate leader Mitch McConnell said he would make the ineffective Senate function and pass bills.
Mr Obama said he was "eager to work with the new Congress to make the next two years as productive as possible".
The election campaign was characterised by widespread frustration expressed by voters about the inability of Congress to work together.
Republicans made historic gains in the mid-term elections and now control both legislative chambers.
Incoming Senate leader Mitch McConnell said he would make the ineffective Senate function and pass bills.
Mr Obama said he was "eager to work with the new Congress to make the next two years as productive as possible".
The election campaign was characterised by widespread frustration expressed by voters about the inability of Congress to work together.